my internal ace250 backlight

[GuANu]

well its my one of my first posts here, just got my metal detector about a week ago.

since my first hunt was during the night, I thought garrett missed out on putting a backlight on the unit, so I took it upon myself to add one, I initially wanted it fully internal, and turn on with the unit, but the test points on the circuit board that tested at the correct voltage I needed, messed the unit up from the draw of the LEDs.. so I knew I had to make it externally powered (using the batteries that are part of the unit).
only thing I had to figure out is where to get a small enough switch, how to power the LED, and how to make it look covert... so I took apart an old Cold Heat soldering iron i got for xmas 2 years ago since I dont use it. even had the LED I needed already attached and a mini circuit board that did all my resistances all set up for the 4 AA batteries that the ace uses.. perfect.. anyways, on to the pics, just wanted to say hi and I'm a newbie learning still..

G

backlight:

Switch mounting location under speaker:

mini circuit board mounting location and wiring:

LED on:

Backlight installed:

thanks for viewing

G

 

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[Ricardo_NY1]

That is smooth! I did a panel light myself, but I like yours even better! Only problem is I'm afraid to ever open up my 250........I'm sending it out to the factory as we speak, it died out a couple days ago. I doubt it was from opening, but I'll be somewhat hesitant to re-open it depending on how much a fix will cost. Nice work!

 

[Mike95inNJ]

Very nice mod and welcome to the forums.
HH, Mike in NJ

 

[B1u3Dr4g0n1]

Im liking that...might try that ....

 

[Frank1960]

well there goes your warrenty lol

 

[sandtrout]

i sure don't have any electrical skills but would do it if i had your talent! for me, i'd probably use the headlamp i use for hiking or fishing. i arrive at lakes usually before sun up and use my headlamp. in the evenings i use it to read in my tent at night.

 

[Rogerv]

They sell at walmart in the sporting goods dept for $8 it was on sale at Christmas for $5 a Winchester brand light for checking gun bores single led with flexible shaft takes 2 AA batteries. Easy to attach to shaft and you don't void your warranty.

 

[NCHornet]

very cool, great job!!!

 

[sgriffith59]

You can get a small LED bike light, mount it on the pole.

 

[fraxinus]

Would you show or explain where you placed the LED? I've made two attempts at adding 'backlighting'. I cannot find anywhere the LEDs fit and illuminate the display.