The Nokta Simplex Plus is a waterproof, single-frequency metal detector built for entry-level to intermediate users who want professional-grade performance without the premium price tag. You’ll get seven sensitivity levels, multiple detection modes including Field, Beach, Park, and All Metal, plus IP68 waterproofing rated to 3 meters. It features ground balance, notch discrimination, and a clear LCD displaying target ID and depth. Stick around and you’ll master every feature this detector offers.
Key Takeaways
- The Nokta Simplex Plus powers on instantly, defaulting to 2-tone Field mode, with a hard reset available by holding the power button for 6 seconds.
- It offers four detection modes: Field, Beach, All Metal, and Park, each optimized for different hunting environments and conditions.
- Ground balance can be set automatically by holding the Pinpoint button over neutral ground, with regular recalibration recommended across different terrains.
- Discrimination settings allow users to reject specific target ID ranges, while four volume levels and adjustable iron tones refine audio feedback.
- Rated IP68 waterproof up to 3 meters, the Simplex Plus suits river hunting, wet beaches, and rain, making it versatile for diverse environments.
What Is the Nokta Simplex Plus?
The Nokta Simplex Plus is a single-frequency metal detector designed for entry-level to intermediate hobbyists who want capable performance without a steep price tag or complex setup.
The Nokta Simplex Plus delivers capable metal detecting performance for entry-level hobbyists without the complexity or high price tag.
You get a detector that powers on instantly, defaults to a 2-tone Field mode, and puts target data directly on an LCD display without overwhelming you.
Nokta Simplex features include adjustable sensitivity across seven levels, multiple detection modes, ground balance functionality, notch discrimination, and a depth indicator.
The Simplex user experience prioritizes straightforward operation—you control volume, brightness, and ground balance without digging through complicated menus.
Whether you’re hunting dry fields or wet beach sand, the Simplex adapts to your environment.
It’s a capable, no-nonsense tool built for detectorists who value efficiency and independence in the field.
Nokta Simplex Plus Specs, Waterproofing, and Build Quality
Knowing what the Simplex Plus does is one thing—knowing what it’s built from tells you whether it’ll last in the field. The build quality reflects deliberate engineering choices: reinforced polymer construction keeps weight distribution manageable without sacrificing durability.
You get a detector rated IP68, meaning full waterproof features up to 3 meters—solid environmental resistance for river hunting, wet beaches, and rain-soaked fields.
The design materials handle rough conditions without demanding constant maintenance. Durability testing confirms the coil and housing withstand submersion and impact.
Weight distribution sits around 2.9 lbs, supporting user comfort across long detecting sessions. The ergonomic stem design further enhances operational longevity by reducing arm fatigue.
You’re getting a detector built to work hard in demanding environments without falling apart after a season.
How to Set Up and Power On the Simplex Plus
Before powering on the Simplex+, you’ll need to complete the device assembly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as the unit shouldn’t be turned on until it’s fully assembled.
Once assembled, press the Power & Settings button once to start the device, which defaults to 2-tone Field mode on initial startup.
If the device becomes unresponsive or you need to restore it, you can perform a hard reset by holding the Power & Settings button for approximately 6 seconds.
Assembling the Device First
Assembling your Nokta Simplex Plus before powering it on is a required first step, as the manufacturer explicitly instructs users to complete device assembly prior to startup.
Following proper assembly tips guarantees your device components connect correctly, preventing operational issues in the field.
Key assembly considerations include:
- Coil connection: Attach the search coil securely to the lower stem before extending the shaft.
- Stem adjustment: Lock each stem section at your preferred operating length for comfortable sweeping.
- Cable management: Wrap the coil cable around the stem without over-tightening to avoid damage.
- Headphone port: Connect headphones or wireless accessories before heading out if you’re using audio monitoring.
Once every device component is properly secured and configured, you’re ready to power on the unit.
Powering On the Simplex
With your Simplex Plus fully assembled, you’re ready to power it on. Press the Power & Settings button once to activate the device.
Based on customer feedback and field performance testing, the unit defaults to 2-tone Field mode at startup, one of its most versatile operating modes for general use. Understanding this default behavior reflects best practices for optimizing your user experience across varied terrain.
The device features automatic mode adaptation, detecting conditions like wet beach sand to adjust performance accordingly.
For troubleshooting issues requiring a full reset, hold the Power & Settings button for approximately 6 seconds to perform a hard reset. This resolves most operational inconsistencies without requiring accessory options or professional maintenance tips, keeping your detector performing at its peak during comparison reviews or actual hunts.
