Excal 1000 repair/upgrade questions.

[Greg (E.Tn)]

I recently acquired a used Excal 1000, which included a single 1000 rechargeable (stock) battery, and the charger. The battery seems to take and hold a charge pretty well, but I am interested in the possibility of upgrading the battery issue.

I ordered a alkaline battery pod to use as a backup option. I understand this battery pod is good only to about 10 feet or so, so I plan to use it according to that restriction.

I am trying to decide between purchasing a new stock NIMH battery or modifying the stock battery pod to hold a lithium battery.

The issue is, I plan to occasionally dive with this machine, and would like the batteries to be waterproof to more than 10 feet. I understand that a stock replacement battery pod is pressure tested and rated to around 200' ($165.00) ; but a converted Ex-3000 lithium or Maxxpack NIMH will not be, unless MInelab conducts the upgrade.

Recommendations? Can/will Minelab convert my blue Excal 1000 battery pod to lithium and pressure test it?

I would feel better about any upgrades or modifications regarding the battery pod if I knew it was pressure tested.

And, another question: maintenance wise, is there any recommended maintenance suggested for the gasket which fits between the coil connector and the battery pod?

 

[Greg (E.Tn)]

If I'm being an idiot about something, or not conforming to this forums protocols, please tell me.

 

[mascard1]

Just use the stock rechargeable pod and put a RNB 3000...in it and you are good to go!

 

[Greg (E.Tn)]

n/t

 

[dewcon4414]

Say what...... ? All u have to do is use RTV silicone around cap and allen screws when u put it back to gether and you shouldn't have any problems. U can use aqua seal as well.....but its a little more permanent.

 

[Greg (E.Tn)]

Most components that are built to withstand the pressure of diving lose that sort of "structural integrity" when they are dismantled, and should be pressure tested when they are reassembled. That's why Minelab conducts pressure tests of U/W machines, to guarantee that they can still withstand the pressure of tens (or hundreds) of feet of water after modification. You'd be surprised how much pressure diving to say, 33 feet puts on a detector.

Have you noticed how a lot of new multi-use machines like the Garrett AT Pro and Minelab CTX are only rated to 10' or so?

If I was planning to use the modified battery pod just for wading, or shallow water diving, I wouldn't worry about it too much, but I might take it deeper on some river or lake dives.

Anyway, thanks for the advice, and the information on the Aquaseal. I have a tube of it here at the house.