Nokta / Makro Detection Technologies Forum

Hi all. I'm interested in one of the many Nokta machines. I like to hunt for just about everything but first and foremost I like old coins and mostly silver. I'm not sure about the differences between the machines mentioned apart from frequency. I believe the Relic is a newer design than the Core and that it has some type of iron audio that I would appreciate. I can't go for the Impact at this time because budget is limited.

Has the Relic been tested for depth against the Core and what were the differences if any (on silver coins specifically) ? I'm also wondering if switching auto GB tracking on has any negative impact on recovery speed.

Thank you.

Mike, what detector(s) do you currently use, and which search coils? What types of sites do you prefer to search, urban environment places like parks and schools and sports fields, or do you get away to more rural, out-of-the-way places that have an abundance of nails and other ferrous debris like rusty tin, etc.?

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dfmike
Hi all. I'm interested in one of the many Nokta machines. I like to hunt for just about everything but first and foremost I like old coins and mostly silver.

Just from that statement I would say any of the three versatile Nokta models, the FORS CoRe, FORS Relic or new Impact, can handle any of your search needs. I know because I use all three models for both Coin Hunting and Relic Hunting. I am especially interested in older era coins, and naturally that means silver coins are of high interest, plus I like to find Trade Tokens, jewelry, and other smaller-size artifacts from the periods of the sites I find.

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dfmike
I'm not sure about the differences between the machines mentioned apart from frequency.

The CoRe (stands for Coin and Relic) operates at 15 kHz (in the 10 kHz to 15 kHz mid-range of operation) and features GEN (threshold-based All Metal) mode, and silent-search Di2 (2-Tone / VCO enhanced), Di3 (processed 3-Tone) and COG (Conductive Ground or Saltwater Beach2-Tone / VCO enhanced) modes.

There are other adjustment functions and the main ones include GB Tracking On/Off, automated GB and manual GB, Discrimination and Sensitivity.

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dfmike
I believe the Relic is a newer design than the Core and that it has some type of iron audio that I would appreciate.

The Relic operates at 19 kHz, above the typical mid-range for VLF detectors, that is generally considered more responsive (hotter?) for lower-conductive targets such as gold nuggets, US 5¢ coins, most gold jewelry and other lower-conductive desired targets like some buttons, bullets, etc. The Relic has the same search modes as the CoRe plus two additional modes somewhat taken from the 19 kHz FORS Gold ⁺ that are also 2-Tone and VCO enhanced modes called Swift (faster processing for trashier sites but with reduced detection depth) and Deep (a slower-sweep mode that can provide a reasonable percentage of increased depth-of-detection in sparse-target sites).

The Relic does lack a couple of functions found on the CoRe, but it does have the additional features of Tone Break adjustment and Iron Audio Volume. These are useful, for some people and some types of applications, but for those who reject all or most ferrous targets Iron Volume is useless, and in low-to-modest patches of iron nails, I do use my Relic with Iron Volume reduced to '2' but I also don't hesitate to use my CoRe when iron is not terribly abundant. Often I prefer the CoRe to the Relic based upon the site.

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dfmike
I can't go for the Impact at this time because budget is limited.

Looking only at MSRP, the CoRe w/7X11 DD is $699, the Relic w/7X11 DD AND 5" DD is $799 and the Impact w/7X11 DD is $899. For those who can afford the extra amount AND purchase one or two extra search coils, the Impact is a terrific way to go. I enjoy both of mine and the coils that work best for me.

I keep my two CoRe units at-the-ready with an 'OOR' coil on one and standard 7X11 on the other. I could take the same approach if I only could afford one model and select the Relic because it comes with 2 search coils and I would keep the round 5" DD mounted, and the other coil, the standard 7X11 DD, attached to the spare lower rod for quick changes afield for more open, sparse-target sites. The fact that the Relic comes with 2 search coils is an added value to be considered.

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dfmike
Has the Relic been tested for depth against the Core and what were the differences if any (on silver coins specifically)?

Yes, I have tested both models, often, side-by-side and also done this for folks who were interested in these detectors and their potential. Both the CoRe and Relic provide above-average depth-of-detection compared with their competition, and when comparing similar search modes, such as Di2 or Di3, I give a slight edge to the CoRe on most US coins and that favors it for some of the higher conductivity coins like copper and silver. The Relic, due to operating frequency, generally has a slight edge on the US 5¢ coin and other lower-conductive targets.

