The project base Sovereign unit needs a little tweak on the straight rod assembly.

[Ron from Michigan]

The straight rod assembly had the box extending past the arm cuff.My goal was to make the unit more compact for transporting and for use in the field.My solution instead of using the extension I mounted a V clip underneath the arm cuff.A very simple operation two small holes drilled,a V clip and a couple of screwsThis makes the balance and dimensions more like the GT.The extension still has a V clip and can be mounted,I probably could have sawed part of the rod assembly off and came up with a better compromise with balance and bulk,but for me this should work fine.One photo is one with the rod Assembly in past the set holes for transport.

 

[Neil]

Hey Ron,

Where did you find that straight handle that bolts on like that? The ones Ive seen in the bike shops(called bar ends) all have a curve to them which isnt very comfortable over time.

Im gonna make a rod similiar to this myself for this summers wading but Im going to more fashion it like the Fisher 1280X/CZ20 rods that can push right through up to the armcuff making it compact for transport. I always thought that was a great way they did it. Also not having the compression ring is one less thing to clean out after wading, sand sure finds its way in there easy enough.

Nice job!

Neil

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Neil, I bought the straight shaft from Plugger.I don't know where to get the straight handle. The CZ water rod asm is a good idea.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

The Winburn Avenger was made by the same company that made the Sunray DT series.This meter runs by its own power source a nine volt battery.To gain access to the battery and recalibration pot the back plate must be removed by taking out four small Phillips screws.I re calibrated this meter to 180 with a clad quarter it read 178 when first installed.My last 180 meter was a Winburn Night Hawk which I thought worked really well.For those who are looking for a 180 meter,they can be found, but require effort, and sell for top dollar.It doesn't have an external calibration knob,but still could be calibrated in the field if required.I did a quick air test with a zinc and clad quarter right on the money a 177,and 180 the sounds are too close for me and its nice to see the difference on the meter.The meter has a V clip mount attached and seem to be constructed very well.My opinion the Avenger is a very underrated meter only time will tell.

 

[Ralph Sun Ray]

Ron,

Winburn made the first Sun Ray meter but not the subsequent versions after that.

Ralph (Sun Ray)

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Ralph,thanks for the correction.Too bad Sun Ray stopped manufacturing the meter.

 

[Cal_Cobra]

That looks pretty good Ron.

I'd sure like to test a Sov on a straight shaft before converting (I think I've gotten too used to the XS2a-pro rod with Pluggers extension ).

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Cal,in my opinion the stock S rod assembley even with the extension isn't going to give you the comfort or leverage.You may find a stock GT upper rod and handle to put the extension on,which this may be a good setup.