CoRe DI2 locked into overload ?

[dfmike]

I'm just wondering if this has happened to anybody here. I have had this issue twice as of late. The detector is set to power on in DI2 by default with my custom settings. I turn it on and it automatically goes into overload with the accompanying siren tone that can't be stopped unless I switch modes or turn off the power switch. It doesn't matter if the coil is in the air or down on the ground. When I switch to DI3, everything works fine. This has happened twice lately when I went out detecting in cold weather in 2 different locations. I waited a few hours when I got home and turned on the detector again and DI2 works as it should once I am indoors. It has been just about at the freezing mark lately and I'm wondering if this could cause it. This never happened before. It's kind of strange that it is unaffected in DI3.

 

[Sven]

Does Di2 consume more power than the batteries can supply when cold? And are you using rechargeables?

http://toolguyd.com/flashlight-tool-batteries-cold-weather/

 

[dfmike]

Very interesting. Thanks Sven.
I am using alkaline batteries but they are starting to get low. I know that my Makro pointer has a tendency to overload in air when batteries are low but it's the first time it happens with the detector. Perhaps it's a combination of cold and low batteries.

 

[squirrel1]

Sounds like a possible bad coil.

Try lowering gain using di2.
If overload stops when you get below 70,, good chance of a bad coil.

You can take coil cover off and see if detector will run di2 and max gain with no overload.

 

[Monte]

there can be misbehavior caused by low-voltage batteries and/or colder winter temperatures. I know I had a little problem the other day with one detector when I was doing some test target sampling outside and the clean but windy morning was quite frosty at 18° F, not counting wind chill. They were a very full-power set of alkalines but after several minutes outside I noticed some audio issues.

I used to keep 1 to 4 detectors in my vehicle year-round, but that was when I lived over in milder, and much wetter, Western Oregon. On a few days to a week in winter it would get very cold and I'd take them inside, but usually they were in the vehicle as it didn't drop all that low at night. When I lived in Utah, or the past 4+ years here in Eastern Oregon, winter can get cold ... sometimes very cold ... and when it gets into these weeks to a couple of months with lows from about freezing [size=small](32° F)[/size] to lows in the single digits or even below 0° F like last year, ALL of my battery powered devices are taken inside if not in use. My metal detectors, flashlights and battery powered razor are not left out in the vehicle when it stays continuously cold ... to very cold.

So, my guess it is just a combination of batteries that are getting a little tired combined with wintery temperatures that are maybe hinting that it's time to stay indoors and do research for next year's adventures afield.

Monte

PS: Di-2 is hitter than Di-3 plus you need to consider your Gain setting at the time.

 

[dfmike]

So, my guess it is just a combination of batteries that are getting a little tired combined with wintery temperatures that are maybe hinting that it's time to stay indoors and do research for next year's adventures afield.

Monte

But I don't want to stop ! Seriously the winter months are torture. I'm frozen in today but I might go out tomorrow as it will be a tad above freezing.

Thanks squirrel1 for the hints. Next time it happens I'll lower the sensitivity and see what gives. It's at 75 by default on DI2 and at 90 on DI3. I'll take the cover off as well just to see if there's dirt between the coil and cover.

 

[dfmike]

I think the 5" coil has an issue. I took it out in the relative cold again today (freezing mark) with same batteries that are not fresh but still have juice. As expected, in DI2 it automatically overloads and seems to be stuck in that state. I hunted in DI3 for a couple of hours. I came back home, put on the 5 X 10 open coil and it worked perfect in DI2 with same batteries.