Search coil cable security

Many beach and shallow water hunters complain about noisy metal detectors down in the wet sand splash zone or  just inside the waters edge. 
Often it is not the metal detector, if it is multiple frequency or pulse induction metal detector. 
It is a common mistake I see many beach and shallow water hunters doing, not securing search coil cables to metal detector shafts correctly. 
Securing your search coil cable, either too loose or too tight can lead to false signals or worse! 
Loose search coil cable flapping around leads to false signals every time it is bumped, hit or moved around by the water. 
You have to securely wind and then fasten your cable wire to your metal detector shaft using electrical tape, NOT plastic zip ties! 
Plastic ties can cut into your search coil cable and you run the risk of cutting into your cable every time you have to cut the plastic ties off when breaking down your metal detector.
Wind your cable around the shaft and use electrical tape every 6 to 8 inches along the shaft to secure your search coil cable. 
Pay close attention to the first and last taped areas of your search coil cable.
The first taping should be about 6 inches away from the point where your cable connects into the main metal detector control housing. 
This taping prevent your search coil from being tugged or yanked out of your control box, acting like a cable strain relief.  
It can happen easier than you think, a long handled scoop falling against your metal detector or your cable getting snagged on a dive belt or finds pouch. 
The last taping towards the bottom of the search coil should have just enough slack to allow your search coil to tilt back and forth without straining or tugging at the search coil connection point. 
You may be surprised at how much stress you put on your metal detector shaft when stopping to scoop targets, you often lean on your metal detector. 
If you do not have a little play to allow your detector shaft to move over your search coil, you could end up pulling your cable out of your search coil. 
Experiment with the last taping,  use a temporary wrap and stand your metal detector upright to see if it allows you to lean your detector shaft forward over your search coil. 
This closely mirrors shallow water hunting in chest deep water, scooping while holding onto your metal detector. 
Securely fastening your search coil cable to your metal detector will help to cut down on false signal issues and trips to the metal detector service department. 

Posted by Unknown

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