Saltshaker
Member
Up for sale is a fully modified Minelab Excalibur metal detector. This particular machine started out as an older Blue 800 model which according to the wiring is most likely the latest blue model made after 2006. But this model is now upgraded to its fullest potential. So if you are reading this, please make sure you read everything here so you fully understand what has been done and what you are getting.
First and foremost, this detector has been modified and I would not recommend this particular unit for diving. It can handle being underwater but it probably would not be best for serious depths and would be more suited for detecting up to chest/neck deep water.
What you get is the following:
• The Main Unit:
It has been completely taken apart and rebuilt, then tested fully for functionality. Starting with the motherboard, it was fully inspected for any issues of water intrusion. Overall it was very clean, nothing was found.
The main pod/tube was also inspected for any micro cracks or issues in the stems or anywhere else. Then the main top o-rings of the potentiometer stems were replaced, re-greased and reinstalled. The knobs now flow and turn very nice but more than that, the knobs were also replaced with nice aftermarket Anderson style knobs and stainless steel set screws. Two of the pots themselves (Off/Threshold & Sensitivity) were actually replaced because they were bad. They rest were good and don’t spin all the way around. Lastly, new silica packs were also replaced to help prevent any moisture build up inside the unit.
Next were the modifications. The coil change mod included wiring in a 4 pin IP68 connector into the end cap itself, then sealed with epoxy. This allows you to change coils easily and switch to whatever BBS coil you would like.
Second is the remote PinPoint modification. Wired in is an IP68 toggle switch to the handle. This particular switch alone easily costs 50.00 dollars and is the best switch I have used compared to many so called waterproof switches I have seen. This one is very solid and will stand the test of time. It will allow you to easily switch back and forth from all metal mode to discriminate without touching the main unit. Please note, the PP knob must remain in PP position for this to work.
Third is the headphone modification. This also has an IP68 connection wired into a new end cap. This allows you to disconnect, change out, swap or replace your headphones at anytime. The end cap can be removed if needed as I should note that the remote PP and headphone wired connections can be disconnected from the main board.
Last but not least, you have a brand new custom decal that I personally designed so hopefully you will like it too. It seems to really fit well and it makes it stand apart from the rest.
• Coils:
You get an older hardly used 10" coil. It’s pretty clean and comes with a IP68 connector on it ready to go. This coil also includes a coil cover.
Second is the original 8" coil. To be honest this coil has seen better days and I basically did what I could to restore it. The bottom was cracked so it was filled with epoxy twice, then painted bright yellow and then clear coated for an extra layer of protection. The wire itself suffered dry rot so I did replace it. It was spliced with new wire via solder then shrink wrapped inside a custom tube mounted at the base of the coil. Then it was filled with epoxy.
The 8" coil also has an IP68 connector on it and seems to work fine. So basically you can use this as you see fit if you need something smaller like in a trashy area and such. It does not come with a cover though.
• Custom Carbon Fiber Straight Shaft:
So you also get a custom straight shaft that I made with the help of some Plugger parts. The Plugger arm cuff is all aluminum and is very durable. The one piece of carbon fiber tubing is 7/8" in diameter and is 33 inches long. The lower shaft is the original lower rod but is connected with the all plastic shaft lock which can be easily adjusted for your height. I did not drill any holes for the lower shaft snap pin to lock in. If you want holes to lock the lower shaft in, then I will leave that up to you to drill out. But I will say that it is not needed and most importantly it prevents sand getting in and seizing up the shaft.
The other part is the carbon fiber extension for the main unit and battery. That fits in on the back and is locked in by the stainless steel bolts for the arm cuff. This puts the unit behind the elbow and gives the whole shaft much more balance to swing for much longer. For securing the battery and unit to the extension, I have also provided plastic bolts and wing nuts to make life easy. Personally I hate those snap pins for the battery and its always a pain to remove it so the plastic bolt is so much better IMO.