Both are very close, and usually I find my CoRe to have a slight advantage in detection depth on coin-sized targets. However, the Relic does have the DEEP mode and that can be advantageous to you or others who work it for peak efficiency to gain the extra ½" to 1½" possible on deeper, smaller-size coins in more open areas that don't present target masking issues.

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dfmike
I'm also wondering if switching auto GB tracking on has any negative impact on recovery speed.

I have only used GB 'Tracking' three times since I got my first Nokta CoRe in early January of 2015. Auto-tracking GB, for most makes and models, is best used only in a Threshold-based All Metal mode. It can work against you in a motion-based Discriminate mode in several ways. Even by direction in the Nokta User Manual for ALL of their detectors, they suggest using Tracking only in All Metal, and have Tracking turned 'OFF' in all the Discriminate search modes. Yes, it could have a bearing on 'recovery speed' but the primary problems can be off-tracking in iron debris and that can then effect recovery speed as well as target detection. Just leave 'Tracking' turned 'OFF' most of the time with any detector, Makro and Nokta included, for best all around performance.

Monte

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"Your EYES ... the only 100% accurate form of Discrimination!"
Stinkwater Wells
Trading Post
Metal Detector Evaluations and Product Reviews
'How-To' help for Coin & Jewelry Hunting, Relic Hunting and Useful Techniques.
'Regular-Use Detector Team' are models from: Nokta - Makro, Teknetics, Tesoro and White's
'Specialty-Use Detectors' are models from: Compass, Garrett and Teknetics
Pinpointers: Using Nokta - Makro and Uniprobe Pointers.
Headphones: Using Killer B's 'Hornet' and White's Pro Star and Detector Pro's Uniprobe ... All w/'tank style' ear cups.
Recovery Gear: Using White's DigMaster digging tool and Signature Series pouch.Note: Detectors are listed alphabetically by Brand. Models are chosen as desired based on search site conditions.
Some models are assigned for 'Regular-Use' and others are on-hand for 'Specialty Use.'
Additional search coils, mounted on spare lower-rods, are on-hand in my Accessory Coil Tote.

*** All working well today to make memories for tomorrow. ***
monte@stinkwaterwells.com .. or .. monte@ahrps.org
(503) 481-8147

Thanks Monte for taking the time. I really appreciate your expertise.

I have a Fisher F5 and an F19 with small, medium and big coils. I like and use both but prefer the F19 for it's stability, ID at depth and recovery speed. Previous to that I had a Fisher F44 and X-Terra 705 both of which I tried to like but couldn't for several reasons. I really hunt just about everywhere but the main places I hunt are fresh water beaches for jewelry and rural or semi rural places for old copper coins, tokens, silver coins or historically significant artifacts/relics. Some sites are lightly to semi polluted with iron and foil junk while others are literally covered with it and the good stuff sits underneath. I was not considering the Nokta's initially because I was taken aback by the small screen. The essential information is there though and I don't really think I need more. I've been so amazed by my Makro pointer since day one that I always wondered how it would be to swing one of their detectors.

The pricing scheme you mentioned is for the US. In Canada, the prices are different. The Relic is about $125 more than the Core and includes only one coil as far as I can see. The Impact isn't even sold here yet and when it comes out I gather it will be at least another $100 more than the Relic which would take it to a grand or more !

One more question for now if you may: I've never used a detector with a box under the arm rest. Is it possible to swing it without the arm strap despite the weight in the back ? I don't want to use any kind of strap. Also, when putting the detector down, doesn't the electronic box get damp ?

I have a Relic. I don't believe there is any weight difference between the Core and Relic, coil for coil. It's an Excellent balanced machine. I don't even have the arm strap on mine, it's that balanced. I have the 5" the 5.5x10 and the 11x7, and it balances Well with all coils. The control box is also adjustable for forward or back by one notch for longer or shorter arms.. If your in taller grass, yes the control box can get wet if the grass is wet. I wouldn't worry much unless the grass was really really wet... nothing really on the bottom of the control box. Hope this helps some. They do make a Cover for protection if you feel the need.....

Thanks Sonnyd. Didn't I see a small stand underneath the box in a Google photo ? It looked like it fit on both sides of the box and it allowed the box to be about 2 inches above ground at all times. The places I hunt are generally covered in dew until at least 9 or 10:00 AM.

