Steve Herschbach

The Nokta AU Gold Finder User Manual is now available for download here.

Detail of sealed battery compartment...

Here is the pdf color brochure converted to image files....

Obviously Nokta picked up on the 19 khz FORS Gold Plus getting great reviews from relic hunters. Now we have a 19 kHz machine aimed directly at the relic hunter, as opposed to 15 kHz on the FORS CoRe. The iron range on the Nokta FORS Relic is 0-20 ferrous and 21-99 as non ferrous so a change from previous FORS models, which are 0-40 ferrous. Conductive Ground mode is same as on FORS CoRe - a saltwater or alkali flat mode. Nokta FORS Relic Search Modes General Search (GEN) Also referred to as the ''All Metal'' mode, this is the deepest mode of the device. In this mode, the device detects all targets and provides a single target tone with no discrimination. Discrimination 2 (DI2) It is the 2-tone discrimination mode. It provides good results especially in clean fields without much trash. Discrimination (DI3) This is the 3-tone discrimination mode designed for coin hunting. Deep Mode (DEP) Recommended especially for relic hunting, this mode is the deepest among discrimination modes and requires a slower sweep speed. Swift Mode (SWT) It is the 2-tone discrimination mode designed for trashy areas. It is recommended especially for coin hunting. It offers slightly less depth but faster target detection and recovery speed in trashy sites. Conductive Ground (COG) This is the special mode of FORS Relic developed for conductive ground (wet beach sand, alkali soils etc.) In this mode, the device will not respond to ferrous targets and it will ground balance easily on all types of ground.

Appears to be working on my iPhone. What is not working? Can't find it? Or works part way and then stops?

Hmmmmm.... you asked a question about the LEDs, I tried to answer it. I was not and am not offended and certainly was not trying to argue. Field testers are usually using prototypes, not finished product, so I think end user reports carry more weight as far as reliability goes. Anyway, I'm sorry my reply was not satisfactory but maybe it will help somebody else.

I am amazed by all the focus on the LED lights! It is a VLF detector - nothing new. First, dig all targets. Repeat, when nugget detecting, dig all targets. Oh, too much trash? Well cherry pick to whatever degree suits you. Green LED, dig it. Pretty simple. The red LED is the key. Let's say you sweep the target 10 times from different directions and it is a strong signal and comes up red every time. You may want to pass on it. What if it is red nine times and green once? Eh, probably still pass on it. Or not. How about six times red and four times green? Flickering back and forth? I think I will dig it. It is a tool, nothing more, no different than hunting two tone. Targets can be very strong one way or the other, or "iffy". How iffy it needs to be for you to dig is for you to decide. Oh yeah, did I forget to say dig all targets? Anything else is purely a judgement call. A wise person would engage in a guessing game for quite some time predicting targets but digging everything until comfortable with their guesses. I still think audio always should be the main thing used in making a dig/no dig decision, and that is no different whether it is a meter or an LED. When in doubt, dig it out! As far as wanting lots of reports - the machine has not even been sold to the public yet. I personally don't consider machines to even have a track record for a minimum of 6 months. A year is better.

Like I said before, 56 kHz Gold Racer circuit in different box. Since you have run a Gold Racer you should have a fairly good idea of how this will perform. I have run the Gold Finder but the performance aspect was a non-issue for me. I am waiting for my Racer 2 to show up and then I will make the time to take them both out and get on some gold but I am fairly sure I know what I will see in the field. They are just single frequency VLF detectors folks, not some new mystery technology.