Performing a Hard Reset
Key considerations before resetting:
- Save mental notes of your custom sensitivity levels, as each mode’s settings will revert.
- Confirm assembly completion before powering back on post-reset.
- Expect default mode activation — the device restarts in 2-tone Field mode automatically.
- Reserve hard resets for genuine malfunctions, not routine sensitivity adjustments.
This process gives you full independent control over your detector’s performance without dealer dependency.
Master this hard reset procedure, and you’ll handle most field issues confidently and efficiently.
Which Detection Mode Should You Use on the Simplex Plus?
Choosing the right detection mode on the Nokta Simplex Plus directly impacts how effectively you’ll find targets in varying ground conditions. Your detection mode comparison should factor in environmental impact before you start swinging.
Use Field mode as your default starting point for parks, fields, and inland sites. Switch to Beach mode when you’re hunting wet salt sand, where ground mineralization demands specialized filtering.
All Metal mode maximizes depth and sensitivity, making it ideal when you need raw detection power without discrimination. Park mode balances discrimination with depth for trashy sites.
Each mode maintains independent sensitivity settings, so switching modes won’t disrupt your custom configurations. Match your mode to the specific ground you’re hunting, and you’ll extract maximum performance from every session.
How to Adjust Sensitivity on the Simplex Plus
Once you’ve locked in the right detection mode for your ground conditions, sensitivity becomes your next critical variable. The Simplex+ offers 7 sensitivity levels, adjustable via the plus (+) and minus (-) buttons, letting you fine-tune performance tuning based on detecting conditions and user preferences.
Key points for effective sensitivity adjustments:
- Each mode maintains independent sensitivity settings, meaning mode selection doesn’t affect other modes’ configurations.
- Higher sensitivity levels improve target identification depth but increase false signals in mineralized soil.
- Mode effects remain isolated — adjusting Field mode sensitivity won’t alter Beach or All Metal settings.
- Level 7 was added post-release, expanding feature comparisons against competing detectors.
Dialing in the right level directly shapes your user experience, balancing detection depth against ground noise for maximum efficiency.
Ground Balance Settings That Improve Target Depth
Ground balance directly affects how deep your detector can read targets beneath the surface, making it one of the most influential settings you’ll configure in the field.
Environmental factors like soil mineralization create interference that reduces detection efficiency, so dialing in your balance settings is crucial for depth enhancement.
Soil mineralization silently steals your detector’s depth potential, making precise ground balance adjustments essential for peak performance.
For automatic balance, press and hold the Pinpoint button while coil pumping over neutral ground. The detector reads mineralization levels and self-corrects, optimizing performance without manual adjustments.
For positive ground conditions, use the minus button to decrease the manual balance value within the 0-99.9 range.
Target depth improves considerably when your ground balance matches actual soil conditions.
Regularly recalibrating as you move across different terrain guarantees consistent automatic balance accuracy and maximum detection efficiency throughout your hunt.
Using Discrimination and Notch to Filter Junk Targets
While ground balance tackles interference from the soil itself, discrimination settings let you tackle interference from unwanted targets above it. Notch settings give you precise target rejection control, improving signal clarity and overall user experience.
Access notch discrimination through the Settings menu:
- Navigate the arrow cursor across the ID bar to select specific target ranges
- Confirm your selection to highlight rejected boxes in black
- Eliminate shotgun shell signals by rejecting the 45-50 ID range
- Adjust sensitivity independently per mode without disrupting other configurations
Strategic notch filtering sharpens audio feedback, directly improving depth perception on desirable targets.
You’re fundamentally programming the detector to ignore junk targets while preserving responses to valuable finds, giving you complete control over your hunting sessions.
How to Set Audio, Volume, and Iron Tone on the Simplex Plus
Audio settings on the Simplex+ give you direct control over how the detector communicates target information through sound, and configuring them correctly makes a significant difference in the field.
Use the plus and minus buttons to cycle through four volume levels, tailoring audio feedback to your environment.
Iron tone operates independently with three adjustable levels, letting you customize how the user interface responds to low-conductivity targets during metal detecting.
Activating iron volume through the plus and minus buttons gives you sharper target identification by distinguishing iron signals from quality finds.
In All Metal mode, adjusting the threshold setting optimizes device performance at each sensitivity level.
Fine-tuning these sound preferences directly shapes your user experience, keeping you informed without unnecessary noise cluttering your audio output.
How to Read Target ID, Depth, and Mineralization on the Display
When a target is detected, the Simplex+ displays its ID number in the center of the screen, giving you an immediate read on what’s likely buried beneath the coil.
