Critterhunter
New member
The Sunray S-12 Intruder, S-8 Intruder (a true 8" coil I think), S-5 (5.5") Intruder, and testimonials
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Sovereign and Excalibur Search Coils
- Thread starter Ron from Michigan
- Start date
The Coils for the Sovereign and the Explorers are 2 different coils and perform different too. I find the Sun Rays to all perform awesome on either the Explorers or the Sovereigns. On the coiltec I find the Joey is excellent on the Explorers, but not as good on the Sovereign for those I have tried. On the Excelerators I found the 5 inch coil for the Explorer seem to be OK, but for the Sovereign I didn't think they worked that good, but the Sun Ray 5 inch was excellent. on either the Sovereign or the Explorers. This is one of the reason I have said just because a coil works great on the Explorer do mean the same coil for the Sovereign will work as great, you just got to try it and see for yourself.
Critterhunter
New member
Good point about some coils working well on some machines and not others. The SEF coils all seem to work the same in the FBS Etrac/Explorer versions and the BBS Sovereign/Xcal versions. Sounds like the 13" Ultimate also is equally good on both platforms as well. Same deal with the FBS X-5 and BBS S-5, and the X-12 and the S-12. All said to be great coils on both platforms.
Matthias, that 18x15 is a monster next to the 12x10! And I thought the 15x12 was huge. Actually after using the 15x12 you get used to the size and then it doesn't feel like such a big coil after a while. I can tell you that when I rarely use my 10" Tornado after using the 12x10 the Tornado feels tiny to me. I enjoy the slight extra coverage of the 12x10. Seems like I have better control of not missing spots per sweep and also don't have to hold my steps back as much when hunting with it compared to my Tornado.
Matthias, that 18x15 is a monster next to the 12x10! And I thought the 15x12 was huge. Actually after using the 15x12 you get used to the size and then it doesn't feel like such a big coil after a while. I can tell you that when I rarely use my 10" Tornado after using the 12x10 the Tornado feels tiny to me. I enjoy the slight extra coverage of the 12x10. Seems like I have better control of not missing spots per sweep and also don't have to hold my steps back as much when hunting with it compared to my Tornado.
Critterhunter
New member
You might also search in the Beach forum, as there are a lot of threads in there from Excal or Sovereign users on the S-12, Excelerators (try searching for Penetrators too), WOT, 15x12, 12x10, and probably now the 13" Ultimate coils. I think I remember seeing some threads on that concentric 8" coil in there too. A different breed of hunters frequent the beach forum and some never visit this forum, especially the Xcal guys, but to some extent some Sovereign users too. Good bit of info can be found in that forum on the opinion of these coils...In general the larger ones I just listed.
Critterhunter
New member
Figured since all the coils are pretty much covered that a bit about wiring to Excals or fixing connectors on various coils on the Sovereign would be in order now in this sticky.
9 times out of 10 if you have a coil that is not working properly or is making the machine very unstable then chances are you've got a short going on. Usually the wire right behind the coil connector on the coil cable has a short right there. An easy way to tell is to flex the wire with your hand there. You might also flex the wire down by where it enters the coil too because you might have a short there but that's far less common. Run your hand along the wire and wiggle it and work your way from the coil all the way to the connector at the end. Chances are you'll find the short is right behind the connector, especially if you hip mount and aren't looping the cable around a belt loop to take stress off the connector.
Sometimes the pins can actually be bad in the connector it's self. Only way to tell is to check both sides of the pins with an ohm meter, but make sure to wiggle the back of the pin as I've found ones shorted on my SEF coil that showed no short with an ohm meter but easily broke off with a little wiggling.
Hopefully these few tips and the below threads will help you bring a coil back to life for your Sovereign, or to help you swap coils on an Excal. Some people hardwire a coil to the Excal. Others use a waterproof connector so they can quickly change coils. The beach forum has a ton of info on this if you search for key words like "Excalibur, Wiring, Color Codes" and such in various combinations...