If you look at the menu bar topside there is a new button marked "Gallery". This is the new forum photo gallery. I take tons of photos, which I do use in posts and for stories on the forum. Even then however huge numbers go unused and unseen and I think that is a real shame. So I did this mainly for me to have a place to put additional photos that I can link to in threads both future and past. A good example is my Steve's 2013 Alaska Gold Adventure where I used a lot of photos. But many were never seen, and so I am now putting up a bunch more in a gallery album here to get the ball rolling. 71 added so far with a bunch to go, and that is just one trip! Each forum member can create their own album or multiple albums based on subject. The photos can be linked to and used elsewhere. The software has a few glitches but works well once you get the flow down. Here are some tips to get started. And before I forget, my apologies to those of you who found and were using the gallery before I made it public - some stuff got lost doing the forum upgrade getting it all ready for prime time. I have set the limits pretty high but if you look at my gallery I am pretty much sizing everything to 1600 x 1200 (4:3) and it works well. You can try other sizes and shapes but that is a starting point. If you have issues I will try and tweak based on feedback. Before you start, review the security warning about uploading files with location information. 1. Go to Photo Gallery at http://www.detectorprospector.com/forum/gallery/ 2. Click Add Images button in upper right. 3. Select Category “Members Albums”. 4. You can Create New Album or Choose Existing Album. 5. To create a New Album choose a name like “Steve's 2013 Alaska Adventure”. 6. Add a description for your new album “Steve drives to the town of Chicken in Alaska's Fortymile country to metal detect for gold in June and July of 2013.” 7. Choose photos to add to your album or add them later. If cropping or resizing 1600 x 1200 or any 4:3 ratio delivers good results. 8. After adding photos you can give them captions and descriptions. Everything can be edited later. If adding bulk photos and adding descriptions to multiple photos hit the arrow “>” on the right side to step through each image until done. There is a bug and if you try and go backwards info seems to disappear, so just go through one at a time until done. Fix stuff later by editing individually if need be. If you want to add copyright and credit info it can be added to all images at once in final step instead of one at a time, a great time saver. Photos can be commented on and even given a star rating if you see ones you really like. Enjoy!

My brief research indicates colorblind people do see the light, just not the color. Otherwise we would have one heck of a traffic light problem! So people should be able to see the left LED light up or the right LED light up. What it looks like, who knows.

I have been using the White's pouch for many years for all my detecting needs, both prospecting, park, and beach. Almost any picture you ever see of me detecting you will see that pouch on my belt. I has all the room I need for basic supplies plus a big trash bin area. Highly recommended.

My fault. Original was red/blue and I suggested red/green (stop/go) or red/yellow (rust/gold) as alternatives as the blue was hard to see in bright light and did not make much logical sense. I would assume even a color blind person can tell a dark LED from a lit LED? Then it would be more a right/left thing then a green/red thing. The LEDs only work in single tone mode. When you go to dual tone mode for some reason they have the LED lights shut off. So you basically have to choose either dual lights or dual tones. I suspect most people will go dual tones making it a moot point.

Control panel....

"Tough call all these new detectors, I must say I like the look of both the gold racer and AU finder' what can the Gold Racer do what the AU Finder can't?" In a nutshell - target id. The Gold Racer offers target id capability and the AU Gold Finder does not. The Gold Racer is slightly less heavy at 3 lb 3.3 oz with batteries as opposed to the AU Gold Finder at 3 lb 8.4 oz with batteries, as just weighed on my postal scales. The AU Gold Finder however is all in one control box, and so may be hip mounted. The control box weighs 2 lb 3.5 oz leaving you with 1 lb 4.8 oz on arm for rod/coil assembly. The Gold Racer cannot be separated from the rod assembly. The Gold Racer is water resistant like all detectors, which means ok in light rain. The AU Gold Finder cannot be submerged but I would feel comfortable dropping it in a pond and grabbing right back up, or dumping a cup of water over it. The battery door is rubber oring sealed and the top mounted speaker is plastic cone and sealed in the case. Switches are rubber capped. Since the control box is easily dismounted you can put it on any rod assembly mounted any way you wish. The Gold Racer is being advertised at US$699 and AU Gold Finder at US$749 My Gold Racer coils work on the AU Gold Finder and hopefully this remains with production models - perhaps Nokta will confirm.

I am 98% certain all Gold Racer coils will work on this model, which would mean a concentric option available. All sorts of companies have done exclusive "made for Kellyco" deals. However, we really do not know all the details on this yet so I would not assume anything at this point. It would not be in Noktas interest to do anything to limit distribution in a way that our hurt sales.

