Minelab Excalibur & Sovereign Forum

You might also search in the Beach forum, as there are a lot of threads in there from Excal or Sovereign users on the S-12, Excelerators (try searching for Penetrators too), WOT, 15x12, 12x10, and probably now the 13" Ultimate coils. I think I remember seeing some threads on that concentric 8" coil in there too. A different breed of hunters frequent the beach forum and some never visit this forum, especially the Xcal guys, but to some extent some Sovereign users too. Good bit of info can be found in that forum on the opinion of these coils...In general the larger ones I just listed.

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Figured since all the coils are pretty much covered that a bit about wiring to Excals or fixing connectors on various coils on the Sovereign would be in order now in this sticky.

9 times out of 10 if you have a coil that is not working properly or is making the machine very unstable then chances are you've got a short going on. Usually the wire right behind the coil connector on the coil cable has a short right there. An easy way to tell is to flex the wire with your hand there. You might also flex the wire down by where it enters the coil too because you might have a short there but that's far less common. Run your hand along the wire and wiggle it and work your way from the coil all the way to the connector at the end. Chances are you'll find the short is right behind the connector, especially if you hip mount and aren't looping the cable around a belt loop to take stress off the connector.

Sometimes the pins can actually be bad in the connector it's self. Only way to tell is to check both sides of the pins with an ohm meter, but make sure to wiggle the back of the pin as I've found ones shorted on my SEF coil that showed no short with an ohm meter but easily broke off with a little wiggling.

Hopefully these few tips and the below threads will help you bring a coil back to life for your Sovereign, or to help you swap coils on an Excal. Some people hardwire a coil to the Excal. Others use a waterproof connector so they can quickly change coils. The beach forum has a ton of info on this if you search for key words like "Excalibur, Wiring, Color Codes" and such in various combinations...

A few threads on wiring various coils to the Excals based on color codes of those coils (WOT, SEF, and S-12)...

http://www.findmall.com/read.php?21,1476226,1481254#msg-1481254

http://www.findmall.com/read.php?21,1537708,1537859#msg-1537859

Here

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/16/2012 06:31PM by Critterhunter.

Good info I wanted to post here about the coil connectors from somebody. Also, I'd add that when wiring up a connector if you don't have a heat gun you can use a lighter to shrink shrink tubing. Heat shrink tubing can be found at radio shack and should always be used on each wire individually as well as over the entire bunch of wires as a whole to finish up the job.

If you don't know how to solder head up to your nearest hobby shop that sells RC planes and cars. Often they repair stuff for customers and for only a few dollars they'll solder your coil repair for you. I know how to solder myself but I'm into RC electric planes and would see many people bring non-RC stuff into the shop to have them do a quick/cheap solder job on.

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DDOU812
I just had the same problem with my connector on the meter. When you take the connector apart, look for the damaged wire. How I fixed mine was to cut them evenly, solder off the left overs and solder them back on. This is important: They have to be very short. What you want is to have the black wire casing to be able to clamp in the connector. At the rear end of the connector. When you put the piece with the 2 screws back on make sure the wire casing is going to be clamped down. Make sure you put lock tite or a piece of black tape around the screws or they will work themselves loose.

I'll add one more tip to that. In RC I use nail polish on screws for things like motor mounts to keep them from vibrating out. Not on the threads, but just a bit around the head of the screw or bolt. It will easily crack with enough tork from a screwdriver so you can later take it back out, but it will keep the screw or bolt from working it's way out. Just right around the edge of the head on it AFTER it's been screwed in.

And here's a thread with a good source for high quality but cheap coil plugs, as well as more info on potential problems and repairs with coil plugs and such...

http://www.findmall.com/read.php?21,1708431,1715045#msg-1715045

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/22/2012 08:36AM by Critterhunter.

Once again an ultra rare coil for the Sovereign reveals it's self. Up until today I'd already confirmed there was a 5" Ferret Hot Head for the Sovereign, but had only seen vague references to perhaps there being an 8" Ferret Hot Head Coil as well. Among those tiny obscure blurbs that hinted to it's existing, only a sliver of mention about it perhaps being a concentric.

Well, indeed it exists, and don't confuse it with the current 8" concentric Kellyco sells for the Sovereign. This Hot Head Ferret version was at least sold by Kellyco up until around 2005. The current 8" concentric being sold you can see I already posted in this thread and provided a picture of previously, but I'm providing the picture again after this 8" concenctric hot head ferret (first pic) so you can compare them side by side. Looks to me like two different coils maybe, and not just the stickers being different. If I had a choice of the two I'd opt for the current 8" concentric being sold, because among detectorists at least many various "hot head" coils for numerous machines were not said to be all that good. That' doesn't mean this one isn't of course though.

