MD's operating in outdoor temperatures

[salmonriverhotrock]

There seems to be differences on operating a metal detector in cold temperatures so I did a little looking around.

On page 15 of the BH Pioneer 505 Manual under "Temperature Change," it simply indicates a need to re-tune when moving from one temperature to another or as they change while operating and until they stabilize. It also mentions if you move from a cold environment to a warmer, the detector may emit a constant tone so re-tune. If you move from a warm environment to a cool, the detector may lose sensitivity and so re-tune. I have not found any information yet on any Bounty Hunter outdoor operating temperatures. I believe though as a rule of thumb with electronics and condensation risks, sudden extreme temperature changes such as detecting in freezing temperatures and then taking a machine into a 70 degree environment would be risky to turn it on until the machine has adequately warmed and any condensation has evaporated. I would also think the same would apply the other way around, hot to cold.

Here is some info I found on a White's Matrix hand held detecting Wand. They also mention some information about a few battery brands and their operating temperatures. Also, the Wand indoor/outdoor operating temperatures are listed.

http://media.whiteselectronics.com/manuals/Matrix%20Manuals/matrix100englishcol.pdf

Here is some info on a Garrett CSI-250 metal detector and operating temperatures.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/garrett-csi-250-ground-search-metal-detector-1140070.html

Here is some info on a Garrett Super Scanner wand metal detector and it's operating temperatures.

http://www.metaldetector.cc/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=109

And also interesting, a walk through SMD 600 metal detector and it's indoor/outdoor operating temperatures.

http://www.highcomsecurity.com/metal-detectors/walk-through/smd600-multizone.html

Tesoro Field Test "Tiger Shark"

and the optimum operating temperature range is from 30

 

[salmonriverhotrock]

Also found Teknetics T2 is from -4 degrees to +122 F. The Fisher F-75 may have in fact been the same range but looked like it was shown as 4 degrees. May be my oooppsie.

http://www.mediaelettra.com/tekneticst2en.htm

Shadow X3 and X5

Optimum 30 to 100 degrees F

http://www.upstatedetectors.com/shadowx5/shadow.htm

Tesoro Lobo SuperTRAQ

Optimum 30 to 100 degrees F

Another important factor to consider are Humidity levels. Seems the Lobo is lower than others. Here in most parts of Idaho, the air tends to be drier than other parts of the nation.

 

[salmonriverhotrock]

And how about a MineLab F1A4

Though this is a specialty machine, how about a comfortable -22 degrees F up to +140 looking for land mines?

http://www.minelab.com/products/countermine/product-archive/f1a4?view=360

 

[Aces High 333]

Micro's can handle the cool better that the heat. Some IC's start shutting down as temp reach 110F. The only reason I can think of for failing at lower temps is Xtals going out of tolerance and stop oscillating. Also cpu clock stopping. Call me a whimp but I like MDing when the temp is above 32F.
Good topic.. Devil dog.

 

[salmonriverhotrock]

Still have not found any BH outdoor temperature spec's but I found it interesting about the other units. It seems that some manufacturers did anticipate some use in harsh temperature environments, electronicly speaking. Interesting also are those who give figures for "optimum" temperature operation.

Oh no, there are no wimps with cold. I used to snowmachine here in Idaho all day in just boots, jeans, a shirt with rolled up sleeves, and helmet when young and dumb. With age comes more winter wear, believe me.

Maybe a good rule of thumb to go by is if your dry thumb gets cold enough to need warming, it's time to put the machine away.

 

[Ed Steinhoff]

I use both the tracker IV and the pioneer 505. I've had them both out in -10 weather and I have found the trackerIV to be much more tolerant of temperture change Ie. taking out of a warm vehicle, turning it on and going hunting, doesnt seem to phase it and it will stay out in the cold longer than I will! The505 however is much more sensitive, it will take 2 or 3 readjustments of the ground trac before it settles down from a severe temperature change. Once it does it seems to be just fine and all functions are dead on. The membrane control panel does get a bit stiff, but I havent any problems with it not responding to adjustments. Any colder tho and I think I will use John from Edmontons trick and put a hand warmer pack on top of the box with a wool sck or ace bandage over it. Ed in co.

 

[salmonriverhotrock]

Thanks for sharing the comparison of the machines and the touch pad membrane information. At -10 degrees F, I can not imagine doing much digging unless in gravels, loose mine tailing's, very dry dirt, or searching old house walls for cashe's and Mill logs for spikes and nails before going into the saw or plainers. I suppose you could still do some shallow water in mountain springs and streams not frozen over. Even if you can't dig, it still gives you an idea of what may be waiting for you in better weather. You know, part of that winter time researching.

The idea of the chemical hand warmer pack I do think would work well to form around and warm the unit and would add a negligible amount of weight to it while also acting as a hand warmer. My Dad gave me an old Jon'e hand warmer (metalic) that uses lighter fluid and is in a draw string pouch. I really don't think it would work well for warming the unit, at least it would be awkward to attach but I gave it a try one day to see if it worked under normal use for warming. I had seen them in adds for years and thought them a gimmick but to my surprise, it worked very well. Had it inside my coveralls at chest level and boy was I toasty and if my hands were cold, I just pulled it out or reached in and warmed them. For the small amount of fluid I put in it (did not fill it completely), I got a good 12 or more hours out of it. The Jon'e hand warmer can also get very hot depending on how exposed to air it is and is why it has to be handled with it in the pouch. Just a thought but warming any of the decals on the instrument housing may cause them to come off or move. Something to consider and or watch for. I think it worth trying but would not hurt to see just how hot these packs get. I know at -10 F, there may be enough heat loss it may not even be an issue of getting too hot.

Have been to Colorado many times up to 2005 and not many places there I have not been.

Thanks Ed

 

[Ed Steinhoff]

Not digging much here with the ground froze hard, but if the depth meter says 4 inches or less i go after it. take off an inch in the air and 2 inches of grass stubble inthe park and you target is 1 to 2 inches max. pinpoint it with your habdheld of choice, locate it with you screwdriver and pop it out. you have to pass up all the good signals over 4inches but I still find enough to make 35 to 50 coins in a 2 to 3 hour hunt. Keeps me sane until the ground thaws. Used to ride pens for Simplot in Idaho for a few years, both at Grand view and Caldwell, sounds like you are farther north. Ed in co.

 

[salmonriverhotrock]

Know exactly where the pens are over near Grandview. I grew up in the Big (mile high country) and Little Lost Rivers area in south east Idaho. Simplot has a farm there outside of Howe. Though I still have a place back home, I'm working and living up here in central Idaho down in the big and little Salmon Rivers canyon.

Sounds like you have it down and working. I do about the same kind of winter digging with a garden tool that is mostly a handle with a screw driver diameter shank or shaft and small forked spade end. Just a little work at getting it down and under and the stuff pops out. Wish I had a place like your working over. Believe me, I understand the need to keep winter sane and to keep the MD from growing cob webs and dust.

Never thought to go to the BH Web page to the "Ask an Expert." Just asked them about the Optimal outdoor operating temperatures of their detector line but in particular, that for the 505. Guess I will see what they have to say.