The Nokta Makro Mini Hoard is the world's first waterproof metal detector designed specifically for children aged 4-8 years, aiming to introduce young treasure hunters to the hobby. It operates on a VLF (Very Low Frequency) principle with an operating frequency of 15kHz, offering both pinpointing and iron discrimination capabilities.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Ideal Age: 4-8 years
- Operating Principle: VLF
- Operating Frequency: 15kHz
- Audio Tones: 2
- Pinpoint: Yes
- Iron Discrimination: Yes
- LED Indicator: Pinpoint & Discrimination (Red & Green)
- Depth Indicator: 3 Levels (Medium, Deep, Shallow)
- Battery Indicator: Yes
- Auto Shut-off & Alarm: Yes
- Search Coil: 15cm (6")
- Display: Custom LCD
- Weight: 780gr (1.7lbs)
- Length: 63-90cm (25"-35")
- Battery: 2xAA (not included)
- Warranty: 2 years
Assembly:
The device comes disassembled in two main pieces. To assemble:
- Remove the small spongy cable protector piece from the middle shaft and discard it.
- Engage the shafts together, ensuring the screw hole is centered in the slot. Exercise caution to avoid damaging the cable during this step.
- Place the obround piece in the slot with the arch mark facing upwards.
- Tighten the bolt to secure the assembly.
Adjustments:
- Shaft Length: To adjust the shaft length to the user's height, open the lever latch. Pull the lower shaft down to the desired length and then press the lever latch to secure it. Do not extend the shaft beyond the "max" mark.
- Coil Angle: To adjust the search coil angle parallel to the ground, loosen the nut. Once the desired angle is achieved, tighten the nut back to secure it.
- Important Note: The search coil is NOT detachable. Do not attempt to remove it.
Battery Installation:
- To install or replace batteries, remove the screw located on the battery compartment cover using a screwdriver.
- Rotate the cover 1/4 turn as shown in the image and pull it out.
- Install two AA batteries, paying close attention to the (+) and (–) signs indicated on the sticker inside the compartment.
- Attach the battery compartment cover by reversing the removal process and secure it by tightening the screw.
Quick Guide - Control Panel and Indicators:
The control panel features a custom LCD display and several buttons and indicators:
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1) On/Off and Iron Discrimination Button:
- To turn the detector on/off, press and hold this button for a few seconds.
- To eliminate iron and ferrous metals (iron discrimination), press this button once while the detector is on.
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2) Pinpoint Button:
- Press and hold this button to find the exact location of a detected target.
- The signal sound will become stronger and change in tone as the search coil gets closer to the target's center.
- The LED indicator will turn green when the search coil is directly over the target's center.
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3) LED Indicator:
- While detecting: Green indicates a good target, while Red indicates trash or a ferrous target.
- While pinpointing: Lights up green when the search coil is over the center of the target.
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4) Good Target (Non-ferrous Metals) Icon:
- When a good (non-ferrous) target is detected, the Mini Hoard will emit a high tone, and a smiley face with thumbs up will appear on the screen.
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5) Trash or Ferrous Targets Icon:
- When trash or ferrous metal is detected, the Mini Hoard will emit a low tone, and a sad face with thumbs down will appear on the screen.
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6) Depth Indicator:
- Displays the estimated depth of the target in three levels: Medium Depth, Deep, and Shallow.
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7) Battery Indicator:
- Shows the current battery status: Empty, Low, or Full.
- When the indicator displays "Empty," the device will continue to work for a short period before shutting off after a warning tone.
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8) Overload Warning:
- Indicates a large and/or shallow target. In this case, lift the search coil up.
Auto Shut-off & Alarm:
- After approximately half an hour of inactivity, the Mini Hoard will start emitting an audible alarm.
- If no action is taken, the device will automatically shut off after 3 minutes of alarm to conserve battery life.
Maintenance and Warnings:
- Storage Temperature: Do not store the device and search coil under extremely low or high temperatures for extended periods. The recommended storage temperature range is -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F).
- Waterproof Rating: The device is designed with an IP68 rating, making it waterproof up to 1 meter (3ft).
- After Using in Salty Water:
- Wash the device thoroughly with tap water to ensure no salt water remains.
- Do not use any chemicals for cleaning or any other purposes.
- Wipe the device dry with a soft, non-scratch cloth.
- Stickers: Stickers included in the Mini Hoard Cool Kit are NOT waterproof.
Correct Sweeping Technique:
- It is crucial to keep the search coil parallel to the ground at all times to achieve accurate results.
- Incorrect sweeping angles (tilting the coil up or down) or incorrect sweeping motions (not keeping the coil parallel to the ground) will lead to inaccurate detection.
Compliance:
- FCC Statement: The device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) the device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) the device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
- European Union Consumers: Do not dispose of this equipment in general household waste. The crossed wheeled bin symbol indicates that the unit should be recycled in compliance with local government regulations and requirements.
The Nokta Makro Mini Hoard is a robust and user-friendly metal detector, perfect for introducing children to the exciting world of treasure hunting with its simple controls, clear indicators, and durable waterproof design.