Big Boys Hobbies

Waterproofing detectors... any tricks??

fir469

fir469

Forum Supporter
Joined
Feb 5, 2007
Messages
624
Location
Southampton, NJ
I've got a DFX, an ACE 250, and a BH 505... I would like to purchase a PI detector, but can't afford one at the moment... I'm running out of land to search in my area and want to switch to water hunting... Has anyone attempted water proofing a dry land detector??? I've thought about Vacuum sealing the control box and display from the DFX, after removing them from the shaft and then putting them on my hip or in a backpack... but then comes the issue of headphones... and how they conncect to the box, and how to waterproof the cord connection.... sigh. I want a PI but finances don't warrant it, and I'd rather not trade the DFX for one, as I think the DFX is a better overall machine.... ugh!! Advice??
 
I have heard of people bagging the whole MD never tried it so not sure how it would work just throwing it out. Howard
 
I'm looking for a tesoro tiger shark. It's expensive but cheaper than a PI. I'm in the same boat as you.
 
If I go with a true underwater detector there is no comparison to a PI detector... The depth is just unmatched. As far as VLF goes I'd rather have a waterproofed Dfx or nothng LOL
 
I would not take the chance of ruining the DFX. If anything, I would sell your other detectors and save up for a water machine. Or sell the DFX.
 
CountyWorker said:
I don't know how "waterproof" this is, but it looks like it would save your machine if you dropped it in the water.

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,100210.0.html
Click to expand...

I was going to suggest somthing similar, but those pics sum up my idea quite well. I would use some silicone on those pass-throughs for the wiring and the mounting bolts though. One of those heavy duty (4 mil or thicker) plastic bags is worth a try. Just try to find one big enough for the whole machine. I was curious. Do you intend to dive with this or are you just trying to protect the electronics from "splashing?"
 
I've been following this thread and can't hold back anymore.:roll:

Regardless of how you protect a detector, 3-4 feet of water is going to require the machine to be under the water. Even in shallower water, I guarantee that you're going to fall down sooner or later.

Any "water proofing" method is going to have real issues with sealing the coil and headset wires that will not withstand much "abuse" when submerged...IMHO.

So, what do you do? Here's my advice...

1. Do not attempt to waterproof the DFX. It is too valuable to even take the chance of getting it wet. If you must try, sacrifice the BH...it's the least valuable of your three detectors.

2. Obviously, a PI machine would be ideal. However, there are a few VLF machines around that are waterproof. Take a look at the DetectorPro Pirate. It might serve your needs and fit a tight MD budget.

I have two machines for the tough conditions (high mineralized sand and surf) encountered on California beaches...

A. The DetectorPro Wader is a VLF machine that is a "step-up" from the Pirate. It's very nice and offers a reasonable price point for a waterproof unit. It's hardly and Excal, but I've used it in chest deep water quite a bit with no problems. You can hunt it with, or without, discrimination.

B. My White's Surfmaster Pro (PI) is very nice. I bought it from a guy who had used it one time. I had it modified/tuned by Mr. Bill at Surfscanner and it's incredibly deep. The latest White's PI is called the Dual-Field PI and it's even deeper...by a couple of inches.

Good luck with your decision, and please keep us informed of your progress.

Respectfully,
 
Last edited:
That's what I meant by waterproof. Ability to be submerged and completely resist water. I don't want to risk stumbling on a log or stump and take my detector under and fry it.... I really like that write up on waterproofing the ace250 and I think that's what I may do. The ace has more then paid for itself, so if it dies no big loss. To get around the headphone cable problem I may wire in LEDs to the control box like the bhid300 has or use wireless headphones and encapsulate the transmitter with the control box. That way I won't have to worry about those wire boots leaking. Also I know there is almost enough silver and gold in a certain unhunted lake I know of to pay for a new PI machine LOL so I'm willing to sacrfice the ace to get to it....
 
Will it find anything?

Dan Brown brought a u/ w detector over. When I got to it, the darn thing was about the most insensitive piece of machinery yet invented by man and sold as a metal detector. I am going to take a Fisher 1220 and box it up for a shoulder rider when I wade in a couple of places. Actually don't have the places to justify a very expensive U/W machine. One beach where a person could do 500 to 600 in small rings is now OFF LIMITS by owners..The 1220 with a 4 inch hocky puck coil will do fine. Once I search the places, it will be up for loan as a loaner, or sale cheap,,,cordially Nad
 
I would suggest you do something very similar to the above posted detector that was modified using a plastic box, only get a better box! I think either biglots or Walmart sells some small boxes we use on our fishing boat, they are a colored/clear plastic with heavy duty plastic 2 stage latches that will not come undone, and their seals are great! I personally have fully submerged them for extended periods of time just to make sure they would keep our valuables dry and they have never shown a drop of water on the inside! I cant find the brand on this one because we took off the label, but keep an eye out for em!

EDIT: Found it! Goodluck! I know my family has been impressed with them! Hopefully they make a big enough size for your needs!
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10928126
 
What about putting the whole detector in one of those vacume space bags they show on tv ? they say they are water proof . I don't know how deep though . :?:
 
I thought about the vacuum bag idea, but I'd be unsable to use headphones.... because the cable for coil and headphones has to come out of the bag... I'm probably just gonna end up buying a Tesoro Tiger Shark or a Whites BHID or PI Pro
 
Trying to waterproof a non-water machine is a disaster waiting to happen. No reflection on your skills... there are just too many possibilities when working with water. Not worth frying a machine. Save up.. you will get there sooner than you think... RickO
 
Also think about this: water proof detectors have been tested to withstand pressure at depth. Water pressure changes dramatically at 6mt...but changes in pressure also occur at 1 metre, hence the need to equalise when diving, every 3ft or 1 metre, so you don't blow your ear drums. Same with detector control boxes/computers. The computer casing on any non-waterproof detectors cannot withstand the same given pressure. Unless you can make an underwater housing for your control/computer box....I would suggest in investing in a proper underwater detector. Better safe than sorry. It'll be worth every cent you pay for one, because if you're out often enough, you'll re-coup that money in your finds soon enough.
Golden:yes:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Hound46
ETrac headphone plug repair-sponsors?
Replies
4
Views
170
Ken Clad
Ken Clad
W
D-Tex Coil Cable ?
Replies
0
Views
134
west40texas
W
S
xp deus shaft modification
Replies
6
Views
357
Steve
S
Hound46
Sunray Gold Pro headphone repair
Replies
15
Views
397
Laxsaltman
Laxsaltman
CountyWorker
Moved the pod on an 800.
Replies
5
Views
348
IDXMonster
I
Back
Top Bottom