From the Owners Manual: Nokta AU Gold Finder Search Modes ALL METAL Mode ALL METAL is the deepest detection mode. Different than the discrimination modes, this mode features a threshold tone which is continuously heard in the background. ALL METAL mode detects all targets (metal, mineralized rocks, etc.) and provides a single target tone for any target detected. When ALL METAL mode is selected, the detector does not discriminate between differing target types. The volume and the tone increases in pitch as the coil is moved closer to the target. The default values for DISC. FILTER, SENSITIVITY and iSAT will provide the best performance for a variety of ground mineralization conditions. Fine tune (adjust) these settings to account for variations ground conditions for each location being detected. Discrimination Modes (DISC.1 FAST / DISC.2 DEEP) DISC modes have common performance features. They discriminate varying metal targets, but perform differently based on ground conditions in the area being detected as described below: IMPORTANT: When using DISC.1 FAST and DISC.2 DEEP, sensitivity level must be properly adjusted so that the detector is silent when no metal is present under moving coil. If you hear crackling sound in DISC modes, the SENSITIVITY is adjusted too high and must be gradually reduced until no sound is heard. No Threshold will be heard when using DISC.1 FAST and DISC.2 DEEP. The Au GOLD FINDER will provide audible response only when target is detected. DISC.1 FAST Mode DISC.1 FAST is a 2-tone discrimination mode designed for use in gold fields with high mineralization or significant quantities of conductive hot rocks. DISC.1 FAST provides slightly less depth performance but significantly improved target detection and recovery speeds in trashy and/or highly mineralized soils when compared to the other modes. DISC.2 DEEP Mode DISC.2 DEEP is a 2-tone discrimination mode designed for use in gold fields with less mineralization and/or minimal quantities of conductive hot rocks. DISC.2 DEEP provides increased depth performance and slower recovery speeds which are acceptable in minimally mineralized soils when compared to the other modes. In DISC.1 FAST and DISC.2 DEEP modes, the Au GOLD FINDER will produce a low tone for iron and positive hot rocks. For all other metals, detector will produce a single tone which increases in volume and pitch as the coil approaches the target. NOTE: Nuggets under hot rocks may generate a low tone (iron tone) and this is totally normal. RECOMMENDATION: Familiarize yourself with the Au GOLD FINDER audio tones by testing different metal targets and hot rocks prior to use in the field. RECOMMENDATION: If you dig a target signal and locate and remove a hot rock, rescan hole to ensure there is no small gold nugget remaining. Nokta AU Gold Finder Settings OFF / VOLUME Knob Functions as the On/Off and Volume control for the AU Gold Finder. MODE Toggle Switch Used to select each of the three search modes. DISC FILTER DISC FILTER is used to eliminate undesirable targets when DISC1. FAST and DISC2. DEEP modes are selected. The default setting for DISC FILTER is ten ‘10’ and is clearly marked on the Control Panel. Adjust DISC FILTER as needed to eliminate unwanted target responses (nails, coins, etc.). NOTE: DISC FILTER is functional in the DISC.1 and DISC.2 modes only. DISC FILTER is non-functional when ALL METAL mode is selected. DISC FILTER enables elimination of response to undesirable targets. DISC FILTER provides User with the ability to reject mineralized rocks (hot rocks) and undesirable targets such as iron and foil which often interfere with detector response. DISC FILTER ranges between 0-40. The factory default value (optimal starting point) is ten '10' which is clearly marked on Control Panel. To use DISC FILTER, first GROUND BALANCE the Au GOLD FINDER. Select one