Myers Depot Metal Detectors

Question about pinpointers and coin probes

K

Kerry

Senior Member
Joined
May 16, 2007
Messages
258
Location
Danville, IN
I am saving up for a pinpointer, but I have a question: does one live up to its name? I mean, I want it to show me where the target is after I have dug where my coil has told me to. My coil seems to have several sweet spots, so after I dig its tough for me to find the target. Will a pinpointer detect within an INCH of the target?

Coin probes: I saw one on ebay and someone here told us how he made one-- basically its a metal rod inserted into a golf ball or wooden ball. The one on ebay said you insert the rod into the ground until it stops (hitting the coin) -- "and its that easy!" says the ad. But I am wondering how easy it is, if a coin can be laying in the dirt at just abut any angle. The coin probe is not going to be stopped by a coin if the coin is in any vertical position -- correct??
 
I have a white's pinpointer. Don't know if it would work the same as the one you're talking about or not. If you have a pinpointer, sometimes you don't have to dig. If I hit a target that is 2" or less I will use the pinpointer to poinpoint it, and then pop the coin out. If the ground is moist mine will detect up to 2" sometimes. But then again there are times that the coin is only 1" and it has a problem finding it. But if I do dig a hole, it works real well for locating exactly where the coin is. If the pinpointer is within an inch or so of the target either straight down, or on the side it will go off. I'm confused as to what they are talking about. "the pinpointer stopping". Maybe they mean when it stops going off, you're past the coin. Hope this answers your question somewhat.
 
Kerry said:
Coin probes: I saw one on ebay and someone here told us how he made one-- basically its a metal rod inserted into a golf ball or wooden ball. The one on ebay said you insert the rod into the ground until it stops (hitting the coin) -- "and its that easy!" says the ad. But I am wondering how easy it is, if a coin can be laying in the dirt at just abut any angle. The coin probe is not going to be stopped by a coin if the coin is in any vertical position -- correct??
Click to expand...

If the coin is on edge you could miss it. Hey - I've missed them when they where lying flat.

I've got one of the cheap pinpointers. I've never really tried to locate a burried coin with it - before digging a plug. (Neat idea.) But it sure does help finding targets in dark earth on dark days.

HH

Rich
 
Another thing not mentioned in this thread (but in other threads regarding pinpointers) is how much faster it makes recovery. The quicker you can locate your target after making the initial cut into the ground, the more quickly you can move on to your next potential target.

I have a Treasure Mate pinpointer made by Tesoro that I picked up on Ebay a year and a half ago. It was used and I paid $95.00 for it (new, they're advertized at $179.00), and I have never had any trouble with it-- very reliable.

It's depth ability is relevant to the size of the target. Something the size of a BB has to be within about a 1/2" for the pinpointer to pick it up. Small coins (dimes, pennies, nickels) around 1" to 1 1/2"; quarters and halves -- around 2"; soda cans -- 3"; Buick engines, anvils, and manhole covers -- 4" -5".

Seriously, well worth their cost in time savings!

Harley-Dog
 
Kerry, I have had several coin probes, which were about $8.00 each from White's. I tend to lose them easily. Then I started using a long screwdriver for a probe, which has been worn down so It's not sharp, so as not to scratch a coin or token.

However, I do not leave home without my White's Bullseye II pinpointer. It takes a 9V battery, and the battery lasts for sooooooooooooo long. I used to buy only duracell batteries, but now buy Panasonic from Dollar Tree for $1.00 pkg. of 2. I've tried Walgreens brands, and off brands, and they're not worth opening the package. But the Panasonics work as long as the Duracells, as I'm out ALL the time using my Prizm III (which takes 2 9V batteries) and pinpointer. When I dig a plug or semicircle and lift it, I run the coil over the hole and the plug. Then I run the pinpointer in and around the hole, if it's there, or all around the plug if it is in there. Without it, I'd not have recovered thousands of targets, I'm afraid. It's worth its weight in gold.

Trudy

P.S. One of these days I'll get to the courthouse to see your mural.
 
Kerry to answer your probe question,"Is it that easy"? The answer is either no or maybe. In soft clean dirt the probe is easily inserted and you will tell when you hit something. I can the gently tap the target and feel a coin hit. Then you know where is and how deep. You then need to pry it out with something other than the thin probe.

