bobinyelm

Good point on the out-of-date manual supplied with my machine! I downloaded the Threshold files and saved them to a folder I installed on my desktop. I will now do the same for the 1.09 software version. The 1.09 is supposed to be installed before the Threshold update, so hopefully the 1.09 instructions (Tutorial) is idiot-proof since I am a computer USER but not a really computer literate person. I will then attempt the Threshold update, and I guess revert to factory settings after each update. Fingers crossed... Bob

Thank you gentlemen. The one place I didn't look was by clicking on The Legend itself in the Nokta website (I thought the website would have it perhaps in support, or "Subscribe for Updates.") DOH! Hopefully I'll do better updating my machine than I did finding the updates. He said: You also have to factory reset after installing the update. Is there a page in he Users Manual that addresses restoring the factory default settings (i.e., Factory Reset") after the download, or is this (below) ALL I need to do? And do all the steps in the instructions above supercede the troubleshooting instructions reprinted at the bottom of this post (about selecting the proper drivers, etc.)? I imagine after the factory reset, any changes at ALL I made to the machine previously will have to be re-inputted as they will have been erased/canceled by the Update and Reset? Reverting Back to Factory Defaults After selecting the user profile in the settings menu, press and hold the pinpoint button until letters Fd appear on screen. Fd will disappear after 2 seconds. Thanks, Bob -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Posted April 15 by If you have any issues updating your Legend, please read the troubleshooting guide below: TROUBLESHOOTING Windows 1. Disable your antivirus program. 2. Plug the device into a different USB port, if your computer has more than one, to see if the problem is specific to one port. 3. The right drivers must be installed – Go to www.silabs.com/developers/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers and install the driver according to your computer’s operating system. 4. Type "Control Panel" into the Windows search bar and select Control Panel. Go to Power Options > Change Plan Settings > Change advanced power settings. Find USB Settings, then drill down to USB selective suspend setting. Disable the options next to On battery and Plugged in, then click Apply. You must then restart your PC to stop it from turning off the USB ports unnecessarily.

Just purchased a Legend and there was small sheet enclosed saying it had the "Latest Version 1.07 Software Loaded," but I know there is a version 1.09 available, and some folks were saying there is a "Software Uploader" that makes it easier (a search showed many have had problems updating the units). I am sure I just missed it, but I am not sure how to update my unit. I visited the website www.noktadetectors.com but I could not locate an update download section, and a Search only said there was an error (I used the search term: Legend Update" among other terms). I registered my unit on the website and filled in a small box that said "Subscribe for Updates," so maybe you can only be given access to updates after the product registration has been completed? BTW, I read the unit can only be updated if the headphones are connected (Bluetooth)? It didn't make sense, but maybe it's a requirement? The owner's manual is VERY vague about updates. Thanks, Bob

Thanks- Yes, I misspoke when I called your unit simply a "Deus." I did some further study on the two, and they are indeed, as you pointed out, quite different machines. And I did mischaracterize your comments as a comparison between the Legend and the Deus 2, though it did point out sn apparent shortcoming when it comes to small gold with the Deus 2. I watched a program on the History channel where a detectorist searched a tailings pile from an old dredge using a Deus 2, but it didn't concentrate on the machine, unfortunately. I watched a video on YouTube where a fellow alternately used an MXT, a Deus 1, and The Legend looking for coins/relics from an old house yard. He claimed for that job all three (and may more including an ACE 250) were perfectly competent and fairly equivalent in his hands, but obviously he wan't looking for specific performance on gold/small gold. It would have been more interesting if he'd swept the same targets with the three detectors to see how they responded on the same targets, but he didn't. He simply grabbed each one in turn and located/dug a coin/relic/bottle cap with each then moved on to the next machine and the next target. It's all pretty subjective unless the person doing a comparison is careful to set up his tests carefully or the outcome won't be objectively accurate. You're using the 2 machines to test the SAME test objects was far more enlightening. BTW, I ended up ordering a Legend (2 coils) and looked into metal detecting clubs in the Phoenix area. The oldest seems to have disbanded, and the only other one (I haven't emailed them yet to see if they still exist) has a joining fee of $350 and $250/yr thereafter (plus various fees for use of services), or $3500 20yr "Lifetime" membership, but they are over an hour's drive away from me. I was hoping that more groups would exist to share the hobby and promote proficiency especially here. I guess $350 isn't excessive seeing that a decent detector is considerably more expensive than that. I was thinking of finding a compatible mate in a group to pair up with to learn from each other (each would bring skills/ideas to the table in a synergistic way). Detecting can obviously be a solitary pursuit, but two can sometimes accelerate the learning curve.