Also, are there different versions of these machines ? When I startup the detector, do I get a software version displayed ? I ask this because if I decide to buy one I'd prefer to have a late model.

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Active detectors and accessories: Fisher F19 LTD on Mars universal shaft, F19 on original shaft, Nokta Fors CoRe, Whites MX7, Makro and Nokta pointers. Killer B's and Jolly Rogers headphones and assorted coils.
Previous detectors in order of acquisition: Bounty Hunter Discovery, Fisher F44, Fisher F5, Omega 8000 V6, Minelab X-Terra 705

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dfmike
I have a Fisher F5 and an F19 with small, medium and big coils. I like and use both but prefer the F19 for it's stability, ID at depth and recovery speed.

I borrowed a Fisher F5 from a dealer friend to check out a few years back against my Teknetics Omega 8000, Version 4, and I preferred the weight and balance of my Omega 8000, and I also seemed to have better TID lock-on at mid-depths to deeper than I did with the F5. Back then, the Omega 8000 was my main-use TID model for Traditional Urban Coin Hunting, and I preferred the round 8" Concentric I swapped off a Delta, but did a lot of my hunting using the round 5" DD coil.

I kept the Omega 8000 (remember, it was the better version 4 series) for Coin Hunting, and a Teknetics T2 'Classic' w/5" DD for most of my Relic Hunting. There was also my Tek. 19 kHz G2 on hand, and I had acquired a pair of Fisher F19's to evaluate by the end of 2014. I also had a White's MXT Pro, an MX5 and XLT at the time and they saw most duty with the 6½" Concentric coils to complement the two Teknetics models. For those who know me, I also had a few trusted Tesoro favorites as well.

Then in very late 2014 I was intrigued by the new-on-the-scene Nokta FORS CoRe, and I was fortunate enough to be contacted by Dilek on January 2nd and sent a device for evaluation. I had it in-hand before 2 in the afternoon on January 8th, and went right to work assembling it, mounting the smaller-size 'OOR' coil for initial comparisons with my then-current arsenal. I was awake most of the night, which was typical, and continued to evaluate all these models by bench testing, then outdoors using my Nail Board Performance Test, and off to a freshwater beach in town, two grassy parks, and finally to a couple of iron littered old homesteads.

Conclusion: I quickly had several detectors up for sale from Fisher, Teknetics and White's listed locally and on several internet Classified Forums. That Nokta FORS CoRe impressed me very well and was an answer for what I had been looking for. A simple, functional, yet durable detector that provided me exceptionally light-weight and comfortable balance that is important due to my impaired mobility. And all of that in a unit that gave impressive performance afield for Coin & Jewelry Hunting, but more importantly for me as a versatile Relic Hunting device.

I was then set by February of 2015 with a Nokta FORS CoRe as my #1 Primary-Use detector, a Makro Racer (original) as my urban Coin Hunting back-up, and a few of my favorite Tesoro models. Steve H. had his evaluation FORS CoRe for sale and I snapped it up to have a compliment of CoRe devices to keep an 'OOR' coil mounted as well as the standard 7X11 on the other for open area/sparse-target sites.

This year I had the FORS CoRe rods powder coated an 'edge red' color to complement the side control panel coloring. I did that because I like being different, and to attract attention to the detectors I enjoy using. Also because January of last year I evaluated a prototype that had a name change prior to introduction and became the 19 kHz FORS Relic. I have my first production unit equipped with the round 5+" DD coil, and I snapped up an 'as-new' Relic from a fellow in Washington that I keep a 5½X10 Concentric coil mounted to. Since the CoRe and Relic models use the same system housing, joystick handle and rod system, I had my two FORS Relic models stripped down and powder coated an 'edge blue' color that closely matches the Relic device's side decal.

Both my FORS CoRe and Relic models draw quick attention when I'm using them due to their powder-coated coloring. They also have shown their worth by the results I am rewarded with when used afield. My 15 kHz CoRe models I prefer for general purpose applications, and the 19 kHz Relic units were a welcome entry in the upper-end VLF frequency range for some of the densely iron littered Relic Hunting needs, especially serving in sites with a lot of rusty tin as well as iron nails and an edge on lower-to-mid conductive targets in a ferrous debris field.

