BBS 800 Coil Compatibility

[jeffc]

Any idea what this coil fits? It has a four-pin connector. Thanks.

 

[Suncoast Kid]

Minelab coils

My question is for you more knowledgeable coil enthusiast. Can anyone tell me the difference between three Minelab 8" coils ? # 1- Minelab 8" BBS coil # 2- Minelab 8" Sovereign Tornado DD coil # 3- Minelab 8" Tornado slimline coil I know the physical differences, it's the inner workings...

www.findmall.com

These coils were used on the older Sovereigns. I'm not sure exactly which models, but the link above discusses the same topic. The connector is different than the ones that are for the Sovereign GT, that I have as shown below.

 

[jeffc]

Minelab coils

My question is for you more knowledgeable coil enthusiast. Can anyone tell me the difference between three Minelab 8" coils ? # 1- Minelab 8" BBS coil # 2- Minelab 8" Sovereign Tornado DD coil # 3- Minelab 8" Tornado slimline coil I know the physical differences, it's the inner workings...

www.findmall.com

These coils were used on the older Sovereigns. I'm not sure exactly which models, but the link above discusses the same topic. The connector is different than the ones that are for the Sovereign GT, that I have as shown below. View attachment 85700

Appreciate the insight. I have a GT and an Elite and noticed they are six pins, like you have shown. I found an older post that mentioned being able to install the six pin connector with the four wires on a (presumably older) coil. Just wondering if that's the case and, if so, the coil would work on the GT or the Elite. Thanks.

 

[Rick(ND)]

Any idea what this coil fits? It has a four-pin connector. Thanks.
View attachment 85697

Kind of wonder if this connector wasn't changed by someone. Don't know what it will fit as all the Sovereign coils I have ever seen were the 6 pin one, 5 & 6 are no connection so it there is only wires for pins 1-4 and 5 &6 are no connection.
The original Sovereigns and the XS had a 8 inch coinsearch coil, but was not waterproof so they couldn't be used in water. Then came the BBS 8 as shown and this coil was waterproof and used even on the Excalibur. Now the Slimline was used on the Elite and the GT and some I have seen are also called the Tornado also, but believe they are the same, just different names and are the ones in certain years have the bad cables that the outside rubber coating was cracking and breaking off the cable. I have a brand new one never used that cracked up just hanging on the wall, the other one came on used Sovereign that someone put heat shrink on, I tried to replace but been having problem at this time.
Now on all the different model Sovereign had the 6 connection , the original, the XS, XS2 , XS2a and the elite plus the GT. All the Sovereigns coils are interchangeable from the factory that I understand and no coil from any other detector will work on the Sovereign. I wonder if the 4 wire connector was used on the Advantage and someone put the connector on a BBS coil.
For a new person on the Sovereign I like the 8 inch coinsearch coil as it help learning the Sovereign, but if you are going to use it in standing water then you need the 8BBS coil or the slimline Tornado coil.
These coils are hard to find for the Sovereigns new or used, so like many we are looking for them

Rick

 

[jeffc]

Thanks for the info, Rick. I tend to think someone replaced the connector, too. Going to order a few connectors as I have a couple of the 10" Tornado coils and an FBS as well that are in dire need of new sheathing. I ordered some marine grade heat shrink (at least that is what it says).

 

[ejudasf]

My opinion is to replace the cable. It takes a little time, but if done right, the cable should last for years and years.

 

[Odanscoils]

I would open the connector on one of your good coils.
And compare the colors and wires before you go messing with it.
New plug.
Match the wires to a good one.
Hopefully it didn't get messed up using it on something other than a Sovereign.

People do silly things looking for the best coil.

 

[Rick(ND)]

Kind of wonder if this connector wasn't changed by someone. Don't know what it will fit as all the Sovereign coils I have ever seen were the 6 pin one, 5 & 6 are no connection so it there is only wires for pins 1-4 and 5 &6 are no connection.
The original Sovereigns and the XS had a 8 inch coinsearch coil, but was not waterproof so they couldn't be used in water. Then came the BBS 8 as shown and this coil was waterproof and used even on the Excalibur. Now the Slimline was used on the Elite and the GT and some I have seen are also called the Tornado also, but believe they are the same, just different names and are the ones in certain years have the bad cables that the outside rubber coating was cracking and breaking off the cable. I have a brand new one never used that cracked up just hanging on the wall, the other one came on used Sovereign that someone put heat shrink on, I tried to replace but been having problem at this time.
Now on all the different model Sovereign had the 6 connection , the original, the XS, XS2 , XS2a and the elite plus the GT. All the Sovereigns coils are interchangeable from the factory that I understand and no coil from any other detector will work on the Sovereign. I wonder if the 4 wire connector was used on the Advantage and someone put the connector on a BBS coil.
For a new person on the Sovereign I like the 8 inch coinsearch coil as it help learning the Sovereign, but if you are going to use it in standing water then you need the 8BBS coil or the slimline Tornado coil.
These coils are hard to find for the Sovereigns new or used, so like many we are looking for them

Rick

I seen a 4 pin connector that was used on the Excalibur along with the wiring diagram on a post of OldBeechnut back in October 18 2015. I am thinking as I do remember now that those that wanted to use any of Sovereigns coils had to change the cable end to a 4 pin on those to a 4 pin as the 5 pin I think was for the meter on the Sovereigns which isn't needed. Most all the Excalibur were hard wired on, but some of the early one had the 4 pin one. I know I read that somewhere as the 5th wire was for the meter.
I wanted to show a link to his post, but just couldn't do it or I would have posted the link.

