Sent this to someone in response to a PM asking how I liked my X-1 so thought I'd post it in case it helps anyone:
==
After having one on my Sov, I wouldn't be without it.
It's taken a little getting used to this one as I can't just switch from having pinpointed with the coil to using pinpoint on the probe--have to toggle back and forth first--but it's starting to be routine. Due to the combination of that, with making sure I remember switch it back to the coil and don't hunt for five minutes wondering what's going on because it's still set on the probe, I've developed a routine:
-pinpoint w/ coil
-switch off pinpoint
-toggle to probe as i set SE down
-check target location w/ probe
(also helps to confirm estimated depth since probe will read 3-4" usually on a coin)
-if i switched to pinpoint, switch back to normal so that it doesn't scream while i...
-dig
-use probe as needed in hole, again usually toggling back off pinpoint if digging more
(default action is to switch the SE off of pinpoint when not actively using probe)
-after all is done, toggle switch to coil as I stand up and pick up the SE
Sounds kind of complicated but it's quickly becoming second nature (even though I haven't been able to get out much). Having to toggle off of pinpoint is one extra step(s) than I had to do with my Sov and it irritated me at first but I'm getting used to it pretty quickly and I usually don't think about it now as I normally can hit the right buttons on the SE face without thinking about it.
I wrap the cable. Given as often as I switch coils, that's fine with me. I do want to put a velcro strip on the bottom of the lower rods though.
As for the probe wire catching, I have the probe mounted to the left side of the battery compartment/handle and you can control where the wire goes to some extent by how you rotate the probe when you snap it into its holder. It is a little floppy though. That was better on the Sov probe since it wasn't quite as long but instead had a coiled section that would stretch as needed. That was better. But, even given the minor squibbles, I wouldn't do without it.
Oh, if you like to balance your SE on your shoulder when you walk distances as I do, see if you can get them to mount the box on top (but with the toggle still on the left-side if you're right-handed) as the box as mounted falls at the balance point of the detector. I put cloth electrician's tape on the (slippery) box so it will stay on my shoulder as I walk but would much prefer if it had been mounted on top. [Purchased from dealer pre-installed so don't know if he did the installation and/or that particular location is default.]
==
Suggestions for Sun Ray and/or dealers who do the mounting, as appropriate:
- go back to the old partially-coiled cable like is on the S-1
- tell customers about the balance point location and give them the option of a top-mounted position
- mount it at least an inch further away from the control box so that the cord isn't bending off of the cam-lock or housing
- ship it with black ties instead of white
- see if you can find black tie poiints instead of white
- see if you can find tie points that have room to put the ends of the cable ties into for a neater installation
- I've wondered if it would be feasible to install a red LED on the switchbox to indicate when it's switched to the probe
(I know the color two are cosmetic but we've got this nicer looking black SE now and the white stands out. I remounted mine higher up (one tie running under the armrest) so switched to black ties at that point--looks MUCH better.)
==
After having one on my Sov, I wouldn't be without it.
It's taken a little getting used to this one as I can't just switch from having pinpointed with the coil to using pinpoint on the probe--have to toggle back and forth first--but it's starting to be routine. Due to the combination of that, with making sure I remember switch it back to the coil and don't hunt for five minutes wondering what's going on because it's still set on the probe, I've developed a routine:
-pinpoint w/ coil
-switch off pinpoint
-toggle to probe as i set SE down
-check target location w/ probe
(also helps to confirm estimated depth since probe will read 3-4" usually on a coin)
-if i switched to pinpoint, switch back to normal so that it doesn't scream while i...
-dig
-use probe as needed in hole, again usually toggling back off pinpoint if digging more
(default action is to switch the SE off of pinpoint when not actively using probe)
-after all is done, toggle switch to coil as I stand up and pick up the SE
Sounds kind of complicated but it's quickly becoming second nature (even though I haven't been able to get out much). Having to toggle off of pinpoint is one extra step(s) than I had to do with my Sov and it irritated me at first but I'm getting used to it pretty quickly and I usually don't think about it now as I normally can hit the right buttons on the SE face without thinking about it.
I wrap the cable. Given as often as I switch coils, that's fine with me. I do want to put a velcro strip on the bottom of the lower rods though.
As for the probe wire catching, I have the probe mounted to the left side of the battery compartment/handle and you can control where the wire goes to some extent by how you rotate the probe when you snap it into its holder. It is a little floppy though. That was better on the Sov probe since it wasn't quite as long but instead had a coiled section that would stretch as needed. That was better. But, even given the minor squibbles, I wouldn't do without it.
Oh, if you like to balance your SE on your shoulder when you walk distances as I do, see if you can get them to mount the box on top (but with the toggle still on the left-side if you're right-handed) as the box as mounted falls at the balance point of the detector. I put cloth electrician's tape on the (slippery) box so it will stay on my shoulder as I walk but would much prefer if it had been mounted on top. [Purchased from dealer pre-installed so don't know if he did the installation and/or that particular location is default.]
==
Suggestions for Sun Ray and/or dealers who do the mounting, as appropriate:
- go back to the old partially-coiled cable like is on the S-1
- tell customers about the balance point location and give them the option of a top-mounted position
- mount it at least an inch further away from the control box so that the cord isn't bending off of the cam-lock or housing
- ship it with black ties instead of white
- see if you can find black tie poiints instead of white
- see if you can find tie points that have room to put the ends of the cable ties into for a neater installation
- I've wondered if it would be feasible to install a red LED on the switchbox to indicate when it's switched to the probe
(I know the color two are cosmetic but we've got this nicer looking black SE now and the white stands out. I remounted mine higher up (one tie running under the armrest) so switched to black ties at that point--looks MUCH better.)