Excal II knob replacement

[DeepseekerADS]

The most used knob on my Excal is the Sensitivity knob, or power on feature.

I don't really know the history of my Excal as I purchased it used out of warranty. And I love it to death.

I'm a planner, so with my equipment I really do like to be prepared. I'd read somewhere a couple years back that you should have a set of spare knobs in case a knob failed. So, I picked up a set. And I also use a knob guard.

At the end of yesterday's hunt with Steve, when I turned the machine off, the knob failed.

I've read a whole lot of times about internal damage if the user turned the knob too far.

I put a replacement knob on with set screw - where the stock knob had a plastic sheath, which busted - and did not turn off the machine. I believe this was from fatigue. I put the new knob on and then turned the machine off. Then I turned it back on and it worked fine. And turned it off again.

I'm expecting to get out and use it maybe as soon as tomorrow - had two minor surgeries today - Basel Cells. I'm stitched up. But I did tell the surgeon I wanted to get in the water again tomorrow! He said he put kind of a water proof material over the wounds and then bandaged them.

Drama you didn't want to hear, but I thought it was funny

So, back to the important thing....

I've always been paranoid about turning a knob too far. I do believe this failure was just from fatigue. That small yellow plastic insert between the knob and the stud just gave up. I've 4 more new knobs to go. The beast works and I may be in the water tomorrow

So, my question is seeking experience on this Excal issue. I want the beast to last as long as I last

 

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[Treasure_Hunter]

Buy a set of Anderson Excal knobs, they are 50% larger and come with brass fitting and SS set screw, they last for years and years...

 

[DeepseekerADS]

Buy a set of Anderson Excal knobs, they are 50% larger and come with brass fitting and SS set screw, they last for years and years...

That's what I'd bought, and read that over two years ago on TNet. That's the only knob I use, everything else stays where I have it set.

Though I do look forward to a pin point mod. I begin to think maybe I need a 2nd Excal just in case. You know, this water stuff is addictive!

 

[cudamark]

That's how I feel too, that's why I have 3 Excaliburs! I just can't be without one. all mine have aftermarket knobs. I got one set from a local surplus store that carries lots of electronics. The others I got online through e-bay. I like the ones with tiny pointers sticking out to make turning easier and so I can just feel where the knob is pointing during night use. Know which way the knob turns, just turn it slowly, and you won't have a problem breaking the pots.

 

[Actionman]

I used my Excal 2 last weekend. Been a while since I used it last 6 months, it is probably six years old. First day broke my pin/disc knob. Second day broke on/off. Think it is age of the plastic. Ordered Anderson knobs today. Should have been prepared, luckily I was only detecting for two days.

 

[cudamark]

I would add that I recommend using the knobs with allen set screws rather than ones that use a tiny screw driver. After you get a bit of corrosion going, you'll be glad you did!