Finally Got My Hands On A Production Equinox

[Steve Herschbach]

Well, up until now I have been running a pre-production Equinox 800 but Minelab did tell me all along that an actual production model would land on my doorstep someday. And so one just did. It was fun to see one nicely packaged in the box - good job with the packaging Minelab!

Funny true story is the one I got is one that has a looser upper twist lock that others have experienced. Even with the twist lock firmly engaged the junction is looser than my prototype unit. Looks to be something that snuck into the early production line models. In my case I will do something about it on my own rather than look this gift horse in the mouth.

Anyway, I have been wanting to get the Equinox into the water, but frankly I did not trust my prototype as regards how waterproof it might be. I had visions of mine failing after being submerged and so have resisted the urge until I had a backup - which the pre-production model now is.

The fact they sent me this means that production must be catching up. Or that they had one of these loose rod units to get rid of so sent it to me. (just kidding guys at Minelab - thanks)!

Up until now I was kind of focused on how well I could hunt coins with Equinox and plenty happy on that count. Now it's off to the races for a little jewelry detecting this week.

[Tiftaaft]

I am interested to hear how you address the loose cam Steve.  I have the same issue with my 800 I received last week.  My 600 is rock solid, the 800 has significant play.  I would like to sure it up myself rather than having to send it in.  Thanks 

Tim

[chicoquadcore]

Now that you have two plug in that gold coil ?

[Treasure_Adventure]

I just wrapped a layer of tape on the male end of upper stem so that the can can clamp solidly down on that.

Has made it really firm but won’t be convenient if you take it apart a lot.

 

[Mark Gillespie]

Before trying a non standard coil it's a good idea to ohm each lead and see:

What pins are giving an ohm reading.

What is the ohm reading of these pin combinations.

Next test your host coil and compare the pin read outs.

Then make a judgement call on whether or not to try.

I've not been very successful at find a working coil that is not designed for the host machine.

But have had some to work, but not perfectly.

 

[steveg]

Glad you got one, Steve!  Superb!  Hopefully, you can get your cam issue "fixed."  I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on it as a jewelry hunter...

Steve

[GaryC/Oregon Coast]

Not worth sending in for repair Steve.  My rod was just replaced with another one with minimal change in the looseness of the twist lock .  Taping is the answer in the short term.  Minelab did a super job on Email response and paid shipment both ways.  Kudos for that but did not solve the main problem which really was minor.  GaryC/Oregon Coast 

[Mark Gillespie]

11 hours ago, Mark Gillespie said:

Before trying a non standard coil it's a good idea to ohm each lead and see:

What pins are giving an ohm reading.

What is the ohm reading of these pin combinations.

Next test your host coil and compare the pin read outs.

Then make a judgement call on whether or not to try.

I've not been very successful at find a working coil that is not designed for the host machine.

But have had some to work, but not perfectly.

 

I forgot to mention inductance of the coils, very critical in combination with pin to pin ohm readings.

[mn90403]

17 hours ago, Edsped said:

I just wrapped a layer of tape on the male end of upper stem so that the can can clamp solidly down on that.

Has made it really firm but won’t be convenient if you take it apart a lot.

 

That was my thought for mine.  I notice the wobble only at the end of some swings.  If I have good coil control I can avoid the wobble but some tape will probably do it.

Mitchel

[mn90403]

20 hours ago, phrunt said:

Good ol' epoxy, huh?

It will be interesting to see if you notice any differences between prototype and production release.

You may end up liking your Nox even more now.

Minelab missed a sale on their 6" semi-gold coil with me, I've cancelled my order as they've taken far too long and now I've got a GPX4500 on it's way I'd rather spend the dough on aftermarket coils for it.  The Nox can just become my coin shooter.

You will 'miss' the discrimination but if you are on gold it is a matter of what 'size' the nuggets are.  I think the 6"" will be a limited application coil for me just like the 19" for the 7000.

Mitchel