You’ll assemble the Time Ranger Pro in under five minutes using the S-rod, control housing, and 11-inch DD coil. Master the dual ground balance system—automatic Ground-Grab for quick setup, manual mode for heavily mineralized soil—then adjust your gain (1-100 sensitivity) based on trash density. The 19 kHz VLF system runs 20-25 hours on a 9V battery and excels at target separation in challenging conditions. Proper coil positioning at one inch off the ground maximizes the detector’s depth penetration capabilities, while the notch filter eliminates unwanted signals that’ll slow your recovery rate.
Key Takeaways
- Features 19 kHz VLF technology with 11-inch DD coil, adjustable sensitivity (1-100), and dual ground balance modes for mineralized soil.
- Assembly takes under five minutes; requires Phillips screwdriver, 9V battery, proper stem adjustment, and coil positioned one inch off ground.
- Backlit LCD displays target depth and composition; control panel includes gain knob, disc/all metal selector, pinpoint button, and notch filter.
- Ground balancing uses automatic Ground-Grab or manual adjustment; rebalance when signals fade or mineralization changes during hunting.
- Battery life lasts 20-25 hours; regular coil cleaning, cable inspection, and proper temperature storage maintain optimal detector performance.
Unboxing and What’s Included
When you crack open the Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro box, you’ll find everything needed to start detecting within minutes.
The unboxing experience reveals the core components: an aluminum S-rod, plastic lower rod, and control box housing two 9V batteries. You’re getting the waterproof 11-inch Double D coil operating at 19 kHz, plus mounting hardware including washers and screws.
The included accessories cover comfort and functionality—padded arm cuff, adjustable arm rest with strap, and foam-cushioned handle grip. The armrest offers three position settings to match your preferred detecting stance. A locking collar ensures stability and minimizes wobble during operation.
There’s a detector stand for field breaks and a coupon for digging tools. The control box features a vented speaker, 1/4-inch headphone jack, and flip-open battery compartment.
Your instruction manual details the Ground Grab feature, backed by a 5-year limited warranty. No compromises, just field-ready gear.
Technical Specifications Breakdown
The Time Ranger Pro’s performance hinges on understanding its core numbers—and they matter more than marketing claims.
You’re getting 19 kHz VLF technology that punches above its weight class in mineralized soil. The 20-25 hour battery life means you’re not chained to outlets during extended hunts. User reviews consistently highlight the 11-inch DD coil‘s depth penetration and target separation capabilities.
Performance comparison data shows the adjustable sensitivity (1-100 gain) outperforms fixed competitors in trashy environments. The 2.5-2.87 lb weight won’t wreck your shoulder after eight hours.
You’ve got dual ground balance modes—automatic for quick deployment, manual when soil conditions demand precision. The 5-tone audio system gives you real-time target intelligence without constant screen-checking. The backlit LCD display delivers real-time target ID data even in low-light conditions or dawn hunts. The 1/4-inch headphone jack enables private listening sessions when detecting in crowded areas or shared spaces.
Numbers don’t lie; field results validate these specifications.
Understanding the Control Panel and Display
Before you power up your Time Ranger Pro, you need to understand what you’re looking at—because fumbling with controls while standing over a potential find wastes time and opportunity.
The backlit LCD delivers real-time target intelligence: numeric IDs from non-ferrous metals to silver at 80+, depth readings in pinpoint mode, and ground mineralization data via Fe3O4 graphics.
Your control panel features include a gain knob (1-100 sensitivity), disc/all metal selector, 20-level volume control, and threshold adjustment (-40 to 40).
Display readability stays sharp with the backlight toggle—essential for low-light conditions. Single-button menu navigation keeps you moving fast.
Ground phase values run continuous readouts. Battery life indicator prevents field surprises. The pinpoint button allows for precise target locating once you’ve identified a signal.
The notch filter function lets you eliminate specific target ranges, preventing unwanted signals from iron or other nuisance metals.
Master these control panel features now, detect confidently later.
Setting Up Your Time Ranger Pro
Getting your Time Ranger Pro field-ready takes less than five minutes if you follow the right sequence.
You’ll unpack the core components, snap the S-rod assembly together, and drop in two 9-volt batteries before your first power-on.
Proper setup now means fewer adjustments when you’re scanning targets in the field.
Set your gain/sensitivity at 100% to maximize detection capability for small targets.
Once powered on, configure your volume settings with non-ferrous targets maxing at 10 and ferrous targets at 4 for optimal audio feedback.
Initial Assembly and Components
Your Time Ranger Pro arrives with everything needed to hit the field: an S-rod assembly with control housing, armrest, and locking collar; a lower stem; an 11-inch double D searchcoil; mounting hardware including a bolt and knurled knob; and an arm strap.
Component Overview
You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver—not included. The control housing latches directly to the armrest handle through a bottom assembly hole. Your S-rod offers three adjustable armrest positions for custom fit.
Assembly Tips
Start with the control box-to-armrest connection before anything else. Loosen the S-rod’s locking collar counterclockwise, insert the lower stem with its silver button facing up, rotate until it clicks into place. The internal cam lock secures both stems together.