 

[Tony]

These are from Joe's archives. Certainly work for me.
My three coils are all wired the same.

Pin 1 is Red
Pin 2 is Black
Pin 3 is White
Pin 4 is Yellow
Pin 5 and 6 are unused on the Sovereign Plug (And Excalibur)

 

[jeffc]

Appreciate all the help, guys.

 

[Odanscoils]

These are from Joe's archives. Certainly work for me.
My three coils are all wired the same.

Pin 1 is Red
Pin 2 is Black
Pin 3 is White
Pin 4 is Yellow
Pin 5 and 6 are unused on the Sovereign Plug (And Excalibur)

Thanks for posting.

 

[jeffc]

Recently found out I have two of the BBS 800 coils, one with a 4 pin connector and one with four wires (three red and one yellow/green). Tried ohmming the wires to each other; no continuity. The red and black wires on the Tornado coil have continuity. This leads me to believe I might have a bad coil or the BBS 800 is incompatible. Any thoughts?

 

[jeffc]

Recently found out I have two of the BBS 800 coils, one with a 4 pin connector and one with four wires (three red and one yellow/green). Tried ohmming the wires to each other; no continuity. The red and black wires on the Tornado coil have continuity. This leads me to believe I might have a bad coil or the BBS 800 is incompatible. Any thoughts?

Looks like someone repaired the coil as the sheathing still has the part number/data. Also, the connector has epoxy built up where they, presumably, soldered the wire. Unfortunately, they never installed a connector.

I suppose I can remove the four-pin connector from the other coil and use that as a reference for a new six-pin connector. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[Odanscoils]

Just take the lock collar off and slide the pin assembly out of the holder.
Don't need to unsolder the wires.

 

[ejudasf]

It will take a little bit of time to figure out the wire situation, but it can be done.

Hopefully the wires are in order without any crossovers.

If you have a digital VOM, that can read higher than 20M ohms and is AUTO scaling, we can try this. Keep in mind, that the Mega ohm readings will either slowly drop or rise. I guess the drop and rise isn't that important. ALSO, positive and negative leads are not super important.

find the two wires that measure 2 ohms. (1.5 ohms to 2.5 ohms) These are wires to pins one and two.
the other two wires should measure 1.1k ohms. (I can't give you a spread, but I would guess 900 ohms to 1.4k ohms.) These are wires to pins three and four.

For me, pins two (pos) and four (neg) measured a solid 20M ohms. Switching the leads , i measured 22M ohms. Other combinations measured between 18M ohms and 26M ohms while rising or dropping in measured value. (capacitance)

I think you can find the correct orientation for 1&2 and 3&4 while testing with a target in all metal and disc.

Good luck and Godspeed.

 

[jeffc]

It will take a little bit of time to figure out the wire situation, but it can be done.

Hopefully the wires are in order without any crossovers.

If you have a digital VOM, that can read higher than 20M ohms and is AUTO scaling, we can try this. Keep in mind, that the Mega ohm readings will either slowly drop or rise. I guess the drop and rise isn't that important. ALSO, positive and negative leads are not super important.

find the two wires that measure 2 ohms. (1.5 ohms to 2.5 ohms) These are wires to pins one and two.
the other two wires should measure 1.1k ohms. (I can't give you a spread, but I would guess 900 ohms to 1.4k ohms.) These are wires to pins three and four.

For me, pins two (pos) and four (neg) measured a solid 20M ohms. Switching the leads , i measured 22M ohms. Other combinations measured between 18M ohms and 26M ohms while rising or dropping in measured value. (capacitance)

I think you can find the correct orientation for 1&2 and 3&4 while testing with a target in all metal and disc.

Good luck and Godspeed.

I have the two sets of wires identified. One set reads 2 ohms. Just wondering what would result (+ -, TX/Rec) if I solder them backwards. I realize it won't work, but am worried about damaging the board. Thanks for the help.

It will take a little bit of time to figure out the wire situation, but it can be done.

Hopefully the wires are in order without any crossovers.

