Below freezing metal detecting help

[peeboo]

Hey all,
Does anyone have any tips on metal detecting in sub-zero temps?
I just want to be sure I don't ruin my machines from being out in the cold. What components do I need to keep warm?
Thanks in advance 😊

 

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[NWMP]

Put a chemical hot pack (like the kind put in gloves or boots) on top of battery pack then wrap more insulation around it. Batteries will die off depending on how cold it is , in about 1/2 hour with no hot pack. They are fine after warning up again though. Spare batteries kept close to body help if you dont mind staying out in the cold. I had an old ACE 250 that I ran out to about -8-10 C. It survived a few winters like that. Want some quick fun ?, check school ground or park swing set areas. Almost always change, sometimes a ring.

 

[peeboo]

I'm definitely going to give that a try. Do I need to insulate the cable at all? I guess I should to be safe so it doesn't crack. Here in Alaska the only places I could hit would be the playgrounds since ground is hard as a rock. They always use gravel at the parks and school playgrounds which works for me! Thanks for the help.

 

[Loco-Digger]

Like NWMP stated, the batteries are the main problem. I dig in the freezing temps and have not had any issues. When the ground freezes the season is over for me.

 

[kray]

Use lithium batteries. They're not affected by the cold and last much much longer.

 

[TheHunterGT]

Use lithium batteries. They're not affected by the cold and last much much longer.

Lithium batteries absolutely have performance drops in cold weather. Ask any RC hobbyists who use large LiPo packs in their planes and vehicles....cold days absolutely bring less charge and power. Many run voltage clamps for just that reason.

They do fight cold much better than Ni-Mh or Alkaline...and IMO are the best bet for cold weather.

 

[peeboo]

Hopefully we don't get below zero too much coming up and I can test these options out. Wish me luck! If I'm never heard from again, I'm probably frozen stiff somewhere lol

 

[TheRingFinder]

My advice is - Stoke a nice fire, grab your favorite drink and wait until spring........

 

[peeboo]

No way! Lol. New detector came today. Spring doesn't come til June around here lol. But your idea is probably a good one. I'm just impatient lol

 

[driftless]

how do you like the F44? the ground just froze here in MN where I am. I'll be looking at pea gravel and mulch tot lots myself until spring.

 

[peeboo]

I haven't even taken it out of the box yet. Technically I'm not supposed to open it until Christmas. I may just take it out to make sure that it works LOL
Unfortunately it's pitch black here at the moment and too cold for my son to go outside with me. I'm gonna try taking it out tomorrow for the couple hours that the sun is up. I'll post on performance best I can right after using it.

 

[Peyton Manning]

I advise against shorts.

 

[pepperj]

Fill the local arena with dirt with lots of old finds and just tell them it's for the upcoming Monster Truck event, then in the spring just go

 

[Peyton Manning]

if the ground is frozen how do you expect to dig?

 

[kray]

Lithium batteries absolutely have performance drops in cold weather. Ask any RC hobbyists who use large LiPo packs in their planes and vehicles....cold days absolutely bring less charge and power. Many run voltage clamps for just that reason.

They do fight cold much better than Ni-Mh or Alkaline...and IMO are the best bet for cold weather.

They may have "performance drops" but I'd bet there's nothing better than lithiums. I've used them on winter hikes up Mt. Washington and Mt. Katahdin. The only thing to watch for is condensation.

 

[peeboo]

if the ground is frozen how do you expect to dig?

I can dig tot lots. They are always filled with pea gravel here. That's it though.

 

[favored papa]

Check out the brands thread , garrett, there is a guy there from Edmonton Canada, has posted a lot about running in the COLD, Cold, COLD. He detects the sled hills, dose quite well.

 

[peeboo]

Nice! Will do.

 

[Peyton Manning]

I can dig tot lots. They are always filled with pea gravel here. That's it though.

I never have tried those. As a child I don't recall carrying much cash or jewels

 

[Crappies-n-Coins]

"Watch-out where the huskies go, don't you eat that yellow snow."

My 1st concert ever, Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention

Good luck with the MDing and the move.