Designed New Stand Mount

[Shayne]

Probably not for everybody because it does add some weight, but less than 1 pound - 13 ounces to be exact. I was REALLY dissatisfied with the stock 2" stand that comes with the eTrac because I like to put my detector down from time-to-time when I am relic hunting, using my X-1 probe and/or when I am at the beach (sand is bad - wet anything is worse). Basically, I removed the stock aluminum stand, gave it to my father who has been a metal fabricator most of his life and asked him to design a mount that would allow me to attach a rifle bi-pod to my detector. Being the gun fanatic that he is, he designed a mount that fits in the e-Trac slot without modification and uses a standard sized sling swivel to connect the bi-pod. Essentially, any bi-pod that you can mount to a gun via the sling swivel, can mount to my eTrac. I chose the Harris Ultralight bi-pod. I can attach and detach it in less than 10 seconds, its a snug fit and provides a very stable base. The legs are spring loaded and automatically retractable when expanded. When folded down in the compressed configuration, the detector sits 13.5 inches off the ground and when extended I get a full 23 inches! I have to admit, I love this mod and it looks cool too....detecting:

 

[baspinall]

That is sweet. I like it.

Brian

 

[Shayne]

Easy sell for the wife - one product, two uses. Told her I would use it on the rifle during hunting season and on the detector during the summer months. Of course, I better get a deer next year and find at least one ring she likes this summer!

 

[Idaho PRB]

Now you need to put a scope on it. LOL!

 

[Shayne]

Funny - thought about a laser pointer to show me exactly where that target is hiding - I still haven't nailed down pinpointing with the eTrac yet!

 

[detectorfreak74]

I want one send me some info on the price

 

[Shayne]

PM Sent.

 

[Shayne]

Here are three more photos - this time with my 8" SEF and the X-1 Probe mounted to the upper shaft.

 

[utahshovelhead]

That is WAY COOL lookin! how many rounds does it carry?

 

[etracjoe]

What is the material? Would be nice if it were powder coated aluminum. Maybe too flimsy though. I like it, just wish it were lighter.

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

Nice job on the Bi-Pod !
I didn't like the factory cuff & stand either - got this K-Cuff from Mr. Krayola ( a member of the E-Trac forum ) its very well made and keeps the back of the machine up out of the mud and snow !

 

[stasys]

stand is nice but my opinion for special people,or simply not practical--stand fro stand. I think you should work more on practical design more. good luck

 

[Shayne]

Material is plate steel, so the total weight for the mount and bi-pod is about 1 pound. You're absolutely right - it is a bit heavier, but I chose to sacrafice extra weight for preservation of a machine that cost me a small fortune. My father is a steel fabricator, so his welding equipment is not intended to be used in aluminum fabrication. If Minelab would just take the idea to production using the same base metal that they presently use on their stock stand, the resulting piece would be strong enough and potentially very affordable. The neat part about the weight, is that you can choose to moutn any bi-pod that uses the swivel attachment, so you could cut the overall weight in half by going with a 6 inch bi-pod. Lots of opportunity...

 

[stasys]

Shayne with this stand you will kill your detector faster than keeping on the ground--if it will fall, it will have longer distance to reach ground

 

[pointer80]

Shayne, Cool design. Hats off to anybody that tries to invent or improve a product!

 

[wvrick]

Really like the Bi-pod Idea and looks good!