Minelab GT meter - no longer made?

[JimmyCT]

I am learning about the minelab lineup of detectors - especially the Sovereign GT. (thanks critterhunter for your extreme in-depth reviews of the GT ) However, I am now learning that the digital meters are no longer made for this detector? When did they stop production on the meter for this unit and is there any manufacturer out there that will pick up the continuation in making them? I definitely need a hip mounted detector and is nice to know that the digital meter ( correct me if I am wrong) can sit on top of the shaft while the unit is hip mounted makes this setup GOLD for me. I read somewheres else on findmall that these 180 meters break and the parts are real hard to find so Sovereign ditched them. hmmm I like this GT detector but I certainly want a meter for it as well. Then I am thinking if something "goes down" with the meter, how would I get it repaired? I am by no means an eletronic repair individual. Are there any other manufacturers out there that make aftermarket meters for the GT? Thanks for any help in helping me figure out where to go from here.

 

[old lobo]

Sun Ray, are you listening? I can understand you discontinuing your meters when you had compitition, because there are only so many Sovereigns out there, but now there is no compitition and as you can see by the forums a lot of new owners are asking where they can buy one. Bring the DTI 3 back and I believe you will have a lot of happy customers, and I would be one of them. I would especially like that back light.
lobo

 

[Rob in (Ca)]

you have the Joe Patrick meter to think about........ Don't need a meter for the Beach......But must have one for Park hunting

 

[plugger]

After my GTs both cleared warranty, I had Joe Patrick install a meter where the speaker was (you never use it anyways). I also hip mount it in a deep, softly padded, weather resistant telephoto camera bag by Tamrac. Underneath the control box is about 4" of foam padding with a hole in the middle for the cable. Works great and when I am curious I can check the meter no matter where I am hunting (usually at the beach).

[attachment 196048 GTMeterMod001LargeWebview.jpg]

 

[plugger]

A couple more pics....

[attachment 196049 GTMeterMod003LargeWebview.jpg]

[attachment 196051 GTMeterMod005LargeWebview.jpg]

 

[goodmore]

People say you don't need a meter at the beach. Very true. But I also have Joe's meter mod. When I hit that low tone and the numbers on the meter are steady I get really excited. I also use it to my advantage on pull tabs and zinc pennies. These targets have to be shallow to insure against a good target. But if I get a good number lock I'll let them for the PI guys.

 

[Neil]

After my GTs both cleared warranty, I had Joe Patrick install a meter where the speaker was (you never use it anyways). I also hip mount it in a deep, softly padded, weather resistant telephoto camera bag by Tamrac. Underneath the control box is about 4" of foam padding with a hole in the middle for the cable. Works great and when I am curious I can check the meter no matter where I am hunting (usually at the beach).

[attachment 196048 GTMeterMod001LargeWebview.jpg]

Thats a nice setup, and I agree about the speaker. I might eventually go this route. Someone had one of these for sale awhile back and I should have grabbed it then, I think it was mounted in an Elite.

As far as a meter for the beach, not necessary is true but can be very useful also. Never saw a ring or any gold hit above zinc penny so if you have limited hunt time or just want to put all your time into hunting gold, the meter is a plus. 176 and under can save alot of deep digging and yes, youve got to be able to live with giving up some silver jewelry which has climbed in value also.

Bill can you shoot me an email and let me know how much this mod costs and how to contact Joe?

 

[Rob in (Ca)]

If a beach was littered with Zinc's ....and one had limited hunt time........ a meter would be helpful..