.25 grams is about 4 grains. I would have thought the Deus would have seen it easily to be honest. From reading, samples in open air respond to a MD farther than in undisturbed soil, and even if you bury the samples, disturbed earth is more "transparent" than undisturbed soil, so even then the detector will see things deeper. Just asking to confirm because your samples were either uncovered, or barely covered, and it's hard to tell how far below ground level the samples were placed. Trying to learn whatever I can! I know the object of the test was a comparison between the two detectors, and the difference is quite apparent! The Deus is quite a bit more expensive (Like $900?), so the Legend is impressive. I don't know either unit, but I am sure you set them up for best/max depth and sensitivity for gold. I somewhere read that the best a MXT can do is on 3-4 grain gold vs GB 2 at .2-.5 grains, both at about 2-3" below undisturbed soil. Thanks, Bob

That's a competitive price for the machine, wireless headset, 6" coil and external battery! The updater likely solves the perceived problems some noted when trying to update, too. As in my PM, I was impressed by he MXT yesterday with its abilities both sensitivity and selection, but did not bring my friend's small gold sample to test it side by side w/ his GB 2 in "real" world conditions. Next time. I would like to see how The Legend does with a similar sample, though everyone seems to think it's excellent for even small gold with its 40 khz frequency. Thanks, Bob

Nice to know because one of the complaints in the past I read about was updating and it seemed a somewhat common complaint.

Thanks gents... Yes, it would be nice to get a fully updated unit, but I suspect they will issue periodic updates as the last bugs are eliminated, so installing updates will still be relevant. I understand 1.09 is the current one, and did a lot of reading and some had a lot of trouble getting their units to accept the download, but eventually it seemed everyone got it done. I WOULD like to get a new enough unit so it would have the improved speaker installed, as the early ones seem to have a high failure rate. I would prefer to buy from a local dealer who would hold my hand, but being the typical cheapskate, I see $595 for the "Pro Package" w/ 2 coils, headset, extra battery as a good price. I have not checked with a "real dealer" (You mean like Kellyco or someone like that, or more local store front brick and mortar?) to see how much more they would charge. I see you can buy direct from the mfg as well-another option. Thanks-

Interesting and thank-you for being candid. Unfortunately not all or perhaps even many of us get out enough to be experts or professional in our use of these machines, so it makes it difficult to assess the features and abilities of the more sophisticated machines accurately. I started metal detecting (relic hunting in a NJ ghost town) 50 years ago 1973 with a Heathkit Model GD-48 metal detector which from memory was basically a no-motion "pinpointer" as many modern machines incorporate so one could become fairly proficient (to the limits of the machine) in short order . But the newer machines are GeeWhiz devices that are minicomputers in a black box with several programs built in with user controlled parameters so it takes time to get good unless one just uses the default settings, though even then with multi-purpose, multi frequency detectors there's a learning curve. So we end up depending upon those who use different models day in and day out to help us decide (given that advertisements are prone to hype), and it's great to have a place like this with experienced users to help us week-end warriors out. I am aware that the performance of this unit is highly dependent upon installing the latest update. Have you done that, and is it as easy as downloading it to a computer and then loading onto the machine, and is it free to owners of The Legend? I imaging that it is easy to determine which software version you have on your machine (buying a new machine may not guarantee that it was installed at he factory). Thanks- Bob Bob

