GP-pointer

[scrungy_doolittle]

Just got a GP-pointer off ebay for 15.00 Seems to have about 1 - 1 1/2 inch rage on a penny. The main problem is that the LED is always on, and flickers with the clicking.
The clicking is slow compared to the garret clicking. Haven't pulled it apart to see how it is made yet, but it seems much better than my old harbor freight pinpointer.
I think I am going to open the thing up, and put a toggle switch on the LED so that it can be enabled or disabled. the pointer buzzes as well as beeps.
ticking runs from about 2 hz to maybe 500 hz or so.

[dbanner]

Please take it apart so we can reverse engineer the little clever device.
I'll bet it's going to be based on a microprocessor. Still for only 15.00 should be easy to tinker with, to get a better performance.
The performance you described sounds pretty descent.

[dbanner]

What about the hardware, is the thing rugged and tough?

[scrungy_doolittle]

Yes, it appears to be well constructed. Ebay item 372706355344
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Waterproof-Pinpointer-Pin-GP-Pointer-Probe-Metal-Detector-Auto-Tuning-Holster/372706355344?epid=17030137748&hash=item56c707a890: g:Ar8AAOSw0Ptc~6Gi this one is the same as what
I bought, but less than 10.00
Think I'll buy one just to tear apart given the price on this one, but... grab one, they are well worth the 10
-15 pricetag. Here is the description

Specifications:
Product name: Handheld Metal Detector Waterproof Battery Powered Pinpointer Pro Pointer
Battery: 9V (not included)
Operating frequency: 12KHz
Tuning: Auto
Waterproof and dustproof grade: IP66
Indicator: proportional audio/ vibration pulse rate
Control: power switch
Side scanning area: 360 degrees
Operating temperature: -37~ 70℃
Size: 230 X 40 X 45mm/9.06 X 1.57 X 1.77" (Length X Width X Depth)
Main product weight: about 157g

[chemelec]

How Small of a Nugget will it Detect?
And at what Distance?

[scrungy_doolittle]

can't help you on the nugget, bit it will get a penny at about 1 - 1 1/2 inches

[kosacid]

had to replace the switch on mine and a transistor and questions just ask

[kosacid]

http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/opa2227.pdf

[scrungy_doolittle]

thanks. I'm betting on a 20 pin PIC for the mcu...