Questions about Compadre sensitivity adjustment/GB

[SilverFinger]

I don't want to fiddle with my new buddy, but wouldn't mind boosting the gain just a bit, or at least having the option.

Got the 5.75 version. Fun times to be had no doubt....

Just to verify, the pot should be turned counter-clockwise to INCREASE the gain?

I'm assuming it would be best to do this in the field somewhere where there is zero EMI?

Are there any ways to add gain control and NOT void the warranty?

How about a GB control? And if someone has added a GB control, how do you GB the machine without a threshold tone?

 

[REVIER]

I don't want to fiddle with my new buddy, but wouldn't mind boosting the gain just a bit, or at least having the option.

Got the 5.75 version. Fun times to be had no doubt....

Just to verify, the pot should be turned counter-clockwise to INCREASE the gain?

I'm assuming it would be best to do this in the field somewhere where there is zero EMI?

Are there any ways to add gain control and NOT void the warranty?

How about a GB control? And if someone has added a GB control, how do you GB the machine without a threshold tone?

From what I gather from those that have done it, yes counter clockwise and that small fragile screw does not need to be turned all that much, either.
Skiwhiz has done this many times, he did this on one he sold me.
Turn it up to where it just gets noisy, them back it down to the quiet level and you are good to go.
I love my hot little 7" coil unit.
Stable, quiet and deep while still being super sensitive, and I have never seen a need to adjust the sense back down except at one site where major EMI was a problem and was rare and unusual because even on maxed out sense mine is usually dead quiet.

Most advise against messing with the other 2 pots including the GB, if these get out of kilter that could seriously mess up your detector, but I have read about some that have reset the GB.
On that you basically follow the directions that Vaq owners use to GB theirs, which entails going outside and adjusting that pot as you pump the coil up and down and make sure there is no chatter in either direction, or something like that but don't quote me.
Hopefully someone that has done this will chime in here and give you the low down.

You can adjust the pots and reset them back to factory specs if you need to send it in, I guess, but if you add anything or do any mods that are obvious you will void your warranty and I don't think Tesoro would even look at let alone fix or repair a unit like that even if you are willing to pay.

Luckily, Compadres are cheap and many take the chance and do all kinds of little mods and adjustments so you don't lose much if you screw it up.

Look for "Tesoro Compadre Sensitivity Mod" by Swiper on Youtube for a vid on replacing the sense pot with a sense adjustment knob.

 

[slingshot]

I would only tweak the g/b VERY SLIGHTLY and with a PLASTIC tv tuner. I had trouble finding any signal on the up and down stroke on the negative side of the g/b pot, but got quite a signal whenever I turned it positive. It took me several tries to get it back to about normal. I would say the ground would have to be way off before I'd try again with another Compadre. Also, I found I enjoyed the Compadre MORE with the sensitivity just as it went quiet-much less variations in signals that would cause me to stop and recheck constantly.

 

[finnfoto]

I've done some mods to a few of my Compadre's , I installed the mother board into a set of headphones and hardwired a 9x8 coil and its now a fresh water unit.

I also recently just hardwired a 3x18 cleansweep to a Compadre that has ground mod and sensitivity mod. Amazing little detectors and super sensitive on the smallest items.

 

[atomicscott]

It is very basic stuff! I've done it in the field once or twice even. Remove the 2 phillips screws on faceplate screws. Find the trimmer (I believe VR2? Verify before you start) Counter-clockwise INCREASES sens. Clockwise DECREASES sens. Turn the screw in very small increments, just enough to get the chatter to stop. I actually increased my depth by about 1" and had very little probs with EMI. Good luck and HH!