A few threads on wiring various coils to the Excals based on color codes of those coils (WOT, SEF, and S-12)...
http://www.findmall.com/read.php?21,1476226,1481254#msg-1481254
http://www.findmall.com/read.php?21,1537708,1537859#msg-1537859
Here
9 times out of 10 if you have a coil that is not working properly or is making the machine very unstable then chances are you've got a short going on. Usually the wire right behind the coil connector on the coil cable has a short right there. An easy way to tell is to flex the wire with your hand there. You might also flex the wire down by where it enters the coil too because you might have a short there but that's far less common. Run your hand along the wire and wiggle it and work your way from the coil all the way to the connector at the end. Chances are you'll find the short is right behind the connector, especially if you hip mount and aren't looping the cable around a belt loop to take stress off the connector.
Sometimes the pins can actually be bad in the connector it's self. Only way to tell is to check both sides of the pins with an ohm meter, but make sure to wiggle the back of the pin as I've found ones shorted on my SEF coil that showed no short with an ohm meter but easily broke off with a little wiggling.
Hopefully these few tips and the below threads will help you bring a coil back to life for your Sovereign, or to help you swap coils on an Excal. Some people hardwire a coil to the Excal. Others use a waterproof connector so they can quickly change coils. The beach forum has a ton of info on this if you search for key words like "Excalibur, Wiring, Color Codes" and such in various combinations...
A few threads on wiring various coils to the Excals based on color codes of those coils (WOT, SEF, and S-12)...
http://www.findmall.com/read.php?21,1476226,1481254#msg-1481254
http://www.findmall.com/read.php?21,1537708,1537859#msg-1537859
Here
Critterhunter
New member
Good info I wanted to post here about the coil connectors from somebody. Also, I'd add that when wiring up a connector if you don't have a heat gun you can use a lighter to shrink shrink tubing. Heat shrink tubing can be found at radio shack and should always be used on each wire individually as well as over the entire bunch of wires as a whole to finish up the job.
If you don't know how to solder head up to your nearest hobby shop that sells RC planes and cars. Often they repair stuff for customers and for only a few dollars they'll solder your coil repair for you. I know how to solder myself but I'm into RC electric planes and would see many people bring non-RC stuff into the shop to have them do a quick/cheap solder job on.
I'll add one more tip to that. In RC I use nail polish on screws for things like motor mounts to keep them from vibrating out. Not on the threads, but just a bit around the head of the screw or bolt. It will easily crack with enough tork from a screwdriver so you can later take it back out, but it will keep the screw or bolt from working it's way out. Just right around the edge of the head on it AFTER it's been screwed in.
And here's a thread with a good source for high quality but cheap coil plugs, as well as more info on potential problems and repairs with coil plugs and such...
http://www.findmall.com/read.php?21,1708431,1715045#msg-1715045
If you don't know how to solder head up to your nearest hobby shop that sells RC planes and cars. Often they repair stuff for customers and for only a few dollars they'll solder your coil repair for you. I know how to solder myself but I'm into RC electric planes and would see many people bring non-RC stuff into the shop to have them do a quick/cheap solder job on.
DDOU812 said:
I'll add one more tip to that. In RC I use nail polish on screws for things like motor mounts to keep them from vibrating out. Not on the threads, but just a bit around the head of the screw or bolt. It will easily crack with enough tork from a screwdriver so you can later take it back out, but it will keep the screw or bolt from working it's way out. Just right around the edge of the head on it AFTER it's been screwed in.
And here's a thread with a good source for high quality but cheap coil plugs, as well as more info on potential problems and repairs with coil plugs and such...
http://www.findmall.com/read.php?21,1708431,1715045#msg-1715045
Critterhunter
New member
Once again an ultra rare coil for the Sovereign reveals it's self. Up until today I'd already confirmed there was a 5" Ferret Hot Head for the Sovereign, but had only seen vague references to perhaps there being an 8" Ferret Hot Head Coil as well. Among those tiny obscure blurbs that hinted to it's existing, only a sliver of mention about it perhaps being a concentric.
