OWNER’S MANUAL

Your Pioneer 202 is an advanced technology metal detector which incorporates

patented microprocessor-controlled technology, designed for a variety of
applications including coinshooting, relic hunting, and general purpose detecting.
The Pioneer 202 is a motion detector; movement over an object is required in
order for the machine to detect the object and emit a tone. Alternatively, you can
sweep a metal object over a motionless searchcoil.
Before using your Pioneer 202, it is important to read these instructions. This
manual's description of detection concepts and types of metals is necessary to
avoid frustration if you are new to the hobby of metal detecting.

THIS METAL DETECTOR HAS TWO TYPES OF OPERATING MODES:

1. ALL METAL DETECTION
All metals will be detected.
2. DISCRIMINATE, NOTCH, and AUTO NOTCH modes
In any of these three detection modes, the detector will emit different
tones, depending upon the type of metal present. The characteristics are
adjustable. Depending on the detector control settings, some metals will
also be eliminated from detection.
DISCRIMINATE: Eliminates iron and trash items with the use of the
DISC/NOTCH knob.
NOTCH: Provides an adjustable rejection "window" to eliminate undesirable
metals from detection. Move the rejection "window" with the
DISC/NOTCH knob.
AUTO NOTCH: Provides a pre-set rejection "window", automatically
eliminating most pull-tabs and trash items from detection.
CAUTION:
• Do not test the detector by placing coins or metal objects on the floor.
Most floors contain metal, which will cause interference.
• Use 9-VOLT ALKALINE batteries only.

DO NOT USE INDOORS. LIGHTS AND HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES EMIT

ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS WHICH INTERFERE WITH THE DETECTOR’S OPERATION
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
TERMINOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Easy Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

INSTALLING BATTERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

DEMONSTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

BASIC OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Turning on Your Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Set the Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Reading the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Low Battery Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Depth Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

MODES OF OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 & 12

AUDIO TARGET ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Pinpointing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Coil Movement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 & 15

METAL DETECTING APPLICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

CARE & MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

TREASURE HUNTER’S CODE OF ETHICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

WARRANTY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BACK COVER

The BOUNTY HUNTER PIONEER series of metal detectors is not

associated or connected in any way with Pioneer Corporation or its
PIONEER brand audio and video products or other products.

2
 TERMINOLOGY
The following terms are used throughout the manual, and are standard
terminology among detectorists.
ELIMINATION
Reference to a metal being "eliminated" means that the detector will not emit a tone,
nor light up an LCD indicator, when a specified object passes through the coil’s
detection field.
DISCRIMINATION
When the detector emits different tones for different types of metals, and when the
detector "eliminates" certain metals, we refer to this as the detector "discriminating"
among different types of metals. Discrimination is a fixed-start-point elimination system.
NOTCH
Notching is the elimination of an item, or range of items, within the metallic spectrum.
We "notch-out" an object selectively. Objects to the left and right on the metallic
spectrum are retained. Notching creates a variable rejection window.
RELIC
A relic is an object of interest by reason of its age or its association with the past.
Many relics are made of iron, but can also be made of bronze or precious metals.
IRON
Iron is a common, low-grade metal that is often an undesirable target in certain metal
detecting applications. Examples of undesirable iron objects are old cans, pipes,
bolts, and nails. Sometimes, the desired target is made of iron. Property
markers, for instance, can contain iron. Valuable relics can also be composed of
iron; cannon balls, old armaments, and parts of old structures and vehicles can
also be composed of iron.
FERROUS
Metals which are made of, or contain, iron.
PINPOINTING
Pinpointing is the process of finding the exact location of a buried object. Long-buried
metals can appear exactly like the surrounding earth, and can therefore be very hard
to isolate.
PULL-TABS
Discarded pull-tabs from beverage containers are the most bothersome trash items
for treasure hunters. They come in many different shapes and sizes. We have
incorporated special features into the detector to let you automatically eliminate the
most common types, using the AutoNotch Mode. Since there are many different
types, some must be "Notched-Out" manually.
GROUND BALANCE
Ground Balancing is the ability of the detector to ignore, or "see through," the earth’s
naturally occurring minerals, and only sound a tone when a metal object is detected.
WATERPROOF
The search coil can be submerged in water. The control housing and cable-to-housing
connection must, however, stay dry.
COINSHOOTING
Finding buried coins is the most popular metal detecting application. The most valuable
are very old; take care in unearthing them to avoid damage.
CACHE HUNTING
Pronounced “cash”. A cache is a buried or hidden valuable stored inside a case, strong
box, or bag.
3
 ASSEMBLY
Nut
Adjusting the Arm Rest
The arm rest may be moved
forward or backwards by
removing the single screw and Armrest

nut, and then repositioning the

2-piece arm rest. Users with
shorter arms may find the arm
rest more comfortable in the
forward position. In order to Screw
move the arm rest backwards,
Hand-grip
the plastic plug must be
removed from the aluminum
S-Rod
tube.

