Has anybody waterproofed the ACE 250?

[Dan MI]

If so I would be interested in what was done. I think the 250 would be a great backup water unit.

 

[khouse]

Many have done it by removing the components and stuffing them into an Otterbox or equivalent. I'm working on doing the same but leaving the control head intact. I have searched high and low for a box that's the right size. I have tried many. Even waterproof bags but I didn't like any so far. I'm waiting on a new box that should be perfect. Give me about 1.5 weeks and I "should" have some pics.
PS. I have had the 250 knee high in the water and it performs flawlessly. That's fresh water I'm talking about. The tone ID is key!

 

[BigCatDaddy]

but the 150!! I figured using a 250 was overkill as you don't need pinpointing when water hunting. Just "X" the coil over the target and start scooping. I used a 3500 Otterbox, removed the back half of the housing, soldered a battery pack from Radio Shack onto the board, drilled holes for the coil connector and Garrett Headphones(no exposed speakers), sealed it up with marine silicone and hit the water. Actually there was more to it than that, but basically that was it. You might want to build an extension cable as mine is out to it's limit and I would like to have a few inches more to move the box back. Skillet built me a straight shaft and that is a big improvement over the "S" shaft in the water. My Otter is really nicely balanced. I can pick it up by the hand grip with one finger and it just sits there, balanced.
The Ace in the water seemed to be energized!! I get way better depth in the water than on land. I've scooped some targets that took me many scoops down to get them up. Now all of this is in fresh water, not sure how it would act in salt.

 

[khouse]

In most instances the 250 would be over kill as you stated. I'm keeping the control head completely stock. That way I can simply remove it from the box and convert it to my hip mount pouch or screw it back on the rod. That's why I'm using the 250 in my case.

 

[John-Edmonton]

Only The ACE 150 as far as I know. And yes......it would make a nice back-up detector or maybe THE water machine. Here is my version on the water-proof mod.
<center>

<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/John-Edmonton/P72601104.jpg">

The electronics were wrapped up in a plastic bag and inserted inside a small camera case, attached to one side of a set of headphones and can be worn around your neck or as a regular headset.

<center>

 

[khouse]

John,
Show us what's inside the bag? Is it a box or plastic bag in there?

 

[BigCatDaddy]

Really, that's one of the reasons I chose the 150. Same detecting strength as the 250, but I didn't need the pinpoint button to water hunt. I bought it used on e-bay for $80 and don't really need it for anything but a water machine. All totaled I've got about $120 into it for a totally dedicated water machine!! Not bad, sez I!!
Now, if I wanted to, I could put the 150 back in working order in about 1/2 hour. Just unsolder the battery pack, screw the tail piece back on and screw it back on the "S" rod and away we go.

 

[khouse]

Thats true BigCat but I already had the 250. If I was buying another Ace just for water then I would get the 150.

 

[Dan MI]

Thanks for all the responses. I have the 250 already and think it would make a super backup water unit. I let a friend use it in the water last weekend just wading and he did very well. I normally use the headhunter diver but that is prone to cable breakage so a backup unit is not a bad idea.

 

[BigCatDaddy]

Well, OK then!! It should make an excellent water rig, the Ace series really seems to come alive in the water for some reason. I just wish our lakes weren't overflowing, no water hunting for us so far this season, RATZ!!!!!

 

[CliffHanger]

n/t

 

[khouse]

Not without a waterproof enclosure.