Now if the ground is hard, there are rocks, or the ground is wood chips all bets are off. It the coins are on edge the same holds true. In my opinion popping coins works best on 3" deep and shallower coins.

I don't understand the multiple sweet spots. Most pinpointers won't help if poor location of the target is done with the detector. Pinpointers just have too limited a detection range around an 1".Rob
 
I've been hearing of a lot of people using a stud finder from a hardware store, cheap and does the trick. Give it a try if you have one in your toolbox, save yourself some money. And if you do decide to get one, I wouldn't touch a Sun ray or anything else that runs off your MD, I think it just adds weight and could possibly short out your MD. BTW I'm trying to find out now if it VOIDS the warranty on your MD...
 
bobbulge said:
I've been hearing of a lot of people using a stud finder from a hardware store, cheap and does the trick. .
Click to expand...

Good heavens! Why hasn't this been mentioned before? I have a couple of those lying around. I know one is B&D for sure. I wouldn't have thought of that. The only drawback, which is minor, is that you can't use it as a probe. I mean there's no appendage on it for probing. I can see where it would work before you dig, but after - not sure. I will definately give it a try though. Thanks!
 
You'll like the Pinpointer and Coin Probe Combination.
The holes will get smaller, and recovery time gets faster.

The Coin on edge, being missed...
If it says somethings down there. I'm digging anyway.
 
I would pay the money for a

pinpointer i swear by mine

i detected without one and now with one it brings more efficiency to the entire scheme of detecting

just a matter of opinion but to me it is well worth the money because i seem to get more work done when i am detecting
 
The Sunray probes will not void your warranty and they will not hurt your detector. They actually use your detector to find the target. Stud finders may work but how big does your hole have to be to use one ? The whole Aidea of a PROBE is to use it IN the hole not on top of the ground that's why they have the pointed shaft.
 
TonyinCT said:
The Sunray probes will not void your warranty and they will not hurt your detector. They actually use your detector to find the target. Stud finders may work but how big does your hole have to be to use one ? The whole Aidea of a PROBE is to use it IN the hole not on top of the ground that's why they have the pointed shaft.
Click to expand...
Tony... I made My probe & made the probe part using 12" of 1/2" cpvc tubing to run the wires & the ferrite rod & capped the end & put a semipointed end & it works VERY well.
Here is a link for more info:

http://www.treasurequestxlt.com/community/general-discussion/6890-build-your-own-pinpointer.html
 
I think that's cool. Your probe is also a 1/2" around right ? So you can get it into the hole and poke around better.
 
I swear by my vibra probe. If I think the target is close to the top of the ground I rub the probe over the area first and either pop the coin out or simply pick it up! This saves alot of digging as many targets can be found easily this way.
 
When I got my Pinpointer, my wife asked " whats that? "
I got the same look, when I bought my Rock Tumbler.

"You bought a MDer, for your MDer."
"You spent $80.00 to clean your Pennies, Nickels, Dimes, and Quarters."

I said...
YEA, BABY. CAN YA DIG IT!!!
 
TonyinCT said:
I think that's cool. Your probe is also a 1/2" around right ? So you can get it into the hole and poke around better.
Click to expand...
Hi Tony.... Yes,the probe is 1/2" & works very well inserting in the hole.I also made My homemade probe to vibrate using a vibrating module out of an old Cellphone (as I know someone at Radioshack that gives me all the trade-in phones for free) So I have the option for My homemade probe to either have an audible alert with LED or Vibrate with LED. I just had it with My piece of junk Sherlock Pinpointer,so i decided to make My own & it works VERY well.
 
TonyinCT said:
The Sunray probes will not void your warranty and they will not hurt your detector. They actually use your detector to find the target. ...
Click to expand...


Thanks for clarifying that Tony. :yes: I just got my Sunray DX-1 from my local dealer. It is just about the best thing since sliced bread. Very good design, from installation to field use. It just makes pinpointing easier. A bit pricey, but what a great tool. I think it is essentially a second mini-coil hooked up through a toggled splitter.

Keep Swing'in
Jack
 
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