For me, and having had two F19's and a G2 for comparison in the 19 kHz frequency range, as well as an X-Terra 70 w/18.75 kHz coils for comparison, the FORS Relic units are perfect fits for me because they provide superior field performance, and are similar weight, balance and 'feel' as my FORS CoRe devices.

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dfmike
Previous to that I had a Fisher F44 and X-Terra 705 both of which I tried to like but couldn't for several reasons.

Tried the F44, but didn't care for the unit or the oddball shaped standard coil. The 705 I worked with, not too much different from the X-T 70 I had when first introduced, worked, but there's just something lacking in performance. Also they need a more controlled or governed sweep speed for best results.

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dfmike
I really hunt just about everywhere but the main places I hunt are fresh water beaches for jewelry and rural or semi rural places for old copper coins, tokens, silver coins or historically significant artifacts/relics. Some sites are lightly to semi polluted with iron and foil junk while others are literally covered with it and the good stuff sits underneath.

Like you I will gladly take on any site challenge anywhere I go, but I do spend more time Relic Hunting than I do Coin or Beach Hunting. Most places I plant myself in I seem to be surrounded by a lot of building rubble, brush, and an ample amount of ferrous-based debris.

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dfmike
I was not considering the Nokta's initially because I was taken aback by the small screen. The essential information is there though and I don't really think I need more. I've been so amazed by my Makro pointer since day one that I always wondered how it would be to swing one of their detectors.

Being an American and having so many great choices of detectors offered by American-based companies (note, I didn't say they were made in the USA), I haven't used a lot of foreign produced detectors. I have had a Minelab X-Terra 30, 50, 70, three Sovereigns, five or six FBS Explorer series units, an XP GoldMAXX, and have borrowed a couple of other detectors from non-USA makers, but I have never been all that thrilled with the weight, balance or performance for me and the types of hunting I mainly do. Usually I have been somewhat reluctant to want to acquire some of the foreign engineered detectors, especially an up-start outfit, but something was different about the new Nokta offerings coming out of Turkey.

Up until I got the 15 kHz FORS CoRe in hand as I already mentioned, the Teknetics T2, original or same-o 'Classic' named unit, had impressed me when using the small 5" DD coil for the iron littered sites where most of my relic Hunting takes me. I didn't/don't like the performance with the standard 11" BiAxial coil (Double-D) because I was let down by the poor lock-on to mid-depth and deeper targets compared with others makes and models I used. But I did enjoy working the smaller coil, and I like the general simplicity of the layout to access controls. I also like the balance and feel of the T2.

There was something inside just pushing my interest in the FORS CoRe after it was released that I sensed that this new 15 kHz model might be well engineered so as to offer adjustment functions and general performance somewhat similar to the T2, or F75, ...... but maybe better all-around. That is exactly what happened! I ended up with a very well engineered product, both internally and the packaging design, and the FORS series, the CoRe and Relic, and the 19 kHz Gold + I have that sparked my enthusiasm for a more featured unit for some Relic Hunting needs, are the best balanced and versatile TID models in their class.

And when I got the CoRe afield and started using the Makro Pointer against a couple of models I already had with my detecting gear from Garrett and White's, I once again had more gear items to thin from the herd. As I state in my signature, I only use the Makro and Nokta Pinpointers. Both the waterproof models have been serving me well, and I wanted another pinpointer to have on-hand as a 'loaner' for times when family or friends are using one of my detectors so last week I bought a handy Nokta RS (Right-Spot) Pinpointer. Like the other pointers and detector offerings, this is an exceptional device and value.

And as you noted, on the FORS series models, the large numeric TID in the handgrip is easy to see and is the main essential information we use, as well as the Coin Depth and GB read-out it provides, All we need without any excess or distracting display info.

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dfmike
The pricing scheme you mentioned is for the US. In Canada, the prices are different. The Relic is about $125 more than the Core and includes only one coil as far as I can see. The Impact isn't even sold here yet and when it comes out I gather it will be at least another $100 more than the Relic which would take it to a grand or more !

E-mail me and let me know where you are in Canada.

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dfmike
One more question for now if you may: I've never used a detector with a box under the arm rest. Is it possible to swing it without the arm strap despite the weight in the back ? I don't want to use any kind of strap. Also, when putting the detector down, doesn't the electronic box get damp ?