Well, indeed it exists, and don't confuse it with the current 8" concentric Kellyco sells for the Sovereign. This Hot Head Ferret version was at least sold by Kellyco up until around 2005. The current 8" concentric being sold you can see I already posted in this thread and provided a picture of previously, but I'm providing the picture again after this 8" concenctric hot head ferret (first pic) so you can compare them side by side. Looks to me like two different coils maybe, and not just the stickers being different. If I had a choice of the two I'd opt for the current 8" concentric being sold, because among detectorists at least many various "hot head" coils for numerous machines were not said to be all that good. That' doesn't mean this one isn't of course though.
One interesting question...If this 8" hot head ferret is a concentric, then was the 5" Ferret Hot Head as well? And remember, that coil appears to be a different coil than the 5" Excelerator Detech did/does make, which is said to be 4 & 3/4" in size (prior pic and info already posted in this thread). I wonder if that puts that coil at being the smallest coil ever made for the Sovereign? Still can't nail down if there were/is a 6" Excelerator being made for the Sovereign too, but if I had to put money on it I think I remember seeing that there is and that it currently might be the only round trash coil Detech is making right now for the Sovereign. Vaguely I seem to remember the 5" Excelerator sold by Kellyco a couple years ago was replaced by what they called a 6" Excelerator, but I could very well be wrong about that.
Don't want to re-post the review of this 8" hot head here to bog down the sticky any more than I already have, so just google the words "8" hot head sovereign" and the guy's post reviewing it will pop right up.
One more ultra rare coil and it's pic down. Far as I know we are only missing the 11" Coinsearch coil and 5" Hot Head's pic? If anybody has those please post them and any review you can give or dig up.
Well, indeed it exists, and don't confuse it with the current 8" concentric Kellyco sells for the Sovereign. This Hot Head Ferret version was at least sold by Kellyco up until around 2005. The current 8" concentric being sold you can see I already posted in this thread and provided a picture of previously, but I'm providing the picture again after this 8" concenctric hot head ferret (first pic) so you can compare them side by side. Looks to me like two different coils maybe, and not just the stickers being different. If I had a choice of the two I'd opt for the current 8" concentric being sold, because among detectorists at least many various "hot head" coils for numerous machines were not said to be all that good. That' doesn't mean this one isn't of course though.
One interesting question...If this 8" hot head ferret is a concentric, then was the 5" Ferret Hot Head as well? And remember, that coil appears to be a different coil than the 5" Excelerator Detech did/does make, which is said to be 4 & 3/4" in size (prior pic and info already posted in this thread). I wonder if that puts that coil at being the smallest coil ever made for the Sovereign? Still can't nail down if there were/is a 6" Excelerator being made for the Sovereign too, but if I had to put money on it I think I remember seeing that there is and that it currently might be the only round trash coil Detech is making right now for the Sovereign. Vaguely I seem to remember the 5" Excelerator sold by Kellyco a couple years ago was replaced by what they called a 6" Excelerator, but I could very well be wrong about that.
Don't want to re-post the review of this 8" hot head here to bog down the sticky any more than I already have, so just google the words "8" hot head sovereign" and the guy's post reviewing it will pop right up.
One more ultra rare coil and it's pic down. Far as I know we are only missing the 11" Coinsearch coil and 5" Hot Head's pic? If anybody has those please post them and any review you can give or dig up.
Critterhunter
New member
If you want this coil see if Findmall's sponsor Kellyco can special order it for you from Detech as Kellyco is the Detech outlet here in the US. Detech makes the SEF and Excelerator coils that Kellyco sells, along with the new 13" Ultimate...