of the Discrimination modes (DISC.1 FAST, DISC.2 DEEP). Next, set the DISC FILTER to '0', then sweep the coil over the undesirable target while simultaneously and slowly turning the DISC FILTER knob clockwise until no response is heard. SENSITIVITY It is the depth setting of the device. It is also used to eliminate the ambient electromagnetic signals from the surrounding environment and ground noise. THRESHOLD This setting is used to adjust the humming sound, referred to as the threshold sound, which is continuously heard in the background in the ALL METAL mode. It is used to increase the target signal, in other words, the depth of the device. iSAT / iMASK Knob It controls the iSAT setting in the ALL METAL mode and the iMASK in the discrimination modes. Because it is a common knob for 2 different settings, it is recommended that you leave it at the factory recommended level when switching between the ALL METAL mode and discrimination modes and adjust it when necessary. iSAT For the ALL METAL mode to perform accurately, a stable threshold sound is necessary. Changes in mineralization and soil structure may cause a rise or fall in the background hum and disrupt the threshold's stability which will result in losing target signals of certain metals such as small gold nuggets. iSAT feature maintains the steadiness of the threshold by adjusting the speed the device recovers its threshold sound. iMASK It is used to eliminate false signals caused by ground noise or hot rocks when searching in discrimination modes. TONE and LED Switch In discrimination modes only, this setting changes the tones the device will produce for targets and it turns the discrimination LEDs on or off. When the switch is at 1-TONE LED ON position, the device will emit the same tone for ALL METALs (gold, non-ferrous, ferrous) and the LEDs will light up according to the type of metal detected. The red led will light up for ferrous and the green LED will light up for gold/non-ferrous metals. Metal alloys or weak signals of very small nuggets may light up both LEDs respectively. Using the device in 1 TONE will enable you to hear smaller gold nugget signals more clearly. When the switch is at 2 TONE LED OFF position, the device will produce a low tone for iron and positive hot rocks. For gold and non-ferrous metals, it will produce a single tone just like in the ALL METAL mode, which increases in pitch as the coil approaches the target. The discrimination LEDs are inactive at this position and thus will not light up upon target detection. BOOST Switch BOOST works in the ALL METAL mode only. The audio boost switch boosts the sound of weak signals received from small or deep targets making it easier for you to detect those uncertain targets. It is recommended that audio boost should be used on a temporary or as-needed basis because it will not only boost the target signal audio but it will also boost the loudness of ground noise and false signals along with the threshold hum. TRACKING Switch This feature tracks the changes in ground and automatically adjusts the ground balance to suit. For more details, please read ''Ground Balance'' carefully. Nokta AU Gold Finder Technical Specifications: 2 Year Warranty Frequency : 56 kHz Weight : 3.1 lbs (1.4 kgs) 10x5.5” and 5” Waterproof DD Search Coils (coil covers included) Search Modes : 3 ALL METAL, DISC.1, DISC.2 DISC. Filter : 0-40 Audio Boost : Available Battery : (4) AA Alkaline Sensitivity Setting : 1-10 Metal Discrimination : By Audio and LED Length : 47-55" Adjustable (120cm - 140cm) Operating Principle : VLF Induction Balance Ground Balance : Automatic, Manual, Tracking Nokta AU Gold Finder Features: Audio Boost Ground Tracking Intelligent Masking (iMASK) Rain & Dust Resistant (IP54) Ferrous / Non-Ferrous LED Indicator Auto & Manual Ground Balance Intelligent Self-Adjusting Threshold (iSAT)