Arm Rest Strap (not included)

Some users prefer to use a strap
when swinging the detector
vigorously, in order to hold the
Locking
detector secure against the arm. Collar

The strap may be purchased as

an optional accessory. Cable
Plug

Search
Coil
Cable
Optional Arm Strap

Knurled
The detector can also be used Knob

without the strap with no

compromise to detector balance
and stability under most
conditions.
Search Coil

4
 ASSEMBLY

Assembly is easy and requires no tools.

●
1 Position detector upright.
LOCKING
●
2 Rotate the LOCKING COLLAR
INTERNAL
COLLAR fully in a counter CAM LOCK
clockwise direction.
SILVER BUTTON
●
3 Insert your finger inside the MIDDLE
STEM
tube and make sure the
INTERNAL CAM LOCK is S-ROD
flush with the inside of the
MIDDLE STEM
tube. S-ROD

●
4 Insert the LOWER STEM into
the S-ROD.
●
5 Rotate the LOWER STEM until the SILVER BUTTON locates in the hole.
●
6 Twist the LOCKING COLLAR fully in the clockwise direction until it locks.
●
7 If your detector has 3 tubes and 2 locking collars, repeat this process
on the Middle Stem.
●
8 Position the Lower Stem (the straight tube) with the Silver Button
toward the back. Using the Bolt and Knurled Knob, attach the
Searchcoil to the plastic extension protruding from the Lower Stem.
●
9 Press the button on the upper end of the Lower Stem, and slide the
Lower Stem into the S-Rod.
Adjust the Stem to a length that lets
you maintain a comfortable upright Connector
posture, with your arm relaxed at on back of
unit Body
your side, and the Searchcoil parallel
to the ground in front of you. Connector
Plug
●0 Wind the Cable securely around the
1
Stem.
●
11 Insert the Plug into the matching
Connector on the right underside of
the Detector Body. Be sure that the
key-way and pins line up correctly.
Caution: Do not force the plug in. Excess
Detector
force will cause damage. Body
To disconnect the cable, pull on
the plug.
S-Rod
Do not pull on the cable.
5
 BATTERIES
IMPORTANT: Always use ALKALINE batteries only.
Do not use heavy duty batteries.
Always remove the batteries for prolonged storage.
CHECK THE BATTERIES if your detector exhibits any of the following
symptoms:
●
1 The unit does not turn on.
●
2 Low speaker volume.
●
3 Unit beeps continuously or erratically.
The Low Battery indicator light will come on and stay on whenever the
batteries need replacing. It should flash momentarily when the Power
Switch is turned off. The flashing indicator tells you that your batteries are
in good condition.

IMPORTANT: Your Pioneer 202 metal detector requires two 9-Volt

ALKALINE batteries.
Follow these steps to install the batteries.
●
1 Carefully remove the battery compartment door by pressing the release
clip on the right side of the door.
●
2 Snap one battery onto each of the terminals and place the batteries in-
side the com-
partment.
Insert booth of
the batteries
with terminals
facing inward.
●
3 Replace the
compartment
door by carefully
inserting oppo-
site side of clip
first. Then press
down on clip
side until battery Both Batteries
terminals
door snaps into facing in
place. Release
Clip
6
 PIONEER 202 DEMONSTRATION
Here is a quick way to demonstrate the basic features of your PIONEER 202.
I. Supplies Needed
• A quarter (25¢) • A penny (1¢) • A dime (10¢)
• A nickel (5¢) • Small piece of aluminum foil • A nail
II. Position your Pioneer 202
• Place the detector on a table, with the searchcoil hanging over the edge.
• Be sure that the searchcoil is far away from walls or metal objects.
Keep the searchcoil away from any metal in the table.
• Turn off appliances or lights which cause electromagnetic interference
III. Beginning Switch Settings
• Right Knob (DISC/NOTCH) —
100% counterclockwise to low
• Left Knob (SENSITIVITY) —
click on and set to 3:00 (3/4 turn)
• Do not press any touchpads
IV. All Metal Detection
A. Wave all objects under the searchcoil
• NOTICE THE TONES

