Big Bud Pro

[HaroldILL.]

I was wondering how many have used this detector and what are your thoughts? Is the depth decent for a vintage type detector? And does the blanker work as advertised? Also does it have the modulated audio where the deeper targets are softer? I wanted one when new ,But was not able to afford it. Maybe it is nostalgia,But would still like to try one at the rite price.

 

[Ed in SoDak]

Another oldie but goodie design by George Payne. I would not hesititate to snag one. Just to decide for myself, if nothing else! Many later detector designs were based on these early Payne circuits, but getting closer to something that he had direct hands-on involvement with is definitely desireable.

-Ed

 

[Monte]

I was wondering how many have used this detector and what are your thoughts?

... Due to some of the 'processed' signals it is more of a digital design, or the start of them, than it is an analog design. I owned and use them when first released.

Is the depth decent for a vintage type detector?

The depth was 'OK' then and would be 'OK' today. Coins and typical targets those detectors were intended for are all found at typical coin depths and 'depth' was never really an issue.

And does the blanker work as advertised?

Kind of. A blanker can work on smaller-size coin targets, or those of similar size, shape and responsiveness. The problem with a blanking circuit is that you will miss all desired finds in that blanked zone. Also, if you can't hear a shallower trash target, you might not know it's there to work around and listen for any nearby desired target. i never liked, nor used, surface blanking. circuitry.

Also does it have the modulated audio where the deeper targets are softer?

No, it is a Saturated audio and employs clipped filter type circuitry. In short, a target has to furnish sufficient signal strength to be passed along and processed. If it is a weaker signal it doesn't meat the requirement and is 'clipped' so the detector never responds to it or other weaker signals. Thus, ALL targets with sufficient signal are processed and the response is a Saturated audio. Deep or shallow, if it passes the requirement it gets the full audio response treatment.

I wanted one when new, But was not able to afford it. Maybe it is nostalgia, But would still like to try one at the rite price.

It's always fun to tinker around and try out some older models, but not all are so impressive. There are a few that I personally like, but the Big Bud Pro isn't among them.

Monte

 

[tonopahkid]

I had an used a bb pro se about 20 years ago was one of my main machins works well about anywhere though i always thought i was best at parks,found alot of coins with it has alot of discrimination can work very junky areas.Never used the blankiter much never cared for it.Has decent depth an is good on silver.

 

[af647]

big bud not the deepest
fabulous coin meter
circuit board is great
if you use it a few times a week several problems with switchs wearing out way too fast
original coil clumbsy get 10 inch one
dirt and rain can get in control box easy
shaft breaking
arm rest will shatter if dropped
needle sticks from static
super low end parts on shaft and control box
circuit board is best needs to be in another machine that is better built like tesoro which has a bad coin meter
found $50 in coins this week with it

 

[Mike T]

I don't know what all the fuss about the BBP is, I've had them and they don't work any better than a modern mid-range Bounty Hunter.

 

[PennyFinder]

Go talk to Melbeta over at the Nabble Compass Forum...he uses a BBpro SE.

HH
PennyFinder