Cable Connection Loosens

[5900_XL-1]

This could be in the Explorer forum too. I find my cable connection at the control box loose many times when going to switch coil, so I've checked it from time to time and found the same, to crying degrees. It once didn't show a signal my buddy found with his Minelab,,,seemed to work later but I did check and it was sloppy loose,

I'm not real fond of ML's design in this connection. Is this common? Do I need to use hand tools to tighten. That'll be ergonomically tricky.

 

[Tony N (Michigan)]

This could be in the Explorer forum too. I find my cable connection at the control box loose many times when going to switch coil, so I've checked it from time to time and found the same, to crying degrees. It once didn't show a signal my buddy found with his Minelab,,,seemed to work later but I did check and it was sloppy loose,

I'm not real fond of ML's design in this connection. Is this common? Do I need to use hand tools to tighten. That'll be ergonomically tricky.

I've never had any problem with my connections on any of my Minelab detectors. Maybe take some electrical tape after you've tightened it and wrap a couple time around to secure it?

 

[IDXMonster]

Make sure,if you haven't, to use a good quality contact cleaner on the connectors to get the grit and such off of the threads and any oils off of everything. I do not have any issues with ANY of my machines trying to spit connectors apart. If THAT still isn't enough,then you might have to resort to "the tape".

 

[5900_XL-1]

Thanks. I'm unlikely to try the tape. It'll be gummy and frankly, the ergonomics for taping is as cramped or worse as serious hand tightening. Besides, what a PITA every time switching coils. I'll try using hand tools first. Needle nose, maybe two.

Wish ML had made the connector inside the control a bulkhead mount instead of the floating type. If it only happened on the SE, or the Etrac, I'd assume a connector anomaly.

It's all good, since I know it happens. I'll just monitor it more often.

 

[IDXMonster]

Thanks. I'm unlikely to try the tape. It'll be gummy and frankly, the ergonomics for taping is as cramped or worse as serious hand tightening. Besides, what a PITA every time switching coils. I'll try using hand tools first. Needle nose, maybe two.

Wish ML had made the connector inside the control a bulkhead mount instead of the floating type. If it only happened on the SE, or the Etrac, I'd assume a connector anomaly.

It's all good, since I know it happens. I'll just monitor it more often.

You're right,I don't know why they designed it like that but a bulkhead would have been the thing to do...and you have to have bionic fingers to work in there!

 

[5900_XL-1]

We used a tool in the electronics industry that would be perfect for this. It was used for securing FR coaxial connector, plier-type, round jaws with spongy material inside. I shoulda done a 5-finger discount on a pair on my last day. Who coulda predicted this specific need?