V. Discriminate Mode
A. Turn the right knob (DISC/NOTCH) slowly to the right past the "DISC"
indication.
B. Wave all objects under the searchcoil at different "DISC" settings.
• NOTICE THE DIFFERENT TONES
• NOTICE THE METALS ELIMINATED

VI. Notch Mode

A. Press the NOTCH touchpad
B. Right knob (DISC/NOTCH) 100% counterclockwise to low
C. Wave all objects under the searchcoil while
slowly turning the right knob clockwise.
• NOTICE THE DIFFERENT TONES
• NOTICE THE METALS ELIMINATED

VII. Auto Notch Mode

A. Press the AUTO NOTCH touchpad
B. Right knob (DISC/NOTCH) 100% counterclockwise to low
C. Wave all objects under the searchcoil while
slowly turning the right knob clockwise.
• NOTICE THE DIFFERENT TONES
• NOTICE THE METALS ELIMINATED
7
 BASIC OPERATION
TURNING ON YOUR DETECTOR
Turn the left knob (SENSITIVITY) to the right. As the knob clicks to the "On"
position, the detector sounds three beeps, the LCD arrows appear
momentarily, and the unit pre-sets to the DISC/ALL METAL mode of operation.

SET THE MODE

1. ALL METAL
A. Press the DISC/ALL METAL touchpad
B. Turn the right knob (DISC/NOTCH) to the left.

The unit will emit sound when passing over all types of metal objects.
The ALL METAL mode offers the greatest depth detection capability.

2. DISCRIMINATE
A. Press the DISC/ALL METAL touchpad
B. Slowly turn the right knob (DISC/NOTCH) clockwise.

As you turn the knob clockwise the detector will first eliminate small
iron objects such as nails. When rotated clockwise, large iron objects are
eliminated, followed by trash items such as foil and aluminum.

3. NOTCH
Press the NOTCH touchpad, and the detector will automatically reject iron.
Turn the DISC/NOTCH knob clockwise for selective elimination of various
junk items while still detecting nickels, silver and copper coins, and small
gold items. NOTCH eliminates medium tone trash items while still
detecting valuable low and high tone metals. (audio tone ID is discussed
later).

4. AUTO NOTCH
Press the AUTO NOTCH touchpad, and the detector will automatically
reject iron and most pull-tabs. Nickels and most small gold rings will be
retained. The DISC/NOTCH knob creates a rejection "window" which
can be moved as it is turned clockwise. With this mode, you can reject
screw caps and zinc (post 1982) pennies as the DISC/NOTCH control is
turned clockwise, but still detect valuables with low and high tones.

Note: If you are not sure of your current mode setting, simply press the desired
touch-pad again.

8
 LCD TARGET DISPLAY
READING THE DISPLAY IRON/FOIL: All sizes of iron and
The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) shows aluminum objects will register on the
the PROBABLE identification of the far-left side of the scale. This could
targeted metal, as well as the PROBABLE indicate a worthless item such as a nail,
depth of the target, in inches. or a more valuable historic iron relic.

