:usaflag: Another Way To Install a Switch On a Vibra-Probe Pin-Pointer!! :thumbup:

[Cupajo]

After checking out past posts about these probes and switches I decided to have a go as the Brits say at my own !

I remembered finding a vinyl plastic tube with one end closed of heavy enough material to be suitable and when I finally found where I put it I discovered it was perfect in size and I had not one, but two!

I found the perfect switch at Radio Shack # 275-617 Push-ON/OFF Switch and a piece of 20Gage multi-strand wire, a SS hose clamp of the right size and here are the results!!

[attachment 146953 Todaysringfinds9-14-9157.jpg]

The clamp may seem to be a problem, but it insures there will be no leaks and it has not interfered with my using the unit in any way!!!!

[attachment 146954 Todaysringfinds9-14-9158.jpg]

I cut the red wire from the battery and soldered a couple of wires to hook up the switch with heat shrink tubing covering the splices and the switch connections!
[attachment 146955 Todaysringfinds9-14-9160.jpg]

The switch is a bit long so I used three dense rubber washer/spacers to allow enough clearance for the switch and the wire and the battery to fit.

Right after I took these pictures I glued the last rubber washer to the bottom of the stack and filled the hole around the wire/switch connections with "Goop"

to further stabilize the wire connections!

Many types of materials could be used including wood turned and bored to fit!!

The over-all length is close to the origional size too.

This Pic shows how the vinyl tube looked before I cut it to fit.

[attachment 146956 Todaysringfinds9-14-9164.jpg]

I also placed a SS Metric washer found at a local hardware store between the switch and the rubber and used "Shoe Goop" to secure the rubber disks and the washer to the switch so I now have a very stable switch and it is easily turned on and off with thumb or finger pressure on the flexible tube end!.

A thin coating of silicone jell on the yellow ring seals the unit very well along with the clamp below the ring and I would not (even though I don't dive) hesitate to use it at the recommended maximum depth!!

It works great and if you can solder two wires together you should be able to accomplish this Mod!

CJ

PS A Word Of Caution!!

To change the battery, loosen the clamp and slide it aside.

Gently wiggle and slide the vinyl tube off the end of the unit being carefull not to "yank" on the wires as they can be broken at the connections!!

 

[ivanll]

Nice pictures and explanation; another one to your credit !

 

[Cupajo]

It occurs to me that "at depth" the air trapped in the unit might compress and trip the switch at which point the probe would be useless if the switch was in the off position!!

The purpose for which I and many of my fellow hunters use the probe we would never have such a problem as the trapped air will not compress enough to be a bother just below the surface.

My main objectives were simplicity, usefulness and keeping the unit water proof while wading and I have succeeded in those.

Respectfully,

CJ

 

[Cupajo]

Many Thanks for your kind reply Ivan!!

I've learned much from you Friend!

Exercizing creativity enhances the hobby for me by making the tools more useful and helping others to see how there may be other ways to do a thing.

Simplicity is important and without it I would be lost!

Best Wishes to you Friend,

CJ

 

[Cupajo]

Just a quick up-date.............I've used this unit many times since last year wading to chest deep in the salt water and haven't leaked a drop or wasted a momment waiting for the PP to shut off!!

Still good to go!!

CJ

 

[Clad2Hunt]

Used the same off/on button to replace the one on my Centech PP. Works everytime.

 

[timmysys]

Very nice job Cupajo! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Cupajo]

Thanks for your kind words Timmy,

The mod is still working well for me and never any problems,

CJ

 

[Cupajo]

(An update)

Here it is a few years later and with the exception of a small leak in the rubber cover which a dab of Goop took care of I have had no problems with this mod and am very pleased with the results.

I recently glued a small plastic button on the rubber cover over the switch to allow me to quickly locate the button and depress it with gloves on.

CJ

 

[jabbo]

I did the exact mod on my VibraProbe using a push-to-break switch. It works too.