One interesting question...If this 8" hot head ferret is a concentric, then was the 5" Ferret Hot Head as well? And remember, that coil appears to be a different coil than the 5" Excelerator Detech did/does make, which is said to be 4 & 3/4" in size (prior pic and info already posted in this thread). I wonder if that puts that coil at being the smallest coil ever made for the Sovereign? Still can't nail down if there were/is a 6" Excelerator being made for the Sovereign too, but if I had to put money on it I think I remember seeing that there is and that it currently might be the only round trash coil Detech is making right now for the Sovereign. Vaguely I seem to remember the 5" Excelerator sold by Kellyco a couple years ago was replaced by what they called a 6" Excelerator, but I could very well be wrong about that.

Don't want to re-post the review of this 8" hot head here to bog down the sticky any more than I already have, so just google the words "8" hot head sovereign" and the guy's post reviewing it will pop right up.

One more ultra rare coil and it's pic down. Far as I know we are only missing the 11" Coinsearch coil and 5" Hot Head's pic? If anybody has those please post them and any review you can give or dig up.

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Edited 6 time(s). Last edit at 07/24/2012 04:31PM by Critterhunter.

If you want this coil see if Findmall's sponsor Kellyco can special order it for you from Detech as Kellyco is the Detech outlet here in the US. Detech makes the SEF and Excelerator coils that Kellyco sells, along with the new 13" Ultimate...

Minelab Sovereign - Detech 10" x 14" DD EQ PRO Excelerator Coil

The 10 x 14

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Edited 6 time(s). Last edit at 07/24/2012 04:55PM by Critterhunter.

My memory must have been wrong about a 6" Excelerator being the latest made for the Sovereign, because I found straight from Detech's site it's a 5" Excelerator and that they currently feature in their product line for various Minelabs. I know Kellyco has carried the Sovereign version very recently. Perhaps they are waiting for more stock on that like the 12x10 and 13" Ultimate Sovereign versions? Here's what Detech says...

"A dynamic search coil using multiple harmonic wideband technology in a Double "D" configuration giving this coil increased sensitivity and greater depth. The 5" EXcelerator coil is masterful in searching out older more valuable coins in "worked out" areas. Thin necklaces and bracelets that are virtually impossible for other detectors and larger coil sizes to locate are usually found by the 5" DD coil. Rings are no match for this dynamic search coil. Small rings, gold rings, diamond rings are now being found!"

Notice the second picture is of a prior pic I posted of a 5" (said I think to be 4 & 3/4" in size maybe) Excelerator coil for the Sovereign. I think these two coils are the same and just have different stickers, but it's odd one is called Excelerator II Pro and the Other EQ2 Pro. The description of both is "multiple harmonic wide band" though, so I bet it's the same coil with just a different name. At least we know this is a DD coil, and not a concentric like perhaps the 5" Hot Head was maybe.

If anybody wants a coil that is probably smaller than the 5.5" Sun Ray (still a super small coil), I'd call Kellyco and ask them when they can expect more of this coil in the Sovereign version, or at least if they can special order it for you from Detech as they do have the FBS versions of this coil in stock right now I think.

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Edited 6 time(s). Last edit at 07/24/2012 05:23PM by Critterhunter.

Here's Kellyco's info on the 10x14. They don't list the Sovereign version but I read Detech makes the Sovereign version by special order just like I read they do for the 4.5x7 Sovereign trash coil (already covered in this sticky), so maybe you can ask Kellyco to special order it for you...

http://www.kellycodetectors.com/excelerator/excelerator-10inch.htm

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/24/2012 05:52PM by Critterhunter.

Here's a thread about the Joey compared to the 10" stock coil in terms of EMI problems (but they might have been comparing it to the old BBS 10" coil because I find the 10" Tornado a very stabile coil), as well as a few blurbs about the 4.5x7 Detech coil...

http://www.findmall.com/read.php?21,1151875,1153191#msg-1153191

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/24/2012 06:00PM by Critterhunter.

Some more Sovereign coil folklore gets nailed down and brought to reality!

I just got this direct from Ralph at Sun Ray and it's EXCELLENT information that should clear up a few mysteries on these two coils, along with a few other urban legends about Sovereign coil pre-amps and cable shielding that have been floating around one way or the other for years.

A picture of the solid white S-12 Ultra Depth coil has already been found and posted in this sticky, and of course of the currently made black S-12 Intruder spider coil that replaced it, along with the currently made Sun Ray S-5 (5.5") trash coil.

Ralph clears up any mystery about any different versions made of both S-12 coils in this response, such as blurbs I've seen from others in the past vaguely made about two different colors of the S-12 Intruder's coil cable that exist.

Sun Ray of course has a prominent place in the rich history of Sovereign coils. Some coils from various companies have come and gone, while others are still made to this day, and of course there have been very recent additions as well for Sovereign owners to choose from. Who knows what the future holds in terms of what various companies might come out with next for the Sovereign line. I know if Sun Ray ever adds another Sovereign coil to sit along side their currently made S-12 Intruder and S-5, many among us will be the first in line to get one.

