Teknetics Omega 8500 Metal Detector

Teknetics Omega 8500 Overview

The Teknetics Omega 8500 runs a single 7.69 kHz VLF frequency in two operating modes. Discrimination mode sorts targets into eight categories (Iron, Foil, Nickel, P-Tab, S-Cap, Zinc, Dime and Quarter) with a numeric reading in the center of the display, and notch lets you accept or reject each category except Iron. All Metal mode uses VCO tones. Ground Grab balances to the ground at the press of a button, and the manual ground setting adjusts it by hand in All Metal mode. A Fe3O4 bar graph shows how much mineralization is under the coil, and the ground phase number shows its type. Sensitivity has 99 levels, the backlight adjusts from 0 to 5, and most settings stay in memory (the manual excepts backlight and ground balance). It weighs 3 lb 3 oz (1.45 kg) with the 11 inch DD coil, and First Texas lists 20 to 25 hours from one 9V alkaline battery. The search coil is waterproof; the control box is not weatherproof. First Texas lists a 2-year limited warranty.

Omega 8500 vs. Gamma 6000: Which Should You Buy?

The Omega 8500 and the Gamma 6000 share the Greek series coil fit, Ground Grab plus manual ground balance, a numeric target ID, a mineralization display and the same 9V battery life. The Omega 8500 adds an adjustable backlight, settings memory and 5 tone settings plus VCO, with settings 4 and 5 adding a medium tone. The Gamma 6000 runs at 7.8 kHz with 1 to 4 audio tones and no backlight, and weighs 2 lb 11 oz (1.22 kg) with the 11 inch DD coil and battery.

If you hunt at dawn or dusk, or want your settings saved between hunts, we recommend the Omega 8500. If you hunt in daylight and want the same ground control in a simpler detector, the Gamma 6000 covers it.

Omega 8500, Best For:

• Coin and jewelry hunters who hunt early, late or under trees, where the backlight helps
• Parks near power lines or other detectors, where alternate frequency settings help
• Relic hunters who want the iron indicator and the Fe3O4 bar graph on screen
• Owners who want one detector with three coil sizes from the 5, 10 and 11 inch package

Gamma 6000, Best For:

• Daylight coin and relic hunting with manual and Ground Grab ground balance
• Hunters who want to choose 1 to 4 tones
• Detectorists who want a short control set: Discrimination, All Metal and Pinpoint

Key Features That Matter in the Field

Notch is the Omega 8500 control we recommend learning first. In Discrimination mode you can reject one category, such as pull tabs, and keep the categories on either side of it, such as nickels and zinc pennies. The discrimination level adjusts from 0 to 80, and notch does not work in All Metal mode. The iron indicator lights on every iron signal.

Ground Grab works best when you pump the coil up and down over clean ground. On mineralized soil, watch the Fe3O4 bar graph: more segments mean more mineralization, and that is the point to lower gain or re-balance. If the detector chatters with the coil still, switch to an alternate FREQ setting, then ground balance again. The DEEP menu has four settings with different filters; the manual notes that the higher settings may add depth under some conditions and also raise the noise floor. Pinpoint works without coil motion, and the depth indicator, calibrated for coin-sized objects, gives a probable depth in inches.

Where the Omega 8500 Works Best and Its Limits

The Omega 8500 is a general-purpose detector for coin shooting, relic hunting and jewelry, the uses First Texas lists for it. City parks, old house sites, farm fields and fresh-water beaches suit it. The waterproof coil handles wet grass, puddles and wading the edge of a creek, but the control box is not weatherproof, so keep it out of the rain and away from splashes. As a single-frequency VLF it is not the tool for wet salt sand or heavily mineralized goldfields, where we recommend a multi-frequency or pulse induction detector. Running the backlight shortens battery life. Pair the Omega 8500 with a pinpointer for faster recovery in the hole.

Coils and Accessories That Fit the Omega 8500

We sell the Omega 8500 in three packages. One has the 11 inch DD coil. One has 10 and 11 inch DD waterproof coils plus an arm strap. The third has 5, 10 and 11 inch DD coils plus an arm strap. All three have the same Omega 8500 control box.

The Omega 8500 takes the Teknetics Greek series coils. Our listings show these fit it: the Teknetics 11 inch DD elliptical coil, the Teknetics 5 inch round DD coil for tight, trashy spots, the CORS Detonation 13 x 14 inch DD, the CORS Fire 15 inch DD and the Mars Discovery 13 inch DD. Coils made for the original Teknetics Eurotek do not fit the Omega 8500. The 26.5 inch replacement lower rod (TUBE5X) is listed for the Omega 8500, and the digital Omega 8500 manual covers every setting.

Teknetics Detector Comparison

The three Teknetics detectors we carry are single-frequency VLF machines that run on one 9V battery. First Texas lists a 2-year limited warranty. They differ in ground balance, mineralization display, audio and backlight.

Why Buy the Teknetics Omega 8500 from Serious Detecting?

• Free Shipping on Orders Over $99: Your Teknetics Omega 8500 ships at no extra cost across the continental US.
• Authorized Teknetics Dealer: Showroom in Ypsilanti, Michigan, full 2-year manufacturer warranty and product registration support.
• Help Before and After You Buy: Our staff answer setup, coil and Omega 8500 questions by phone or email.