Excal II Problem

[Doug Lenik]

I have a strange problem with my Excal II and was hoping for some help.The machine works great with no problems until the control pod becomes immersed below the water. Then the threshold disappears and the machine starts blaring or buzzing loudly. As soon as I leave the water above the control pod the machine stabilizes and works fine. I sent the machine to Minelab service and they could not find any leaking or problems. The machine worked normally for several years before this problem started. I have 2 other Excaliburs and don't think I'm doing anything dumb. I've tried different batteries with no luck. The problem seems worse in colder water. When I tried dunking it in the kitchen sink it didn't happen. Cold Ocean water; (68 degrees) drives it nuts. In warmer lake water the problem was there but not as bad. Adjusting the sensitivity made no difference. Thanks for any advice

 

[BigDan]

Try some silicon grease on the washer between the cable and battery pod

 

[KinTN]

BigDan's answer sounds good to me. It isn't the temp doing it or it wouldn't be such an immediate response.

 

[dewcon4414]

Battery is always the first thought.... check the rubber and use some silicone grease like mentioned. Next.... check the bottom of the coil to see if its separated. I also had a set of headphones react that away. Id be out there deep and when a wave hit my headphones salt water got inside them.... there was a split in the cable there. Id remove the 4 screws and take a look.

Dew

 

[Doug Lenik]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I also believe it can't be the water temperature because it starts and stops as soon as the pod is immersed or removed from the water. I checked the coil and did not see any cracks. Minelab service told me to wait several minutes after the pod goes under for the electronics to stabilize. I tried that with no luck. I will try the silicone grease and see if that makes any difference. I have tried using different batteries. Stay tuned and thanks for your help. H.H. Doug

 

[scotthowes]

I had a cracked wire inside the pod that made a static sound when wet

 

[ZOFCHAK]

Check for hairline cracks in and around the threaded posts where the coil and battery cable enter the pod.

You could also try covering each end cap and connection (One at a time) with a layer of Vaseline. That may help you isolate the leak (If that's what is causing the issue).

 

[OldBeechnut]

Cold Ocean water; (68 degrees) drives it nuts. In warmer lake water the problem was there but not as bad.

For sure a
a short since saltwater being the better conductive would be why it happens in the ocean water and less in the lake, just a guess but a hairline crack in the coil cable, maybe up high near the stress relief. About the only way to find it would be start replacing, and the coil would be the first. I do know when I tried the Bulgin Mini connectors for the coil to pod, as soon as they got in the water the detector would start freaking out. Once out and with in a few seconds it would calm down. Fresh water, not a big problem, Just some extra falsing.

 

[dewcon4414]

With this information about its reaction in salt water it just amazes me ML tech made that comment..... where did common sense go. When in doubt ......make up something impressive.

Dew

 

[Doug Lenik]

Thanks to good lighting and a 7X jewelers loup I found the problem with my Excalibur. On the battery cable right at the connection to the pod the plastic nut is cracked the entire length of the nut. I had to look to make sure it wasn't a mold mark in the plastic. Thanks everyone for your help. Looks like another trip to Minelab. Glad I have a backup . Doug

 

[KinTN]

That's great!