Pass the searchcoil repeatedly over a PULL TAB: All older pull tabs from
target, and observe the target readout. beverage cans will register here. Most
The detector will register a repeated, newer pull tabs will register here. Many
unchanging target identification when a gold rings will also register here.
buried target has been located and
identified. If, upon repeated passes over S-CAPS: Older screw caps from glass
the same spot, the target identification bottles will register here. Large gold
reads inconsistently, the target is probably rings, like a class ring, could also register
a trash item, or oxidized metal. With here. Some non-U.S. coins of recent
practice, you will learn to unearth only the vintage will also register here.
repeatable signals.
1¢ ZINC: Newer pennies (post-1982)
The segment identifications are highly will register here. Many non-U.S. coins
accurate, when detecting the objects of recent vintage will also register here.
described on the label. For example, if
you pass the coil repeatedly over a nickel, 10¢: Dimes and pre-1982 pennies will
your detector will repeatedly register a register here. Older, pre-1982, pennies
nickel. However, if you repeatedly register are composed of copper, which has a
a nickel, for an unknown buried object, metallic signature similar to a dime.
you could be detecting some other
metallic object with the same magnetic Caution: The target indications are
signature as a nickel. visual references. Many other types of
metal can fall under any one of these
GOLD TARGETS Gold objects will categories. You will experience a
register on the left side of the LCD scale. trash-to-treasure ratio when treasure
Gold flakes will register under Iron/Foil hunting. The more you practice, the
Small gold items will register under Pull lower you will push your trash-to-
Tab. treasure ratio. While the Pioneer 202
Medium-sized gold items will register will eliminate or indicate the presence
under S-caps. of most common trash items, it is
Large gold items will register as Zinc 1¢. impossible to accurately classify ALL
buried objects. The LCD provides a
SILVER TARGETS: Silver objects will visual reference to minimize the
register to the right of the scale, under detection of trash objects. By using the
25¢, 50¢, or $1, depending on the size target ID in conjunction with
of the object. The larger the object, the discrimination control and the three-
farther to the right it will register. tone audio identification system
(discussed later), you can further
reduce the trash-to-treasure ratio.
9
 BATTERY & DEPTH INDICATORS
The LOW BATT indicator will flash as display. Repeated indication at the
the unit is powered on. If the indicator same depth level indicates an accurate
comes on and stays on, replace the target detector. If the depth indication
batteries. varies with each sweep, try sweeping
at different angles; there may be more
than one target present. With practice,
you will learn the difference between
accurate readings, multiple targets,
and highly erratic readings which
DEPTH INDICATOR: evidence trash or irregularly shaped
The Depth Indicator is accurate for objects.
coin-sized objects. It indicates the
depth of the target, in inches. Large
and irregularly-shaped objects will
yield less reliable depth readings

When passing over an object, the

depth indicator will light up and stay
illuminated until another object is
scanned. Pass repeatedly over the
suspected target and pause briefly at
the end of each sweep to read your Depth indicator locked on 8 inches

SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT
The principle use for the SENSITIVITY SENSITIVITY knob in the 100%
knob is to eliminate clockwise position, reduce the
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE sensitivity until the chatter stops
(EMI). EMI is both naturally-occurring (usually to the 1:00 or 3:00 position).
and man-made. Common sources of
EMI are power lines, both suspended If you suspect the presence of deeper
and buried, and broadcasting targets underneath a shallower target,
antennas. Machinery, when in reduce the SENSITIVITY to eliminate
operation, can also produce EMI. the detection of the deeper target to
properly locate and identify the
EMI comes from most household shallower target
appliances, so YOUR DETECTOR CAN
BEHAVE VERY ERRATICALLY
INDOORS. If you want to test it indoors,
turn off the TV and microwave. If you
have lights with dimmer switches, also
turn these off; dimmer switches can
produce lots of EMI.

If your detector chatters with the

10
 MODES OF OPERATION
tones, depending on the type of
metal detected.
As you turn the Disc Knob
clockwise, you will progressively
“discriminate out,” or eliminate
from detection, different types of
metals.
ALL METAL TOUCHPAD Refer to the illustration below as a
reference for the levels required to
ALL METAL MODE: discriminate out different objects.
There are two ways to enter the
ALL-METAL mode.
1) Turn the right knob (Disc/Notch) left
to the furthest counterclockwise
position. Then Press the Disc/All
Metal touch pad.
or
2) Turn the right knob (Disc/Notch) left
to the furthest counterclockwise
position. Then turn the detector on.
(The detector always defaults to
the Disc/All Metal mode when first
powered on).
The DISCRIMINATION mode is a
fixed-start-point system. As you turn
the knob to the right, more objects are
progressively eliminated, including the
items to the left. Use
DISCRIMINATION for coin-shooting

DISC TOUCHPAD

DISCRIMINATION MODE:
NOTCH TOUCHPAD
To enter DISCRIMINATION mode,
1) Press the Disc/All Metal touch pad, and detecting in trashy areas.
and
2) Turn the Disc/Notch control knob NOTCH MODE:
clockwise past the “Disc” To enter NOTCH mode, press the
indication. Notch touch pad.
In the DISCRIMINATION mode, the In NOTCH mode, iron is automatically
detector will emit three distinct eliminated.
11
 MODES OF OPERATION

NOTCH then gives the user a variable customized hunt.

rejection window. In this mode, you
can eliminate items in the middle of
the metallic spectrum, but still detect
items to the left of the scale, as
follows:
SELECTIVELY “NOTCH OUT” THESE AUTO NOTCH TOUCHPAD
AUTO NOTCH MODE
IRON

