Larger coil for Excalibur 800

[Steve from Ohio]

I am tricking out my Excalibur 800 and I really love it so far. New straight shaft, knob protector and new batteries is making it a kick butt machine.

I was wondering if it is a good idea to make it possible with the waterproof connectors (ikelite I believe) to be able to change coils easier.

I am doing some land detecting with it also, although I prefer the E-trac for the land work. But I am finding the more I use the Excalibur, the more I enjoy it. And I really need to get more capable with the sounds of the Excalibur so I have put the E-trac to the side for now.

Would the 12 or 14 inch DD Excelerator coil for the Sovereign be a good choice for hunting the beaches with the Excalibur. I know the 8 inch is preferred for water work.

I really don't want to use the E-Trac near the water ( I know I would be tempted to get it near the wet sand and water) so it would be nice to have a larger coil for the dry and wet sand work to cover more area when I don't want to go in the water.

I was thinking of cutting the wire to the control head and installing the waterproof fittings myself. I am pretty mechanically able and could handle the job easily.

Does anyone see a problem with what I want to do?

 

[Gulf Hunter]

Hello Steve,

I have a mate in Fla, that installed the waterproof connectors on his Excal and they leaked. DON'T do it! It is a real bad idea. Minelab actually warrantied the issue and repaired his unit, but they CERTAINLY did not have to. Being in Ohio, you would be hunting fresh water, no doubt. In my experience with fresh water, it is TRASHY. I would think the the 800s better target separation would be preferrable. The ideal scenario is to own 2 Excals, one with the larger coil, but hardwired by Minelab or buy a 1000. The 1000 is about all the coil I care to run anyway, even for wetsand, but others may disagree. When you break it, you will wish you had a back-up, as repair times are kinda slow, especially in peak season when it happens most frequently. That's my take and I'm stickin' to it! Best of luck mate.

 

[pistolpete]

Hi chum. Thought I would put my 2 cents in. I installed the wp connectors so I could swap between the 8" and the 15" wot coil that I also used. I found that only after a few times swapping coils that the connectors started to leak. They seemed to leak not at the o rings but at the cable compression fittings. When coming out of the water, I could see the moisture and water in the clear tubing. I tried to seal the fittings better with silicone, tighten the fittings, etc,etc, to no avail. If I were you, I would leave the 8" coil on the machine. There is a big difference in how the 10" and larger coils move through the water and I appreciate how I can get the smaller coil into restrictive areas and swing it fairly easily through the water. Of course, it's your call, but I'm sure the 8" will do the job for ya.....Pete

 

[JW]

can be hard wired to an Excalibur by Minelab USA.

 

[Bling]

i use the S12 on the beach on my GT and love it,but in the water i like the Excal with the 8" coil much better! easy to pin point too!

 

[NamVetLesTreasureSeeker]

WELL STATED, Gulfhunter!! Two HARDWIRED Water Detectors is the LEAST AGGRAVATION and DOWN TIME, and the ONLY WAY to go!! HH, Les Robinson