If you have a digital VOM, that can read higher than 20M ohms and is AUTO scaling, we can try this. Keep in mind, that the Mega ohm readings will either slowly drop or rise. I guess the drop and rise isn't that important. ALSO, positive and negative leads are not super important.

find the two wires that measure 2 ohms. (1.5 ohms to 2.5 ohms) These are wires to pins one and two.
the other two wires should measure 1.1k ohms. (I can't give you a spread, but I would guess 900 ohms to 1.4k ohms.) These are wires to pins three and four.

For me, pins two (pos) and four (neg) measured a solid 20M ohms. Switching the leads , i measured 22M ohms. Other combinations measured between 18M ohms and 26M ohms while rising or dropping in measured value. (capacitance)

I think you can find the correct orientation for 1&2 and 3&4 while testing with a target in all metal and disc.

Good luck and Godspeed.

I have the wires narrowed down to two pairs. Just wondering what might happen should I cross the pairs. Obviously, it won't work, but I am also conspired with damaging the board. Thanks for the help.

 

[Rick(ND)]

I am working on one of the 8 inch BBS coils right now with the bad coil wire and ordered in the new cable I heard worked, but the cable has 3 black wires a yellow wire. The back has a 1 2 or 3 marked on them, but with working on it it seems the number wore off, so I thought I had it figured out, but when I put it all together it worked opposite as when it seen a good target it nulled. Being I epoxied it together I had to break though it and get right back to were it connected to the 4 wire of the coil that were colored so maybe I will connect the yellow to yellow which will be no problem and this time I will with the use of meter and peel back and each of the black wires one at a time and check the other end of the cable and mark them this time and use marking each wire which connect to each wire for the connector that connect to the plug for the control box. I also have a brand new 8 inch coil I never used and just hung on the wall and cable is crack up bad too so I can check the resistance on this one that works to compare before I epoxy the cable in to the coil. I kind of check the resistance before and seen 1 and 2 are the red and black which is the + and - and think I had them turned around so it work backwards. I know these are the power wires as they showed 2 or less ohms and I plan to connect the red wire of the coil to one of the black wires and check witch wire will go to the connector and mark it red so they dont get connected correctly , then do the same for the black wire, so they will be right this time. The the 2 other wires do the same so this time it will be correct. It sure would have been easier if the cable I am using had 4 different color wires so just connecting that color wire and writing it down so they get connected to the right place, with 3 blacks and 1 yellow it was hard to tell which black wire when the number rubbed off. If this one works I can do the other 8 inch coil and have a 10 inch Tornado coming for my GT.
Just learning new things every day and know I have to stop and think before jumping in, I will know when I get the time do do this again and try to find cable with 4 different color wires on the next one.
Looks like Jeff got a coil that someone tried to replace the cable and if they are all the same colored wires it will be hard, I had to take my Epoxy off which was not easy to see witch wire of the coil is re, black white and yellow and red and make sure these are connected to the right connector of the plug that goes into the control box.

Good luck.

 

[jeffc]

I am working on one of the 8 inch BBS coils right now with the bad coil wire and ordered in the new cable I heard worked, but the cable has 3 black wires a yellow wire. The back has a 1 2 or 3 marked on them, but with working on it it seems the number wore off, so I thought I had it figured out, but when I put it all together it worked opposite as when it seen a good target it nulled. Being I epoxied it together I had to break though it and get right back to were it connected to the 4 wire of the coil that were colored so maybe I will connect the yellow to yellow which will be no problem and this time I will with the use of meter and peel back and each of the black wires one at a time and check the other end of the cable and mark them this time and use marking each wire which connect to each wire for the connector that connect to the plug for the control box. I also have a brand new 8 inch coil I never used and just hung on the wall and cable is crack up bad too so I can check the resistance on this one that works to compare before I epoxy the cable in to the coil. I kind of check the resistance before and seen 1 and 2 are the red and black which is the + and - and think I had them turned around so it work backwards. I know these are the power wires as they showed 2 or less ohms and I plan to connect the red wire of the coil to one of the black wires and check witch wire will go to the connector and mark it red so they dont get connected correctly , then do the same for the black wire, so they will be right this time. The the 2 other wires do the same so this time it will be correct. It sure would have been easier if the cable I am using had 4 different color wires so just connecting that color wire and writing it down so they get connected to the right place, with 3 blacks and 1 yellow it was hard to tell which black wire when the number rubbed off. If this one works I can do the other 8 inch coil and have a 10 inch Tornado coming for my GT.
Just learning new things every day and know I have to stop and think before jumping in, I will know when I get the time do do this again and try to find cable with 4 different color wires on the next one.
Looks like Jeff got a coil that someone tried to replace the cable and if they are all the same colored wires it will be hard, I had to take my Epoxy off which was not easy to see witch wire of the coil is re, black white and yellow and red and make sure these are connected to the right connector of the plug that goes into the control box.

Good luck.

Thanks, Rick. Looks like we have similar issues. I have three red wires and one yellow. Someone did half of the repair. Nothing at all sounds appealing regarding removing the epoxy. Think I will solder the new connector and see if it works. Stay tuned...