Make a real waterproof CTX 3030 - scuba diving experience!

lcollins · Feb 3, 2015

Where is the most reliable/safe sources for these o-rings ? Are you using viton. Please disregard if you are unable to disclose a source on this site. Thank you.

frogmaster-riviera · Feb 3, 2015

I don't think there is a better o'ring supplier. I'm sure you can find plenty on line, choose one that is specialised and will be able to provide you multiple dimension and NBR (70,90 etc..) .

These are "kitchen appliance" o'rings, the most standard of th markets = NBR70. We use the same for diving, car, garden.... Just google aro_nd and find an on line spcialist.
In Europe they around $0.40 each.

MrMikeJackie · Feb 4, 2015

Ok so I received the o-rings today(theoringstore). They actually sent me 2.5 x 79 mm size. Seems like a tight fit. The snap closures are definitely tighter than normal. I just noticed that there is a bigger gap between the battery and housing(about 1.5 mm) where before it would be flush. And once you unsnap one side the battery comes right out on its own. I'm crossing my fingers! Hopefully I won't have to use the warranty

frogmaster-riviera · Feb 4, 2015

don't forget to put a bit of sillicon lub to prevent your o'ring from drying.

With this o'ring, battery leak won't be an issue anymore!

Don't forget to like the article!!!!

MrMikeJackie · Feb 4, 2015

I just don't get it? If this simple mod will keep the machine from leaking then why won't minelab accept fault and send out new o-rings? Why lose time fixing machines under warranty? Whites knew they screwed up with their black gaskets and replaced them with orange ones, free of charge even on machines out of warranty. I would even pay minelab for new and improved gaskets if they sold and guaranteed them.

frogmaster-riviera · Feb 4, 2015

I don't know why Mick. Maybe CTX 3030 shallow and underwater market only reprensents a few customers? The maybe make money by selling there crappy red rings.... For sure, by applying the techniques used for diving equipments such as camera, SLR housings, flood lights... it become 100% waterproof.

The only weak point which remains it's the USB cap. The best will be to simply replace the USB plug from Minelab by a real one (like the one used for underwater ROVs)... but we will loose the warranty.

For shallow hunting and diving less then 20ft. it's ok, but I'd like to find the perfect solution for USB and up to now, it's only a 80% solution..

Take a look to the "gap" you may have with the battery O'ring. This is with a 2.65mm O'ring, used for scuba.

Jason in Enid · Feb 4, 2015

Just be careful not to "crank down" on the USB port cap. The plastic threads will stretch and break very easily if you get aggressive.

MrMikeJackie · Feb 4, 2015

frogmaster-riviera said:
I don't know why Mick. Maybe CTX 3030 shallow and underwater market only reprensents a few customers? The maybe make money by selling there crappy red rings.... For sure, by applying the techniques used for diving equipments such as camera, SLR housings, flood lights... it become 100% waterproof.

The only weak point which remains it's the USB cap. The best will be to simply replace the USB plug from Minelab by a real one (like the one used for underwater ROVs)... but we will loose the warranty.

For shallow hunting and diving less then 20ft. it's ok, but I'd like to find the perfect solution for USB and up to now, it's only a 80% solution..

Take a look to the "gap" you may have with the battery O'ring. This is with a 2.65mm O'ring, used for scuba.
View attachment 1115500 View attachment 1115501 View attachment 1115502

Yes that's about the same gap I have. So one last question. Should I do the USB port mod? Im not going scuba diving, the most I will go is chest deep and the machine will be just under the surface. Thanks again

Jackalope · Feb 4, 2015

I'm using the 2mm x 80mm O-ring (from O-Rings - The O-Ring Store, We make getting O-Rings easy!) You could probably increase the thickness - but I've not had any leaks underwater with the 2mm size. I also wipe a thin film of silicone grease along the battery box edge (and run the O-ring through silicone coated fingertips).

I use teflon tape on the usb port and a thin film of silicone on the cap threads. Tighten finger tight. Stays bone dry. I've sprayed it with the garden hose at full pressure (hitting it with direct laser-like spray) and no leaks from the battery or the usb port.

While the ML design sucks - I'm confident of the workaround.

frogmaster-riviera · Feb 5, 2015

For the USB port, try to put a 19.5x2.90 oring.

Can be 20x2.90 but >19. With the loctite 5331 sealant, you won't experience any problem at all. If your plastic thread is still ok, you can leave the plastic gasket inside the cap.

WildDigger · Feb 28, 2015

Great thread and it needs to be on every forum....

frogmaster-riviera · Mar 1, 2015

Id did a few shoots with a poor quality of the CTX3030 underwater at -36ft = 12m

Minelab CTX 3030 Scuba diving

Minelab CTX 3030 underwater and no issue

rustyman9791 · Mar 3, 2015

Where do you get these seals?

daviddi · Mar 3, 2015

Thank you frogmaster-riviera for this clever solution.

WildDigger · Mar 3, 2015

frogmaster-riviera what is your you tube channel?

frogmaster-riviera · Mar 4, 2015

WildDigger said:
frogmaster-riviera what is your you tube channel?

Hi WildDigger,

I have no youtube channel yet but plane to open one shortly. I've just equipped myself with a home made GoPro diving helmet to make movies underwater.

I wil update my signature shortly with the channel as I've planned to scuba detect during this month (sea bed was too sandy up to now)

WildDigger · Mar 5, 2015

I look forward to your channel and videos. I just ordered my o rings from the o ring store. Hope they get here soon as my CTX is on its way back from MineLab due to a broken tab.

frogmaster-riviera · Mar 5, 2015

WildDigger said:
I look forward to your channel and videos. I just ordered my o rings from the o ring store. Hope they get here soon as my CTX is on its way back from MineLab due to a broken tab.

Sizes:
79x2.5 : ok for shallow
79x2.65 : good for shallow, scuba, strong waves
79x2.9 : scuba