Bounty Hunter PIONEER 202 User manual

ACCESSORIES
FOR COMPLETE DETAILS VISIT WWW.DETECTING.COM • 1-800-413-4131
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
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
M202B Rev.2 092712

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
1465-H Henry Brennan
El Paso, TX 79936
[phone]
FIRST TEXAS PRODUCTS, LLC
5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
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
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.
192
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.

3
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.
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.

417
TROUBLESHOOTING
ASSEMBLY
Adjusting the Arm Rest
The arm rest may be moved
forward or backwards by
removing the single screw and
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
move the arm rest backwards,
the plastic plug must be
removed from the aluminum
tube.
Arm Rest Strap (not included)
Some users prefer to use a strap
when swinging the detector
vigorously, in order to hold the
detector secure against the arm.
The strap may be purchased as
an optional accessory.
The detector can also be used
without the strap with no
compromise to detector balance
and stability under most
conditions.
Knurled
Knob
Nut
Screw
Locking
Collar
Cable
Plug
Hand-grip
S-Rod
Armrest
Search
Coil
Cable
Search Coil
Optional Arm Strap
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

5
16
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.
ASSEMBLY
Assembly is easy and requires no tools.
●
1Position detector upright.
●
2Rotate the LOCKING
COLLAR fully in a counter
clockwise direction.
●
3Insert your finger inside the
tube and make sure the
INTERNAL CAM LOCK is
flush with the inside of the
tube.
●
4Insert the LOWER STEM into
the S-ROD.
●
5Rotate the LOWER STEM until the SILVER BUTTON locates in the hole.
●
6Twist the LOCKING COLLAR fully in the clockwise direction until it locks.
●
7If your detector has 3 tubes and 2 locking collars, repeat this process
on the Middle Stem.
●
8Position 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.
●
9Press 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
posture, with your arm relaxed at
your side, and the Searchcoil parallel
to the ground in front of you.
●
10 Wind the Cable securely around the
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
force will cause damage.
To disconnect the cable, pull on
the plug.
Do not pull on the cable.
S-Rod
Connector Plug
Detector
Body
S-ROD
LOCKING
COLLAR
INTERNAL
CAM LOCK
SILVER BUTTON
MIDDLE
STEM
S-ROD MIDDLE STEM
Connector
on back of
unit Body