Among other excellent accessories Sun Ray has made for the Sovereign, their coils deserve distinction and consideration. Many swear by the light weight and deep performance of the S-12 Intruder. This coil seems very popular among water hunters for one. The S-5 coil is also a favorite choice among serious hunters in heavy trash that would make any other coil cry mercy. I know I love mine.

It's worth mentioning here a few other favorite Sun Ray accesseries Sovereign owners like to use. The Pro Gold heaphones with limiter are a favorite among many Sovereign owners, as are there in line probes.

Here's the long awaited excellent information from Ralph. Thanks again Ralph for helping to clear up a little of the past and current history of Sun Ray coils for the Sovereign, as well as a few other urban legends that seem to roam among Sovereign users!

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Ralph Sun Ray
There was only one version of the Ultra Depth S-12 - it was a solid 12" pancake type coil - the Intruder S-12 is a 12.5" spider coil. I have no pictures of the Ultra Depth S-12. Sometimes you will see someone post a picture on one of the forums. As for the Intruder S-12, the original cable was grey. However, shortly after the X-12 (Explorer/Etrac FBS version) was manufactured we began using the double-shielded co-axial black cable on the S-12 as it was not only more flexible (especially in cold weather) but also provided additional shielding, where as the other Sovereign cables were unshielded and relied on the coil circuitry for EMI reduction. Whether there was (is) an added benefit by using the shielded cable is uncertain but it certainly didn't hurt. By the way, there have been statements made on some forums, etc. that some Sovereign coils do or do not have circuitry (pre-amps). All Sovereign coils have the pre-amp circuitry in the coil or it will not function properly - whether they are Minelab OEM or aftermarket. Hope this helps. Sorry for the delay in my response as I have been quite busy.

Ralph (Sun Ray)

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Edited 8 time(s). Last edit at 07/25/2012 06:56PM by Critterhunter.

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Courtesy of Deepdiger...

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deepdiger60
Finally i found a photo of a 8" coinsearch coil with a size comparison from left to right 8" coinsearch, 10" Tornado coil, 12" original Sun Ray S-12 Jim

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Rick is correct. The S-12 (first made in 1995) was the first aftermarket coil made for the Sovereign. That was followed by the S-5. The S-1 probe was first made in 1997. The Coiltek WOT coil (Sovereign version) was not made until late 1999 (just shortly before the first Explorer XS & S came out).

Ralph (Sun Ray)

Ralph, thanks again for clearing up more details on the rich history of Sovereign coils. Nothing like getting it right from the source.

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Where can the SEF 12X10 coil for the GT be found? I have been searching the internet but couldn't find it. Thanks.

Kellyco, a Findmall sponsor (click on their banner at the top of some of the forums), is the US outlet for Detech coils, who makes the SEF, Ultimate, and several other coils for various machines including the Sovereign. The 12x10 was always hard to find on Kellyco in the Sovereign version as it was hidden on an odd page, but recently the Sovereign version vanish from there. It had been speculated that they were no longer going to carry the Sovereign version at Kellyco, but a higher up at Kellyco came on here a month or so back and put those fears to rest. This person said they are waiting for more stock on various Detech coils, and not just for the Sovereign. Also, I received confirmation from JW that they are indeed planning to carry the Sovereign version of the new Ultimate coil too.

This is nothing new, as I hear Detech is swamped for orders. They were the company who made the Excelerator coils, but those never really took off, except for the little 5" trash coils that sell very well. But, once the SEFs came around they had a huge hit on their hands, and it appears the 13" Ultimate coil is also going to be a hit as well. For that reason, I'm sure they are playing catch up. It's hard to re-tool to run off a bunch of coils for one machine, then have to re-tool to run off a batch for another, as they are all different internaly and such, even the same exact coil...But for different machines. With the numerous brands of detectors they make versions of these coils for, I'm sure they are playing musical chair trying to fill orders. They don't just supply to Kellyco (the only US outlet I'm aware of), but also to the UK version of Kellyco as well as it seems numerous small dealer outlets over seas.

If you really want one bad and can't wait put a Want To Buy ad in the detector accesseries forum here on Findmall (found near the bottom of all the forum listings). That's how I got mine. You can click on the person's name who offers to sell you one and then click to see a list of all their posts. If they've been on Findmall for years, and especially if you see they've sold or bought stuff from others with good success, then you can believe they probably aren't out to scam somebody. That's how I see if I can trust who I sell or buy from on here. Just click on their name and then click on POSTS and see how long they've been on and what kind of activity they have. You can really get some great deals by posting a WTB (Want To Buy) ad on here rather than waiting for somebody to post a message with something to sell IMO. Alternatively, you could also look on fleabay but Findmall deserves it's sponsors patronized and is far less hassle IMO than dealing with feebay.

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