P.I. Fix: Contact Spray

[cjc]

39/ Appendix II: Contact Spray
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[Finderskeeper]

Thank you Clive for the advice. I just purchased a White's Surfmaster PI Dual Field and also purchased your book on it. Lots of good information for sure! This is my first PI and the information in your book really opened up my eyes. I would have started off all wrong using my old habits of my VLF machines. I do hunt in Pin Point with my Excalibur II so that may help a little with my Dual Field.

I have used contact spray in the past on my other detectors and it seems to really keep them working properly. I will continue doing so with my new Dual Field. I really did not think about that with this machine but your book reminded me of it.

I notice in the instruction booklet that they recommend replacing the gasket every year and I plan on doing so.

Is it possible to add a small desiccant bag inside the control box to control condensation?

 

[cjc]

It's not just condensation. Electrical contacts corrode as you use them. (Ever have one of those slot car kits with the brushes on the cars?) Potentiomeeters are also the weak link on many pulse machines--they leak or loose functioning over time. Silca Gel will keep most moisture out but there is still a residual that will cause the performance to change over time. It never ceases to amaze me how temmpermental these machines can be. Contact spray works well in that it tells you if the problem is related to moisture or is somethingelse. I've had PI-s that never have needed to be opened in 15 years. (Barracuda) Others break down constantly with moisture (leaking through the pots) being the usual cauuse. Had I known about contact spray years ago, I could have another machine from the post money Ive spent.
cjc