V3i + Dx-1 suddenly overloading?

[JV]

I have been using a V3i + Dx-1 combination for over a year and it has worked great. I could go to RX 15 if needed and not have it overload. But recently something has changed and I can't go above RX 13 without it overloading. What factors would contribute to this change? I have tried this in different areas in case it was EMF.
Does the coil change over time? Does the DX-1 probe? Any ways to fix what has happened?

 

[Rob (IL)]

First find out if it is the pinpointer or coil.
Run it with and without the pinpointer.
Do the coil test.
Sometimes the connections are the problem but if it is the DX1 it is it's switch.
The V3i runs a higher signal% with the DX1. I sold my DX1 and use the TRX.


The Sun Ray Invader DX-1 has been determined by us and the engineers at White's Electronics in Sweet Home, OR to be compatible with the new Spectra V3 with the following exceptions:

(1) The probes we have tested on the V3 did not overload on RX 15 (gain) with TX Boost on.

(2) However, the stock White's 10" DD coil may or may not overload with the DX-1 in-line depending on the tolerances from coil to coil. This has nothing to do with the probe or coil involved, rather with the switch (for switching from coil to probe and visa versa)

(3) It was found that by either reducing the RX gain a number or two ,or, disengaging TX Boost resolved the problem.

(4) In most hunting conditions RX gain cannot be used at maximum setting unless you are detecting on neutral ground such as a beach with no mineralization, especially with TX boost engaged.

(5) Other V-3 compatible coils, including non V-tuned coils (whether factory or after-market) may overload at max RX and TX Boost and may require a lower RX setting (or TX Boost disengaged). How low will depend on the coil and ground conditions, however, our tests showed other coils we tested only had to be lowered on RX a few numbers to cancel the overload if TX Boost was left engaged. (NOTE: Various tests described above were conducted by both Sun Ray Detector Electronics and White's Electronics in Sweet Home, OR. White's Electronics has approved the above compatibility statement.)

 

[JV]

(2) However, the stock White's 10" DD coil may or may not overload with the DX-1 in-line depending on the tolerances from coil to coil. This has nothing to do with the probe or coil involved, rather with the switch (for switching from coil to probe and visa versa)

I read this part above but I know it was working ever since I had the DX-1 and never overloaded. It worked just fine until the other day when it started to overload on higher RX.

Without the pinpointer installed the coil doesn't overload. So it is probably the switch? Is there a higher quality switch that can be used? Or any modification recommended?

 

[Rob (IL)]

I said it probably might be the switch, but it could be the pinpointer coil itself. I've had the coil apart put this isn't the forum for DX1 repair. All the pinpointer is, is a small coil and switch. I'd call Ralph at SunRay. You know it is the pinpointer.

 

[Rob (IL)]

JV, I have some questions.
What is the signal% reading of the coil you are using at RX15?
Which coil are you using?
Doesthepinpointer overload with other coils?

 

[JV]

Turns out it was the 10" DD coil going bad. I sent the whole detector in to whites and they replaced the coil and checked it over (even out of warranty!).
What a great company! A+