Tony

If only there was a way to connect/solder a generic power lead to the actual internal detector's battery contacts and then use whatever custom NiMH or Li-Ion battery pack that will fit inside the battery area.

Thoughts on using a high quality silver based epoxy/adhesive to electrically connect a power lead to the detector's battery contacts ?

9 hours ago, tboykin said:

I have a couple of these printed packs. They will fit in the case with some modification. So will the super hot 16v battery pack I have.

Officially White's can't endorse a 16v battery due to the increased chances of component wear and heat generated by the large caps on the board.

The 18650's diameter prevents use in this waterproof case without a slight modification (2 minutes of Dremel action) on the inside of the case. This may void your warranty.

The 14500's have the right size to use in a battery holder but usually come out about 750mAh. You could do 4 x 2, get 14.8 volts out of it but only have 1500 mAh. Less time to hunt than the OEM pack.

All of these things are options for intrepid DIYers, but our goals were 1) release this in a timely manner before the competition 2) keep the price of the detector reasonable and 3) don't push the hardware to the point of failure.

I know it's not ideal, but at the worst you can carry an extra battery in a waterproof case or baggie with your wallet/keys/phone. And at least you will still have a nice deep seeking PI before fall of 2018.

This project is more of a "Huh, that's a good idea. Why wasn't this done before?" vs. making a huge engineering project out of it.

Tom,

Thanks for the battery information.....The 3D printed packs will hold the 3 x 18650 cells but how is the 16V pack done? I'm guessing another custom build using the standard penlight AA holder?

Where does the printed pack need modifying with the Dremel, and what run time can be had with the 3 x 16850 at 3400mah?

Thanks,

Tony

In the overall scheme of things, a HI/LOW switch is far from a deal breaker, especially on the beach where I will retrieve all targets except those with a large "signature", such as tent pegs and beer cans. Having said that, I will dig up full beer cans....?

Tony

Was hoping for an 8+ hour run time......there are options out there.

The White's NiMH battery pack is 2200 mah.....if the draw on the TDI is 0.5A then the maths doesn't look too good as far as run time goes....4 hours max !

We need a Lithium battery system...... a run time of 4-5 hours with the standard NiMH pack isn't enough when you are out in the water and the car is a mile away for a battery swap. Might have to try one of those 3 x 18650 (3400mah) battery setups. There is a guy who 3D prints the battery pack (For units using the standard 8 AA Penholder) but will this fit the TDI (Beach Hunter) case ?

Tony

Well...well......well....

Seriously....?

https://www.metaldetector.com/whites-tdi-beachhunter-extreme-pulse-waterproof-metal-detector

...but wait, there's more....

Actually the $1000 threshold has now gone so it is 10% GST on anything that arrives into Australia regardless of age.

The savings are still very good though.

White's detectors have such a huge markup here in Australia when compared to other imported machines.

And it's now about time White's dealers in the USA were allowed to sell directly to Australia !

I buy my White's stuff from the USA anyway....drop ship through Oregon (I think) and then onto Australia.

Even with the added shipping cost, savings are around 30% minimum.

Steve and tboykin, Thanks for that information......local beaches down here can be a mixture of both with some showing nice golden/white sand on top but a good distinctive layer of black sand about 6" - 8" down (kills the VLF machines). I nearly always dig deep "test" holes to see if I am dealing with this "crappy stuff" because from the surface, you would never know it's there and can't work out why your detector is behaving so squirrelly!

I sometimes wondered where a machine will GB to....the top surface (being neutral) or the black magnetic stuff further down?

Oooohhhhh White's..........you're killin' me.....?

Luckily it's winter down here so I can wait (a bit)...

Tony

Well if it turns out to be the TDI SL board then am I right in thinking that the overall depth won't be much more, if any, when compared to the Surfmaster Dual Field? Obviously some more operational flexibility with the extra controls on the SL.

What else am I missing?

Tony

Yes, I posted it on Page 5 of this thread....scroll down a bit and you will find it.

We need this to market now......actually yesterday....are you paying attention

Maybe White's is waiting for Fisher to make the first move......????????????

Manual attached

White's TDI BeachHunter Owners Guide

15 minutes ago, AussieMatt said:

The kit has a transmitter which plugs into the headphone socket of the battery. The receiver goes on your headphones or booster/speaker. The will be of more benefit if your using the lightweight GPX Minelab battery or another aftermarket one that is kept in the control box cover pouch. 

Won't be of much benefit using the normal sized GPX Minelab battery in your harness pouch. You will still be wired to the detector for power anyway. 

Thanks Matt.......that was my thinking as well.......with the detector needing a direct link for battery power.

I can relax now.......not going mad after all.

Tony.

....so nothing connected to the actual detector?

How is the detector powered, such as the LED display?

Man I feel stooooopid......trying to visualise this....

Okay....I am probably over thinking this but how is the connection made for the GPX machines?

Is there a 5 pin power/audio cable from the GPX control box  to the transmitter mounted on the detector?

Thanks,

Tony