Jim in Idaho

Well, I figure people aren't out to steal my truck, so I put the keys in the bumper of the flatbed. If they really want to get in and steal my gear, I'd rather they just used the key anyway. My big concern is simply being stranded. Thus the keys stay at the rig. I don't even have electronic keys on the old Dodge.

Jim

LOL...I don't blame you. Especially in places that get a lot of human activity. My biggest fear, though, is wearing a hole in my pocket, or something, and losing my keys. I'm usually WAY out in the sticks, and alone....real cause for concern. I'm now WAY too old to walk 30 miles to civilization....Ha!

jim

On 7/6/2017 at 8:47 AM, Deft Tones said:

Otter Box Drybox.  

Used one for a canoe trip to protect remote starter/keys, wallet, and phone. Worked like a champ. Still waterproof and used 2 years later.

The Otter Box is fine, but what do you do if it ends up floating down the river? The idea of hiding the keys at the vehicle is that is where they're needed. Having them in the Otter Box while floating the river is no different than having them in your pocket while hiking around....if they end up lost, your vehicle is worthless for getting you home. Just sayin'.

Jim

I'm with Strick. No experienced outdoorsman ever carries his vehicle keys while hiking around. I have carried my wallet, at times, but my wallet won't get me home...LOL. Best to leave both at the rig, or hidden nearby.

Jim

Nice writeup and pics, Tom. I enjoyed that.

jim

I've got one of the old Master Hunters. It was the first detector I ever owned. It came with two sets of dual coils. You can select which coil you use by flipping a switch. Mine still works, though i rarely use it. A few years ago, when it was the only MD I owned, I used to locate my property boundary stakes.

Jim

8 hours ago, Steve Herschbach said:

Nope, was not me. 18V got mentioned by Carl on this old White's thread. This thread claims that was a mistake and 16V the max. You will never see me recommending anything other than stock voltages in detectors. Others can have that responsibility. Great thread on the subject of the TDI and batteries here

LOL...nope, I was thinking of Steve Howard, Steve. My bad.

4 hours ago, roadapple said:

Jim that is a power house of a battery at 16.8 volts ! I might be afraid of nuclear reaction inside to that kind of push in power ..LoL . Glad it works for you ! 

Also, just want to thank AussieMatt for that link to coils ! 

Yeah, it might be a bit much. I'd like to find a charger with an adjustable final voltage. Then I could limit it to 16.0 volts. That would also make the battery pack last longer. I think Steve H said the SL could handle voltage up to 18.0, but I'm not sure of that. Best bet is to stay at, or below 16.0. One of these days, I'll get around to doing a test to determine how much extra depth, and/or sensitivity you get from the increased voltage. I do know my SL will detect a 1 grain gold bar at 1 1/2" in an air test, which isn't bad.

Jim

11 hours ago, roadapple said:

The TDI SL has battery power of about 12volts and the Standard TDI and TDI Pro have battery power of 14.4 volts. This might make a difference in what coils will or will not work with the detectors power output ?  I have watched video of the TDI Pro over in OZ with the larger nugget finder coils, hope to hear if the Detech large size mono coils can be pushed to work with the 14.4 volt TDI's.

I've been running a 'reidman" 16.8 volt pack in my SL for about a year. No problems so far. Haven't done any tests to see if the extra voltage helps.

Jim

Many thanks, Steve....looking forward to reading that tonight!

jim

All the best on your surgery.....I'll add a couple of prayers tonight. I hope Hard is right on Whites improving the SL.

Jim

I'm already using a 4 cell L-ion pack. 16.8 volts with a fresh charge. Steve Howard said that was about all the voltage the SL could handle. Reg had a couple of mods that allowed a faster sweep speed without losing sensitivity on small gold. I've got the writeup on those, just need the right technician to get it done. I was a radar tech in the Air Force, but Reg said it required somebody with experience in current devices.

Jim

If you find somebody doing the mods, please post it. I'd like to have Reg's mods for the SL done to mine. Need somebody with micro soldering skills from what Reg told me.

Jim

Last I knew, Reg had quit working on mods. Said he had a friend thinking about doing it, but no decision so far.

Jim

Many thanks!

Jim