In this review, we will explore the features and performance of the Teknetics Alpha 2000 metal detector. This device is designed for both novice and experienced treasure hunters, making it a versatile choice for various detecting needs.
Contents
The backstory
First Texas Products has been the parent company of the Teknetics brand since 1989. In addition to Teknetics, this holding company also owns other well-known metal detector manufacturers, including Fisher and Bounty Hunter.
Teknetics offers several product lines of metal detectors, each designed with distinct functionalities to meet various user needs. The diversity in these product lines results in a wide range of prices, making it easier for both beginners and experienced detectorists to find a model that fits their budget and specific requirements. For instance, the Teknetics Delta series focuses on user-friendly detectors, while the Omega series caters to those seeking advanced features for more serious detecting adventures.
Teknetics Alpha 2000 metal detector was announced on the marked at the end of 2008 together with Teknetics Delta 4000, Teknetics Gamma 6000 and Teknetics Omega 8500 models.
What the device was designed for?
The Teknetics Alpha 2000 is designed specifically for beginner metal detectorists, featuring a user-friendly interface and an operating frequency of 7.8 kHz. Proudly assembled in the USA, this device stands apart from many competitors manufactured overseas.
The Alpha 2000 embodies the principle of “turn it on and go treasure hunting.” Its high performance, combined with straightforward settings, makes it an excellent choice for newcomers. With just a simple power-up, users can begin exploring their surroundings and uncovering hidden treasures like coins, jewelry, or historical artifacts. This ease of use allows beginners to focus on enjoying their hobby without getting bogged down by complex settings or advanced features. The Teknetics Alpha 2000 truly simplifies the treasure-hunting experience, making it accessible and enjoyable for all.
| Model | Teknetics Alpha 2000 |
| Weight | 2.3 lbs |
| Length (Adjustable) | 43” – 53” |
| Batteries | 9-Volt Alkaline (not included) |
| Headphones | No |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Operating Principle | VLF |
| Standard Searchcoil | 8” Concentric |
| Operating Frequencies (kHz) | 7.69 |
| Water resistance | Waterproof coil |
| Submersion Depth | No |
| Discrimination | Yes |
| Ground Balance | Preset |
| Search Modes | 1 |
| Audio Threshold | No |
| Sensitivity/Depth Adjustments | Yes |
| Electronic Pinpointing | No |
| VDI (0 to 99 scale) | No |
| Build-in flashlight | No |
- Numerical Depth Readout
- Multiple Notches Selectable by Categories
- Adjustable Sensitivity
- Intuitive Menu System
- Discrimination by Categories
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates
The review
The packaging of the Teknetics Alpha 2000 is straightforward and functional, presented in a simple box without elaborate designs or graphics. This simplicity reflects the device’s user-friendly approach, catering to those who want to get started without unnecessary distractions.
Inside the box, you’ll find all the essential components: a control unit, an S-shaped shaft equipped with an armrest, two middle shaft sections, and a DD search coil. The package also includes a user manual in English, along with advertisements from the manufacturer.
The user manual is specifically designed for inexperienced detectorists, starting with important guidelines on what not to do with the device—such as avoiding powering it on indoors. Following these precautions, the manual explains essential technical terms like discrimination, sensitivity, and Notch. This introductory approach helps new users familiarize themselves with the equipment and sets the stage for successful treasure hunting.
The shaft
The Teknetics Alpha 2000 features an S-shaped shaft designed for both comfort and durability. The upper and middle sections are constructed from a lightweight aluminum alloy, while the bottom section is made of sturdy plastic. The middle and bottom sections are coated with powder paint, providing added protection against scratches and wear.
Connecting the shaft sections is a straightforward assembly process. Each section is secured using spring buttons, followed by swivel washer clamps to eliminate any looseness. This reliable fixation system has been a standard for many beginner-level metal detectors, ensuring ease of use and stability during operation.
Adjustability is another highlight of the Alpha 2000’s design. The middle shaft section contains eight adjustment holes, allowing users to customize the shaft length to suit their personal preferences and comfort.
At the top of the shaft, you’ll find an armrest and the control unit. The armrest can be repositioned along the shaft, and it features cushioning that securely cradles the user’s forearm, minimizing any looseness during use.
