shaft concerns....and a warning sign?

[dmnz]

Hi guys. Wanted to give you a heads up to check your machines. Since having my ATX I have experienced faulty stock coil, and 8 inch mono coil.

The typical fault (aside the floppy issue) relates to a noisy coil or erratic behaviour.

At first I though this was just isolated and maybe it is, however two friends of my have just had the same issue, one with the stock coil, one with the mono.

My coil I have been using with a "fixed length shaft" seems fine.

Anyway, I opened up a broken coil which required cutting the lower shaft. You can then see the coil cable clearly In its entire length.

Throughout the cable, in various spots the insulation rubber was either cracked or degraded. Most likely from relatively frequent stretching and relaxing as the cams are adjusted.

If you think about 95 percent of the other machines on the market, the coil cable is loose and wound around the shaft. Unfortunately I feel this is a relatively certain issue with salt water, sand and collapsing the shafts.

It would pay to check the coil cable in your machine for degradation of the coil cable in my opinion. I also have a feeling different coil cable material is in use.

In the interim, I think I will be sticking to my fixed length shaft with keeps the coil cable from flexing.

 

[John-Edmonton]

I sent your post to Garrett so they can deal with this issue.

John

 

[SoCalBeachScanner]

When my ATX was going erratic before the coil was replaced by Garrett, I thought about my coil wire being frayed, but I never collapse my coil shafts, so I dismissed that my coil wire was worn, frayed, or cut inside the shaft.

Before sending my old coil back to Garrett, I should have inspected the coiled wire inside the shaft. There is the possibly that just the act of swinging back and forth of the coil slapping the coiled wire inside the shaft could wear the insulation off the coil wire over time.

 

[nagov]

About 8 months ago I suggested that everyone should check their cables....found mine just prior to a water hunt, no doubt mine was from wear at the shaft ends....

Cliff

 

[SoCalBeachScanner]

Cliff, I remember seeing that photo of your coil wire ... Not Good

For the life of me, I can't understand why the coil wire, shaft (collapsible and a standard), and coil(s) were not separate components that could be replaced separately.

I would love to have an 8" Mono Coil, but I refuse to pay $500.00 for one.

Come on Garrett! Come up with a retrofit for the ATX coil assembly that is modular, lighter, with a straight shaft option, with ability to just purchase just the coils at a reasonable price. I can live with the current head unit, it's all the weight and problems below the head unit that turns me off.

 

[dmnz]

For my faulty coil I found the cable damage was right down near the coil itself. However with the 8 inch mono (now with garrett ) the damage is near the top end.

Garrett have been fantastic with support aside the monetary hassle of shipping from here and the down time associated. However I do feel that the coil wire (or maybe a batch) has issues. My atx 8 inch mono cable seems to be very thick and not very giving. You could see fine hairline cracks in many places of the black insulation and in several areas the insulation was broken through. No doubt salt water would seep into these cracks leading to the Falsing.

I doubt this this would prove an issue for dry land use. I reakon it is sand, salt which some how acts as sandpaper on the coil cables,or the risk of 'pinching' or squashing? Overstretching maybe?

There is a lot to be said for a more standard design. I have a 2009 dual field that is like new with no cable damage!

I also agree - garrett should offer a standard coil and shaft setup for the ATX. I am sure this would be lighter, cheaper and less prone to damage.

Certainly still totally happy with the ATX. It is a great machine. Meanwhile my new coil or repaired coil when it arrives is going onto my straight shaft from day one! I was using the 8 inch mono a lot with the cam shaft.

 

[Shayne]

I too like the straight shaft idea with a separate coil attachment point. I cut my stock telescoping shaft and attached the stock coil to a spare XP Deus lower shaft. I sling the control unit and now there is essentially no weight on my swing arm. The only problem is that the coil cable needs to be about 8-12 inches longer for ideal comfort; gets in the way from time to time.

 

[nagov]

Garrett have been fantastic with support aside the monetary hassle of shipping from here and the down time associated. However I do feel that the coil wire (or maybe a batch) has issues. My atx 8 inch mono cable seems to be very thick and not very giving. You could see fine hairline cracks in many places of the black insulation and in several areas the insulation was broken through. No doubt salt water would seep into these cracks leading to the Falsing.

Couldn't agree more, Garrett has to be commended for their great service department! I've dealt with three other companies with warranty work and Garrett is by far the best of the 4 I've dealt with so far....

Cliff

 

[SoCalBeachScanner]

I totally agree that Garrett Customer Service is first class. Garrett has gone over and above my expectations to get me up and running when problems arise.

This ATX coil fiasco has got to cost Garrett a bundle to have to replace the WHOLE coil assembly for a frayed coil wire, a defective coil or floppy coil, or seized cam locks.

I believe the ATX coil assembly problems and costs will not go away without a complete redesign of the coil assembly. I will just wait to get a 8" Mono Coil for a reasonable price (new or used).

It won't be long before you will be able to purchase a used ATX for what a used Recon-Pro is selling for now (just a little more than a new 8" Mono Coil)