Minelab Sovereign - Detech 10" x 14" DD EQ PRO Excelerator Coil
The 10 x 14
Minelab Sovereign - Detech 10" x 14" DD EQ PRO Excelerator Coil
The 10 x 14
Critterhunter
New member
My memory must have been wrong about a 6" Excelerator being the latest made for the Sovereign, because I found straight from Detech's site it's a 5" Excelerator and that they currently feature in their product line for various Minelabs. I know Kellyco has carried the Sovereign version very recently. Perhaps they are waiting for more stock on that like the 12x10 and 13" Ultimate Sovereign versions? Here's what Detech says...
"A dynamic search coil using multiple harmonic wideband technology in a Double "D" configuration giving this coil increased sensitivity and greater depth. The 5" EXcelerator coil is masterful in searching out older more valuable coins in "worked out" areas. Thin necklaces and bracelets that are virtually impossible for other detectors and larger coil sizes to locate are usually found by the 5" DD coil. Rings are no match for this dynamic search coil. Small rings, gold rings, diamond rings are now being found!"
Notice the second picture is of a prior pic I posted of a 5" (said I think to be 4 & 3/4" in size maybe) Excelerator coil for the Sovereign. I think these two coils are the same and just have different stickers, but it's odd one is called Excelerator II Pro and the Other EQ2 Pro. The description of both is "multiple harmonic wide band" though, so I bet it's the same coil with just a different name. At least we know this is a DD coil, and not a concentric like perhaps the 5" Hot Head was maybe.
If anybody wants a coil that is probably smaller than the 5.5" Sun Ray (still a super small coil), I'd call Kellyco and ask them when they can expect more of this coil in the Sovereign version, or at least if they can special order it for you from Detech as they do have the FBS versions of this coil in stock right now I think.
"A dynamic search coil using multiple harmonic wideband technology in a Double "D" configuration giving this coil increased sensitivity and greater depth. The 5" EXcelerator coil is masterful in searching out older more valuable coins in "worked out" areas. Thin necklaces and bracelets that are virtually impossible for other detectors and larger coil sizes to locate are usually found by the 5" DD coil. Rings are no match for this dynamic search coil. Small rings, gold rings, diamond rings are now being found!"
Notice the second picture is of a prior pic I posted of a 5" (said I think to be 4 & 3/4" in size maybe) Excelerator coil for the Sovereign. I think these two coils are the same and just have different stickers, but it's odd one is called Excelerator II Pro and the Other EQ2 Pro. The description of both is "multiple harmonic wide band" though, so I bet it's the same coil with just a different name. At least we know this is a DD coil, and not a concentric like perhaps the 5" Hot Head was maybe.
If anybody wants a coil that is probably smaller than the 5.5" Sun Ray (still a super small coil), I'd call Kellyco and ask them when they can expect more of this coil in the Sovereign version, or at least if they can special order it for you from Detech as they do have the FBS versions of this coil in stock right now I think.
Critterhunter
New member
Here's Kellyco's info on the 10x14. They don't list the Sovereign version but I read Detech makes the Sovereign version by special order just like I read they do for the 4.5x7 Sovereign trash coil (already covered in this sticky), so maybe you can ask Kellyco to special order it for you...
http://www.kellycodetectors.com/excelerator/excelerator-10inch.htm
http://www.kellycodetectors.com/excelerator/excelerator-10inch.htm
Critterhunter
New member
Here's a thread about the Joey compared to the 10" stock coil in terms of EMI problems (but they might have been comparing it to the old BBS 10" coil because I find the 10" Tornado a very stabile coil), as well as a few blurbs about the 4.5x7 Detech coil...
http://www.findmall.com/read.php?21,1151875,1153191#msg-1153191
http://www.findmall.com/read.php?21,1151875,1153191#msg-1153191
Critterhunter
New member
Some more Sovereign coil folklore gets nailed down and brought to reality!
