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My detector is sick

1864hatter		Posted : Monday, 11 August 2014 9:04:04 AM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Groups: Registered Joined: 4/08/2010(UTC) Posts: 1,007 Location: Auckland.... Thanks: 49 times Was thanked: 566 time(s) in 269 post(s)		Hey guys, I have an older model minelab sovereign. It has been running sweet as until last weekend. The audio started to cut in and out and make strange noises especially when banged on a rock. First I thought the coil had leaked. Normally if you take the coil off and turn the detector on it just makes a smooth hum but it now it makes no noise or only squeals occasionally if you bang it right. I have opened the box up but its all a mystery to me (I know nothing about electronics) so I closed it again. Anybody got any pointers? Anyone want to try fix it for me? Any help would be appreciated Cheers guys
		And now....On sandy beaches and muddy soil, rings and coins await my coil!

simon		Posted : Monday, 11 August 2014 10:22:13 AM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Groups: Registered Joined: 7/01/2011(UTC) Posts: 789 Location: Central Otago Thanks: 33 times Was thanked: 239 time(s) in 150 post(s)		Hi Hatter, I'm no expert either but it could be a loose wire from what you're saying. have you opened it up and checked the circuit board? a wire may have come loose which would explain perhaps why it squeals if you bang it right. Simon.
		WWW

Guardian		Posted : Monday, 11 August 2014 9:18:25 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Groups: Registered Joined: 30/10/2011(UTC) Posts: 716 Location: Dunedin Thanks: 42 times Was thanked: 222 time(s) in 185 post(s)		Didn't go for a swim did it? Could be a heap of things but start by checking battery output is correct, then check battery terminals especially if your using one of those multi AA packs check them individually. Check coil socket for moisture and debris and clean out with compressed air From memory they were pretty heavy handed when it came to soldering up those suckers so solder joints are probably ok.... but I'd have a look around the coil socket for stretched or pulled wires, especially if your control box plastic has become brittle/broken and allowed the coil connector to turn. Best of luck fella.

goldhanded		Posted : Tuesday, 12 August 2014 2:22:18 AM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Nugget Groups: Registered Joined: 29/03/2013(UTC) Posts: 43 Location: nationwide Thanks: 66 times Was thanked: 41 time(s) in 19 post(s)		Hi mate,just thought I'd add my 2cents worth,my garrett infinium was playing up on me and after a really bad trip inperticular,I decided to pull it down and have a look,I didn't play with anything,just gave it a long look over and noticed a small nick on one of the wires,then noticed a little browning on another wire that was very close to it,it wasn't much at all,anyway I seperated them and taped up the wire with the nick in it,put it back together and never had another problem.Strange but none the less managed to fix it myself and I'm shocking with electrics(excuse the pun) So if you have already had it apart,I suggest having another look,might get lucky like myself.I know I was dredding sending it away,good luck!

1864hatter		Posted : Tuesday, 12 August 2014 1:27:49 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Groups: Registered Joined: 4/08/2010(UTC) Posts: 1,007 Location: Auckland.... Thanks: 49 times Was thanked: 566 time(s) in 269 post(s)		Hey guys cheers for the reply's! Loose wire was my first thought, haven't managed to find one yet. I will have a good going over it all tonight and see what I can find. Perhaps I need to buy a volt meter to see where the power is getting to?
		And now....On sandy beaches and muddy soil, rings and coins await my coil!

sycotoad		Posted : Tuesday, 12 August 2014 9:10:18 PM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Groups: Registered Joined: 9/08/2012(UTC) Posts: 569 Location: downunder Thanks: 120 times Was thanked: 126 time(s) in 97 post(s)		OMG Hatter - I feel sick ........ If you get stuck buddy & if its ok with Guardian, you could send it to him to check it out & I will pick up the repair costs mate - Sorry to hear this happened
		Makro - Nokta - deteknix - GoldFinder
		WWW

1864hatter		Posted : Wednesday, 13 August 2014 9:12:04 AM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Groups: Registered Joined: 4/08/2010(UTC) Posts: 1,007 Location: Auckland.... Thanks: 49 times Was thanked: 566 time(s) in 269 post(s)		Ok you can all relax, especially you sycotoad! I fixed it!! It turned out to be one of the connections in the aa battery multi packs. They have the sort of connection like a 9V battery and it had bent meaning it was very loose. Anyway all is well. Thanks for the help!
		And now....On sandy beaches and muddy soil, rings and coins await my coil!

sycotoad		Posted : Wednesday, 13 August 2014 10:49:32 AM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Ingot Groups: Registered Joined: 9/08/2012(UTC) Posts: 569 Location: downunder Thanks: 120 times Was thanked: 126 time(s) in 97 post(s)		Good stuff Hatter ;)
		Makro - Nokta - deteknix - GoldFinder
		WWW

goldhanded		Posted : Wednesday, 13 August 2014 11:08:26 AM(UTC)
Rank: Gold Nugget Groups: Registered Joined: 29/03/2013(UTC) Posts: 43 Location: nationwide Thanks: 66 times Was thanked: 41 time(s) in 19 post(s)		Nice work!