CZ Conversion and Tuning Questions???

[Crabman]

This message is probably premature. I just bought a lightly used and well taken care of CZ-6A. Don't even have the detector yet, but been perusing the forums to have something to chew on until I get the detector!

I have come across some references of people getting their older CZ converted to a CZ-3D. And I have also read some about people getting their CZ (esp. CZ-3D) tuned or super-tuned by an expert in the device.

Now as I mentioned I don't even have the detector yet so their is no reason to assume that I am going to want to improve anything about it. But as I said, until I get the detector, I am just studying my options.

First question: Who do I contact for these services?

and: How much do these services cost?

And while I am at it, one more question. I have read conflicting statements about the discontinued Sunray 12.5 inch coil. Soms say that there is no improvement over the Fisher 10.5 inch, others say that it is better for some conditions? Any opinion on this?

Thanks all!!

 

[therover]

Crabman,

First off, I would just use and learn the 6a when you get it. Then you can decide IF you want to do things to it. Any conversion to a 3D will only be adjustments made to the 'windows' of the discrimination settings to bring some of the older nickels and Indian Head pennies into the high tone category. It will NOT make your 6a a 4 tone machine like the 3D. Also, remember that some older nickels and Indian Heads will already be high tones on your 6a...some will not ID as high tone but mid tone. The 3D was designed for older sites and has been tuned to ring high tone on most V and Buff nickels as well as the Indian heads and some gold coins and rings in Enhanced mode. It will also ring high tone on some trash in Enhanced mode too.

You can if you want, get the 6a re-calibrated to have all the discrimination windows set correctly, but as for increasing depth, not sure if any 3rd party vendors ( maybe Tom Dankowski or Keith Willis ) can help in the increase depth department. I believe Tom states that re-calibrating does not do anything in terms of fixing a depth problem ( that is, the machine can't hit a clad time air testing, at 8 inches, with the following settings: Sens 5, Discrim - 0 , Volume 10, GB 5, Normal mode for CZ5, 6a, 70, Enhanced for 3D. Most all correct CZ machines can air test a clad dime at 8+ inches with the stock coil on it...the majority even more than that as I know my 3D can hit air test a clad time at 11.5 inches where my 2 6a's can only do about 10 with 8 inch coils on them). If your 6a does not get at least 8 inches on a clad dime air testing with the above settings, it may be out of whack.

I have both the 10.5 and 12 inch Sunray coils. I would not even worry about trying to get a Sunray. The 10.5 inch coil will be more than enough to hunt beaches and fields.

The main thing you have to remember when you first get it. Ground balance the machine , set the sensitivity to 3 or 4 ( making sure you have a very stable unit with little falsing when swinging so don't run high sensitivity until you learn the machine), set the discrimination at 0 so you can hear ALL the targets in the ground, including iron, and dig all the high tone repeatable ( from all angles ) targets. If you are in a awful place with a lot of nails, iron bits, etc, then run it at discrimination setting 1 so you don't hear all the low tones. Sometimes that can drive you crazy when you first start off.

Last thing...HAVE FUN. In due time you will find some great things.

 

[Crabman]

Thanks! Sounds like really good info and great advice! Now just time to sit and wait for the machine. Harder to do than it sounds!

 

[Dan-Pa.]

I don't think a CZ6A can be made into a CZ3D( I believe I read it somewhere in one of Tom's posts)

Remember your CZ6A is an older CZ and indeed may need a tuneup but wait till you get as you don't want to fix what ain't broke kind of thing.Whether you send to Fisher or an outside shop is your call and imagine costs may vary. but would ask for an estimate before proceeding.

As far as the large Sunray coil(not made anymore) in my estimation sure covered a lot of ground and went deeper than a conventional Fisher CZ large coil, certainly good for large beaches fields and the like where you have a lot of ground to cover.

All in all read the manual(especially the ground balance bobbing method) important for depth and stabilityand go from there once it arrives...

 

[UtahRich]

I ask Tom D the question about modifying. He wrote, "The CZ-5 and/or 6a can be upgraded to a CZ-3D."

Since that time, I had my cz5 modified. Send him a PM on his website if you are interested

 

[therover]

I am thinking of sending Tom one of my 6a's to convert. I have a 3D, but I would like a 6a with 3D specs for foul weather hunting since the 6a is more weather resistant than the 3D.

You still only have 3 tones, but the discrimination 'windows' are changed...correct ?

JC

 

[Crabman]

Not sure if I'd want to have it done. But I sure am curious about how it worked for anyone that has had this done??

Also wondering, would there be a small increase in depth? From what I have read, it sounds like the CZ3Ds are a tad deeper than the older CZs.

 

[therover]

In reading posts on Tom D's site, he indicates that the only thing the conversion does is re-calibrate. It does not increase the depth. A 3D may be deeper than a CZ5 or 6a ( and then again, it may not depending on the unit). If the 3D is deeper, sending in a CZ5 to make it a psuedo 3D, will only have the discrimination windows alterned to mimic a 3D. I do not think the conversion increases the depth of the machine you are sending in.

I think Tom said for any depth issues, you have to contact FT. I could be wrong. You may want to go to Toms site and look through the posts.

JC