Fisher Gold Bug Coil Repair

[Lancer]

Hello,
I have a bad cable on a Fisher Gold Bug coil, All persons previously contacted say the coil unit is unrepairable since the cable is not detachable.
In my mind, a constructed item can be unconstructed. Is the cable indeed replaceable and how?

Kind Regards,
Lancer

[Carl-NC]

What's wrong with the cable? does it need a whole new cable?

[kt315]

is your cable broken? did you check the FGB with another coil you judge your coil is unworking?

[Lancer]

What's wrong with the cable? does it need a whole new cable?

Of course, the Gold Bug is an older model, purchased used, the detector is completed but it seems the cable from the coil to the instrument box has internally frayed. I sent it to the Philippines to detect and the operator has shown that he needed to press together and tape about five spots on the cable for it to produce a metal detect signal.

Yes, we need a whole new cable, bought one but it's lost in the mail. to much expense already to trash.
So, can I just replace the offending cable? All received advice so far is the cable cannot be detached from the coil head.

Help needed.

[kt315]

can you share pics of a pcb both sides in HR (highest resolution)? choice good sunny day at Philippines.
my email md for all @ g mail . co m

[Carl-NC]

So, can I just replace the offending cable?

The first thing you need to do is split the coil housing by cutting the cemented seam around the perimeter. Usually this is difficult and tedious, and you need to be careful not to cut through the plastic shells. You just want to split the seam overlap. Be very careful separating the shell halves as the bottom shell will have a drain wire connected to the shield, you don't want to rip it loose.

Next, with the shell opened, desolder the cable connections, loosen the Heyco strain relief, and remove the cable. You should be able to re-use the connector on the new cable; it has a spring snap release that you press to pull it apart.

For a cable, you want a dual coaxial type. In a pinch, you can use S-video cable but something a little more robust is better if you can find it.

[Lancer]

The first thing you need to do is split the coil housing by cutting the cemented seam around the perimeter. Usually this is difficult and tedious, and you need to be careful not to cut through the plastic shells. You just want to split the seam overlap. Be very careful separating the shell halves as the bottom shell will have a drain wire connected to the shield, you don't want to rip it loose.

Next, with the shell opened, desolder the cable connections, loosen the Heyco strain relief, and remove the cable. You should be able to re-use the connector on the new cable; it has a spring snap release that you press to pull it apart.

For a cable, you want a dual coaxial type. In a pinch, you can use S-video cable but something a little more robust is better if you can find it.

Thanks Much

[Lancer]

How then to re-seal that can stand the rigor of active detecting? Would a silicon tube seal hold up to use?

[Carl-NC]

Sorry, I was thinking it was the old Goldbug. This is the newer digital one. That connector has a tiny phillips screw, plus a cable clamp. It can still be reused if they didn't add epoxy inside.
Show a pic of the coil. The 7x11 cannot be opened except with dynamite. The smaller coil can be opened, but might be epoxied inside and unrepairable.

[Lancer]

This is the Coil, repairable?

[Carl-NC]

You have a chance. Split the overlap seam and open it up, if they did not goop epoxy around the inside of the Heyco gland then you can repair it.

[kt315]

no experience, no knowledge, no electric practice, no chance. i suggest to welcome your friend electric here, to tell him useful stories.

[Lancer]

OK all, thx but here's the deal with the need for a compatible Fisher F-19 coil. .....

The detector with the white elliptical coil is in the Philippines. I purchased an official Fisher replacement gold bug coil, sent it there (A very remote location) by USPS - and it is lost undelivered......

So, i need to buy something compatible in the Phil. marketplace, mostly Chinese made coils. Available with the matching connector are:to take Mono search field, DD field , MPS technology.

Any suggestions on the best gamble; which selection will work for gold?

[Carl-NC]

The Chinese have counterfeited the Goldbug so there should be compatible Chinese coils but I don't know how you can buy one.

[Lancer]

The Chinese have counterfeited the Goldbug so there should be compatible Chinese coils but I don't know how you can buy one.

And so, here's the gamble - not expensive in USD, but will it work - matching connector.