Nokta Simplex Settings & Depth
The best Nokta Simplex settings start with the preset modes - Park and Field are designed to work without manual ground balancing on most soils, so new users can detect straight out of the box. Depth is shown by an arrow indicator rather than a precise number, so treat it as a guide. Below are mode-by-mode tips for discrimination, target ID, beach and gold hunting.
Search modes and when to use them
The Simplex offers a small set of purpose-built modes. Use them as your starting point and fine-tune from there:
- Park - the default all-purpose mode for coins and jewelry in parks and lawns.
- Field - tuned for open farmland and relic hunting with iron-heavy ground.
- Beach - adjusts for the extra minerals in wet and salt sand.
- All Metal - maximum sensitivity with minimal filtering for raw depth.
Park and Field are designed to run without manual ground balancing on most terrains, which is a big reason beginners get finds quickly.
Discrimination and target ID
Discrimination lets you ignore unwanted targets like iron trash. Start conservative so you do not mask good targets, then raise it only where trash is heavy. The Simplex gives a two-digit target ID and tones to help you judge a target before digging, but as owners note, learning the sounds matters as much as watching the number.
The on-screen depth is shown with arrows, and accuracy has historically been hit or miss. Nokta addressed the target-ID depth behavior in firmware update V2.76, so running the latest firmware directly improves how the depth and ID perform. Treat the arrows as a rough guide, not a precise readout.
Beach, gold and underwater tips
On the beach, switch to Beach mode to counter salt-sand minerals, lower sensitivity if you get chatter, and raise iron discrimination modestly. For small gold and fine jewelry, lower discrimination and listen for faint repeatable tones rather than relying on the ID. The waterproof body lets you work the water line and shallows; the LCD backlight, keypad backlight and built-in LED flashlight help in low light and underwater.
If you change coils, note that coil size affects depth and separation - a larger coil covers ground and reaches deeper, a smaller one improves separation in trash. See coils and shafts for options, and the manual for the full menu reference.
What owners say
Here is what detectorists say about this on public forums:
The Simplex uses arrows as depth indicators. Accuracy is hit or miss. Nokta addressed the ID depth issue in software update V2.76. ID depth has ... metaldetectingforum.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Nokta Simplex settings for a beginner?
Start in Park mode with default discrimination and moderate sensitivity. Park and Field are built to work without manual ground balancing on most soils, so you can hunt effectively while you learn the tones and target IDs.
How deep does the Nokta Simplex go?
Depth depends on target size, soil and coil, and the Simplex shows depth with an arrow indicator rather than an exact number. Running the latest firmware improves depth and target-ID behavior - Nokta fixed ID-depth issues starting with update V2.76.
What settings should I use at the beach?
Use Beach mode to handle salt-sand minerals, lower sensitivity if you hear chatter, and raise iron discrimination a little. The fully waterproof body means you can safely work the water line and shallows.
Ready to check the latest price?
Check Price on Amazon