SCAP
PTAB

ZINC
10¢
25¢
50¢
5¢

1¢ To enter the AUTO NOTCH mode,

press the Auto Notch touch pad. In
NOTCH is most useful to “notch out” AUTO NOTCH mode, iron, most pull
specific unwanted items. If you tabs, and screw caps are
encounter certain bothersome trash automatically eliminated.
items, program their rejection into In addition, you can turn the Disc/Notch
your detector as follows: control to selectively eliminate more
1) Turn the Disc/Notch knob 100% items beyond the pre-programmed
counterclockwise. ones. The Disc/Notch control operates
2) Pass the undesirable object under in this mode in the same manner as
the searchcoil. outlined in the NOTCH mode
3) Turn the Disc/Notch knob slowly instructions, except that AUTO NOTCH
clockwise until the object is no does not eliminate the more valuable
longer detected. nickels.
Use AUTO NOTCH for press-and-go
Use the NOTCH mode for coin-shooting, treasure hunting in applications like
jewelry hunting, or for your own coin-shooting, and jewelry hunting.

USING HEADPHONES
Using headphones (not included) improves battery life, and prevents the
sounds from annoying bystanders.
It also allows you to hear subtle changes in the sound more clearly,
particularly if searching in a noisy location. For safety reasons, do not use
headphones near traffic or where other dangers are present. This device is
to be used with interconnecting cables/headphone cables shorter than three
meters.

12
 AUDIO TARGET ID
Depending on the operating mode PULL TABS:
and Disc/Notch control setting, the Pull tabs are the most bothersome
Pioneer 202 emits three distinct tones trash items for detectorist. Most will
which classify metal objects into induce a medium tone. Most will be
categories. eliminated automatically in the AUTO
NOTCH mode, or alternatively be
IRON & STEEL: manually “notched out” in NOTCH
In the DISCRIMINATION mode most mode with the Disc/Notch control. The
iron and steel objects will induce a low older pull tabs (those not attached to
tone. Highly oxidized iron can induce a the can after opening) are sometimes
high tone, depending on the broken in half; these broken tabs can
Disc/Notch control setting. For induce low tones. Highly oxidized pull
instance, some rusted bottle caps will tabs can also induce high tones.
induce a high tone and indicate to the
It can be very difficult to differentiate
right of the LCD target display.
pull tabs from gold rings. When they
both induce medium tones, you might
GOLD: notice a “double beep” from a gold
Gold objects will induce a low or ring but a “single beep” from pull tabs.
medium tone, depending on their To achieve this distinction, sweep the
sizes. Very small gold objects will searchcoil very slowly, and at different
indicate on the left-most segment. angles. Two tones might signal as the
Large gold objects will read under the detector passes over each side of the
Zinc segment. If you are gold round ring.
prospecting, you will usually be
looking for natural gold in an area
which it does not contain much trash,
COPPER, SILVER & BRASS:
Most valuable coins are composed of
and can therefore ignore the specific
these metals and will usually induce a
segment descriptions.
high tone. Valuable objects other than
coinage can also be composed of
copper, silver and brass.

LOW TONE MEDIUM TONE HIGH TONE

Nails & Bottle Caps, Old & New Pull Tabs, Zinc Copper, Silver & Brass
Gold & Nickel Pennies (Post 1982) Copper Pennies (Pre 1982)

Audio Target Identification (ATI) classifies metals into three categories.

13
 IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES
PINPOINTING COIL MOVEMENT
Accurate pinpointing takes practice When swinging the coil, be
and is best accomplished by careful to keep it level with the
“X-ing” the target area. ground about one inch from the
surface. Never swing the coil like
1. Once a buried target is indicated a pendulum.
by a good tone response,
continue sweeping the coil over
the target in a narrowing WRONG
side-to-side pattern.
2. Take visual note of the place on
the ground where the “beep”
sounds.
3. Stop the coil directly over this
spot on the ground.
4. Now move the coil straight CORRECT
forward and straight back
towards you a couple of times.
5. Again make visual note of the
spot on the ground at which
the “beep” sounds.
6. If needed, “X” the target at
different angles to “zero in” on
the exact spot on the ground at
which the “beep” sounds.
The
coil
should
be swung
in a
half-
circle
movement
as
illustrated
here.
Repeat this
motion
every step
you take to
guarantee that
When pinpointing a target, try drawing an “X”, the area is being
as illustrated, over where the tone is induced. covered thoroughly.
14
 IN THE FIELD TECHNIQUES