I just got this direct from Ralph at Sun Ray and it's EXCELLENT information that should clear up a few mysteries on these two coils, along with a few other urban legends about Sovereign coil pre-amps and cable shielding that have been floating around one way or the other for years.
A picture of the solid white S-12 Ultra Depth coil has already been found and posted in this sticky, and of course of the currently made black S-12 Intruder spider coil that replaced it, along with the currently made Sun Ray S-5 (5.5") trash coil.
Ralph clears up any mystery about any different versions made of both S-12 coils in this response, such as blurbs I've seen from others in the past vaguely made about two different colors of the S-12 Intruder's coil cable that exist.
Sun Ray of course has a prominent place in the rich history of Sovereign coils. Some coils from various companies have come and gone, while others are still made to this day, and of course there have been very recent additions as well for Sovereign owners to choose from. Who knows what the future holds in terms of what various companies might come out with next for the Sovereign line. I know if Sun Ray ever adds another Sovereign coil to sit along side their currently made S-12 Intruder and S-5, many among us will be the first in line to get one.
Among other excellent accessories Sun Ray has made for the Sovereign, their coils deserve distinction and consideration. Many swear by the light weight and deep performance of the S-12 Intruder. This coil seems very popular among water hunters for one. The S-5 coil is also a favorite choice among serious hunters in heavy trash that would make any other coil cry mercy. I know I love mine.
It's worth mentioning here a few other favorite Sun Ray accesseries Sovereign owners like to use. The Pro Gold heaphones with limiter are a favorite among many Sovereign owners, as are there in line probes.
Here's the long awaited excellent information from Ralph. Thanks again Ralph for helping to clear up a little of the past and current history of Sun Ray coils for the Sovereign, as well as a few other urban legends that seem to roam among Sovereign users!
I just got this direct from Ralph at Sun Ray and it's EXCELLENT information that should clear up a few mysteries on these two coils, along with a few other urban legends about Sovereign coil pre-amps and cable shielding that have been floating around one way or the other for years.
A picture of the solid white S-12 Ultra Depth coil has already been found and posted in this sticky, and of course of the currently made black S-12 Intruder spider coil that replaced it, along with the currently made Sun Ray S-5 (5.5") trash coil.
Ralph clears up any mystery about any different versions made of both S-12 coils in this response, such as blurbs I've seen from others in the past vaguely made about two different colors of the S-12 Intruder's coil cable that exist.
Sun Ray of course has a prominent place in the rich history of Sovereign coils. Some coils from various companies have come and gone, while others are still made to this day, and of course there have been very recent additions as well for Sovereign owners to choose from. Who knows what the future holds in terms of what various companies might come out with next for the Sovereign line. I know if Sun Ray ever adds another Sovereign coil to sit along side their currently made S-12 Intruder and S-5, many among us will be the first in line to get one.
Among other excellent accessories Sun Ray has made for the Sovereign, their coils deserve distinction and consideration. Many swear by the light weight and deep performance of the S-12 Intruder. This coil seems very popular among water hunters for one. The S-5 coil is also a favorite choice among serious hunters in heavy trash that would make any other coil cry mercy. I know I love mine.
It's worth mentioning here a few other favorite Sun Ray accesseries Sovereign owners like to use. The Pro Gold heaphones with limiter are a favorite among many Sovereign owners, as are there in line probes.
Here's the long awaited excellent information from Ralph. Thanks again Ralph for helping to clear up a little of the past and current history of Sun Ray coils for the Sovereign, as well as a few other urban legends that seem to roam among Sovereign users!
Ralph Sun Ray said:
deepdiger60
New member
n/t
Critterhunter
New member
Courtesy of Deepdiger...
deepdiger60 said:
Ralph Sun Ray
New member
Rick is correct. The S-12 (first made in 1995) was the first aftermarket coil made for the Sovereign. That was followed by the S-5. The S-1 probe was first made in 1997. The Coiltek WOT coil (Sovereign version) was not made until late 1999 (just shortly before the first Explorer XS & S came out).
