My Sov Elite

[GaBeachsweeper]

Hello folks.
I bought a used Elite near a year ago and I am at a loss as to whether either A) I know how to tune it to maintain a stable threshold tone or B) The machine is operating properly. My primary machine is my Excal1000. I just turn it on set threshold and go but with the Elite there seems to be a good deal more to it. If I set it in Variable Tone mode then that is what it does continually as I sweep to my vexation. I'd rather hunt that way since my Excal tone varies with the make-up of the target but it seems like the Elite doesn't know how to maintain that threshold tone especially in a trashy area. Additionally watching the ID meter is something akin to a pinball counter. I know I am unschooled with this machine and I know that (if operating properly) it is one of the best I could swing. Anyone experience similar start with their Elite? I need some mentoring with this Sov.
Thanks Guys.

 

[radarwill]

I had a problem initially that sounds similar to yours.
I use a Sov XS-2 that I bought used. I was new to the Sovereign line and like you I pulled my hair out initially.
The problem, which sounds similar to yours, was that in DISC mode with the sensitivity fully CW, lowest setting,
I'd could adjust my threshold level anywhere I wanted with no problems. I could even sweep it over target free ground with no
constant threshold/ID/tones changes. If I went to just off minimum sensitivity and anywhere in between auto and including auto,
what a nightmare. It's as if every bird in the jungle began calling at once. Operation became very unstable but it would still find the
deep stuff if you could stand the strain on your ears and concentration.
I replaced the coil and it fixed my problem. Over average ground you should be able to adjust minimum to around halfway before
erratic behavior sets in. Also, if your detector is functioning correctly, the Auto setting will most of the time make things stable.
Holding your coil in the air, with no interference, you should be able to just click out of Auto for highest sens and not get horrible
threshold changes
I found a post on Geotech that described this very problem. It turns out that sometimes water seeps into the coil at it's connector and
corrodes to the point of breaking the RX shield braid. It furthur said that if you had this problem and ran with extremely low sensativity to
"mask" it and that in itself didn't alert you to a problem, you may never know you actually have one. This holds especially true for a true new user
of the Sov line with his/hers being the first they ever heard or operated.

I'm not sure if my problem matches your symptoms but I hope my experience helps.
I learned that after checking the battery, the coil is the next thing to try to change out.

Good Luck.

 

[kc in wv]

I have an Elite and I like it. Does yours act up in clean soil? If you sweep very slow do you get the same response?

 

[GaBeachsweeper]

My Elite seems to act up everywhere basically. Slow sweep, regular sweep doesn't seem to matter. I'll get the hang of it one day, but it is gonna take a while.

 

[GaBeachsweeper]

Radar;
Thanks, I know my batts are good so if the problem persists I'll be havin a chat with Sandy Burton @ Minelab.

 

[radarwill]

[quote GaBeachsweeper]Radar;
Thanks, I know my batts are good so if the problem persists I'll be havin a chat with Sandy Burton @ Minelab.[/quote]

Miss "I know everything and you are an idiot?" I hope it dosen't come to that.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

I had a part issue a while back with one of my Sovereign Sandy Burton went out of her way to help with the problem. Just my humble opinion,maybe that could be a chapter in the Sovereign book.

 

[GaBeachsweeper]

Was it something I said? I am admitting my unfamiliarity with the beast here, and when I say a 'chat' I mean alerting her to the impending arrival of the set for a thorough going over to assure it's proper functioning.
Was there something there for someone to take as insult or what? Huh?

 

[Jeff (IL)]

GaBeachsweeper,

I don't think Ron's statement was directed to you....

Anyways, I'd echo what Ron said. Sandy and Minelab have gone above and beyond for me on many occasions.

HH,

Jeff (IL)

 

[GaBeachsweeper]

She's alway been a peach to me as well. but I hate the thought of dismantling the machine and mailing it off hopin it'll get back before vacation . I know it's up to me to get it done, the sooner the better.
Thanks..

 

[Jeff (IL)]

GaBeachSweeper,

Do you know anyone else with a Sovereign? If so you could try swap the coil with another to see if that helps.

FWIW, some other suggestions to try...

Make sure you have good batteries. Don't use 1.2 v rechargables in the 8A pack, as this in not enough power to run the Sov properly.

Bypass the meter and see if that helps

Check your coil cover to make sure you don't have sand/dirt stuck in between the coil and cover

Try turning down your sensitivity, maybe even move it to auto.

Keep in mind in areas where there's lots of iron, the sovereign WILL null, and needs to be swung SLOW.

Try changing the frequency from 1 to 2, or vise versa....

Best of luck,

Jeff (IL)

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Gabeachsweeper,the comment was not directed at you.It may save you some time and trouble to send the Elite to Minelab.It may be a simple fix.The biggest problem with used Sovereigns a lot have had some modifications done by curious owner's.

 

[radarwill]

I was having a technical issue with my Sovereign XS-2 and called Minelab and got Sandy. She treated me like I was the biggest idiot on the face of the Earth and couldn't wait to get off the phone. The only information she would give me was to send it in. I suggested that it may be the coil, which seemed to further agitate her. Guess what, it was the coil.

 

[cash]

i use an elite also and i love it especially on the beach. i had the same thing happen to mine with exact same symptoms. i chest mount mine and while using a 5" coil i accidently stepped on the coil wire and jerked it good and it went nuts on the ground or in the air. it would still detect but like you said, but it would drive you nuts if you tried to use it that way. i switched over to my 8" and no problem. i am sure i ruined the coil wire, which is a common problem of chest mounting. before you send it in, try switching to another coil if you have access to one or you could try cutting off a foot at the end of the cable and resoldering the plug wires if you are able to do that stuff, but the fix would obviously depend on where the break is in the cable, but it is often at the solder connections on the plug end. whatever you do dont give up on the elite, you will figure it out and you will do well with it. good luck!