The handle of the device is made from polyurethane and is designed to be comfortably large. The special coating on the handle prevents the palm from slipping, ensuring a secure grip whether you’re wearing gloves or not. This thoughtful design contributes to a comfortable and enjoyable treasure-hunting experience, making the Alpha 2000 an excellent choice for beginners.
The coil
The basic package of the Teknetics Alpha 2000 metal detector includes one of two types of search coils: the Teknetics 8-inch or the Teknetics 11-inch DD coil. Typically, the device is sold with a concentric coil, although some dealers may offer a DD coil as part of the package. However, opting for the DD coil may not be worthwhile, as its price often approaches that of the Teknetics Delta 4000, which offers significantly better specifications.
The concentric search coil is crafted using monolithic technology, ensuring its integrity and durability. Both the top and bottom of the coil are encased in wear-proof plastic, allowing it to withstand impacts from the ground, roots, and other obstacles.
The coil cable is designed with an elastic braid and connects to the control unit via a special threaded jack-plug, minimizing the risk of disconnection during use. To secure the cable to the shaft and prevent it from swaying or snagging on bushes, the standard package includes two touch-fastener clips for reliable cable management.
One of the standout features of the coil is its complete waterproofing, allowing users to confidently engage in beach hunting, shallow water exploration, or examining roadside ditches and puddles. While the control unit should be kept dry, the rest of the device can be submerged in both fresh and brackish water without concern.
The Teknetics Alpha 2000 operates at a frequency of 7.8 kHz, chosen as a compromise to provide adequate detection depth while maintaining sensitivity to small targets. This frequency makes the Alpha 2000 an effective tool for a variety of treasure-hunting scenarios.
Headphones
The Teknetics Alpha 2000 is compatible with headphones, although they are not included in the standard package. The control unit features two headphone jacks: a 1/8-inch jack and a standard 1/4-inch jack, allowing users to connect a wide range of headphones, including common ones typically used for listening to music.
One of the notable advantages of the Alpha 2000 is its volume adjustment feature, which is not available in some competing models, such as the Garrett ACE 250. When the volume option is active and highlighted, users can easily adjust the sound signal using the “+” and “-” buttons. The volume ranges from a minimum level of 0 (off) to a maximum level of 9, enabling users to customize their audio experience according to their preferences and the surrounding environment.
Using headphones can significantly enhance the metal detecting experience, especially in noisy areas, allowing users to focus on the signals produced by the detector and improve their chances of finding valuable items.
The battery
The battery holder is located on the back of the control unit, and the Teknetics Alpha 2000 operates using a single 9V battery. This battery provides at least 25 hours of continuous use. If you are using headphones, you can expect up to 30 hours of operation, making it suitable for extended treasure-hunting adventures.
Users have the option to utilize high-quality alkaline batteries or rechargeable batteries. While alkaline batteries offer approximately 25 hours of usage, rechargeable batteries provide about 8 hours of continuous operation. Choosing the right battery can enhance your experience, especially during long outings, so it’s essential to consider your power supply options carefully.
The control unit
The control unit of the Teknetics Alpha 2000 is designed for simplicity, featuring just four rubber buttons: power on/off, menu, and the “+”/“-” buttons. All essential information is clearly displayed on a large LCD screen, making the device user-friendly and straightforward.
Unlike some models with bright colors, the Alpha 2000 has a plain yet stylish appearance. The central button at the top powers the device on and off, while the MENU button allows users to select different menu items. The “+” and “-” buttons are used to adjust specific settings.
On the left side of the LCD, a depth indicator—also known as the signal intensity indicator—provides a reading from 0 to 9, offering a ballpark estimate of the target’s depth. The sensitivity level bar on the right shows a maximum sensitivity of five scale divisions and a minimum of one. For optimal performance when starting, it’s recommended to set the sensitivity level to around 70% to begin treasure hunting immediately.
At the top center of the screen, there is an icon indicating the battery charge level. Below this, you will find several functional indicators: “DISC” activates or deactivates the discrimination function, allowing users to filter out unwanted metal types; “NOTCH” enables selective activation or deactivation of specific target categories; and the “VOLUME” button controls the audio output level.
At the bottom of the display, the metal type indicator shows the composition of detected targets, represented by eight segments: Iron, Foil, 5c (5-cent coin), Alum, Zinc, Dime (10-cent coin), Qtr (25-cent coin), and 50c+ (50-cent coin). This feature allows users to identify potential finds quickly, making their treasure-hunting experience more efficient.
