UV damage

[Slimpickins]

Does anyone apply some coating onto all the plastic components and cable on detectors to prevent UV degradation. The sun seems to ruin all plastic eventually even making it brittle. It must be obvious this sheltering in place BS is getting to me. Maybe I need to drink more

 

[WaterWalker]

If the molder added UV protection, you don't need to apply any additional application as it is inherent in the articles.

 

[RustyGold]

Does anyone apply some coating onto all the plastic components and cable on detectors to prevent UV degradation. The sun seems to ruin all plastic eventually even making it brittle. It must be obvious this sheltering in place BS is getting to me. Maybe I need to drink more

Please don’t drink the Cable coating Tom. It will kill you faster than what’s going around.

 

[No gold in NY]

Does anyone apply some coating onto all the plastic components and cable on detectors to prevent UV degradation. The sun seems to ruin all plastic eventually even making it brittle. It must be obvious this sheltering in place BS is getting to me. Maybe I need to drink more

NO, You need to get out more. We hike and bike trails. If someone come by, we step off into the woods. I'll take a tick bite over corona any day. Yesterday we were gold prospecting. Didn't see anyone. Going out does not mean mingling!

 

[SD51]

In a previous post, someone mentioned they wrapped the coil cable with this tape...

https://www.amazon.com/X-Treme-Tape...riangular/dp/B00HWROLIG/?tag=treasurenet01-20

 

[cudamark]

100% pure silicone is what I use on cables.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I use a food grade silicone to spray the cables, silicone is a UV inhibiator. I use McNutt, spray cables about once a month let it set 10 mins and then wipe off any excess.

 

[ARC]

100% pure silicone is what I use on cables.

There are some silicone sprays out there... I use WD silicone spay... hasn't failed me... yet. heh

 

[ARC]

:/... just saw TH's post.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Just be sure it is vegetable based not petroleum based. Use petroleum base and it will destroy the cables insulation over time.

 

[ARC]

Just be sure it is vegetable based not petroleum based. Use petroleum base and it will destroy the cables insulation over time.

Interesting.... and how did this get learned originally I wonder ?

I mean... silicone is silicone... no ? ? ?

I really don't know... gonna do a search on it.

https://www.wd40.com/products/silicone-lubricant/

 

[jeff of pa]

I have 2 GT's & a XS-2 with a Newer Coil from Minelab.
the Coating on 2 of them Cracked & Peeled off leaving Colored Wires in the Wind.

I heard this was an Issue with one Batch of Coils.

One of the GT's was never out the Box except to Test it, So it never was hit by the Sun.
I Wrapped it with Black tape Just to prevent it from Pealing if it ever gets used.

Of course all depends on the Lifespan of the Tapes Stickum also.
it may automatically deteriorate like old scotch tape too.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

There is petroleum based silicone and vegetable based silicone, be sure it is vegetable based.
Petroleum based damages the polymers in the cable insulation.

 

[ARC]

There is petroleum based silicone and vegetable based silicone, be sure it is vegetable based.

Well I have been using the WD one that I posted a link for years... prolly 6ish now.

No problems... thus far anyway.

I use on a multitude of things with great results... in fact... I find it sometimes a bit "light"... wished it was almost not so watered down and a bit thicker.

 

[ARC]

Prior to tht spray I was using tube and a rag/

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Well I have been using the WD one that I posted a link for years... prolly 6ish now.

No problems... thus far anyway.

I use on a multitude of things with great results... in fact... I find it sometimes a bit "light"... wished it was almost not so watered down and a bit thicker.

It is petroleum based, I would never use it, it costs over $400 to replace cables on excal.



"Many things can affect the life and performance of electrical cables, oil is one of the most damaging. Used as a coolant and lubricant in many industrial and infrastructure settings, oil can inflict molecular damage on the polymers used for cable insulation and jacketing. If ignored, oil damage to cables can be severe. It will ultimately result in cable failure, downtime and replacement costs."

https://www.machinedesign.com/autom...le/21834297/protecting-cables-from-oil-damage

 

[ARC]

Oh.. I used silicon gel in tube prior. and electronic disk silicones... PRE WD

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

AARC, all I am doing is warning you, I worked for Minelab for 3 years, repair center for 5 years, telecommunications for over 40 years, you dont put petroleum based products on cable insulation, we had excals that came in that had petroleum based silicone used on cables and it destroyed the insulation.

 

[dewcon4414]

More than even using any kind of spray is keeping the machine stored in reasonable temp. DONT store it in a garage where that isnt climate controlled. Constant heat is the death of rubber even worse that UV.

 

[Tommybuckets]

I used to have my coil cable protected with the spiral wrap they sell everywhere. Its going to add some weight n resistance but its better than replacing a worn out cable. A little electrical tape to get it tight and voila. Heres an example link .
https://www.pexco.com/custom-plasti...F3DMIX43F2U90z7swLd6AlNQSZRqWO1hoCUiUQAvD_BwE