relicmeister

I'm glad I have an 800 and a 600 so that if one gets flaky and has to be sent in, I will be unaffected during the repair and shipping. 

And that would help us get one how?

i just want a price :  $150?  $399? Guess I should "preorder " one from Mr. dealer

These types of glitches were bound to start showing up as more and more units get into regular use. I must say now that if I experience some such anomaly I'll be glad I have the other equinox, so I don't have to go without one, even if the service turn around is short. It does appear that Minelab is ready to address these issues very quickly to get positive feedback in the forums and equinox groups. 

I just make sure I hear the descending tones before I take them off. One thing I did though is cut a tiny circle of fuzzy self adhesive Velcro and put it on the power button of the ML 80 which makes it so much easier to tell which is the power button by feel alone, which can be hard to do due to their smallness and closeness. 

Granted I only have about 6 hours on each but I have the ML 80 on the 800 and the wm 08 on the 600, and they seem identical to me, not certain about noticing latency when in recovery speed 8- just not enough use to be sure, but certainly not obvious. If I ever notice a lag when in recovery speed 8 I'll swap the two around. 

Gorgeous coin

can you tell me what the TID was?

I havnt had any drop outs during use. After a couple of snags with the module in my shirt pocket I found a better way. I zip tied the wire leaving about 8" slack and I cut a slit just above the visor of my hat and off center to my right. ( I stitched the slits edges so it won't fray. ) 

Now the wire is unable to get in my way

I got my 600 when I found one available and thinking the 800 was weeks away yet   

  Then multiple storms hit and we lost power for a week and my 800 showed up by surprise.  

  So, I worked on my modifications and got my first chances to use both in the snow free patches. I now have about 12 hours of use between the 600 and 800 and I've taken to alternating between them. I'm noticing very little difference at all between them. I know I can sell the 600 easily even as modified, but I can't decide if I should or just keep it, especially as the equinox will be all I use and will see a lot of use. I hope to get as proficient as anyone in using them, and keeping up with all the posts on this forum.  Where else would I want to be?

Thanks, BeachHunter

  so I used the 800 today in the 6:35 configuration, and there is no doubt about it, its ergonomically superior to the straight shaft, IMO. The only drawback was that the detector didn't want to rest on the stand due to the bend. So in this case, it will benefit from a bigger stand. This is what I came up with using extra detector stuff. The stand tubes retract individually so the equinox fits into the racket bag. 

   I ran it at a fishing spot used since early 1800s in park 2 recovery speed 8 and using GB tracking. Here are my finds. Coins mostly clad except for 1950 Roos. 

I discovered another benefit to the folding design. The folding mechanism has automatic detents every I think 18 degrees and if I lock the lower rod and coil one detent before straight, it mimics the feel and ergonomics of an s-shaft, by butting the coil center directly under the control pod and handle. Compared to straight shaft, it feels lighter and easier yet to swing.  It also places the swing of the coil about 6" out from my feet, as an s-shaft would.  I'll try it in the field next time out. 

Nice visor Cipher, I haven't had mine out in direct sunlight yet, but that's a simple sun shield and I think I might borrow your design. 

Welcome Don, 

    I'm hoping to find my 3rd New Jersey copper with my Equinox  My first two are on your list already  

I haven't been able to pair to my iPhone 6 automatically, even though the iPhone looks like it's searching for the signal when headphones are on. No problems with the headphones on my EQ 800. 

One stop noxing 

thanks steve

sdbirder, I don't have much time on my Equinox 600 which I use the wm08 and Amazon basics 32 ohm headphones, because I'm alternating use with my 800 and Bluetooth aptX, but I've noticed some momentary drop offs. But since they're only momentary I havnt explored what may be causing it. 

I never understood the carbon fiber shaft thing. Sturdy and light I get that, but what's the gain on the already light Equinox?

   As for shaft wobble, better designs would have increased cost and weight. But if you are sole user and don't disassemble (with fold I don't ) you can eliminate shaft slack with tape and zipties. It is too slight on mine to bother

On ebay search on fold and go metal detector modification and you will find them. Cost $45 or $55 for one that disassembles for cleaning. Instructions are provided, but it's simple to do. Flip up the coil measure halfway point. Mark 1 1/2 inches above and below ( on middle rod). Put device on where you cut 3" out at center point. With detector lying on side folding gizmo will be at about 45 degree tilt. Use tape to secure temporary and press button and fold it. Adjust tubes till coil is correct when unfolded, and flat or slight tilt when folded. When you are sure it's correct in both folded and unfolded then mark tube thru bolt holes and drill for provided mounting bolt and nylon lined locknut. Tighten together. 

There is no slack in the fold device. Everything is firm and tight.  I've had my f75 folded for 6 months and it has held up fine. 

Its not difficult to do. Cut tubes with hack saw or 1" tube cutter. I had to cut 6" off the  lower rod so it ends before the device. 

I'm really hoping the cost is reasonable. I'll likely keep it on my 600 and the 11" coil will stay on the 800. 

This is my Equinox 800 in the folded position, and in its tennis racket bag. 

Its really the ultimate in portability, I just flip  up the coil, press the lock button on the folding mechanism and fold the detector in,where it will lock in place folded.the length folded is 24",and its at the height that I use it at.  The folding gizmo weighs 5 oz. and doesn't add any noticeable weight, though it can be easily offset. The bag has a zippered compartment for my shovel and the aptX headphones are in a net bag on the front. I can wear it like a backpack. I have the 600 set up the same way with its own racket bag. 

Hey mike, congrats on the "little man"

im a big fan of the podcast. love to talk detectors with ya sometime. 

Great show Steve,

  your great knowledge and sheer joy for metal detecting, especially the searching itself, came through in the interview. To me, you are certainly one of the few people that I pay particular attention to. Hope you do another show soon. 

Hey mike, 

the f- pulse goes deep, but there are 3 settings medium being the default. I don't have much time in using mine yet( due to the awful weather) but what I've seen so far I like. Im just glad it doesn't interfere with the equinox as long as it's turned on when you run the automatic noise cancel. 

Looking forward to mondays show with Steve H. 

I'm a regular listener ( after not live)

and I'm definitely looking forward to this. I'm interested in hearing about the full scope of your activities in metal detecting as well as prospecting, and of course the mighty Equinox. I'll listen in live if I can. 

Nice design and better at the very top than further down, for helping balance. I have to make something that folds in so it fits nicely in its tennis racket bag ( my Equinox folds in half) 

I also experimented with a bunch of musket balls in a pouch mounted to the arm cuff. Eliminates nose heavy but I get the sensation that it takes more lateral effort to change directions in my swing. In the end I'd rather not use counterweighting     

I do think going one hole shorter on the lower rod makes a huge difference in ease of swing( not that it's ever really hard).