my internal ace250 backlight

GuANu

Jr. Member
Mar 11, 2007
45
0
Panama City Beach, FL
Detector(s) used
Ace 250, X-Terra 50
well its my one of my first posts here, just got my metal detector about a week ago.

since my first hunt was during the night, I thought garrett missed out on putting a backlight on the unit, so I took it upon myself to add one, I initially wanted it fully internal, and turn on with the unit, but the test points on the circuit board that tested at the correct voltage I needed, messed the unit up from the draw of the LEDs.. so I knew I had to make it externally powered (using the batteries that are part of the unit).
only thing I had to figure out is where to get a small enough switch, how to power the LED, and how to make it look covert... so I took apart an old Cold Heat soldering iron i got for xmas 2 years ago since I dont use it. even had the LED I needed already attached and a mini circuit board that did all my resistances all set up for the 4 AA batteries that the ace uses.. perfect.. anyways, on to the pics, just wanted to say hi and I'm a newbie learning still..

G

backlight:

Switch mounting location under speaker:

P1010230.jpg


mini circuit board mounting location and wiring:

P1010231.jpg


LED on:

P1010233.jpg


Backlight installed:

P1010248.jpg


thanks for viewing

G
 

Ricardo_NY1

Bronze Member
Oct 24, 2006
1,330
3
Bronx, NY
Detector(s) used
Explorer XS/II & Garrett ACE 250
That is smooth! I did a panel light myself, but I like yours even better! Only problem is I'm afraid to ever open up my 250........I'm sending it out to the factory as we speak, it died out a couple days ago. I doubt it was from opening, but I'll be somewhat hesitant to re-open it depending on how much a fix will cost. Nice work!
 

B1u3Dr4g0n1

Banned
Mar 14, 2010
693
143
Earth
Detector(s) used
Garrett ace 250 with Sniper & DD coil with a Sun Ray Probe ,BountyHunter 101/BountyHunter pinpointer Dredge/highbanker combo, Mini Trommel, Blue Bowl and other stuff I dont use very often..lol
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Im liking that...might try that .... :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:
 

sandtrout

Full Member
Jan 27, 2010
206
18
i sure don't have any electrical skills but would do it if i had your talent! for me, i'd probably use the headlamp i use for hiking or fishing. i arrive at lakes usually before sun up and use my headlamp. in the evenings i use it to read in my tent at night.
 

Rogerv

Full Member
Jan 25, 2013
116
41
Beltsville Maryland
Detector(s) used
Garret GTA-1000
Garrett Seahunter Mark II
Bounty Hunter (came as BOGO from Kellyco)
AT propointer
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
They sell at walmart in the sporting goods dept for $8 it was on sale at Christmas for $5 a Winchester brand light for checking gun bores single led with flexible shaft takes 2 AA batteries. Easy to attach to shaft and you don't void your warranty.
 

fraxinus

Newbie
Jun 3, 2013
3
4
Maryland
Detector(s) used
Garrett Ace 250
Would you show or explain where you placed the LED? I've made two attempts at adding 'backlighting'. I cannot find anywhere the LEDs fit and illuminate the display.
 

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