Search modes
The Teknetics Alpha 2000 primarily operates in one search mode: the discrimination mode with a filter. While it may seem limited, this mode can be tailored to suit various treasure-hunting needs by utilizing its capability to switch between two or three tone sound signals. This feature enables the manufacturer to state that the device effectively offers five distinct search modes.
By combining the different sound tones with the discrimination of various segments from the detection range, detectorists can create one of these five search programs tailored to their specific preferences. For example, a detectorist might choose a two-tone signal for detecting valuable coins while utilizing a three-tone signal for distinguishing between different types of metals. This flexibility allows for a more personalized and efficient treasure-hunting experience, making the Alpha 2000 a versatile tool for both beginners and seasoned hobbyists.
Ground balance
The Teknetics Alpha 2000 comes with a pre-set ground balance function, designed by the manufacturer to simplify the detection process for users. This feature ensures that the metal detector operates effectively in various soil conditions, allowing inexperienced users to trust its performance without constant adjustments.
In instances of electric noise or interference, users can enhance stability by lowering the device’s sensitivity level. While this may slightly reduce detection depth, it significantly improves the metal detector’s stability, minimizing phantom signals and ensuring a more reliable search experience. For instance, in urban areas with high electromagnetic interference, adjusting the sensitivity can help maintain accurate readings while searching for treasures. This capability empowers beginners to navigate diverse environments confidently and effectively.
Tone indication
The Teknetics Alpha 2000 features a 3-tone sound indication system, which significantly enhances the user’s ability to recognize and distinguish between different detected targets based on the sound signals produced. This feature is invaluable for effective treasure hunting, as it allows users to quickly identify the type of metal they may be digging up.
- Low Tone: Corresponds to low conductivity metals such as nails, iron, bottle caps, and even small pieces of gold jewelry.
- Middle Tone: Indicates metals with medium conductivity, including beer can pull-tabs, various sizes of gold jewelry, zinc metals, and additional bottle caps.
- High Tone: Signifies high conductivity metals, such as copper, silver, and other yellow metals.
By interpreting these tones correctly, users can make informed decisions on whether to dig for a particular target, ultimately enhancing their treasure-hunting experience. For example, hearing a high tone may prompt a user to investigate further, as it likely indicates a more valuable find.
Pinpoint
The Alpha 2000 does not feature a pinpoint function, meaning it operates solely in dynamic mode. In this mode, users must keep the searchcoil in constant motion while scanning for targets. Although this requirement may seem inconvenient at first, it is an essential aspect of using this metal detector.
One of the advantages of the concentric coil design is its high precision in target positioning. As you move the searchcoil over potential finds, the exact location of the target will always be indicated at the center of the coil. This allows for accurate identification of the target’s position, making it easier to dig precisely when a signal is detected.
While dynamic mode may require some adjustment for new users, understanding how to use it effectively can lead to a more successful treasure-hunting experience.
Discrimination
The Teknetics Alpha 2000 metal detector operates exclusively in discrimination mode, allowing users to exclude specific groups of metal objects from the search coverage. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginner detectorists who want to focus on valuable finds while minimizing unwanted signals.
The discrimination scale is divided into several segments, each corresponding to a type of metal based on its electrical conductivity. On the left side of the scale, you’ll find iron objects with low conductivity, while the right side includes metals with higher conductivity, such as silver and copper coins.
To save time and avoid digging up foil and iron objects, users can easily exclude these materials from their search coverage using the “+” and “-” buttons.
Additionally, the device offers two key functions: “DISC” and “NOTCH.” The “DISC” function activates or deactivates all categories sequentially, while the “NOTCH” function allows for selective exclusion of specific segments. By using these functions in combination, users can tailor their search parameters to enhance their treasure-hunting efficiency.
Conclusions
The Teknetics Alpha 2000 metal detector is designed specifically for beginner detectorists. It is user-friendly, features a high-visibility LCD for easy monitoring of its functions, and offers commendable performance characteristics.
However, the market for beginner metal detectors is highly competitive, with numerous alternatives available. Notable alternatives include the Teknetics Delta 4000, which, while slightly more expensive, boasts improved functionality and features. Other worthy competitors are the Garrett Ace 200 and Ace 250, Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro, and Fisher F22.