We detectorists are an interesting lot. We happily spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on our equipment - and then just as happily roll it in the dirt and muck of fields and woods in search of our treasures. Yet such treatment does little to maintain the material condition of our gear after just a short time of use. What is needed is a way to protect our stuff so it stays looking nice.
Now there are any number of clever people out there, who fabricate detector covers out of space age fabrics. It seems that soon after a new model comes out, someone creates these covers. This is good. However they invariably cost 20-30 dollars, at least, and only occasionally are designed to cushion the detector from impact. So I reckoned an "improvement" was in order. It needed to be different than the other covers - most importantly, it shouldn't cost much and do a better job of protecting the instrument.
I hit on such an improvement some time ago, and it has become standard procedure for me after many years in the detecting fields.
It is very easy to implement, costs almost nothing and just about any one can do it, to ANY detector.
Recently, I gave my F70 this revolutionary cover up treatment. Here are the results:
[attachment 113547 DSCF0018.JPG]
[attachment 113548 DSCF0021.JPG]
[attachment 113549 DSCF0023.JPG]
In this pic you can see the improvements to the face of the F70.
- There is a clear acetate cover on the screen and a piece of packing tape covering the control membrane switches.
- There is a silicone shelf bumper adhered to the pinpoint button. The bumper gives you positive control and protects the much used membrane switch from pressure that might be a little too strenuous.
When it's time to remove the tape, you simply peel it off and remove any adhesive residue with 'Goo Gone.' The acetate face cover is just held in place with the top 1/8" of the tape.
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Hows that for ugly? Man, I'm talking hideous here! It's obvious by the pics that I am both frugal and have an abundance of bubble wrap and duct tape. I get both materials free where I work, so I decided long ago to find as many uses for them as possible. As for being a cheap $%&, well - I come by that naturally.
While it doesn't look like much, this treatment serves two very good purposes:
1. It protects the detector.
2. It makes your detector "unappealing."
That F70 is now nearly impervious to the normal bumps, scratches, abrasions and sundry other little accidents a hard used detector is subject to.
It's even pretty safe from blowing sand and spray down at the marine shore.
My next step is to get some nylon material and a dab of Velcro. Then I can make some rod covers.
The last detector I did this to was a Garrett GTP 1350. I recently sold it, and the buyer was astounded by the detector's excellent condition, considering I'd used it for several years.
I admit, we all want to be proud of our stuff. It's nice to have the latest and greatest, and show it off. The trouble is, some people are unscrupulous and will happily steal your nice stuff given half a chance.
But, with a detector covered in bubble wrap and duct tape, that is much less of an issue. I mean think about it.... what self respecting thief would want to steal that raggedy looking thing?!
There's an added benefit to all this. Most "regular" people will leave you alone when they see that crummy looking detector in your hands. They see the TV commercials of those shiny new detectors, finding all the treasure and leaving all the trash behind. Then they meet you in your scruffy hunting clothes, a vagabond toting a detector held together with duct tape. Someone like that is best steered clear of, right?
Bubble wrap and duct tape... don't leave home without them.
Now there are any number of clever people out there, who fabricate detector covers out of space age fabrics. It seems that soon after a new model comes out, someone creates these covers. This is good. However they invariably cost 20-30 dollars, at least, and only occasionally are designed to cushion the detector from impact. So I reckoned an "improvement" was in order. It needed to be different than the other covers - most importantly, it shouldn't cost much and do a better job of protecting the instrument.
I hit on such an improvement some time ago, and it has become standard procedure for me after many years in the detecting fields.
It is very easy to implement, costs almost nothing and just about any one can do it, to ANY detector.
Recently, I gave my F70 this revolutionary cover up treatment. Here are the results:
[attachment 113547 DSCF0018.JPG]
[attachment 113548 DSCF0021.JPG]
[attachment 113549 DSCF0023.JPG]
In this pic you can see the improvements to the face of the F70.
- There is a clear acetate cover on the screen and a piece of packing tape covering the control membrane switches.
- There is a silicone shelf bumper adhered to the pinpoint button. The bumper gives you positive control and protects the much used membrane switch from pressure that might be a little too strenuous.
When it's time to remove the tape, you simply peel it off and remove any adhesive residue with 'Goo Gone.' The acetate face cover is just held in place with the top 1/8" of the tape.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hows that for ugly? Man, I'm talking hideous here! It's obvious by the pics that I am both frugal and have an abundance of bubble wrap and duct tape. I get both materials free where I work, so I decided long ago to find as many uses for them as possible. As for being a cheap $%&, well - I come by that naturally.
While it doesn't look like much, this treatment serves two very good purposes:
1. It protects the detector.
2. It makes your detector "unappealing."
That F70 is now nearly impervious to the normal bumps, scratches, abrasions and sundry other little accidents a hard used detector is subject to.
It's even pretty safe from blowing sand and spray down at the marine shore.
My next step is to get some nylon material and a dab of Velcro. Then I can make some rod covers.
The last detector I did this to was a Garrett GTP 1350. I recently sold it, and the buyer was astounded by the detector's excellent condition, considering I'd used it for several years.
I admit, we all want to be proud of our stuff. It's nice to have the latest and greatest, and show it off. The trouble is, some people are unscrupulous and will happily steal your nice stuff given half a chance.
But, with a detector covered in bubble wrap and duct tape, that is much less of an issue. I mean think about it.... what self respecting thief would want to steal that raggedy looking thing?!
There's an added benefit to all this. Most "regular" people will leave you alone when they see that crummy looking detector in your hands. They see the TV commercials of those shiny new detectors, finding all the treasure and leaving all the trash behind. Then they meet you in your scruffy hunting clothes, a vagabond toting a detector held together with duct tape. Someone like that is best steered clear of, right?
Bubble wrap and duct tape... don't leave home without them.
