Safari...intermittent battery connection solved.

[Goldstrike]

I share this info; just in case you might have the same problem sometime!
On the last 2 metal detecting trips, when I would lay my Safari down on the ground to proceed to dig a target, it would just shut down for no reason. When I picked it up or moved it a bit, it would come back on again. I had checked the battery's, even put new ones in even though the existing batteries were good. Also I had cleaned the battery holder/pod and connections but the problem continued. I finally looked inside and down to the terminals inside the handle. They looked oxidized so I got some fine emery paper taped to the tip of a long screwdriver and cleaned them up. Problem solved!!! I still plan to open the handle up and get the contacts out to either clean some more or replace and perhaps put some dialectic grease to stop further corrosion. Looking at them again, they still look pretty cruddy so I think I'll replace them!!
I figure since I use it on beaches, the salty moist air might have corroded or oxidized those terminals!

 

[markinga]

Great pic, GS. I will grease mine before they corrode. Cheers!

 

[KennyD]

I don't use my Safari on salt beaches, but this is a GREAT tip either way. Thank you for posting it!

 

[MetalMiner]

I had a problem once with my Safari shutting down for no reason. I found it was because a sliver of label on one battery had separated & was laying across the bottom of the battery. The way I found out what it was I decided to put the batteries in the charger to make sure they were fully charged & I noticed one battery was not charging. I looked at the battery & seen the label sliver laying across the bottom of the battery

 

[Goldstrike]

Interesting comment M.M.! I've never had that happen but will keep that in mind just in case I have that happen to me!
Kenny, I do detect in the wet sand as well as the dry but will not go too close to the water's edge risking dunking the detector! Most beach air has moisture in it together with fine sand particles so I make sure to clean the detector off when I get home. It may just be that moisture from anywhere I go including parks etc; worked itself in there to corrode the terminals over a long period. I'm actually surprised at how any detector can stand the rigors of being in a hot car, on a hot beach, in cold damp situations and all the other environments we take them to!!