R&D- NoxBox Waterboarding Test
- Thread starter PrunedaleByrd
- Start date
I've never dealt with overheating issues either. But then again, I've only owned my Equinox 600 during the fall and winter.
As for how many units the OP might sell, I will strongly consider buying one, depending on the selling price. This is simply b/c I want a metal detector on par with the AT Pro or AT Max in terms of waterproofness and physical robustness.
GeoW
Forum Supporter
Hey guys, I am currently trying to develop a fix for the Leakquinox. I’d like to take a broken machine, fill It with water-activated dye, install a prototype case, then lower it into the ocean with a Line counter in depth increments for various periods of time. The idea is a case that bolts around a stock control box with rubber gaskets, and use a silicone insert in the battery compartment to significantly improve the machine’s water resistance. If anyone wants to help with development, I’d be happy to pay (or trade) for a fried Equinox 600 or 800 control box that can be cannibalized in the name of science
Aaron
A damned shame Minelab hasn't or didn't do this before they advertised and sold it as being waterproof.
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GroundSweeper
Forum Supporter
Agree!
JohnnyPhoenix
Full Member
Just throwing this out there: if metal detector manufacturers want to learn something about underwater electronics, they need to study how (SCUBA) dive computer makers address the problem. Some make thick cases, others are inert liquid (oil) filled. Were I to approach an underwater MD, liquid filled (non-compressible) would be a primary design feature. Too bad there are more scuba divers than there are detectorists, and even less diving detectorists.
Made this pitch to a former FTP employee, so don't expect the design in a detector near you any time soon...
JP
Made this pitch to a former FTP employee, so don't expect the design in a detector near you any time soon...
JP
Liquid filled? How deep are those dive computers rated?
I'm willing to bet the metal detecting market for machines that can go deep enough where electronic devices need to be oil filled is very, very small.
PrunedaleByrd
New Member
Probably a rubber plug, and some silicone lube below the battery pack. I’m more focused on the box as of now. The bottom is the easy part. Unless you’re referring to the intersection of the control box and grip. That’s a little more tricky. There’s a bite lip in there with a clamshell style split O-ring. I’ll attach photos later.
Aaron
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PrunedaleByrd
New Member
cellrdwellr
Elite Member
Looks great! Nice work! I think you might be on to something. If you could mass produce these, and call them the leakuinox box or something, you would probably be a rich man!
cellrdwellr
Elite Member
Never mind I see you already have a cool name near the handle 
longbow62
Forum Supporter
I hope it works as good as it looks.
Beautiful!
Reminds me of a Kirby Morgan diving helmet!
EDIT: Assuming you sell these to the general public, do you have a rough idea on what you might charge? No pressure OP, but this NoxBox is one of the reasons why I decided to list my E-Trac for sale and keep my Equinox...
Reminds me of a Kirby Morgan diving helmet!
EDIT: Assuming you sell these to the general public, do you have a rough idea on what you might charge? No pressure OP, but this NoxBox is one of the reasons why I decided to list my E-Trac for sale and keep my Equinox...
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PrunedaleByrd
New Member
Here’s the base seal, it’s a very tight fit. (Modeled on a 3D scan) The chubby O-ring compresses when you tighten all the screws making a pretty good seal. Silicone lube will probably not be necessary, but it’s darn good insurance.
Attachments
PrunedaleByrd
New Member
Beautiful!
Reminds me of a Kirby Morgan diving helmet!
EDIT: Assuming you sell these to the general public, do you have a rough idea on what you might charge? No pressure OP, but this NoxBox is one of the reasons why I decided to list my E-Trac for sale and keep my Equinox...
Thank you!
No idea yet. Assuming it functions as intended, I’ll probably produce a short run of them (maybe 10 units) and make sure they perform well in the wild, maybe make some tweaks based on feedback and go from there. I need to figure out what I have into the project and my cost per complete waterproof case. Probably in the neighborhood of $150-170 for a complete kit that will includes tools, lube, and extra seals+desiccant.
I'm interested in being a part of that ground that gets to try out your "initial run."
That makes sense. And the o-ring will be stretchy enough to fit over the bottom part of the handle?
longbow62
Forum Supporter
Have you hit a snag? No update lately.
I'm guessing he did some testing, found an issue and is working on addressing that issue.
I'm interested in this not for extensive underwater use but for weatherproofing and protecting my Equinox 600. So even if it fails deep water tests, that's fine by me. Heck, if I get one of these, I'll probably replace the SS screws and bolts with nylon ones and won't even use an O-ring on the bottom around the handle.
longbow62
Forum Supporter
He could have issues waterproofing the buttons even if the other seals work fine. A applaud him on his attempt to totally waterproof the Equinox.
I have 2 800's both out of warranty. I have never put either of them in the water. I would buy one at least if they work for a water machine only maybe. If they do end up working as advertised selling a 800 with a fresh battery and one of these Nox Box installed would ease the buyers mind somewhat.
The elephant in the room is still the overheat issue from the pod being sealed inside the box with zero air circulation. The maker needs to over test for that issue. If his box causes heat related issues say out of the water on land he will be forced to do a disclaimer where he only guarantees it for submerged use.
That's a good point. But based on what I've read, the overheating issues comes from external heat sources, ie the sun. I rarely hunt on hot days in direct sun (for more than 30 minutes or an hour), so I'm not too worried.