Two red washers bracket the coil attachment points—don’t overtighten the knurled knob. Leave cable slack at the searchcoil for unrestricted pivot movement.
Battery Installation and Testing
Once you’ve assembled the detector, power becomes your next priority.
You’ll need a single 9-volt alkaline battery—skip the heavy-duty zinc carbon types. Rechargeable nickel metal hydride works too. When considering battery types, never mix old and new.
The compartment’s on the control housing’s back. Press the release clip on the right side, slide the door off.
Installation tips: snap the battery onto terminals facing outward, then replace the door by inserting the opposite clip side first.
Power up to test. Your LCD screen should light up with beeps. Good batteries trigger all indicators briefly.
Expect 20-25 hours from alkaline, potentially more with headphones. If the battery dial arrow points to R, replace immediately.
For extended storage, remove batteries. The Time Ranger Pro weighs just 2.5 lbs, making battery changes simple and hassle-free.
Adjusting Length and Fit
With power confirmed, proper stem setup determines whether you’ll hunt comfortably for hours or pack it in with a sore back after twenty minutes.
Press the button on your lower stem and slide it into the upper stem. Stand upright with your arm relaxed—adjust until you’re comfortable, then lock it down tight. Those graduated holes accommodate any arm length. Stem adjustments matter, but coil positioning seals the deal.
Secure your coil with the pointy part up, cord toward the back. Keep it one inch off level ground. Short arms? Use forward holes. Tall? Move back.
Wind your cable around the stem with slack for full range of motion—rotate the coil completely forward first for extra play. Tighten everything until there’s zero wiggle.
Ground Balancing Techniques
Ground balancing separates real targets from soil interference—it’s the difference between chasing phantom signals all day and actually finding metal. Your Time Ranger Pro offers two ground balancing techniques: computerized Ground-Grab for instant adjustment and manual methods when you need surgical precision.
Master these fundamentals:
- Operate in All Metal mode only—settings transfer to modes 2, 3, and 4 automatically
- Match the ground phase number displayed on-screen while pumping your coil
- Rebalance when signals fade or shift—mineralization changes across terrain
- Factory preset handles mild soil; switch to manual adjustment methods for hot ground
Your detector’s ground condition readout gives real-time mineralization data. Use it.
Poor balance kills depth and accuracy on targets 10-19 inches down. One-touch balancing adapts to your hunting zone fast. Note that modes C, J, and A come preset at 82 and don’t accept manual ground balance adjustments from All Metal mode.
Discrimination Mode and Target ID System
Perfect ground balance means nothing if you’re digging every rusty nail in the county. The Time Ranger Pro’s discrimination mode lets you reject ferrous trash while hunting valuable targets.
Its 19.2 kHz VLF system delivers reliable target composition analysis through five distinct audio tones—you’ll hear the difference between bottle caps and silver coins instantly.
The FeTone feature reduces iron volume relative to good targets, cutting through iron-masked ground that hides treasure. Adjust your discrimination settings using the notch filter’s 20-position width control for surgical precision in trashy sites.
The backlit LCD displays numeric target ID and depth readings simultaneously, while pinpoint mode locks onto your target’s exact location. Combined audio and visual feedback means faster decisions and less wasted effort on junk.
All Metal Mode Operation
Maximum detection depth demands maximum sensitivity, and the Time Ranger Pro’s All Metal mode delivers both.
You’ll access this powerhouse through Program #4’s self-tuning operation or engage static all-metal for pinpoint work with depth indication. The mode advantages become clear when you’re hunting deep targets in challenging ground conditions.
Core All Metal Capabilities:
- 19.2 kHz frequency locks onto small targets like coins and jewelry others miss
- VLF technology maintains rock-solid stability in mineralized soil
- Manual ground balance gives you tactical control when conditions turn hostile
- 11-inch waterproof DD searchcoil penetrates deeper with superior ground coverage
Start with GAIN at 12:00, then push sensitivity higher as conditions allow.
The 2-tone audio feedback with Fe-Tone identifies iron threats instantly, while your numeric Target ID confirms what’s beneath.
Pinpoint Mode for Precise Target Location
Watch the V.C.O. audio pitch rise as you cross the target center. A sharp, narrow peak signals a coin-sized object near the surface. Wider signals mean larger or irregular targets.
Your backlit LCD displays depth up to 10+ inches—no target ID, just raw location data.
The LCD shows you how deep, not what it is—pure depth reading to 10+ inches with no frills.
Target accuracy depends on your technique. Slow, deliberate coil sweeps refine positioning. In mineralized soil, manual ground balance first guarantees stability at 19.2 kHz.
This mode cuts through iron masking and eliminates guesswork. Hold that button, zero in, and recover your find.
Audio Tone Identification Guide
When you’re scanning iron-littered ground, the Time Ranger Pro’s 2-tone audio system becomes your primary decision tool. Low tones signal ferrous junk you’ll bypass, while V.C.O. tones alert you to non-ferrous targets worth digging. This audio feedback delivers instant target recognition without checking the display.
