:usaflag: Sovereign GT In A Box!!:detecting:

[Cupajo]

Reading the recent water proofing posts clinched it for me, life expectancy of an unprotected GT hunting carefully with standard weather proof cover is said to be 4-5 years!! (For a machine that costs $1,000.00 to replace at today's price!!)

Keep the little sucker clean and dry and no one knows how long it might last!

Here is my attempt and let me tell Ya Friends, this is no dainty solution, but it works very well.

[attachment 212856 Misc035Large.jpg]

My solution on how to carry this thing!! (First Ya needs a soft platform to rest it on and you can see I was thinkin ahead!!)

Then some way to secure it for carrying.

[attachment 212857 Misc037Large.jpg]

Strap around neck and around waist.

[attachment 212858 Misc038Large.jpg]

Drilled holes to allow strap attaching.

[attachment 212861 Misc039Large.jpg]

[attachment 212862 Misc042Large.jpg]

And tote the thing on the beach for a while to see if it is going to be worth the trouble.

Next post has more info and pics.

Many thanks Bob for your pictorial offering that got me moving on this project.

CJ

 

[GunnarMN]

CJ thats great , let us know how it goes on the beach ,

 

[Cupajo]

A few closeups to sort out some details--------------

I installed a close coupled 90 Deg. Elbow from Radio Shack ear phone connector to make for extra clearance and routed the earphone cable under the control housing. I have no plans to change earphones, so I silicone greased the cable and pulled it through the clam seal without splitting the seal.

[attachment 212865 Misc045Large.jpg]

Carefully drilled holes for SS D rings I had from my sailing days.

[attachment 212866 Misc049Large.jpg]

I'm expecting these holes to stand up to normal heavy use, but I would never subject this creation to really heavy use!!

[attachment 212867 Misc051Large.jpg]

[attachment 212868 Misc052Large.jpg]

[attachment 212869 Misc053Large.jpg]

Coil wire routed carefully!!

[attachment 212870 Misc047Large.jpg]

I placed the clams on the bottom to allow some clearance to the control housing in case of water incursion! ("Leak" to you Land Lubbers!)

All clam contact points were liberally doped with marine silicone sealer after assembly to add a bit of extra protection that can be removed when I want to change coils.

Took her out for a waterline wet sand hunt and found I could handle the awkward looking package without problems.

Next----------------leak test and water hunt---------------stay tuned!!

CJ

Two

 

[ZOFCHAK]

The box looks like it will keep the Gt well protected ... Since the controls are inaccessible have you considered setting it up like a backpack instead of chest mounting?

 

[Burbank Bob]

That looks familiar....

Great job - I was lazy cutting the rubber on the bottom with mine.

Where did you get that strap rig you are using for it?

 

[NEBeachcomber]

Cupajo... I think between you and Burbank Bob there's going to be less Excaliburs sold this year.

I wonder how long it will be before Minelab files an injunction against the two of you for cutting into their profits.

Great work on your "Sovereign GT in a Box".

 

[Burbank Bob]

How easy is it to dig with that thing on your chest?

That is my only issue with chest mounting... seems like it would get in the way.

My bag works "OK", but it does shift around a bit.

 

[Cupajo]

The lower strap holds the rig secure and the neck strap steadies it carrying maybe 1/3 of the weight.

These straps were from a couple of inexpensive carry cases I get from conventions I attended over the years and are adjustable w/sturdy plastic hooks on the ends.

As you can see, I have managed quite well for many years with a "load forward", so this is a breeze!!

I will have to let you all know how it is for water hunting, but I'm finding it works OK for above the water line.

I adjust all my settings before strapping the rig on and use my adapted Garrett's earphone volume controls to set a comfortable level and start digging.

Regards to all,

CJ

 

[Big Boys Hobbies]

Very cool! nice idea!

 

[papajohn]

I just ordered my new SovGT and also an AT Pro.I wll be waterproofing my Sov Gt as well.Where do you get the waterproof cable clamps?HH,John

 

[Burbank Bob]

Where do you get the waterproof cable clamps?HH,John

I got the clams from http://stores.ebay.com/marinesupplydirect - they had the best price when I was looking for them. I used the medium size.

 

[Cupajo]

I got my case and clams at West Marine for sixty + dollars and didn't have to wait for delivery.

It cost me more, but at 70 years I ain'r much at waitin around!!

I went with the smaller clams, but had to open the plastic parts holes with a small half round file to allow the cable connector to pass through.

I was attempting to save a tiny amount of space as I want to put a leak alarm in there.

The medium size doesn't require the opening to be enlarged.

CJ

 

[Cupajo]

Fortunately there is enough room in this case for a couple of leak alarm options.

This one can be bought at Home Depot for about $10.00, slightly more at Lowe's, and has a steady, fairly loud shriek.

[attachment 213030 Misc073Large.jpg]

This one requires a 9V battery which is supposed to last up to five years (if alkaline.).

[attachment 213031 Misc071Large.jpg]

The circuit board and battery are removed from the case via 4-screws and placed through a slit cut in a sandwich bag which is then sealed with marine silicone seal. (The battery must be wrapped with plastic electrical tape or large heat shrink tubing etc to prevent shorting to any part of the circuit board!)

[attachment 213032 Misc069Large.jpg]

They will fit nicely in the space as shown.

[attachment 213033 Misc067Large.jpg]

The small plate with the metal button water contacts will then be Velro'd to the bottom of the case where an 1/8" or so of water will trigger the alarm!

My favorite is one I have had working in my cellar for years and I don't know if it is available these days. (As a repair plumber I must advise you all that a cellar is a hole in the ground waiting to be filled with water and a homeowner should have a water alarm there!!!!!)

[attachment 213034 Misc065Large.jpg]

It requires 3-AAA batteries and emits a slightly louder, wavering shriek.

[attachment 213035 Misc061Large.jpg]

The electronics can be left in the small box and sealed in a sandwich bag with marine silicone.. (not shown)

The contacts are short pins that can be set pretty close to the bottom of the case via the Velcro strip that comes attached to the back of the box.

Continued below-----------

 

[Cupajo]

In conclusion----------------

[attachment 213038 Misc060Large.jpg]

I do prefer the older version and would happily pay twice as much for it as I paid for the other.

It is much more convenient to handle with no need to expose the circuit board.

They must be tested every time the case is opened to turn on the detector.

GL&HH Friends,

CJ

 

[Burbank Bob]

I got my case and clams at West Marine for sixty + dollars and didn't have to wait for delivery.



CJ

I picked up the two I used at West as well. I initially bought the large single clam online at the link I gave only to find that the box really did not have a good place for it, so I took it to West Marine in Marina Del Rey and they swapped it for the others (plus the difference of course).

I did not want to wait either...

===============================

LIKE the water alarm! I won't be going that deep here. Waves are too rough past waist deep out here. It would be difficult to recover any target in them or keep your balance.