• Custom Built Headphones - 2 sets (original and new)
First is the original blue set that came with the Excalibur. The main coiled wire was bad so it was replaced. Then the guts were stripped out of the old headphones and placed into a much more comfortable set which I used to call the PB-7's aka Peltor mod. But these new headphone sets are bit better IMO. I also removed the open foam and replaced it with 2 layers of closed cell foam which is highly water resistant and provides better sound blocking from the outside world. These work fine now and good to have as a nice back up pair.
The second pair is the primary set and is 10 times better than any original Excal headphones (blue or yellow). This custom set was made by me with AudioSears 2463 receivers in the same headset as the other pair with closed cell foam. The receivers were placed into a main PVC body with waterproof Gortex in front and sealed on the back with RTV. Its all wired and sealed up tight and can with stand the water very well. It can be dunked without a problem and connects via IP68 connector.
Overall this set will sound much better than the stock headphones. You will find it to be much more clear, loud and easier to hear those deep faint tones for those heavy targets. These should be a must for any Excal user out there.
• Battery Pod
Included is a battery pod for the main unit. It originally was a rechargeable pod but I replaced the battery with an alkaline AA insert. You can switch it back if you see fit and I will also include the actual rechargeable battery and AC charger to go along with it. BUT, I cannot guarantee if it will hold a charge. As of right now it has full voltage and looks good but I have no idea if that will hold. Also, I DO NOT have the charging ikelite connector for it so you would have to purchase one on your own.
• Misc Parts
I will include (2) 4 pin IP68 connectors so that if you need to wire up another coil or two. Of course I will provide the wiring pin-out diagram as well for the connectors so you won’t have any issues there.
Also adding a couple extra plastic bolts with wing nuts, snap pin, some velcro strapping and lastly, I am also including a used hip/waist mount strap just in case you prefer that method.
Overall this fully modified detector is a great addition to have in any arsenal and something you should not pass up if you are considering. I have tested this myself in the field and it works great.
Despite all this work, I cannot give you any warranty on this unit. It comes as is but if you have any questions, please send me a message.
Im asking 1100.00 which includes shipping via UPS. Paypal (friend/fam) please.
First and foremost, this detector has been modified and I would not recommend this particular unit for diving. It can handle being underwater but it probably would not be best for serious depths and would be more suited for detecting up to chest/neck deep water.
What you get is the following:
• The Main Unit:
It has been completely taken apart and rebuilt, then tested fully for functionality. Starting with the motherboard, it was fully inspected for any issues of water intrusion. Overall it was very clean, nothing was found.
The main pod/tube was also inspected for any micro cracks or issues in the stems or anywhere else. Then the main top o-rings of the potentiometer stems were replaced, re-greased and reinstalled. The knobs now flow and turn very nice but more than that, the knobs were also replaced with nice aftermarket Anderson style knobs and stainless steel set screws. Two of the pots themselves (Off/Threshold & Sensitivity) were actually replaced because they were bad. They rest were good and don’t spin all the way around. Lastly, new silica packs were also replaced to help prevent any moisture build up inside the unit.
Next were the modifications. The coil change mod included wiring in a 4 pin IP68 connector into the end cap itself, then sealed with epoxy. This allows you to change coils easily and switch to whatever BBS coil you would like.
Second is the remote PinPoint modification. Wired in is an IP68 toggle switch to the handle. This particular switch alone easily costs 50.00 dollars and is the best switch I have used compared to many so called waterproof switches I have seen. This one is very solid and will stand the test of time. It will allow you to easily switch back and forth from all metal mode to discriminate without touching the main unit. Please note, the PP knob must remain in PP position for this to work.
Third is the headphone modification. This also has an IP68 connection wired into a new end cap. This allows you to disconnect, change out, swap or replace your headphones at anytime. The end cap can be removed if needed as I should note that the remote PP and headphone wired connections can be disconnected from the main board.
