Navigating the world of metal detecting involves mastering the language of your detector, with Target ID acting as an essential component of this language. Think of yourself as a translator, making sense of the whispers from lost treasures buried beneath the surface.
The Nokta Makro Legend, an advanced metal detector, has honed the use of Target ID to offer a highly precise and enjoyable detecting experience. In this article, we’re going to explore the vital role of Target ID and how the Nokta Makro Legend effectively uses this feature.
From understanding the concept of Target ID to learning how it can enrich your detecting adventures, we’ll delve into all things Target ID-related.
Target ID Table for the Nokta Makro Legend
| Target ID | Likely Target |
| 01 – 10 | Iron |
| 11 – 20 | Tiny foil, small gold items (under 2 grams) |
| 21 – 24 | Older square tabs |
| 25 – 26 | US Nickels |
| 26 – 30 | Modern oval pull tabs |
| 30 – 37 | Beaver tails, larger pull tabs, can slaw |
| 38 – 39 | Possible larger gold items |
| 40 | Large Aluminum, Zinc pennies (clean) |
| 41 – 42 | Smashed screw caps |
| 44 – 46 | US clad dimes |
| 46 – 48 | Copper pennies |
| 49 – 60 | US quarters, Corona crown caps, Silver items |
Please note:
- Rusty steel crown bottle caps often sound at 19/20.
- Heavily corroded zinc pennies can range from 36 to almost 50 until the coil is centered over them.
- Large targets will ID higher than expected, even if they are of lower conductance.
- Silver, as a high conductor, generally falls into the upper range of the target ID scale, but this can vary based on the size and shape of the item.
- Gold can have a wide range, from lower non-ferrous up to mid-range non-ferrous depending on its size, shape, and purity.
Remember, these numbers are approximate and can be influenced by a variety of factors such as target orientation, depth, purity of the metal, corrosion, mineralization level of the soil, etc. Always refer to your detector’s manual and take some time to understand how it responds to different targets in your area.
Tips and Techniques to Get the Most Out of Your Legend
- Understand Your Detector: This may seem obvious, but it’s crucial. Read the manual, understand all the settings, and learn how to adjust them. The better you understand your machine, the more effectively you can use it.
- Practice Swinging Technique: Your swing should be slow and low. The search coil should be close to the ground but not scraping it. Swing the coil in a side-to-side motion, like you’re painting a picture with a big, wide brush. Make sure your swings overlap slightly – this ensures you don’t miss anything.
- Learn to Pinpoint: Once your Legend gives a signal, you’ll need to find the exact location of the target. Move your coil over the target area in a cross pattern, once horizontally and then vertically. The point where the signals are the strongest is the most likely location of the target.
- Use Different Modes: The Nokta Makro Legend has several modes for different conditions (Park, Field, Beach, and Goldfield). Each one is designed to maximize the detector’s effectiveness in those specific environments. Don’t be afraid to switch modes if one isn’t working for you.
- Ground Balance: The Legend allows you to manually ground balance the detector, which can be especially helpful in mineralized soil. This reduces false signals from the soil and increases the machine’s sensitivity to metal targets.
- Adjust Sensitivity: The Legend’s sensitivity setting can be adjusted to get greater depth. However, if you’re getting too much noise from the surroundings or ground, reduce the sensitivity.
- Use Discrimination and Notch Discrimination: Discrimination allows you to filter out certain types of metals, like iron, so you don’t get false signals. Notch discrimination allows you to filter out or include specific conductive targets.
- Listen to the Tones: The Legend can produce different audio tones based on the metal’s conductivity. Listening to these tones and learning what they mean can help you identify targets before you dig.
- Dig Everything (at first): When you’re first starting out, it might be a good idea to dig up every target you find. This gives you a better idea of what kind of signals different targets give off. Once you’re more experienced, you can be more selective.
- Respect the Environment: Always fill in any holes you dig, and take any trash you find with you. Metal detecting is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, and it’s important to keep those areas clean and beautiful for everyone.
Metal Detecting Tip: Treasure hunting doesn’t mean making a mess, digging holes and destroying historic sites. Use some ethics and preserve history. Sharing pictures and documenting the location and researching the back story is the most important part of finding treasure. Read my article 👉 Metal Detecting Rules, Ethics and Laws
Nokta Makro Legend’s Versatile Frequency Selection
The Nokta Makro Legend offers impressive multi-frequency capabilities, allowing users to tap into a wide range of frequencies operating simultaneously or choose from five distinct single frequencies. This level of versatility significantly enhances the metal detecting experience and increases the chances of successful finds.
