Converting a Push connect to a screw on?

[dbax]

I have not heard of anyone doing this. Apparently there are some perfectly good machines out there with "push in" coil connections but it seems nearly all connections are going to the screw in type. For example, the earlier F2, F4 and F5 Fishers had push-in then switched to screw on. this means that some of the newer coils and some third party coils are out of reach. Another problem with the push-in is they tend to come loose and unless you are checking it ever few minutes you could be searching with not connection -- and no, you cannot tell, the machine continues to act as if it is fully connect for some strange reason, which leads me to believe that some of the noise we get or pick up is not from the coil at all but the body of the machine, the interior electronic. Anyway, can anyone think of any reason why this pig tail configuration cannot be done? Has anyone ever heard of anyone doing it. I have an old 8" coil, I never use, with a push in connector, I then ordered a 8" screw on pig tail extension for $5 off ebay, free shipping -- you gotta love the internet -- it, of course is screw connect on both ends, so, I am going to cut the push connect off of the 8" Coil, and cut the opposing connection off of the screw on extension, then solder the like wires so that I have a pig tail with a push-in on one end and the appropriate screw on connection on the other end. This will, of course add about 8" of coil line feed -- will that be a problem? I'm thinking it shouldn't as some guys are adding these extension to their screw in models for ease of changing coils. If this works then I will have the same advantage with the F2 I want to put a NEL Sharpshooter on, but still be able to switch back to the 10" coil when I want. As far as the Pushin coming loose I think I can secure it with some good old fashioned Duct Tape -- ya gotta love it. Okay, if anyone can think of a reason not to do this, please let me know before I cut the coil cable on the "coil". Yes, I talked to Fisher and asked about a conversion, and I must be talking to the wrong department or something, they say it cannot be done -- basically they don't want to do it and when I told them they had done a conversion for one of the other forum members they never responded, well, so far, to my request concerning the making of such a pig tail??? no answer?? Hello, anyone out there? I am about ready to cut the cable, stop me if you can --------- or think you need too ---

 

[shadowulf]

Rather than cut the 8" connector off, I'd see if you could just get a push-in type connector to solder onto the extension.

Then take some pics of the 8" and post it up here on the accessories thread. Or even fleabay if that doesn't work out.





Oops, let me guess. Too late?

 

[WV62]

I was told by the dealer that I bought my F5 from with push-in connectors that the detector and coils can be sent back to FT and they will switch them out for you. I don't know anything about the cost but it may be better than making these adapters.

Just a thought,

Ron in WV

 

[dbax]

Shadowulf, where were you when I needed you -- yep, too late. I'm going to Radio Shack later and get the fitting I need to repair the 8" -- I know, I am doing this basackwards

Sorry WV62 but Fisher told me NO! Here is the last email I received from them. --

Hello Dan,

If you send your unit to us we cannot modify the connector. The way we receive it is the way it must leave. Modifications can be made to units and are but we don

 

[dbax]

Thanks WV62 -- Thanks for the input -- I think your right. No one has come up with any good reason not to go with a pig tail extension. A cut here, a cut there, little solder here a little solder there, little foil there and shrink tube covering -- done deal.

shadowulf, I will post pics, promise

 

[dbax]

Okay, here is the results of my endeavor to convert and F2 / F4 push in connection to a screw on. I almost opted to do the special order for a third party coil for the F2 for the Push-in connect, but the more I thought about it and from some good advice and comments it seemed to make more sense to make a "pig tail" connector then both types of coils could be used. The answer to if this would be a problem came in the answer of finding out that the F70 and F75 will accommodate extension cables being sold on ebay -- I guess this is for longer shafts (?) maybe for searching water? Anyway, if you can put a 6-12" extension to these machines then what would be the problem with the F2. Yes, I contacted Fisher, but strangely, and uncharacteristic (?) they were of little to no help. And neither was Radio Shack, what has happened to the DIY market? I sealed the 5 solder pins with some good ole black silicon -- gooped it into the back of the screw in fitting and smoothed it down and around covering the wires to the insulated covering. I could not find a push in 5 pin connection like the one used on the F2 so I cut one off of the 8" coil I was not using. I even tried to get one from Fisher or at least the supplier number or part number but was told by Arturos , no can do, basically. I will keep searching until I find a source for this push pin -- it is different from most I have found, the pins are about half the size of the common pins. Once I find one I will then repair the 8" coil, but for now I have the pig tail for the new Sharpshooter I have ordered for the F2. Will report back as to how it all works out when I get the new Coil.

 

[mudpuppy]

Lots of times in lots of industries the rabid end users such as yourself discover and fab up things the mfgs say is impossible to do...not saying this is one of those times, but you are putting in the effort, and thats cool!..
Mud.

 

[shadowulf]

way to go! that should work fine and you can pass it along if you ever sell the f2.

 

[dbax]

Yeah, after all of that and I finally got the NEL Sharpshooter for the F2 and sent it back after only 3 days. It just was not an improvement over the stock 10' coil, in fact its depth was not that good and it seemed to have trouble matching up with the F2 features like accurate pin pointing and it weak on target Id and was noisier -- I made another pig tail just to make sure I had the wiring right and the solder good. The pig tail worked but the Sharpshooter? Not so good. However this same type coil on my F70 is killer, love it. So, there, so much for that little adventure.

 

[Spaceport]

Dbax would you be willing to sell that pigtail I am having the same problem or do you know where I can get one or parts for one?