Mounting the Sunray X1 probe

[akelley]

My X1 probe just arrived and I'm debating where to mount it - on top of the upper shaft or on the side of the battery compartment. I'm looking for the best balance and accessability and I would appreciate hearing the preferences by other X1 users.

Thanks
-Alex

 

[40golf_zulu]

ive got mine mounted just south of the control box just past the X-1 box that way you can use all 4 ziptie holes and i backed it up the double sided tape. it sits on top and its easy access for me. if you want a pic of my set up i can get you one so you see what i mean.
Bert

 

[Magicman]

When you sit down your Detector, where is it? Is the screen at the place you are digging? I use it on the side of the battery compartment. I do that so I have access to my probe when I sit down the detector. When I pick up my detector, the probe is in one hand and the detector in the other. The natural place for me to stick the probe back into the clips are right at the battery compartment.

Try it out in either position, if you don't like, move it. You can always get more zip strips.

 

[JohnnyI]

Alex, for what it's worth, I had one of these mounted on the upper shaft of my old explorer and I regretted the placement, as it through off the balance, and for me, balance is far more important than weight. If you mount it under the battery compartment you have maintained the balance and even countered the weight of a heavier coil to a small degree. (Just the humble opinion of a guy with worn out rotator cuffs, a.k.a. metal detector shoulder )

 

[Nick A]

I vote for top of the upper shaft by the switch. I never forget to turn it off now. On my Exp SE it is on the battery pack and would often forget to flip the switch. I was concerned at first that the probe would interfere with the coil/signals, but this has not been the case. I loop the wire up around the handle/screen and this setup has worked well for me.

 

[EddieB]

The option I have chosen is to mount the holder on top of the upper shaft, but to carry the probe in a homemade probe holder that I carry on my belt. Just as Johnny1 stated about the ole shoulder, it take the addition weight of the probe off you shoulder and your retain the balance of the detector. I used a 1" cpvc coupling , electrical tape, and 2" velco strap. The probe hangs in front of me which does not effect swinging. Pics for those who might be curious. HH EddieB

 

[Ray-Mo.]

For the best balance you seek the only logical placement will be as far back on the battery housing as you can secure it.It is still quite easily accessed and makes the machine ballance out better for more comfortable extended use in my experience from many extended 8 to 10 hour hunts.And as stated by others it is no problem to move if you find you want to after a few test runs,Ray.
PS The most important thing is you have it to use as it is a real pleasure once you get use to it.

 

[40golf_zulu]

these are a couple of pics of my probe setup. it helps me remember to switch the coil/probe toggle after im done. but thats what works for me.
Bert

 

[moseng]

So now that you have gotten a crystal clear idea on where to install it....

I have mine on the upper shaft but I like Magicmans suggestion the best, try it in both spots to see which YOU like the best. I did and am now happy!

 

[D&P-OR]

Used to mount mine on the shaft.--Now for the last 2 or 3 years I've had it mounted on the side of the battery case.--It provides a little better balance mounted this way & is still easy to get to--I like the battery case mount the best.--My biggest problem is occasionally forgetting to shut the switch back off after digging a target!--Have finally gotten myself into a routine with that though. -----Del

 

[akelley]

Thanks Bert, EddieB for the pics and all who responded to this thread. I'm going to try it as Sunray suggests (on the battery compartment) since that appears to give the best balance. Like MagicMan mentions I can always get more zipstrips if I decide to move it to the upper shaft later on.

Thanks again!
-Alex

 

[grumpyolman]

I have mine mounted on the upper shaft. However, I use the Swingy Thingy so maybe that's not a fair comparison. I think I'll move it back to the batery box for a try to see if I like it better. If it helps balance it would be an improvement.

Jim

 

[RandyNorthridgeca]

I agree with you Rich! I use to have mine on the side of the battery compartment and switched it to the shaft a couple of months ago. I'll be switching mine back to side of the battery compartment ASAP.

 

[grumpyolman]

I tried it on the back of the battery box for about two hours. Went home and took it off and put it back on the upper shaft. When I drop down on my knees the pinpointer coil was awkward to get to and then the battery case was so close to the target area that it squealed from that. Maybe it's just what you get used to. The balance did not seem significantly better to use it mounted on the battery box. Just another person's experience and opinion.

 

[In2Deep]

Ok.. question for you guys since you all have the probe.

Since using your probe, could you ever go back to hunting without one?

I was watchin a couple videos on youtube and it sure did look like a HUGE time saver! But thats coming from someone who has only hunted 4 hours off of my own property