Last but not least, you have a brand new custom decal that I personally designed so hopefully you will like it too. It seems to really fit well and it makes it stand apart from the rest.
• Coils:
You get an older hardly used 10" coil. It’s pretty clean and comes with a IP68 connector on it ready to go. This coil also includes a coil cover.
Second is the original 8" coil. To be honest this coil has seen better days and I basically did what I could to restore it. The bottom was cracked so it was filled with epoxy twice, then painted bright yellow and then clear coated for an extra layer of protection. The wire itself suffered dry rot so I did replace it. It was spliced with new wire via solder then shrink wrapped inside a custom tube mounted at the base of the coil. Then it was filled with epoxy.
The 8" coil also has an IP68 connector on it and seems to work fine. So basically you can use this as you see fit if you need something smaller like in a trashy area and such. It does not come with a cover though.
• Custom Carbon Fiber Straight Shaft:
So you also get a custom straight shaft that I made with the help of some Plugger parts. The Plugger arm cuff is all aluminum and is very durable. The one piece of carbon fiber tubing is 7/8" in diameter and is 33 inches long. The lower shaft is the original lower rod but is connected with the all plastic shaft lock which can be easily adjusted for your height. I did not drill any holes for the lower shaft snap pin to lock in. If you want holes to lock the lower shaft in, then I will leave that up to you to drill out. But I will say that it is not needed and most importantly it prevents sand getting in and seizing up the shaft.
The other part is the carbon fiber extension for the main unit and battery. That fits in on the back and is locked in by the stainless steel bolts for the arm cuff. This puts the unit behind the elbow and gives the whole shaft much more balance to swing for much longer. For securing the battery and unit to the extension, I have also provided plastic bolts and wing nuts to make life easy. Personally I hate those snap pins for the battery and its always a pain to remove it so the plastic bolt is so much better IMO.
• Custom Built Headphones - 2 sets (original and new)
First is the original blue set that came with the Excalibur. The main coiled wire was bad so it was replaced. Then the guts were stripped out of the old headphones and placed into a much more comfortable set which I used to call the PB-7's aka Peltor mod. But these new headphone sets are bit better IMO. I also removed the open foam and replaced it with 2 layers of closed cell foam which is highly water resistant and provides better sound blocking from the outside world. These work fine now and good to have as a nice back up pair.
The second pair is the primary set and is 10 times better than any original Excal headphones (blue or yellow). This custom set was made by me with AudioSears 2463 receivers in the same headset as the other pair with closed cell foam. The receivers were placed into a main PVC body with waterproof Gortex in front and sealed on the back with RTV. Its all wired and sealed up tight and can with stand the water very well. It can be dunked without a problem and connects via IP68 connector.
Overall this set will sound much better than the stock headphones. You will find it to be much more clear, loud and easier to hear those deep faint tones for those heavy targets. These should be a must for any Excal user out there.
• Battery Pod
Included is a battery pod for the main unit. It originally was a rechargeable pod but I replaced the battery with an alkaline AA insert. You can switch it back if you see fit and I will also include the actual rechargeable battery and AC charger to go along with it. BUT, I cannot guarantee if it will hold a charge. As of right now it has full voltage and looks good but I have no idea if that will hold. Also, I DO NOT have the charging ikelite connector for it so you would have to purchase one on your own.
• Misc Parts
I will include (2) 4 pin IP68 connectors so that if you need to wire up another coil or two. Of course I will provide the wiring pin-out diagram as well for the connectors so you won’t have any issues there.
Also adding a couple extra plastic bolts with wing nuts, snap pin, some velcro strapping and lastly, I am also including a used hip/waist mount strap just in case you prefer that method.
Overall this fully modified detector is a great addition to have in any arsenal and something you should not pass up if you are considering. I have tested this myself in the field and it works great.
Despite all this work, I cannot give you any warranty on this unit. It comes as is but if you have any questions, please send me a message.
Im asking 1100.00 which includes shipping via UPS. Paypal (friend/fam) please.