What is a Metal Detecting Pinpointer? A Pinpointer is a metal detecting tool used to locate your target when digging for treasure. The Pinpointer is also sometimes called a probe. The purpose of the Pinpointer is to save you time when you recover your find. Think of it as a tiny metal detector that you can insert into the hole you're digging to locate the find without having to dig a crater.
The probe can locate the find within an inch of ground and you can use it to scan the sides and bottom of the hole to make sure you haven't missed it. Normally the ground where you detected something with your metal detector is scanned using the Pinpointer before you start digging. If the Pinpointer detects something you know it is just below the surface of the ground. If the Pinpointer can't detect the find you know it must be deeper than an inch in the ground and you can start digging. The best way is to make three rectangular cuts into the ground or grass and to lift the sod out and flip it over to the fourth side that hasn't been cut. The Pinpointer can now be used to detect the hole and the sod to determine where the find is.
Electronic probes/mini detectors come in two types: Hand-held or Detector-mounted. The hand-held types are very useful in finding coins during recovery in sandy or extremely dry soil. Some of the probes can be inserted into loosened soil or sand without having to dig first. The sensitivity on most of them is also adjustable and this is important to calibrate the unit for your application. Some units have a very thin stainless steel probe that is designed to be pushed into the soil without digging a hole.
Electronic probes/mini detectors are one of those tools that can be very helpful but you don't need one if you are a beginner. I would suggest that you first gain some experience in your new hobby before considering obtaining a Pinpointer. Some detectorists claim they can't do without them and that they save up to two thirds of the recovery time, others claim that it's overrated and not worth the effort and money. Try to borrow one from a friend or club member and try it out before you decide to invest in one, it's maybe not for you.
Whether you decide to use metal detecting pinpointers or not, get out there and enjoy the hunt. It's what it is all about.
No comments:
Post a Comment