AT PRO Straight Shaft Setup

[tcornel]

Before I broke down and purchased one of the very nice setups available for 135 or 199 I decided to give it a shot myself
using common materials. I am for functionality and looks are secondary.

I started with a lower shaft for the Pro off of another coil. It fits the middle coil and has the spring buttons to adjust.
A replacement would be, say 15.00.

At the local hardware store I bought a 3/4" schedule 40 T, a 3/4 to 1/2 inch reducer and a schedule 40 sweep electrical
90 degree. I have the cleaner and glue. Cost of the parts was about 2.75. The hardware store threw in a few inches of
3/4" pipe for both ends of the T. Add 4.00 if you do not have glue.

The inside diameter of the 3/4" pipe is just slightly larger than the OD of the lower shaft. I put the 2 pipe pieces and T together and
slid over the lower shaft to a position I determined. Then I glued in the reducer. I glued the new "collar" to the lower shaft.
The fit wasn't like I wanted so I put a screw through it to keep it in place.

Then drill out the closed end of the lower shaft to accept the Garrett arm cuff. It fits well. I did drill a second set of holes in case I wanted to change position of the cuff. I place mine near the end of the shaft. I will probably store a spare bolt in the end of it.

Drill the mounting holes...1 1/2" centers and get a couple screws about 1/2" longer for mounting the control box. I would recommend
getting some stainless steel bolts if you are going into the water with it.

Take the grip off of the S shaft and slide on before mounting the box. At this time I just dry fitted the sweep elbow into the reducer until I am satisfied of the angle to look at the screen. Then I will glue in.

The pictures show the end result with a 15" NEL Attack coil on it. I can now pick up the unit and it feels about the same balance as the standard coil and the S shaft!

Total cost if I had nothing is 15.00 shaft, 4.00 glue and cleaner, 2.75 PVC parts for a total of 21.75! I may get one of the snap on stands if
the cuff stand is unsatisfactory.

At best I saved over 100. At worst I am out a lower shaft as I can always remount the factory S shaft.

I hope this helps others who are looking to reduce the wrist strain of the S Shaft.

 

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[mr helton]

That is awesome, I think I'm gonna do this at some point. That design is one of the things I really miss coming from the Spectrum XLT I was using before getting my AT Pro.

 

[madforclad]

That's pretty cool set up. I paid $ 185.00 for a straight Anderson shaft for my ATP but I really love it.

 

[tcornel]

I made a couple modifications. Cut almost 2 inches off of the vertical part of the sweep and added a piece to the front of the horizontal part to bring the control box down and forward to easily
work the controls with my thumb. I have used the setup for about 8 hours and love it. Should have done it a couple of years ago.

 

[madforclad]

I made a couple modifications. Cut almost 2 inches off of the vertical part of the sweep and added a piece to the front of the horizontal part to bring the control box down and forward to easily
work the controls with my thumb. I have used the setup for about 8 hours and love it. Should have done it a couple of years ago.

Have you used it in the water yet? Just curious as to how it works when submerged.

 

[tcornel]

Have you used it in the water yet? Just curious as to how it works when submerged.

It should not be an issue as the salt water will increase the coils buoyancy. I will just move the sling attachment up a couple inches to compensate.
The schedule 40 pipe is made for water usage. Everything else is original equipment.

 

[TwistedElvis]

You will get big Biceps from swinging that thing! How much does it weigh?

 

[tcornel]

About 28 ounces. That is why the straight shaft setup was so important. The S shaft pulls down on top of your wrist with its weight and inflames the carpel tunnel condition.

Using the detecting buddy and straight shaft it is practically weightless on my arm and wrist.

 

[bzbadger]

Guys I actually professionally build a retro fit handle for the AT pro if you are interested hit me with a PM and I will direct you to my site. I don't want to post more due to the rules. It makes a straight shaft like you would see from Anderson shafts but not near the cost

 

[bzbadger]

Tcornell, I took a bit more time to look over your pictures of your homemade straight shaft and must say you saw the flaws like I did and how to fix them. Yours is close to mine. If you would like to see what I did and how it worked out doing it professionally just PM me and I will give you the website so you can see my retro fit.