After selecting your operating mode, objects. These signals are easily
swing the searchcoil gently side-to- recognized by their often broken or
side, slightly overlapping each sweep non-repeatable nature.
as you move forward. Make sure you
The Pioneer 202 is a very sensitive
keep your searchcoil approximately 1
and deep-seeking detector. It will
inch above the ground as you search.
respond loudly to many targets that
Raising it in the sweep, or at the ends
other detectors would only detect
of your sweep, will cause false read-
with a weak signal. Because of
ings. Move slowly; hurrying will only
this, trash-induced signals and
cause you to miss targets.
other sources of interference may
Most good objects will respond cause signals that seem confusing.
with a good repeatable signal. The key to managing these false
If a signal does not signals is to dig only those targets
repeat after swinging that emit a strong repeatable signal.
the coil directly over As you sweep the searchcoil back
the suspected target a and forth over the ground, learn
few times, it is more to recognize the difference be-
than likely trash tween the signals that occur at
metal. False signals random and signals that are
can be caused by stable and repeatable.
trashy ground,
electrical When searching very trashy
interference, ground, it is best to scan small
or by large areas with slow, short overlapping
irregular sweeps. To prevent erratic signals
trash and difficult pinpointing in trashy
areas, consider purchasing the
Bounty Hunter 4-Inch Gold
Nugget Coil System.

WHAT …MAY
READS ACTUALLY
LIKE THIS BE THIS

15
 METAL DETECTING APPLICATIONS
COINSHOOTING:
The most popular metal detecting application. When coinshooting, you
want to discriminate out pull tabs, screw caps, and iron objects. Beware
that highly oxidized steel may also be detected.
Control settings required.
1) Press DISC/ALL METAL touch pad.
2) Turn the Disc/Notch Knob to the 3:00 position.

RELIC HUNTING:
A relic is a historical object, sometimes of great value. Relics can be found
in abandoned homes, plowed fields or even your own backyard. Research
the local library to learn of historical events or places in the area. You can
then target your search to a specific area and gain valuable insight into your
local history.
Control settings required.
1) Press DISC/ALL METAL touchpad.
2) Turn the DISC/NOTCH knob 100% counterclockwise.
Many relics are iron, so you do not want to discriminate.
CACHE HUNTING:
A cache, pronounced “cash” is a buried or hidden valuable stored inside a
case, strong box, or bag. A cache can be hidden in the floor or walls of a
house, or buried nearby. Operate in the ALL METAL mode.
Control settings required.
1) Press DISC/ALL METAL touchpad.
2) Turn the DISC/NOTCH knob 100% counterclockwise.
JEWELRY HUNTING:
Jewelry can be found wherever people congregate. Beaches, parks, school
yards and fair grounds are all littered with lost jewelry. Your greatest
challenge is the interference from pull tabs and cans. You must use a
discrimination mode: AUTO NOTCH is best.
Control settings required.
1) Press the AUTO NOTCH touchpad.
2) Set Disc/Notch knob at 2:00. Dig only the repeatable low and high
tones, avoid the broken or non-repeatable tones.
OTHER APPLICATIONS:
Use your Pioneer 202 to find property markers, machine parts, and lost
keys. Keep your detector in ALL-METAL mode for these tasks.
Gold prospecting also requires the ALL-METAL mode.
16
TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
SYMPTOM CAUSE SOLUTION

Detector chatters • Using detector • Use detector

or beeps erratically indoors outdoors only
• Using detector near • Move away
power lines from power lines
• Using 2 detectors in • Keep 2 detectors
close proximity at least 30’ apart
• Highly oxidized • Only dig up
buried object repeatable
signals
• Environmental • Reduce sensitivity
electromagnetic until erratic
interference signals cease

Constant low tone • Discharged batteries • Replace batteries

or constant repeating • Wrong type of • Use only 9V
tones batteries alkaline batteries

LCD does not lock • Multiple targets • Move coil slowly

on to one target ID present at different angles
or detector emits • Highly oxidized
multiple tones target
• Sensitivity set • Reduce sensitivity
too high

No power, no • Dead batteries • Replace batteries

sounds • Poor battery • Check connections
contact
• Cord not connected
securely
• Not moving • Sweep searchcoil
Searchcoil from side-to-side

17
 CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your Pioneer 202 Metal Detector is an example of superior design and
craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for your
metal detector so you can enjoy it for years to come.

