FISHER CZ-20/21 coils

[handyman007]

Hi, Guys! Of course, I know, that coils for CZ-21 is now hardwired, the same for CZ-20. I have (or had) CZ-20 with 8 inches coil, and bought 12 inches Sunray coil for CZ series. The seller told me, its working and matching well, but I need a connector. I bought a waterproof 4-pin connector, cut the wire and connect 8 and 12 inches coils. Both works great! I tested it a dozen of times on air, and after that I put my detector in the ocean with new 12`` coil. It gave me to dig two targets and die on third. Now I have just a sound for everything-like a sound from big and close target. The unit doesn't work. Just a question-is it because I connect wrong coil? p.s.-the connector is dry, and the unit is doesn't work with original coil too.

 

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[lookindown]

Sounds like its not water proof where you cut the lines...it worked fine until you put it under water...how did you waterproof the cut wires?

 

[woof!]

Thanks for giving up on me and posting in the forum (seriously). Something was wrong with the PM software and several attempts to reply to your PM failed. I wasn't ignoring you, the problem was that the customary means of communicating with a forum member weren't working in this case.

* * * * * * *

I can't diagnose the problem from here, but it most likely involves leakage of saltwater into a place that it doesn't belong. Realistically speaking, this means one of three options.

1. Into the dumpster.

2. Get both creative and lucky and come up with a reasonably inexpensive home-brew fix.

3. Send it in to the factory. Inasmuch as there is no way to repair it other than to convert it to a CZ-21, it's gonna cost you. I think that's a standard fee, but I may be mistaken. Since the searchcoil cable was intentionally damaged, you're probably in for a replacement searchcoil as well.

I realize that at the time you did this experiment, it all seemed like a good idea. Unfortunately, making things waterproof is far more difficult that most people realize.

--Dave J.

 

[handyman007]

Sounds like its not water proof where you cut the lines...it worked fine until you put it under water...how did you waterproof the cut wires?

Hi! I bought 2 connectors on E-bay, 4 pin, male-female, water protection code IP68. you can see it here




M14 4-Pin Electrical Cord Connector Plug Socket IP68 Waterproof

 

[handyman007]

Thanks for giving up on me and posting in the forum (seriously). Something was wrong with the PM software and several attempts to reply to your PM failed. I wasn't ignoring you, the problem was that the customary means of communicating with a forum member weren't working in this case.

* * * * * * *

I can't diagnose the problem from here, but it most likely involves leakage of saltwater into a place that it doesn't belong. Realistically speaking, this means one of three options.

1. Into the dumpster.

2. Get both creative and lucky and come up with a reasonably inexpensive home-brew fix.

3. Send it in to the factory. Inasmuch as there is no way to repair it other than to convert it to a CZ-21, it's gonna cost you. I think that's a standard fee, but I may be mistaken. Since the searchcoil cable was intentionally damaged, you're probably in for a replacement searchcoil as well.

I realize that at the time you did this experiment, it all seemed like a good idea. Unfortunately, making things waterproof is far more difficult that most people realize.

--Dave J.

Thanks for your response Dave! I already contacted the Fisher Lab, they said me the same- `we are not repair the CZ-20 anymore and only way to repair your unit is converted it to CZ-21` the minimum price is $300. I bought another CZ-20 on E-bay yesterday for $460 with 10 inches coil, and will try to sell my broken unit with 2 coils as a parts. When I bought 12`` Sunray coil for my Fisher my only goal was DEEP search under water, but looks like connection non-original coil to Fisher CZ-20/21 required some adjustments inside the control box (probably it calls `calibration`). I`m not an electronic guy, I have no special equipment for it, if anybody has positive experience with Fisher CZ20/21 plus Sunray 12`` coil- welcome to this topic!

 

[handyman007]

One more-as I told, I tested my Fisher with 8 and 12 inches coils on air, and I was surprised -actually I didn't see any difference for the same target. May be because it is air test, not in salt ground, may be other reason. And-my waterproof connector had no water inside, I check it immediately after I had a problem. Looks like the problem in the sensitivity sensor.

 

[handyman007]

The happy end, Guys! I fixed my detector! The problem was in the connector-just a short. Not a water damage...Will let you know the difference between 8,10 and 12 inches coils. Now I have all!

 

[lookindown]

The happy end, Guys! I fixed my detector! The problem was in the connector-just a short. Not a water damage...Will let you know the difference between 8,10 and 12 inches coils. Now I have all!

That's great news...glad you got it figured out.

 

[woof!]

Congrats on Option #2, Handyman!

--Dave J.

 

[handyman007]

Yes! I was upset, and bought another CZ-20 with 10 inches coil, but I`m not worry, I like these detectors. Now I have 2 Fishers CZ-20, 3 coils for it and the Sand Shark with 8`` coil. Just for price of brand new Excalibur-2. ))

 

[OBN]

Good to hear the issues is solved....but

I'm surprised it works because I have used several inline connectors on a few machines and what happens in saltwater (when submerged) if there is a hint of SW between the contacts it will false. (saltwater shorts out the connection) And 99% of the connectors that are ip68 are only tested at 1 inch depth for a extended period of time. I do have a friend that just purchased those same connectors, it will be interesting to see if they work on his Excalibur....

The only thing I have seen that works is have a direct connection to the main housing, like the CTX, or Garrett's


Good Luck with the new coil swapper CZ, I will have to share with a few others that want the same with there CZ's

 

[handyman007]

My personal opinion is - the hardwared coils is not a good idea, but I understand the factories, they just try to minimize risks. The 12 inches Sunray coil still working with connector IP68 code, but I put some silicone in each place in connector before put it together. It is really sensitive coil, and I have to reduce the sensitivity on 3, because I had to many false signals,especially in the shore line. If you are on chest level in the water-unit work more stable, and you can increase the sensitivity. But, the real question is-it is really connection between coil size and operation depth ? I have no answer at this time. Just did a few tests in my pool-results looks VERY similar! I`m sure, there are NO 4 inches extra depth between 8 and 12 inches coils.