I have never had to use it. The ATX ground balances to almost any soil manually and as a ground balancing PI is very forgiving of variations in the ground once set properly. The tracking is quite slow even at its quickest setting and if used I do not think there would be much worry about performance loss unless you excessively hovered over a target. Tracking can null out extremely faint targets and so wide sweeps over targets so that lots of ground is always part of the equation is important when employing tracking on any machine. From the ATX Owners Manual page 17: Ground Track When switched on, Ground Track provides slow, continuous tracking to ground mineralization. The ATX has four Ground Track settings: OFF, SLOW, MEDIUM, and FAST, with OFF being the factory default setting. To change the Ground Track setting: • Press and release the SHIFT button to access Secondary controls. • Repeatedly press the GND TRACK button to step through the four settings (see illustration below). OFF is indicated by LED 1, SLOW is indicated by LED 5, MEDIUM by LED 9, and FAST by LED 13. • Press and release SHIFT button again to exit Secondary adjustments. • The green LED will blink during operation when Ground Track is on. Note: Ground Track may reduce detection depth due to slowly tracking to a target, especially with repeated swings over the target. Therefore, Ground Track should only be used when changing ground mineralization requires frequent re-ground balancing.

The Nokta AU Gold Finder was originally mentioned on the forum back in January. It is basically a 56 kHz Makro Gold Racer circuit put in a highly water and dust resistant (IP56) housing reminiscent of the Gold Bug 2. It honestly kind of reminds me of what a Gold Bug 3 might have been if Fisher had ever made one. Super hot on tiny gold, variable disc, option to use ground tracking, ground grab, or manual ground balance - and more. There is a dual tone ferrous/non-ferrous mode, and a red LED (ferrous) green LED (non-ferrous) visual id system. The control box contains the batteries and is easily removed from the rod for belt mounting with the integrated belt loops. Runs off four AA batteries. This should really appeal to those who are not fond of all the digital menu nonsense and who prefer to flip a switch and tweak a knob. Comes with both 10" x 5.5" DD coil and 5" round coil (both with scuff covers) for $749 I am building an information page here.

Minelab is a publicly traded company - you can read the financials at any time. Short story is sales and profits skyrocketed due to worldwide gold rush. Then collapsed when rush subsided. Reading the latest report the situation appears to have stabilized and numbers up a tad recently. I don't think Minelab is going away any time soon.

Gotta love price decreases. I do at least. I think detectors have run counter to the norms in consumer electronics for too long with ever escalating prices, and it is about time we see that turn around. From now on I want to see more horsepower for less money, not more horsepower for more money. That being the case however would mean that anyone buying a new machine might very well have to accept they will not hold value as well as they have done in the past. I do not figure my detectors as costing what I pay for them. I figure them as the difference between what I pay for them and what I sell them for later. My "cost to own" number. So to me a GPZ was never a $10K detector but more like a $3K detector. Minelab dramatically dropping the price decreases the resale value and increases the cost to own for those that bought at the higher price. It used to be you could count on a Minelab really holding its value but not so much anymore.

Makro/Nokta are turning out some really great machines, no doubt about that. My main concern however at this time about Makro/Nokta is quality control. In the rush to get as many new machines to market as quickly as possible loose edges are showing in the form of defective product. There was the breaking bolt issue and breaking coil ear issue, and I hear about machines being dead on arrival more than I would like. I know you had that control handle issue yourself Chuck. Now all new detectors by all manufacturers suffer from this to one degree or another, especially on new models, and Makro/Nokta have been superb at following up and making things right eventually for the concerned customers. But it is an issue they need to stamp out quickly because it feeds into the concerns people always have with new names, especially if from overseas. People should never forget that any GOOD dealer should be happy to test and verify a detector works well before shipping it. If the say they can't or won't, find a new dealer. I understand the appeal of new in box and being first person to take it out of the box, but that honestly can be shooting yourself in the foot. It is a service you are paying for when you buy from a stocking dealer.

Well, last year this time Nokta/Makro was telling people machines like the Gold Racer would be available before the end of the year. So far they have not been willing to make that commitment for the Impact. Maybe your post will elicit a comment from Nokta.

I am finding this guy likes to "enhance the facts" especially in the photo department. He picked up on my post about the new GPZ coil and then felt free to post a picture of it at http://md-hunter.com/minelab-20-gpz-coil-new-2016/#comment-24592 The problem is that the coil prototype was not shown at the show, so he just found a show picture somewhere and faked it up so he could pretend to have nabbed a picture of it. Similarly the FORS outline is just that - something he tossed in that may have no connection to reality. He gets the general idea right though when it comes to rumors on new machines so maybe new Nokta based on Racer 2 circuit? All I am saying is do not pay much attention to shadows and outlines as being anything more than something to illustrate the posts.

Sounds like it is not ground balancing properly.

Welcome to the forum! i have never had the issue are describing with either of my two ATX detectors, and that includes four weeks of daily in saltwater use getting banged around in the surf. The machine may have some kind of intermittent problem and those are the worst kind. I would certainly contact Garrett and ask if they have had any reports of anything similar. Tons of info here on the ATX at http://www.detectorprospector.com/gold-prospecting-equipment/garrett-atx-pulse-induction-metal-detector.htm and http://www.detectorprospector.com/forum/tags/garrett atx/