Eric Foster PI Search Coil Wire

[River Raider]

Making some more coils for my PI....
Just wondering what was used on his water machines, orange in color?
And if it's any better than using RG58 coax with a multi-strand core wire?

 

[Eric Foster]

Hi Sven,

The orange cable is a specially made RG58 coax. It is made for the offshore industry, specially for underwater use, with a polyurethane outer jacket rather than pvc. This is much stronger and hard to penetrate by contact with sharp edges. Water at pressure would very quickly siphon along ordinary coax if there was even a small cut, and enter the coil windings. Salt water would write off both the coil and the cable and even enter the electronics unless a water blocking connector was used. Of course the orange coax is considerably more expensive, but I thought it was worth it as even for shallow water work it gives added protection.

Eric.

 

[River Raider]

Thanks.
Since I can't seem to locate your type of coax, think my best option for shallow water hunting is using Marine coax like that sold by West Marine or Shakespeare.
Leaning towards the Ancor brand 58-cu from West as I can't find the specs for Shakespeare.
Then cover it with a protective sleeve like Detectorpro does.
I was kind of concerned using standard coax 58u.

 

[Eric Foster]

Hi Sven,

The cable I used is by JDR Cable Systems, part no. CAF9007. I haven't bought any for some years and although I can find the company on the internet, I can't find the product. Maybe it has been discontinued. The 58cu by Ancor may be as good and it maybe worth while asking for a sample length. Both inner and outer conductors must be tin plated copper - the inner conductor stranded, not solid.

Eric.

 

[River Raider]

Thanks again for the info.
Yes the Anchor wire is tinned on both conductors.