Equinox Pod Improvements

[Slimpickins]

Has Minelab made any improvements on the control pods to prevent leakage when detecting no deeper than neck deep? Some time ago I remember reading about a modified control box made in Ukraine or Russia. Was it a flop? I haven't seen any reviews of it being worth doing. Mine is under warranty until June, so I'll take it in the water and see if the control pod that was replaced last year leaks again. One would think that the engineers at Minelab would be able to identify and correct the leaking problem on the newer manufactured control pods.

 

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[cudamark]

I haven't heard of any redesign or improvements to the original. I haven't seen any credible reviews of aftermarket setups either.

 

[LawrencetheMDer]

Having drowned 2 Nox 800s in past 3 yrs I, too, am very interested in a pod upgrade but none exist. But they're fast w pod replacement if under warranty; about a week!

 

[McKinney_5900]

Having drowned 2 Nox 800s in past 3 yrs I, too, am very interested in a pod upgrade but none exist. But they're fast w pod replacement if under warranty; about a week!

I never bought the Nox for it's waterproof guarantee. It wasn't worth the hassle to dunk it on purpose before 3 years passed, BUT...IMO...two units drowning within 3 years total, for one owner, says that ML needs to do a redesign. I don't care how fast ML replaces a pod. Admit your flaw and take care of business.

 

[Slimpickins]

I guess I should have waited before buying the Nox. I was hoping the "waterproof to 10 ft" claim was true. This is obviously false advertising and the company should be held accountable. This was my first and last time doing business with a company that can't be honest with their product description. There is no way that Minelab wasn't aware that these control pods would leak and still went ahead with production and lied to everyone who was anticipating taking it to the beach wading to chest deep and have it last for years. Shame on you Minelab!

 

[cudamark]

I've had mine in the surf for 4 years now....no leaks so far.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I personally know several people using the nox and nobody I personally know has had their Nox leak.

 

[OBN]

Know of many who have lost there Noxs to the surf gods, but like said above, Minelab repair center has a very fast turn around on the fix/replacement. There are a few after market kits going around, one is The "Sea Wolf" and I seen a guy in the USA working on a design. Arron Lovelace? On facebook....

Kind of funny, I did not save the picture but I seen where someone had put a condom over the control pod and it looks like it may have provided some protection..

 

[Slimpickins]

OBN that's a rugged looking unit for sure. One would think that Minelab could design something like this. I'm sure every Nox owner would order it myself included. Satisfied customers are your best source of advertising. I wonder how many Equinox 600 and 800 have been sold world wide so far. I would gladly spend a couple hundred on a truly water proof control pod cover. That could add up to a big chunk of $$$ for Minelab

 

[mike b]

I guess I should have waited before buying the Nox. I was hoping the "waterproof to 10 ft" claim was true. This is obviously false advertising and the company should be held accountable. This was my first and last time doing business with a company that can't be honest with their product description. There is no way that Minelab wasn't aware that these control pods would leak and still went ahead with production and lied to everyone who was anticipating taking it to the beach wading to chest deep and have it last for years. Shame on you Minelab!

This is a video, 1 of three of my dive partner using an Equinox scuba diving. It held up well, no leaks and worked great. He's still using the same machine to this day. They don't all leak

 

[flgliderpilot]

Has Minelab made any improvements on the control pods to prevent leakage when detecting no deeper than neck deep?

The design of the equinox just doesn't have water hunting in mind. The coil and pod create a lot of drag, and of course the pod itself is somewhat fragile and prone to leaks. I water hunted with mine briefly hoping it could be a "one machine for all" but ultimately set it aside for dry hunts and use a real water machine for hunting in the ocean. Even my old AT-Pro felt more water tight. Now, if I can get hold one that "Sea Wolf" waterproof case, I may reconsider, but I am still not convinced the coil connections would survive long term salt water use.

 

[OBN]

This is a video, 1 of three of my dive partner using an Equinox scuba diving. It held up well, no leaks and worked great. He's still using the same machine to this day. They don't all leak

Only Carter could get away with that.
I have a friend in Chicago that dives with his also, I think his has only flooded once? I know Cater uses other machines also, but he does have the luck of the surf gods for sure. Has he got the D2 issue corrected yet? And I love that beach cart he uses in the water.. I do some long walks so I have to look in on that...