Sov Elite problem

[bruce01364]

I have the 180 meter and a couple weeks ago it was working fine. Last weekend as usual I calibrated it with a quarter before detecting. The meter read 61. Something was wrong so I changed coils but got the same reading. Changed batteries with the same result. Every once in awhile the meter would read 180 on the quarter but then drop back down to 60 or 61. The day it went wacky was not humid and I checked it a couple days later but had the same problem.
I guess it is either my meter or the detector but need to know which one so I can get if fixed.
Has anyone had this problem or know how to figure out what the problem is?

 

[alaskaseeker]

A connection problem inside the meter or maybe check the plug to see if all of the connections are in place...Geo

 

[funkyoldude]

Short of replacing the meter or control unit with another known good assembly, your next step should be to open up the meter, and check the signal voltage going to the meter circuit. It will read some where around plus 1.739 volts on a quarter. If you did the mod yourself, then you know what I am talking about. If you didn't do the mod yourself, download the mod schematic from wildherre's mod site and get a technician to help you locate the meter signal line (if I recall correctly it is the green wire) and check it with a DVM. This will tell you if it's the control unit or the meter. I would look for a cold solder joint on the cal resistors, including the pot. Here's the mod site:

http://www.geocities.com/sovereignmods/rescaling.html

Hope that helps.

fod

 

[Art (NWOH)]

You can take the meter connector apart and measure the ID voltage between pins 3 and 5 if you are careful not to short anything out.
Easier than taking the meter apart.
HH

 

[funkyoldude]

n/t

 

[bruce01364]

I'm not sure how to do any of that electrical stuff but think I know someone who can. On a good note, I turned on the detector inside today and the meter was working right. I will take it out next week for a good tryout. Hopefully the meter has fixed itself
If I have the problem again I will have someone look at it.
Thanks all.

 

[Rick(ND)]

The meter didnt get wet did it?? I remember a while back a person was having the same problem and when he opened the meter up found some corrosion on the back of the curcuit board. I believe he was able to clean it off and it worked fine. This was caused by the meter getting wet.
If it does it again just check to make sure the connectors are tight also going into the meter and out to the control box as mine had a problem as sometimes the meter would only read 105 on a good coin, found out the nut holding the cable out of the probe into the meter was stripped out and not holding the cable tight and giving a good ground.

Rick

 

[adam in cal]

It was the result of some wet sandy dirt getting in somehow from the beach...I was able to open the meter and clean the board and conections in back and the problem has never resurfaced.....{granted I use a different meter} but the problematic one still works perfect and I use it on a back up unit......any how good luck