Thanks, Phrunt, and yes, I am impressed with the quality of advice offered! Frankly, unless a GB 2 is totally head and shoulders better than a Legend, (The difference between failure and success), then I'm sure the Legend would be preferable for it's versatility (like the MXT but better). I have some experimenting to do before I come to a final decision, but he advice offered prejudices me strongly in a reasonable decision! There is no substitute for experience, and personally lacking same, I defer happily to those who have it. Anyone can write a check for a gee-whiz machine, but those who have lived with several, and have experience with them are the ones to listen to, and I am grateful for those offering their advice. Bob Steve, I clicked your included link and it was a nugget all in itself. I'd done a good bit of searching on forums regarding the MXT and my concerns, but somehow while some of your past writings came up, this one "super fan of the MXT" had not and I found it SO valuable I printed it out for use while I use my old (almost unused) experimenting with my MXT. I HAVE the Jeff Foster book I bought years ago, and have recently spent hours studying it and highlighting sections in yellow for quick reference, and it's a great nuts-and-bolts book on the machine, but your threads condense a LOT into how to actually use the machine. I am a retired military/airline pilot, among other 'past lives' (with a lot of Alaska bush flying mixed in), and with 35+ years and 28k hours always appreciated learning the systems of aircraft I flew (and it was absolutely essential of course). We spent hundreds of hours (probably thousands) getting to know every nuance of our machines. Foster's book is GREAT, like what we called our systems manuals. But NOTHING substituted for just getting into the cockpit and actually flying them, especially with no passengers so one could explore their envelope, and especially their limits to learn techniques one might use/need in a pinch. Reading advice from those who have actually used the machines is almost like actually using them and adds SO much more to the relatively dry pursuit of merely learning the technical systems by reading. Your "been there, done this" from personal experience and which you passed long is most valuable as it puts it all together, connecting theory to practice. I'm sure it will put me a leg-up when I go out and actually start using the MXT (which I never really did after buying it years ago). Thanks for referencing that linked thread! Bob

Thanks, everyone, for your assessments. The point that with Whites demise the value of their machines has cratered (I see MXT Series E like mine going unbought at under $250) is a valid one. I understand, but it's kind of strange because unlike owning a Saab, unique replacement parts are probably not needed that often, but I guess it's psychological more than rational. Glad to hear The Legend is indeed a good machine. I see the kits w/ one coil and no extra Li battery now as low as $408 which is very reasonable, and I suspected the multi-frequency capability (if well executed) would be a game changer. Apparently it is! And the ability to update the machine (apparently over the internet?) is a great thing as I read a couple of articles that when they came out, The Legend had some short comings, but he authors after an update were very happy with the machines, and I hear support is very good. It's just sad that another American company/manufacturer has disappeared and the lead passed to foreign competition. But then, I drive a Japanese car, and my home is filled with Chinese products, so am as guilty to promoting the trend as much as anyone. My plan is to go use the MXT for a period with my friend, and when I feel frustrated enough, bite the bullet and likely get a Legend (unless something suddenly overtakes it I suppose). I know if I had to play baseball with a broken bat, or hunt with an inaccurate rifle it would not take long to get frustrated and lose interest, so I suspect a newer machine like The Legend is in my future, likely sooner than later. I tend to lose patience with inferior tools when better ones are available (Not hat an MXT is "inferior," just perhaps less efficient in the price range I can afford/justify.) If I find that our gold exploits are fruitless even using his GB 2, whether because of poor pickings*, or limited site access, and we are confined to finding lost objects, maybe he MXT will be good enough for that and I will keep it as most people say (again I am open to correction) that's it is still a quite decent machine for that use. Thanks, all, Bob *That 0.25gr sensitivity will prompt me to quiz my friend's friends (who are serious prospectors) about their experience with actual specimen sizes. I've met them, but we did not get into specifics at the time so far as specimen size of what detector THEY favor. I know a good bit of what they do is on a couple of claims where they do 'hard rock' mining on exposed outcrops where they have to crush the rocks they break free to access the gold as opposed to going for free gold in placer deposits in/near stream beds.

