A question for V3i owners

[Jedi]

I am considering buying a V3i. I was just wondering if the battery housing gets
In the way when swinging it? Can you take it off and put it in a pack? Would doing so
affect the warranty?

 

[shortcut1224]

I have not found the control (battery box) to cause a problem, but I used the MXT Pro and VX3 before I purchased V3i. My guess is it will not work to hip mount the V3i as you have wires from the battery box going up to the display.

 

[Rob (IL)]

The design for the battery box has been used for over twenty years.

 

[NormS]

I just bought a V3i and for me the battery housing does not cause any problems. My only complaint so far is the V3i is a battery hog. Other than that the V3i is very impressive

 

[mas0n83]

I've never had that problem

 

[Rob (IL)]

Norm what are you using for batteries? I never had a problem. How long are you hunting?

 

[Jedi]

Thanks guys. I know the blisstool has a similar style box and is detachable.
I just wasn't sure if it was an issue.

 

[hmhoshino]

What about the Li-Ion pack made for the V3i sold by Kelly Co.? I ordered one for my V3i that I am getting. With that battery pack you suppose to get +20 hrs of operation time.

 

[widebody]

[size=large]If you're going to hunt 4-6 hrs. a couple of times a week the i would sure get the li-ion batteries. Kellyco isn't the sole vendor for them. as for the first question.I've had the XLT, MXT Pro and now the V3i. never had a problem with the box.

HH t/size]

 

[DFXDon]

Jedi
I am sure the box can not be removed and worn on the hip. But after making that statement I will assure you that the box will NOT get in your way in any way or matter I have used three DFX's a GMT,
a Vision and two V3i's all with this battery box, the only thing I can say is it is a little heavier then I like for long hunts, at 82 I am not as spry as you young pups and can't swing it all day.

 

[Larry (IL)]

Good for you Don, still swinging at 82.....

 

[NormS]

When I go out I hunt for probably 3-4 hours at a time. I use the same batteries that came with it. So within two days the rechargeable battery quits. I am used to getting maybe 40 - 50 hours on my other detectors.

I am not really complaining because the detector is worth what i paid for it and hopefully when i get to the point when I know I am getting the best I can get from it I can reap some good rewards. Detecting 3 -4 hours per day 5 days per week I was averaging about $110 - $120 per month with my ATP. I hope to far out do the ATP with the V3i

 

[Explorer]

I have two battery packs and two sets of rechargeable for the headphones----one in the detector and one on the charger.
It takes me a whole of 30 seconds out of my detecting day to drop in a freshly charged pack and set of batteries in my headphones before I head out detecting.

This always assures the maximum performance out of the detector and will last for an entire day of detecting and longer than I can digging holes in the ground.

 

[NormS]

I would buy another rechargeable battery pak but my wife is getting a lil testy about the amount of money I have spent on metal detecting stuff. I had to tell her the V3i could vacuum, wash her car and do this dishes before she agreed it was worth the money.

For now I will use the rechargeable pak in the detector and keep the other pak handy when the rechargeable one gets weak or goes dead.

 

[Rob (IL)]

It's been a long time since I used the NIMH packs in my V3i, but they never ran out in 6 hours of hunting. Every day when I was done hunting I put it on the charger.

Your V3i is not an IDX or MXT. It takes more energy to run the extra features like a color screen.

 

[h2oyo]

I don't have any problems with the control box when I'm hunting. I know if you use the back-light and run it fairly bright it will wear the batteries out much faster. I also a difference when I am running my big SEF coil. I just use rechargeable batteries and have two batteries with me. I rarely have to use the second set, I just feel better knowing I have it.
Johan

 

[NormS]

Is the li-lon battery pack worth the price. I would like a reliable backup battery pack but I have to find enough clad to pay for it. I made enough with my ACE 250 to buy my AT Pro and made enough with my At Pro to buy my V3i so I plan on possibly buying a battery pack with what I find with my V3i. So far I have found $22+ with it so i have to find quite a bit more clad to buy one.

 

[Rob (IL)]

The LI ION pack is worth it if you want long run times or if you don't want to charge batteries after a long hunt. I like the option of being able to have my V3I ready to go even after it has been sitting for weeks. Read my review.