Ralph (Sun Ray)
Ralph (Sun Ray)
Critterhunter
New member
Ralph, thanks again for clearing up more details on the rich history of Sovereign coils. Nothing like getting it right from the source. 
Critterhunter
New member
Kellyco, a Findmall sponsor (click on their banner at the top of some of the forums), is the US outlet for Detech coils, who makes the SEF, Ultimate, and several other coils for various machines including the Sovereign. The 12x10 was always hard to find on Kellyco in the Sovereign version as it was hidden on an odd page, but recently the Sovereign version vanish from there. It had been speculated that they were no longer going to carry the Sovereign version at Kellyco, but a higher up at Kellyco came on here a month or so back and put those fears to rest. This person said they are waiting for more stock on various Detech coils, and not just for the Sovereign. Also, I received confirmation from JW that they are indeed planning to carry the Sovereign version of the new Ultimate coil too.
This is nothing new, as I hear Detech is swamped for orders. They were the company who made the Excelerator coils, but those never really took off, except for the little 5" trash coils that sell very well. But, once the SEFs came around they had a huge hit on their hands, and it appears the 13" Ultimate coil is also going to be a hit as well. For that reason, I'm sure they are playing catch up. It's hard to re-tool to run off a bunch of coils for one machine, then have to re-tool to run off a batch for another, as they are all different internaly and such, even the same exact coil...But for different machines. With the numerous brands of detectors they make versions of these coils for, I'm sure they are playing musical chair trying to fill orders. They don't just supply to Kellyco (the only US outlet I'm aware of), but also to the UK version of Kellyco as well as it seems numerous small dealer outlets over seas.
If you really want one bad and can't wait put a Want To Buy ad in the detector accesseries forum here on Findmall (found near the bottom of all the forum listings). That's how I got mine. You can click on the person's name who offers to sell you one and then click to see a list of all their posts. If they've been on Findmall for years, and especially if you see they've sold or bought stuff from others with good success, then you can believe they probably aren't out to scam somebody. That's how I see if I can trust who I sell or buy from on here. Just click on their name and then click on POSTS and see how long they've been on and what kind of activity they have. You can really get some great deals by posting a WTB (Want To Buy) ad on here rather than waiting for somebody to post a message with something to sell IMO. Alternatively, you could also look on fleabay but Findmall deserves it's sponsors patronized and is far less hassle IMO than dealing with feebay.
This is nothing new, as I hear Detech is swamped for orders. They were the company who made the Excelerator coils, but those never really took off, except for the little 5" trash coils that sell very well. But, once the SEFs came around they had a huge hit on their hands, and it appears the 13" Ultimate coil is also going to be a hit as well. For that reason, I'm sure they are playing catch up. It's hard to re-tool to run off a bunch of coils for one machine, then have to re-tool to run off a batch for another, as they are all different internaly and such, even the same exact coil...But for different machines. With the numerous brands of detectors they make versions of these coils for, I'm sure they are playing musical chair trying to fill orders. They don't just supply to Kellyco (the only US outlet I'm aware of), but also to the UK version of Kellyco as well as it seems numerous small dealer outlets over seas.
If you really want one bad and can't wait put a Want To Buy ad in the detector accesseries forum here on Findmall (found near the bottom of all the forum listings). That's how I got mine. You can click on the person's name who offers to sell you one and then click to see a list of all their posts. If they've been on Findmall for years, and especially if you see they've sold or bought stuff from others with good success, then you can believe they probably aren't out to scam somebody. That's how I see if I can trust who I sell or buy from on here. Just click on their name and then click on POSTS and see how long they've been on and what kind of activity they have. You can really get some great deals by posting a WTB (Want To Buy) ad on here rather than waiting for somebody to post a message with something to sell IMO. Alternatively, you could also look on fleabay but Findmall deserves it's sponsors patronized and is far less hassle IMO than dealing with feebay.