My 180 meter project.

[Ron from Michigan]

I'm very pleased with the results of my Cen Tech base 180 meter.The original called for a splice into the coils connector and run wires from pin 5 and 6 to the meter.The problem with splicing into a good coil you limit the meter use to one coil or have a lot of hacked up coils.With one attempt to solve this I made a coil cable extension with the male and female connector end with a splice running to the meter this created another problem it was messy and expensive.Now I have the meter wires running off of pin 5 and 6 from inside to a female 2.5mm connector the same one and size for the older Sovereigns battery system.This female connector is mounted on the Sovereign control box.I also went inside the meter and replace the three plugs with one 2.5 mm female connector.The results a wire with male fittings at bot ends, very easy plugs into the box and meter.This has big advantages even over the stock meters no more the winding ritual to changes coils or to break the detector down.Very clean and efficient.HH Ron

 

[Critterhunter]

 

[synthnut]

Hi Ron ,
VERY COOL INDEED .....I see a litle black knob coming out of the back of the Centech ....Is that the balancing knob to adjust to the number 180 for the quarter ? ........If so , did you install that seperate also ? ......Thanks .....Great Job !!....Jim

 

[otlew]

Very nice job.

I have installed an extension knob to the PCB trim pot inside the case, but haven't gotten around to the connectors yet, your new way seems to be a very good way to make the alteration. I bought a $2 rotary pot and tore it apart for the shaft and bearing and just filed a blade on the end to fit the tiny trim pot rotor. Just need to put a knob on it and make the connections as you did. Might just do that tomorrow.


Ron did you remove the rotary selector knob before you put the black mask over the face of the multimeter? I want to put a reference sheet similar to the SunRay meter's and it would be a lot easier with out the knob in the way.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

This works well for the Avenger.With the Cen Techs I have noticed the same model comes with different pots,one plastic and a better made metal pot.I have a re-calibrated or worked 550(did myself with one of those kits) to a 180 meter to compare with the Cen Tech and performance is identical.

 

[Rick(ND)]

Got a lot to figure out yet and see it runs on a 9 volt battery so going to try and find a differnt way to make it easy to change battery plus to put a toggle switch to turn it on and off instead of the slide switch.
One thing is it 1.8 volts comming off the pins 5 and 6 or do you have to calibrate the meter different.

Rick

 

[otlew]

Got a lot to figure out yet and see it runs on a 9 volt battery so going to try and find a differnt way to make it easy to change battery plus to put a toggle switch to turn it on and off instead of the slide switch.
One thing is it 1.8 volts comming off the pins 5 and 6 or do you have to calibrate the meter different.

Rick

Rick,

I have the same issues with the meter, a toggle switch and easy battery access would be desirable in this meter. Ron has got the connectors worked out very well if we had the other two resolved we would have a nice inexpensive meter for sure.

It may be that just moving the circuit board into a plastic project box would be the best answer, one equipped with a separate 9V battery box, a box like that should be in the neighborhood of 5 to $10, even then it will be significantly less than the cost of even a used meter.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Rick,I ran the two wires from the inside the Sovereign pins 5 and 6 and will be connected to a 2.5mm plug in box side.The 2.5mm female plug I got from radio shack and you'll need two one for the Sovereign box and one for the Cen Tech meter.Suggestion take a small pair of sharp wire cutters and cut the circuit plate even with the bottom jack of the three.Your 2.5mm female plug is going to need room to fit with the board already cut take the inside of the plastic nipple and cut it away with a small pair of wire cutters with this cut away the current hole is the exact size to mount your 2.5 mm female plug.To wire your 2.5mm female plug pos wire solder to top hole and negative to bottom test plug hole. You need two male 2.5mm plugs again radio shack has them suggestion stock Minelab battery charger wire is perfect for these plugs you can cut off excess wire and use for the meter.With these male plugs solder your wire (lenght for strait shaft about 18 inches of wire needed)pos to pos and neg to neg you could install shrink tube before you make your connections and screw your caps back on.After your wires are connected test before you assemble.Cut your 3/4 inch pipe hanger to fit back plate use two small screws and nuts to secure mounting bracket.The battery could be installed on the outside by using a 1 3/8" bicycle cut to run your mounting bracket inside the inner tube before mounting this will hold or mount your battery on the back and keep weather proof.(DIAL MUST BE SET AT 20) PS face plate try to cut dial flush from the outside it can be done very sharp small cutters other wise another career with lots of small watch like parts to reinstall. Forgot drill hole in back plate to access pot any hardware store will have a plug to fit the hole.Hope this helps. Another thing learned or stumbled on from this project Bicycle inner tube can be used as a main rod asm protector and your Velcro ties won't slide either all the manufactures missed this one.