Deepstar history and Foster PI

[Asgard]

I am passionate about yours detectors technology for several years now...

Can you tell us what is the difference Harware between versions 1, 2, 3 of DeepStar
What is the difference in power on the ground?

I tried but I have not found the history since the first model of diversion and models of detector ?

One last question a little more delicate, what is the difference between deepstar hardware and TDI PRO Deepstar.

Thank You
Alexandre

[Agraz]

anyone have the diagram deepstar? or if someone have a deepstar, I need to know how the resistors are connected to the side of Krystal Oscillator (red circle), someone put resistors at the bottom and i not know as was originally connected, thanks for the help...



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i have this integrated circuits: (from left to right)

2-HEF453BP
1-TLC555CP
1-UA709CP
1-TL061CP
1-TL062CP
1-TL061CP and
2-TL555CP

[kt315]

The Case for a New P.I.

Posted by: Eric Foster (---.ipt.aol.com)
Date: August 3, 2000 08:39AM

One very important, but sometimes difficult, area of detector design is to find a suitable case to house the electronics. As you all will appreciate, it is no good having the best electronics going, if the case is not strong and weather tight. I have used cases in the past that I thought were good, only to find later, when the unit comes in for service that there is a considerable quantity of fine sand sitting in the box. Or worse still, the telltale signs of white and green corrosion on the pcb indicating that drops of seawater have got in. In windy conditions on the beach or in the desert it is amazing how fine sand and dust will find the smallest gap and gain entry into the inner sanctum – likewise for rain or spray.
There is a vast array of “off the shelf” cases to house electronics but, for the above reasons, a metal detector requires something special. Also the case has to be able to withstand a considerable amount of abuse; knocks and bangs on rocks, bounced around in a car or truck and in some instances, desert heat or Alaska cold. The two basic choices are between a metal case, or a plastic case. Both categories can be subdivided. Metal into aluminium or steel; plastic into pvc, abs, polyester or polycarbonate. Steel is out because it easily rusts once scratches and nicks have penetrated the coating. Also it is magnetic which can sometimes cause problems with PI electronics. Aluminium, or various aluminium alloys, are good. They are strong, light in weight and give very good electromagnetic shielding. Plastic housings, particulary the polyester and polycarbonate types, can be as strong and light as aluminium and also can be coated internally with a conductive paint for screening.
The case that I use on the Deepstar is an aluminium alloy casting with a sealed lid secured by captive stainless steel screws. With suitable sealing around the control shafts, this case can be totally dust and rain proof. The only difficult area is the jack socket for the phones, although it is possible to seal this, as I believe some Fisher detectors do, or change to a different plug and socket. The aluminium case also gives superior shielding to the electronics from electromagnetic noise and also prevents noise generated internally from getting out; which is important in these days of electromagnetic compatibility. Not that you will interfere with much in the middle of the Nevada desert or Australian outback. The Deepstar case is strong enough to survive a drop or even to be driven over by a car with little ill effect. The downside is that even though it is aluminium, it is not the lightest of cases. It weighs in at just over 2lbs. When you add the battery, electronics and all the sundry bits and pieces you are up to 5lbs in weight. Carried on the chest or waist there have been few complaints about this total weight. Much more important is a light search coil and shaft for tireless searching.
In the proposed new Gold PI it is likely that the battery pack will be of the Nickel Metal Hydride type, as used in the Aquastar. This results in a rather lighter battery pack but with a greater capacity. So, a bit of weight could be saved here. It is possible to get the same style cases but in a smaller size, so the battery pack could be housed in a separate case, connected by a cable as in the SD detectors. Opinion seems to be equally split between those who like the battery in the same case and those who want it in a separate one. It is technically simpler to have it in the same case and you have one less cable dangling about. However, this is offset by the fact that you have to open up the control electronics if the battery pack is to be changed on the job. Two smaller cases plus the lead and connectors will be more expensive than one larger case. Minelab’s solution seems cost effective in that they have an inexpensive molding cemented to the top of the battery which houses the lead connector and jack socket. This may be the way to go except that leads and connectors always degrade the reliability of electronic equipment. Incidentally the Deepstar case is 220 x 140 x 70mm external dimensions. (8.6 x 5.5 x 2.75in). This size gives a comfortable amount of room to house the electronics, battery, all necessary controls and switches plus the two connectors and switch for coil and probe. Another plus feature is that on opening the lid, all the electronics with its test points, controls etc are easily accessible for servicing, should this be necessary.
Whilst it is possible to make such a housing to be highly weatherproof, it is a very different matter making one that is submersible and for the moment it is not a practical proposition.

I would appreciate any comments on the above, plus any alternative ideas, or hearing from anybody with experience in cases for use in harsh environments.

Eric.

[kt315]

some pics of Deepstar 3 http://www.findmall.com/read.php?34,...98#msg-2012198

[Agraz]

I have properly placed these ICs? in Deepstar


U1 = TLC555CP
U2 = TLC555CP
U3 = TLC555CP
U4-U5 = HEF4538BP
U6 = UA709CP
U7 = TL061CP
U8 = TL062CP
U9 = TL061CP


Thank you.