Can the Excalibur Alkaline Battery pod

[Steve from Ohio]

be made to be waterproof? I would rather not pay the extra to get the waterproof NIMH pod and just get the Alkaline pod and put in the NIMH batteries available from outside suppliers in it.

I will be doing a lot of wading but not diving.

 

[Bling]

n/t

 

[Gulf Hunter]

Steve, I do not know who told you it was not waterproof. I have been in 5'-6' and it did not leak a drop. Run it!

 

[Excal1]

I read I think in the manual and on their website that it was not waterproof but water resistant. Supposedly it should be ok (I believe but check with either Minelab or someone that can warranty you before you automatically take someone's word. I know Gulf Hunter and he has never led me astray but I think he would also tell you to check with Minelab or the makers of the battery pod before you happen to be the one that got ruined.

 

[JoeSWFLA]

As far as I can tell,my alkaline pod has the same seal as my Nicad.I 've had both apart
and don't see any real difference in them.I think the reason they call it water resistant,
rather than water proof is the fact that people load their own batteries in the alkaline
pack,so it lends itself to mistakes or poor handling.I've known people who have
dived to 20' with them and no leaks.Just check the seal when assembling them,
keep it clean,and use enough silicone gease for the job.Make sure the O-ring looks
straight and even,not wavy .HH Joe

 

[Eric from NC]

It is fine to use, get one and use it. I have one and it works great!

 

[oscpeterson]

If in doubt you can always throw it in the sink overnight, dry it off and inspect inside.

 

[Lou from downunder]

I got one here in Oz and the literature that came with it stated that it was good to 10'.
Not good enough for me so I sent it back.

Lou.

 

[Steve from Ohio]

Ten foot is OK with me. Thanks for the info. I feel better since I bought the alkaline pack and a NIMH battery. I'm really excited about using the Excalibur since I've been using a 1280X for over 20 years in the water. The 1280X was Great for fresh water but really terrible in the wet salt areas of the beaches.

 

[Steve from Ohio]

I've updated all my battery packs with the 1600 MAH 12 volt NIMH batteries offered on E-bay and I would highly recommend getting those NIMH batteries.

So far, I've put over 38 hours on my first pack after recharging overnight and they are still giving out enough voltage to operate the Excalibur.

After the straight shaft, the batteries are the best update for the Excalibur.

And the best thing about it is I've found a few gold rings that will pay for the machine and the battery update.

Life is good.

 

[BigCatDaddy]

The Nimh's are far superior to the Nicads and the rebuild is a snap!! I also bought one of the chargers from the same place and it works great too. It's a fast charger, about 3-4 hours on a spent pod and it has a light to tell you when you're fully charged!! If anyone buys one, you need to get the adapter tail for the Excal pods, I almost missed it when I ordered mine.

 

[mike k.]

ok the nimh batterypod is better .How long do I charge it for the first time with the minelab charger after installing in the alkiline pod ?? -thanks

 

[bigdave195412]

.......WITH MY ALKALINE PACK TO DEPTHS OF AT LEAST 30 FT.. MINELAB WILL NOT GUARANTEE THEM BECAUSE CUSTOMERS ARE
OPENING AND CLOSING THEM THEIR SELVES. THEY ARE AS WATERPROOF AS THE REGULAR PODS. JUST MAKE SURE WHEN YOU OPEN AND CLOSE THEM THAT THE O-RING AND POD (WHERE THE O-RING SEATS) ARE CLEANED OF ALL SAND AND LUBRICATED WITH FRESH SILICONE GREASE.

 

[Mike2]

They are 100 % water proof,!!!

Mike