I LIKE the MXT for everything but Gold (based on the 950 9 1/2" coil, the only one I've actually used so far) and it MAY do better with the 4X6 DD I just received in the mail today (and which may cause me to love it for gold, though I'm sure it will still be somewhat inferior at 14Khz), BUT... As much as I like it, I can justify buying a different detector ONLY if I sell it. I don't want to own JUST an "Gold Only" detector as good as the Bold Bug 2 or possibly the Nokta Gold Finder 1000 (I know next to nothing about this one) or a Gold Monster 1000. The reason I brought up the Nokta "The Legend" is because it appears to offer the hope of a multi-use detector by being multi-frequency with reportedly good programs for each use. I still hope to hear from some folks actually using The Legend (or other multi frequency) detector and who has or who has had an MXT, and that may still happen. If I COULD keep the MXT and get a second detector, then I'd have a wider field of choice since there are a number of higher frequency machines out there in the price range. At this point, I am frankly not sure there's enough gold to justify a gold-only detector, though I should know after a few trips with my friend to see him work his Gold Bug 2 in the field. Dear Glacial Gold- I see you show experience with "The Legend," but you didn't comment on how it stacked up. What did YOU think of it? Bob

Years back I bought a MXT but circumstances changed and I never really used it. Common I'm sure. But now I have moved back to where I bought it for (Arizona) and am interested in getting serious. I have friends who use detectors for crevicing for gold (very small stuff) and use Fisher Gold Bug 2s a lot. I used one and it was MUCH hotter than the MXT for small gold, at least with my stock 950 Coil (which was FAR better than the GB 2 for coins/relics). My plans are to enjoy detecting for lost coins and jewelry, yet going out with my buddy and friends who are pretty serious about prospecting. I am more recreational but my friend's friends are serious and have their own stamp mill and fine gold recovery equipment, but are still "small potatoes" at maybe an ounce a month types unless they hit a sizeable nugget (rare). I have a used a 4X6 DD and a 5.3 concentric on the way, but started thinking that at my age (Older than dirt at 75) and with blessed enough money to afford a different machine (up to about $800), would I be better just selling what I have (I figured buying like-new used coils I could at least get my $$ back there, though would likely take a 60% "hit" on MXT) would I be better getting a newer machine with benefits from new technology? My reasoning is that I don't have THAT many years left, and time is money, so would spending some new money get me a detector that would make me more productive/efficient (which would bring more satisfaction, and maybe some better finds). Obviously this is a subjective conundrum and impossible to answer objectively (like asking if 2+2 is 4 would be), but I think I laid out the question reasonably with the BIG UNKNOWN (to me) being how much better the newer mid-priced machines really are (beyond the hype), and if they are, is it a noticeable amount better to justify switching to get one machine that "does it all." One machine that LOOKS good (but I've not spoken w/ anyone swinging one) is the Nokta Legend kit ($600 w/ 2 Coils and wireless headset and extra battery). On paper it looks great (multi frequency for good coin/jewelry and high freq for prospecting). Not suggesting this is da bomb; just mentioned it as one of many I've looked at and read the specs. I have not seen real comparisons between what I HAVE (the MXT) and what is now available. The GB 2 was impressive on small gold, but didn't seem impressive on other detecting, and is still expensive new (I see them for around $700-800 on ebay) and almost never on the used market. ADDING a GB 2 would be a nice alternative as the MXT is good on coins/jewelry but then I would have more than I feel I can justify on the hobby now (Selling the MXT + Coils would get me close to the cost of a new machine if ONE machine would be as good as the MXT for general use and the GB 2 (or equiv) for gold). Sorry to be somewhat vague, but I just don't know the newer technology machines well enough to make an intelligent decision/choice. I'm sure many of those here have used what I have, and have newer stuff to compare with and can hopefully weigh in. Thanks, Bob