You’ll also see a depth indicator in bar format, where a single bar represents surface level and maximum bars signal a target at roughly 8-10 inches or deeper.
The main screen simultaneously shows the mineralization indicator, letting you monitor ground conditions alongside target data in real time.
Reading Target ID Display
The Nokta Simplex Plus LCD display delivers three critical pieces of detection data simultaneously: target ID, depth, and ground mineralization. When you sweep over a target, the numeric ID appears in the center of the screen, giving you instant target recognition without digging blindly.
Key display clarity features include:
- Target ID range: Numbers run from 0–99, with ferrous metals registering low and non-ferrous metals registering high.
- Center placement: The ID number occupies the screen’s center for immediate readability during active sweeping.
- Real-time updates: The display refreshes instantly with each detected signal.
- Consistent formatting: The numeric readout remains stable across all detection modes.
Understanding these ID values lets you make confident dig-or-pass decisions, maximizing your efficiency in the field.
Understanding Depth and Mineralization
Alongside the target ID number, your Simplex Plus delivers two additional data points that sharpen every dig decision: depth perception and ground mineralization.
The depth indicator uses a bar-format display, where a single bar represents a surface-level target and maximum bars signal objects buried at 8–10 inches or deeper. This lets you gauge excavation effort before breaking ground.
The mineralization indicator tracks soil conditions in real time, showing how heavily mineralized your ground is. Strong mineralization effects can destabilize target IDs and reduce detection depth, so monitoring this reading helps you adjust sensitivity or ground balance accordingly.
High mineralization readings warn you to lower sensitivity, maintaining stable performance. Together, these two indicators give you actionable intelligence, letting you hunt smarter without second-guessing every signal.
Is the Nokta Simplex Plus Worth It?
Whether you’re a first-time detectorist or a seasoned hobbyist looking for a reliable backup unit, the Nokta Simplex Plus delivers a feature set that punches well above its price bracket.
Features comparison across similarly priced detectors consistently places the Simplex+ ahead, and user testimonials reinforce its real-world performance.
Key advantages that justify the investment:
- 7 sensitivity levels across independent modes give you precise ground adaptability
- Automatic and manual ground balance (0-99.9 range) handles diverse soil conditions
- Notch discrimination lets you filter specific target ID ranges without compromise
- Waterproof construction expands your hunting freedom beyond dry-land limitations
You’re getting professional-grade functionality without the premium price tag.
If independent operation and versatile performance matter to you, the Simplex+ earns its place in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Nokta Simplex Plus Detect Targets Underwater While Fully Submerged?
Ironically, the provided knowledge doesn’t confirm full submersion capability. You’ll find no details on underwater performance or target sensitivity while submerged. Check Nokta’s official specifications directly to confirm the Simplex+’s waterproof depth rating before diving in.
How Long Does the Nokta Simplex Plus Battery Last on a Single Charge?
The provided knowledge base doesn’t specify battery life duration. For battery maintenance tips and charging best practices, you’ll want to consult Nokta’s official documentation to maximize your Simplex+’s runtime and preserve long-term battery health independence.
Is the Nokta Simplex Plus Compatible With Aftermarket Coils From Other Brands?
The provided knowledge base doesn’t cover aftermarket coil options for the Nokta Simplex+. For accurate coil performance comparison data, you’ll want to consult Nokta Makro directly or check community forums for verified compatibility information.
What Accessories Are Included in the Nokta Simplex Plus Box at Purchase?
The knowledge base doesn’t cover what’s included in the box. You’ll want to check Nokta’s official packaging specs for accurate details on bundled accessories, coil compatibility options, and target identification tools shipped with your Simplex+.
Can the Nokta Simplex Plus Firmware Be Updated After Initial Purchase?
Like Edison’s relentless improvements, you can update your Simplex+’s firmware post-purchase, accessing firmware benefits like Level 7 sensitivity. The update process keeps your detector evolving, ensuring you’re never confined to yesterday’s capabilities.
References
- https://www.noktadetectors.com/wp-content/file-download/simplex/simplex-quick-guide-en.pdf
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm_7la-tJS4
- https://www.noktadetectors.com/wp-content/file-download/simplex/simplex-user-manual-en.pdf
- https://metaldetectingforum.com/index.php?threads/nokta-makro-simplex-detector-user’s-manual-and-quick-guide.277186/
- https://www.noktadetectors.com/wp-content/file-download/simplex-new-generation/simplex-new-generation-user-manual-en.pdf
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrgHd6FNE-g
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD8qE2DhSUY
