How to waterproof a TDI:confused:

[bdahunter]

I've seen a lot of waterproofing conversions over the years and the results varied widely. I've decided that the dual field isn't for me but a waterproof TDI would be the Bomb! There is the possibility that Whites will produce one later this year but only a possibility, maybe it will be next year, maybe never.
So what's the best way to waterproof the TDI as a DIY project. I'm hoping that the BHID waterproof compartment can be modified to fit the TDI control but not sure, otherwise it's a pelican case and waterproof connections.
Is anyone else working on this idea? I'd be more than happy to brainstorm with them as many heads are better than one.

Cheers,

BDA

 

[Craig-PI]

BDA... I might be wrong but I heard the TDI creates alot of heat and if thats the case then this heat could possibly warp a plastic case and we know what happens when things warp... I'll be getting the Dual Coil next week..

 

[khouse]

I don't have neither but I can't see a TDI squeezing into any box Whites produces. It looks like a Pelican or Otter box to me.

 

[Mr.Bill]

You would first need to decide what controls you would require on the outside of the box, there are certain adjustments that need constant adjusting.

As far as the heat in the case, that

 

[GraveDiggerMax-VaBch-Va]

n/t

 

[PaPa-Joe-Fla.]

If enough people need or want a( TDI to work underwater) and they can make it profitibal it will get to the market place. That is one of the good things about the Hobby growing, more custormers to share the cost of building such a unit. I am still looking forward to someone comming up with a Unit that just detects what I tell it too. HH

 

[GraveDiggerMax-VaBch-Va]

n/t

 

[JohnA]

the Infinium, a maligned and misunderstood PI detector that is waterproof to 200 feet with a sealed battery compartment, interchangeable coils and decent reverse discrimination. I don't know about you, but the Excal and especially the Infinium go about as deep as I care to dig in heavy current and waves. The TDI would be great if it can be tweaked to really discriminate reliably and could be used effectively in relatively calm sanded in water and wet and dry sand for increased digable depth. Guess we will have to wait on some early adopters to report in. Looking forward to some positive feedback on the machine.

 

[Uptomyneck]

Generally there is no real magic in a new machine. I have no experience with the TDI so am speaking only from past experiience with other revolutionary break throughs. Learn to use what you have. The CZ 21's are nearly unbeatable, Infiniums are good choice as well. Excals when you don' t need to get deep. PI pros for moderate depth with good response to gold.

Modifications to dry machines could be fun but costly and generally not worth the trouble unless you have access to very sofisticated electronic equipment and the knowledge to use it. You simply can't just swap to an underwater case.

 

[steve herschbach]

Hi BDA,

Love the answers!

I am of the few early Infinium proponents. Good machine, vastly underrated. But if it was perfect I'd still not be looking for an alternative. Just too noisy for most folks, but I made great finds with mine.

I should have an underwater TDI soon. Very crude, but quite simple.

I'll be getting a Pelican case large enough to hold the TDI control box and some lead weight, enough to make it neutral underwater. I'll also drop in some moisture absorbent and one of those reusable cold packs to help keep things cool. I'll drill a hole in the case and run a coil cable in, and a set of underwater headphones. Seal hole. Attach D-Rings as needed to chest mount. Drop control box in, plug in headphones and coil, tune up detector, shut lid. Put it on, and jump in water!

Crude but effective. I've done it before. The upside is I do not need to modify my detector at all. I've certainly not given up on White's making an underwater TDI but I want one now. And if it really does work well then it gives them all the more reason to make one.

The only reason I have not done it yet is I need to get another 12" coil from White's. I almost decided to go with the 7.5" as it does almost as well as the 12" and would be easier to handle but I may as well go for the gusto with the 12". I'll post pictures when I get it done. Might be a few weeks, though.

Steve Herschbach

 

[bdahunter]

Thanks for all of the responses. I can see that there are some hurdles to this modification but that's what makes life interesting. My opinion right now is that over heating won't be as big of a problem as I first thought and if it is it can be addressed. I really want to add a powerful PI machine to my bag of tricks and I'm hoping that the TDI is it. Mineralization is virtually zero in Bermuda so that is a concern because the TDI was specifically designed to address that problem, but it's not an issue here. I considered the Infinium, especially now that the bugs in the coil/cable have been worked out, but I really was annoyed by the tones of this machine when I used it a year ago.(it sounds like nails on a blackboard to me) The dual field smacks of a marketing gimmick to me but I'm hopeful that it may still be more than just that, time will tell.
Until I finalize a decision I will limp along with my worn out Excal 1000 which is badly in need of an overhaul, at least until such time as my CZ21 comes back from the repair shop. If the Excal packs it in soon then I'll have to make a decision quickly as the only detector I will have left at that point will be the ACE250 which is a fun little machine but hardly a powerhouse.

Thanks Again,

BDA

 

[alex]

at least have access to control box .... when hunting

<img src="http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee117/oceangoldhunter/P5310152.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">

and if i'll buy TDI gonna use the same aqua bag for sure... its completely waterproof ..
alex