 

[JimmyCT]

Hi plugger,
Thanks for the idea and suggestion. Nice setup looks like it is straight from the factory.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Plugger,doesn't the Patrick meter make the Sovereign unit unable for a plug inline shaft meter(Minelab Digital,Sunray and others) to work.I think for a hip mount setup the box meter works but not very efficient as a meter mounted on the rod assembly,which can also be used to hip mount.On land IMHO the Patriot is just a novelty.My point try to watch any hip mounted meter unit, included is the Whites Sierra, its just not practical,which got a lot of criticism for that reason. HH Ron

 

[Critterhunter]

That meter mounted in the speaker hole won't work with SEF coils. The stock meter is reliable so long as you don't get water or sand/dirt in it when it may need the pot cleaned.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Critterhunter,with the meter mounted in place of the speaker I heard this disables all in line meters working regardless of coil used? Another point the meter is connected first at the Sovereign box connector and then the coil is connected to the meter.So the meter reaction is coming from the two pins 5 and 6 from the control box, newer coils don't even use these #5 and #6 pins. Thanks Ron

 

[Neil]

That meter mounted in the speaker hole won't work with SEF coils. The stock meter is reliable so long as you don't get water or sand/dirt in it when it may need the pot cleaned.

I didnt realize this and Ive got a 10X12 on my GT right now.

 

[Neil]

If a beach was littered with Zinc's ....and one had limited hunt time........ a meter would be helpful..

Rob I was more referring to the deep quarters and dimes that are down a foot. Usually the meter will still ID them correctly and digging 20 or so of those can eat up a bunch of time. My hunt times are usually around 2 hours, so for the small amount of money I get digging those coins I will usually bypass them and hunt zincs and under. now the shallow ones that scream are one scoopers and they take just a little time so I will grab those.

 

[goodmore]

And energy. I'm carrying a 6 inch scoop with stainless lip. Very nice scoop. Taking two scoops out for a zinc penny is not very rewarding. We all fight and race against those breakers coming in. Good energy used up on Zincoln. There are people in our hobby who will bypass high tones all together. Never dig a coin all day unless it is a nickle. I use my meter to refine the nit picking. I hate digging Zincolns. I'll dig the heck out of quarters. Especially now that a silver one is worth 10 bucks.

And it is true that Joe's meter mod does not register with SEF coils. I am the one who made him aware of it. Joe had no SEF coil to do testing with. I offered him mine and he declined because of the liability factor. But his meter has many benefits. No extra wires. It is always right on because the adjustment knob is not being hit. I chest mount so the meter is not a pain when it comes to mounting. If you shaft mount the mod is not for you. He says that right in the brochure. I have had three Sovereigns done by him. I'm sure number four is around the corner. I will point out that the mod does work with all other coils. WOT, Sunray coils, Excelerator, stock all work fine.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

LOL,I don't like any of the Stink-en Lincolns,but wheat's are good.

 

[dfxone]

I use the 12x10 SEF coil for the beach dry and wet sand hunting with Joe Patricks meter where the speaker is, Joe's meter does not work with the SEF coil and really do not need the meter for beach hunting, just a big scoop. When I do park and dirt hunting I use the Minelab 10 " slimline coil and the meter reads correct in this set-up. To each his own I say, GH, Don

 

[Neil]

I emailed Joe about his meter and asked about the SEF coils and Goodmore and Critter are correct, it doesnt work with those coils(his meter installation).
I think there are only the two available for the Sov, the 12X10 and 15X12, cant find the smaller 8X6 listed for it so I guess there isnt one?
Goodmore points out all the others work so that is a real plus as there are a boatload of coils for the Sov.
Thanks to everyone for all this info!
Neil

 

[Rob in (Ca)]

I get phenomenal depth with just the S12 and Stock coils ....Do the SEF's add that much more depth

 

[goodmore]

The monster 18 x15 SEF I believe would give you a little more depth in the sand. I know that it covers more area. But just like every thing else in our hobby there is a trade off. It is heavy. And masking becomes an issue. Plus I just could never see that coil being used in the water. At least by me. The one good thing I always read about the smaller SEF coils was their ability to hit a coin on it's side. And people claim you can turn up the sensitivity more with them. My favorite coil to use on a clean beach is the S-12. Everyone has their favorite. I know the WOT guys are loyal to their coil. I personally believe there is VLF depth and PI depth. And PI there is the trash trade off.