Handle the metal detector carefully. Dropping it can

damage circuit boards and cases.

Use and store the metal detector in normal temperature

environments. Temperature extremes can shorten the
life of electronic devices and distort or melt plastic parts.

Wipe the metal detector with a damp cloth occasionally

to keep it looking new. Do not use harsh chemicals,
cleaning solvents, or strong detergents to clean the
metal detector.

The coil is waterproof and may be submerged in either fresh or saltwater.

Be careful to prevent water from entering the chassis. After using the coil
in saltwater, rinse it with fresh water to prevent corrosion of the metal
parts.

Modifying or tampering with the detector’s internal components can

cause a malfunction and will invalidate your detector’s warranty.
 TREASURE HUNTER’S CODE OF ETHICS:
• Always check Federal, State, County and local laws before searching.
• Respect private property and do not enter private property without the owner’s
permission.
• Take care to refill all holes and leave no damage.
• Remove and dispose of any and all trash and litter found.
• Appreciate and protect our inheritance of natural resources, wildlife and private
property.
• Act as an ambassador for the hobby, use thoughtfulness, consideration and
courtesy at all times.
• Never destroy historical or archaeological treasures.
• All treasure hunters may be judged by the example you set; always conduct yourself
with courtesy and consideration of others

FIRST TEXAS PRODUCTS, LLC

5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Bounty Hunter Metal Detectors are warranted against defects in

workmanship or materials under normal use for five years from
date of purchase to the original user. Liability in all events is
limited to the purchase price paid. Liability under this Warranty is
limited to replacing or repairing, at our option, any Bounty Hunter
Detector returned, shipping cost prepaid, to First Texas Products,
LLC. Damage due to neglect, accidental damage or misuse of this
product is not covered by this warranty.
Proof of purchase is required to make a claim under this warranty.
NOTE TO CUSTOMERS OUTSIDE THE U.S.A.
This warranty may vary in other countries, check with your distributor for details.
Factory warranty follows the channel of distribution.
Warranty does not cover shipping costs
According to FCC part 15.21 Changes or Modifications made to this device not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate this equipment.

Copyright ©2012 by First Texas Products, L.L.C.

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or parts thereof, in any form, except for the
inclusion of brief quotations in a review.
Published by First Texas Products, L.L.C.
Bounty Hunter® is a registered trademark of First Texas Products, L.L.C.
The BOUNTY HUNTER PIONEER series of metal detectors is not associated or connected in any way with
Pioneer Corporation or its PIONEER brand audio and video products or other products.

www.detecting.com
First Texas Products, LLC
1465-H Henry Brennan
El Paso, TX 79936
(915) 633-8354

19
ACCESSORIES
Carry Bag
Rugged double-stitched construction - CBAG-W
Pouch & Digger Combo
Pouch with 2 large pockets & 9” heavy duty digging tool. TP-KIT-W
Bounty Hunter Stereo Headphones
Use with Bounty Hunter metal detectors. Lightweight and adjustable with
true stereo sound, adjustable volume, 1/8 jack with 1/4 adaptor,
4’ cable. HEAD-W
Pin Pointer
Pinpoints the exact location of buried metal objects. Audio signal indicator
and vibrator. Runs on 1 – 9-Volt Battery. PIN POINTER-W
Sand Scoop
Large scoop with filtering holes. Made of strong plastic. SAND SCOOPBH
Replacement/Accessory Search Coils
10” Magnum Coil – 10COIL
8” Replacement Standard Coil – 8COIL-N
4” Gold Nugget Coil – 4COIL
Coil Covers
Protect your coil from abrasion and damage.
10” Coil Cover – 10COVER
8” Coil Cover – 8COVER-N
4” Coil Cover – 4COVER
9” Heavy-Duty Digging Tool
Metal blade with comfortable plastic handle and depth gauge TROWEL-2
Digging Tool
Light and practical wide blade digging tool. TROWEL-W
Bounty Hunter T-Shirt
100% cotton with Bounty Hunter® Logo. Sizes – LG, XL & XXL
Bounty Hunter Baseball Cap
One size fits all, with Bounty Hunter® logo.

Gold
Prospecting Kits

FOR COMPLETE DETAILS VISIT WWW.DETECTING.COM • 1-800-413-4131

M202B Rev.2 092712