☠ Cipher

Jeff posted this photo some time ago. It shows a coil, at that time anyway. Who knows if any changes have been made. Or is this a different detector entirely?

Scrolling through Facebook and came across this. Not much is known about it so far, but I’m hoping that it will accommodate a fully assembled unit comfortably. I’m often deep into the the woods looking for old foundations etc. and I’ve yet to find a backpack where I don’t have to break my detector down in some way.

D2 was impressive with a sensitivity of only 85. Wasn’t expecting that.

AI driven target recognition sounds very intriguing. I have to wonder if it wouldn’t make its way into a platform like an Invenio 2 before we ever see it on a hobby grade platform though.

I think it’s interesting that these new stereo features only operate in multifrequency, not in mono or single frequency mode. It would seem then that the two channels are inextricably linked to/constructed off of frequency. For example, one channel constructed off of the low frequency and the other constructed off the high or max frequency. If this is the case it makes me wonder if the base features/benefits of multifrequency are still operating or if the focus is solely on the audio features as the frequencies are isolated into independent, yet seemingly simultaneous channels? Can they have their cake and eat it too or does some sacrifice to multifrequency need to be made? Does it make things too “busy.” Will audio fatigue eventually set in? Lots of questions and admittedly I could be off base in my theory of how these channels are constructed. I’m certainly not an expert of any sort on these issues. These features kind of renewed my interest in the platform but I want to understand more about how they work or what the limitations are in using them.

Scrolling through Facebook I noticed this ad from Minelab. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1771o7D3Sw/?mibextid=wwXIfr What do you think it is? Hopefully the long awaited CTX-3030 replacement. I have a feeling it’s probably referring to the new Gold “Monster” though.

That’s interesting, it never dawned on me that this patent could be applied to pinpointers and apps. It seemed such an obvious, yet brilliant solution to programming a pinpointer that I wondered why no one else was doing it. I too have a Sphinx 03 and I agree with Simon. The app makes life a lot easier.

The Manticore will also do this if you’re carrying a scoop or full sized shovel. It took me a bit to figure out where the false signals were coming from. My first instinct was to blame the sensitivity of the detector. I thought I was running it too high, and of course turning it down did seem to help, but I was robbing myself of depth. Next thought was, is this detector picking up the shovel? There’s no way. I’ve never had a metal detector do that. I turned the sensitivity back up and hoisted the shovel up on my shoulder. The signals went away. I lowered the shovel to my side again and sure enough, that’s exactly where the “falsing” was coming from. It’s quite possible a newbie might not have put two and two together and been digging those “hits” blaming the machine. So experience is one way to compete with the tidal wave of new detectorists out there. Another is to do things they might not be willing to do. Go out in the rain, walk a little further into the woods etc.

I think the IDs while pinpointing is a very good idea. That and the wireless updates are key features. I don’t really expect it to have much more depth, but like the Manticore, probably more unusable power/sensitivity available. I’d love to be proven wrong though.

The Legend 2 at Detectival 2025

A new Nokta machine which will sit above the Legend in the product line is in the works and will be released soon (begin 5:00 min in). What features would you like to see it have?

(copied and pasted from Teknetics FB page) In Loving Memory of Dave Johnson (1949–2025) With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Dave Johnson, a luminary in the world of metal detecting and engineering. Known for his unmatched innovation and dedication, Dave's legacy has forever transformed the metal detecting industry and inspired countless enthusiasts worldwide. A Life of Innovation and Passion Born and raised in California, with much of his life spent in Arizona, Dave Johnson's journey into engineering began with his curiosity for electronics. His career in metal detection started in 1981 when he joined Fisher Research Labs in California. Over the decades, Dave contributed to some of the most iconic names in the industry, including Tesoro, White's, and Troy, before finding his home at First Texas Products in 2002. At First Texas, he spearheaded designs that set new performance, usability, and innovation benchmarks. Dave's contributions include groundbreaking designs for Fisher, Teknetics, and Bounty Hunter. His work on models such as the Teknetics T2, Fisher F75, and the Gold Bug II made them industry icons renowned for their precision, depth, and sensitivity. He had an extraordinary talent for blending technological complexity with exterior simplicity, making his detectors accessible yet powerful tools for hobbyists and professionals. The Mastermind Behind the Machines Dave's approach to design reflected his philosophy of excellence and user-friendliness. His insistence on superior ergonomics, as seen in the T2 and F75, revolutionized the way detectors were used, ensuring they became extensions of the user rather than mere tools. He once remarked, "I like products that are easy to use. I don't like complicated stuff," a mantra evident in every detector he touched. His ability to listen to the needs of the detecting community and translate those into technical breakthroughs was unparalleled. Whether it was the CZ series, which took nearly a decade to perfect, or the F75's superior depth and target separation, Dave's designs turned challenges into opportunities for advancement. His genius wasn't just in creating machines but in creating connections—between the detector, the user, and the history waiting to be uncovered. A Legacy That Spanned Generations Throughout his illustrious career, Dave's work helped unearth treasures and memories, but his impact reached far beyond his machines. He was a mentor to many in the industry, a collaborative teammate who valued the input of others, and an advocate for accessible, quality engineering. He frequently credited his success to the teams he worked with, including John Gardiner, Jorge Anton Saad, and others who shared his passion. Dave's humility was evident in his admission that he wasn't the best detectorist. "I'm not a good detectorist. That's why I like simple, easy-to-use machines," he joked. Yet his profound understanding of soils, terrain, and the science behind metal detecting made him a giant in the field. An Unforgettable Legacy Dave's designs are more than just machines—they are extensions of his brilliance and a testament to his life's work. From the simplicity of the Bounty Hunter to the cutting-edge performance of the F75, his creations have been loved by hobbyists and professionals alike. His contributions to VLF technology, soil mineralization management, and detector sensitivity will continue to influence the industry for years. Dave Johnson's life was defined by curiosity, ingenuity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His contributions to the metal detecting community will forever be remembered in the machines he designed and the countless memories and discoveries they have facilitated. A Final Tribute Dave once said, "We're building on a legacy that was created by many people." Today, we honor him as a cornerstone of that legacy. His passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but his spirit and contributions will continue to inspire all those who share his passion for discovery. Rest in peace, Dave. Your innovations will continue to guide and inspire us, and your memory will forever resonate with the sound of discovery. With most profound respect and gratitude, Your Family at First Texas Products and the entire Metal Detecting Community

Between now and December 16th you can purchase the Minelab Manticore for $1,199. This is $500 off MSRP.

“I know without a doubt, it is a huge step up from any of the AT Series.” (Aquachigger, from the comments). So that’s good to hear. And this hunt he kept it in multifrequency.

Seeing as how the M15 is really just a 15” long 12” coil, and the Mythtek coil is a true 18” coil, you should see a notable depth difference on some items, particularly larger items. This is just my opinion, but to me it would make sense. The 15”x12” is really only providing 1” over the 11” in one dimension and 4” more ground coverage in another. The Mythtek is providing a true +7” advantage all around. This is not to say it will translate into +7” of in ground depth, and some sensitivity to smaller items will be lost.