A battery question for you electronics guys...

[Anonymous]

So, my question is this...My Pantera runs on 8 AA 1.5v batteries. They are in two battery holders that have the 9v clip on the end. Can you replace the 12v of AA batteries with two 9v batteries and not fry the electronics? I'm sure the thing has some sort of voltage regulator. But, are those extra 6v too much for a regulator to handle. As you can tell, I am no electronics wiz. I am blissfully ignorant about it, but would like to know if this would work before I actually try it. Thanks in advance for any help!
J.

 

[Anonymous]

Unknown without seeing the circuit J. Some parts may be using an unregulated 12V, or 6V. And the series voltage of two 9V's = 18V may be above what certain components can handle. Easiest way to find out is to contact Tesoro directly. They have answered simple technical e-mail questions from me in the past, though it has taken a week or two.
If you get an answer how about posting back? And if I might suggest that you generalize the question to them, and ask which of all the machines they have produced can use two 9V,s in a pinch? If you happen to be out in East Overshoe and all you have are a couple of 9V's when your batteries die, would be nice to at least finish a hunt. If they give you a list of machines I am sure everyone here would love to see it.
BarnacleBill

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info and idea. I will send them a note. I did get a reply back on another board that said dont do it...no how, no way. I would like to confirm that. Thanks for your reply and help!
J.

 

[Anonymous]

I dunno if this is true or not, but I was told that the 9v cells have a quicker power drop off when they run down, compared to the 8x AA cells. Like I said, I dunno if this is true, but it's worth bearing in mind before you go dumping 2 9v into your machine.
Anyone else heard this? I'm happy to be proved wrong!

 

[Anonymous]

He comfirmed what Charlie said below. The battery drain is a lot higher with the 9v's, and he said that some parts of the detector are regulated, while others are not(i.e. the speaker system). He suggested against it, as it wouldnt be advantageous. He wasnt aware that a 2-9v battery replacement would work for any other detectors either, and wouldnt advise to do it, as it might void your warrantee.
J.

 

[Anonymous]

Great Info! Right from the horse's mouth. Like I said it depends on the circuit design. Just so people aren't left with an impression that all brands of metal detectors suffer greater battery drain with 9V's, let me state the following:
My Fisher CZ-20 uses four 9V's, and battery life is two to three times that of the Tejon using the dual AA 4 packs.
Thanks for the post back, this is info that will educate all Tesoro users.
BarnacleBill

 

[Anonymous]

Sure am glad I saw your post here as I was wondering the same thing for the same detector. The stock battery system makes it a bit heavy.
Ive mounted the control housing just in front of the arm cuff on this series of detectors before, specifically a GS II. I think it was a 1/4" nylon bolt I attached it with, after drilling a hole through the shaft. Makes it feel a lot lighter but its tougher access to the controls and you have to cover the control box for when you sit it down to dig.
HH
Neil

 

[Anonymous]

if our detectors seem heavy to us, can you imagine what the Minelab users are feeling!?!
J.