(X-1 Probe) E-Trac Shaft Adaptation

[skyblast]

I just had to do it. Actually I was a bit jealous of those that are able to tuck their cord up inside the shaft of their detector. I have always been wanting to do this with my X-1 but didn't think it was possible? It works really well. Also I reinforced the part where the cable touches the insertion point with some black duct tape. Let me know what you think. Thanks

 

[earthmansurfer]

I like it. I almost bought one that was already converted like that. But I would lose the tape. As long as you made your cuts inside of the "L" parts of the tube on the bottom, the strength is retained (and it looks like you did that). Just get some really really find sandpaper or file to get that aluminum dull - if it already isn't.

Have you tried moving the probe towards the back for better balance? I'm curious as I've seen others do that.

I will do the same thing if I ever get that probe!

Nice Job,
EMS

 

[Frank in NH]

Looks good, but i like wraping my coil wirers around the outside of shaft makes it easier for me changing 6 other coils.

 

[skyblast]

I thought about that a lot first. I also own an X-5 coil but I haven't been using it much so I figured what the heck.

 

[Big Boys Hobbies]

Very cool! Thanks for posting sky!

 

[grouser]

Nice work ,,,,,,, you can take a peice of rubber hose like a small vacum hose and split it length-wise then slip that over the edge of your shaft where you cut it for protection. A little silicone will hold it for ya,,,

 

[skyblast]

So based on some of your comments I thought that I should give it my best try to neatin things up a bit. I found some really great sticky tape that works well under the probe clip and on the handle. My most lucky find was the rubber grommet. It fit perfectly. Yeah, my earlier pics with duct tape everywhere didn't look so hot.

Now what do you guys think?

Oh yeah, my Grey Ghost headphones showed up yesterday. I like them a lot!

 

[earthmansurfer]

Wow, that looks MUCH MUCH better. Glad you took the minor criticism well and improved upon it. I really like that with the coil inside the rod and not wrapped around. Makes the E-Trac look really nice.

Congrats on your success,
EMS

 

[MHirschmann]

I was going to say it, but earthmansurfer said exactly what I was going to say. It really looks great! Nice job. HH -Marc

 

[E-TREC-Virginia]

Now, that looks custom and neat.

 

[earthmansurfer]

Question - Is it hard to change coils in the field? I mean, in particular where the cable comes out of the stem where you cut the opening? I wonder about that angle.

Thx,
EMS

 

[mcb613]

Yeah, I agree with the issue of changing coils. Seems too permanent for me. Good luck with it though. And it doesn't matter what anyone thinks but you... as long as you enjoy it, thats all that matters. HH

 

[jeeptj]

I think it looks great!

I'm always getting the cable caught on twigs in the woods.

How big of an opening did you have to make?

Thanks!

 

[skyblast]

I think it looks great!

I'm always getting the cable caught on twigs in the woods.

How big of an opening did you have to make?

Thanks!

I believe its about three quarters of an inch in diameter with a one inch diameter grommet

 

[earthmansurfer]

Question - Is it hard to change coils in the field? I mean, in particular where the cable comes out of the stem where you cut the opening? I wonder about that angle.

Thx,
EMS

So, what about this question? Since many of us change coils in the field I think it's quite important. The hole did look big enough before the rubber though, so maybe it's ok?

Thanks,
EMS

 

[Jeff63]

Skyblast, look at my post at the top of the board and see if you understand what I'm trying to say. SunRay or mine makes a cable to attach to the X-1 probe,do your modification to the upper shaft,run cable down to the bottom of the lower shaft with a connector at the end of the long wire, then connect it to a "6 currley wire coming out of the coil, that has a compatable connector on it thereby eliminating the need for long wires on coils and saving manufacturers alot of money . You don't need to buy lower shafts for all your coils. coils would be easier to transport without the long wires and lowershafts.

 

[jeeptj]

I liked what you did so well I went and altered mine also.

I went out yesterday in the woods and it's nice that the cord doesn't get tangled up with twigs.

Thanks for the pic's.

Here are mine