Master tone differentiation through these core features:
- Fe-Tone Control – Adjustable iron audio volume reduces signal interference from trash
- Enhanced V-Break – Five-tone system assigns specific audio signals for precise target categorization
- Frequency Sensitivity – 19.2 kHz optimization provides superior sound clarity on small gold
- Volume Threshold – Twenty adjustment levels plus threshold from -40 to 40 for tone customization
The ferrous discrimination capabilities let you maintain momentum through contaminated sites.
You’ll recognize valuable targets by their distinct audio signatures, enabling faster recovery without constant visual confirmation.
Maintenance and Battery Management
Your Time Ranger Pro won’t deliver consistent results without proper maintenance and battery discipline.
Regular cleaning of the coil and housing, strategic battery replacement timing, and correct storage procedures directly impact your detector’s field performance and longevity.
Master these three fundamentals—cleaning protocols, battery management, and equipment care—to keep your unit hunt-ready when opportunity strikes.
Cleaning and Storage Tips
Sandy conditions demand immediate action:
- Break down and clean all cam locks and moving parts thoroughly.
- Rinse in fresh water after beach hunts to remove salt residue.
- Use air cleaning methods for sand removal when water isn’t practical.
- Reduce sensitivity settings in salt water environments to prevent false signals.
Effective storage solutions protect your investment.
Store in normal temperature environments—extreme heat or cold destroys electronics and warps plastic.
These cleaning techniques and proper handling prevent the circuit board damage that ends detecting careers prematurely.
Battery Replacement Schedule
Your replacement frequency depends on usage intensity.
Heavy hunters should swap batteries after every extended session. Weekend warriors can stretch it across multiple outings while watching indicators.
If you store your detector seasonally, replace annually regardless of use. Never gamble with non-alkaline batteries—they’ll cut your runtime short.
Keep a spare in your kit, replace at first warning signs, and you’ll never miss a target opportunity.
Coil and Stem Care
The searchcoil takes more abuse than any other component on your Time Ranger Pro—mud, rocks, submersion, and constant ground contact demand regular inspection. Your waterproof coil can handle submersion, but post-hunt care prevents long-term failures.
Essential coil maintenance and stem adjustments:
- Rinse your searchcoil after sandy or wet hunts, then wipe the control housing and coil completely dry.
- Inspect the cable during every assembly for cracks or wear that’ll kill your hunt mid-swing.
- Check the locking collar connection—loose pins mean false signals and wasted time.
- Verify stem adjustments stay tight; a shifting pole destroys your swing consistency.
Wind cable slack properly around the stem before each hunt. Tight cables restrict movement over uneven ground. Loose everything means snags and trips.
Reset to factory defaults if drift appears—electromagnetic interference or mineral buildup causes instability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Time Ranger Pro Detect Gold in Saltwater Beaches Effectively?
“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire”—yes, you’ll find gold effectively. The Time Ranger Pro’s 19 kHz gold sensitivity and ground balance for saltwater detection let you hunt beaches confidently, discriminating targets while maintaining stability in challenging mineral conditions.
What Is the Maximum Depth This Detector Can Find a Coin?
The manufacturer doesn’t specify maximum detection depths for coin depth performance. You’ll typically reach 8-10 inches on quarter-sized targets in ideal conditions, though mineralized soil and sensitivity settings directly impact your real-world results in the field.
Does the Detector Work Properly in Freezing Winter Temperatures?
You’ll maintain metal detection reliability when you’ve winterized your Time Ranger Pro properly. Cold weather performance stays consistent through Alaska’s freezing temperatures—backlit display functions, waterproof coil resists ice, and ground balancing adapts to frozen soil conditions flawlessly.
Can I Use Rechargeable 9V Batteries Instead of Alkaline Ones?
You can absolutely run rechargeable 9V batteries—NiMH works best. Battery performance drops to roughly 8 hours versus 20-25 with alkaline, but rechargeable options give you independence from constant store runs and long-term cost savings.
Is the Time Ranger Pro Suitable for Beginners With No Experience?
Yes, you’ll find it beginner-friendly. The user friendly interface features simple two-knob operation and one-touch Ground Grab. Expect a learning curve—practice in your yard first. The beginner features like preset modes help you start detecting immediately.
References
- https://firsttexasproducts.com/products/bounty-hunter-time-ranger-pro-metal-detector
- https://www.metaldetectingshop.com/products/bounty-hunter-time-ranger-pro-metal-detector
- https://modernmetaldetectors.com/products/bounty-hunter-time-ranger-pro-metal-detector-with-waterproof-11-dd-coil-protime
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAPhXCSxTnA
- https://www.highplainsprospectors.com/products/bounty-hunter-time-ranger-pro-metal-detector
- https://detectorpower.com/collections/welcome-offer-excluding-minelab-nokta-xp/products/bounty-hunter-time-ranger-pro-metal-detector
- https://www.detectorprospector.com/topic/11143-new-for-2020-bounty-hunter-time-ranger-pro/page/3/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0Re8MUeNlY
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3QiuYxJtYE
- https://www.treasurenet.com/threads/bounty-hunter-time-ranger-unboxing-and-testing-review-video.521674/