Yes, it can be used without an arm strap. That said, I prefer to use the arm straps. I never cinch them up tight and have to unhook them to set the detector down, however, because I just fasten them so they can reduce possible slop or floppy movement, and I easily slide my arm in and grab the hand-grip and easily slide my arm out for target recovery.

The control box can resist dampness from dew-covered grass, but for better protection from wetness, dirt, dust, mud, and bumps and scratches, I keep environmental covers on all of my units. All five FORS series models, my Makro Racer and Racer 2, and my production Impact. The only devices in my Regular-Use Detector Team that do not have weather covers are my 'Test Sample' Impact and my Tesoro models.

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dfmike
Didn't I see a small stand underneath the box in a Google photo ? It looked like it fit on both sides of the box and it allowed the box to be about 2 inches above ground at all times. The places I hunt are generally covered in dew until at least 9 or 10:00 AM.

The Impact Pro Pack comes with a really nice stand with folding legs. You can buy these separately. They also now offer the same stand, but with a rounded fitting piece instead of the triangular-shaped design for the Impact. These new stands were offered for use on the Makro Racer series but might work okay of other detectors with a similar diameter rod, and if the mounting bolt isn't in the way of the arm between the cup and grip.

As for the CoRe and Relic, the bottom of the control housing has 'feet' designed into the front and back housing end parts and that can keep the control housing off a hard or bare surface, and with the environmental covers there shouldn't be any concern. I know I don't have any.

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dfmike
Also, are there different versions of these machines ? When I startup the detector, do I get a software version displayed ? I ask this because if I decide to buy one I'd prefer to have a late model.

No. The FORS CoRe early version with rocker switches on the side to adjust the settings, then that was upgraded to membrane switches which I have on mine. The Relic series came only with membrane switches, and to my knowledge there haven't been any other changes to these two models, and I can't think of any change they might need.

All excellent products to consider, and remember to send me an e-mail for a separate discussion.

Monte

---

"Your EYES ... the only 100% accurate form of Discrimination!"
Stinkwater Wells
Trading Post
Metal Detector Evaluations and Product Reviews
'How-To' help for Coin & Jewelry Hunting, Relic Hunting and Useful Techniques.
'Regular-Use Detector Team' are models from: Nokta - Makro, Teknetics, Tesoro and White's
'Specialty-Use Detectors' are models from: Compass, Garrett and Teknetics
Pinpointers: Using Nokta - Makro and Uniprobe Pointers.
Headphones: Using Killer B's 'Hornet' and White's Pro Star and Detector Pro's Uniprobe ... All w/'tank style' ear cups.
Recovery Gear: Using White's DigMaster digging tool and Signature Series pouch.Note: Detectors are listed alphabetically by Brand. Models are chosen as desired based on search site conditions.
Some models are assigned for 'Regular-Use' and others are on-hand for 'Specialty Use.'
Additional search coils, mounted on spare lower-rods, are on-hand in my Accessory Coil Tote.

*** All working well today to make memories for tomorrow. ***
monte@stinkwaterwells.com .. or .. monte@ahrps.org
(503) 481-8147

Thanks Monte. That was a very detailed explanation and possibly the only one I will ever need. As much as I like my F19, I'm tempted to get the FORS Core. I don't think I'd ever sell the F19 but it could be a good complement when I want to hunt with the high tone for coins. The F19 has VCO only. This is fine for the beach were I recover everything above iron but in junk infested sites where I'm looking for silver, I'd like to have the options of at least 3 tones. I'll send you an email. Thanks again.

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Active detectors and accessories: Fisher F19 LTD on Mars universal shaft, F19 on original shaft, Nokta Fors CoRe, Whites MX7, Makro and Nokta pointers. Killer B's and Jolly Rogers headphones and assorted coils.
Previous detectors in order of acquisition: Bounty Hunter Discovery, Fisher F44, Fisher F5, Omega 8000 V6, Minelab X-Terra 705

Fors CoRe coming up !!!

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Active detectors and accessories: Fisher F19 LTD on Mars universal shaft, F19 on original shaft, Nokta Fors CoRe, Whites MX7, Makro and Nokta pointers. Killer B's and Jolly Rogers headphones and assorted coils.
Previous detectors in order of acquisition: Bounty Hunter Discovery, Fisher F44, Fisher F5, Omega 8000 V6, Minelab X-Terra 705

I say you should go with the Core