Easy Frequency Switching with the Nokta Makro Legend
Switching between frequencies is straightforward, simply by pressing the Frequency Button. Notably, frequency adjustments only impact the currently selected mode, leaving other modes unaffected. The device distinguishes multi-frequency operation with the letter “M” displayed on the screen, whereas single frequencies are shown numerically.
Single Frequencies and the Nokta Makro Legend Advantage
Single frequencies have their unique advantages, especially under certain conditions. For instance, the 4kHz frequency tends to be optimal for detecting larger, highly conductive targets, while the 20kHz and 40kHz frequencies are better suited for detecting shallow, thin jewelry. In areas with electromagnetic interference, single frequencies often produce less noise compared to multi-frequency. However, they might be less responsive to a variety of targets at the same time.
The Multi-Frequency Strength of the Nokta Makro Legend
Multi-frequency operation, where multiple frequencies run concurrently, broadens the range of target detection across various terrains. Compared to single frequencies, multi-frequency tends to deliver more accurate target IDs at greater depths. It also maximizes detection depth for a diverse range of metal types and sizes, particularly in wet salt beach sand and underwater environments, by minimizing ground noise.
The Legend is Built for All Conditions
As an experienced detectorist, I can vouch for the Nokta Makro Legend metal detector, and I think you’d find it pretty useful too. It’s robust, fully submersible up to 3 meters, and dustproof, making it perfect for all kinds of weather and environments.
Precision Target Detection
One of the standout features of the Legend is its advanced discrimination settings. These include an All-Metal mode, a Ferrous Off mode, and a custom Notch Discrimination mode. These modes let you fine-tune your device to the specific ground conditions and type of target you’re after.
If you’d like more articles about metal detecting check out the links below.
- Metal Detecting Digging Tools – Tells you all about shovels, scoops and how to dig a plug.
- DR.OTEK Shovel Review 👈 Read about a shovel that works perfect and is an amazing value.
- Where are the Best Places for a Beginner to Metal Detect? – Just like the title says, this article points the beginner to the highest probability places.
- Can You Metal Detect on BLM Land? – So many people have asked me about BLM detecting I had to write this article.
Efficient Noise Cancellation
The Legend also excels at eliminating electromagnetic interference with its noise cancellation and frequency shift features. This means fewer false signals and more successful treasure hunting. Moreover, with 60 target IDs and 8 distinct tones, it gives you a clear idea of what’s hidden underground before you start digging.
The Legend is Customizable and User-friendly
The adjustable threshold is another really handy feature. It allows you to set the threshold level and frequency in each mode, which is a lifesaver in tricky ground conditions. You can even save your preferred settings for different locations or targets in the four custom user profiles.
Comfortable and Convenient – For All Day
The Legend remains user-friendly and comfortable. It’s lightweight and well balanced, so it doesn’t tire you out during lengthy detecting sessions. The battery life is impressive too – up to 20 hours – and you can charge it conveniently with a USB charger or a powerbank. For those night hunts, it’s equipped with a backlit LCD and an LED flashlight.
Extra Features
The Legend goes the extra mile with a vibration feature when it finds a target. This can be particularly useful if you’re hard of hearing, or if you’re using it underwater. To sum it up, the Nokta Makro Legend is a reliable and versatile metal detector. It’s packed with features but remains straightforward to use, making it a solid choice whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro in the field of metal detecting.
One Last Sweep with the Legend
The Nokta Makro Legend metal detector strikes an impressive balance between advanced functionality and ease of use. Its unique features like multi-frequency, advanced discrimination settings, efficient noise cancellation, and user-friendly interface make it a versatile tool suitable for various detecting conditions.
Whether you’re just beginning your detecting journey or you’re an experienced detectorist, the Legend offers a combination of precision, convenience, and durability.
David Humphries, Writer and Creator of METAL DETECTING TIPS. After borrowing my son’s detector and finding $.25. I felt like a treasure hunter. FREE MONEY! I was seriously bitten by the metal detecting bug.