(Excal) Coil cable connector choices?

[bklein]

I am looking to add interchangeable coils to my excal and now see some additional IP68 connectors I hadnt seen before. I see the "aircraft" ones with blue endcaps, some from China with no metal screw threads, the 3M's, and Amphenols. Pricing $3.25-15.00. Any feedback from you on experience with them? When you buy a 3rd party coil for the excal do they come with a connector or do you always need to chop whatever's there off and install your own (beach hunting)? Lastly, are all brands unique and not interchangeable with others?

 

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[WaterWalker]

I have used the original Coiltek connectors with never a problem, except that they were not easy to interchange coils. Earlier this year I bought the $7 set form the Ukraine - one connector for the control box end with 3 connectors for different coils. They are very easy to install and exchange coils. I have not had a problem yet and I do not expect any. I did wrap the assembled connectors with a wrap of good electrical tape just to add a set of suspenders to the belt. Google Waterproof IP68 4 pin connector,for Minelab Excalibur modification.

 

[bklein]

Are they physically larger than the Amphenols (like you see in OBN photos)?
Has "LTT" mark on the side but I've never heard of the company but looks good in photos.

 

[CharlesUpstateNY]

Recommend you look into Ikelite waterproof connectors vs the IP## plastic stuff. They are used for Ikelite waterproof underwater camera housings.

 

[bklein]

I will not be taking it underwater- just surf/sand. I mainly want to experiment with coils to find my best one. I may also look at making my own coils at some point too. Once done with all this I'd just wire direct.

 

[OBN]

I use only the 3M Stainless Steel for the coil...Not the Amphenols, I'll be switching the headphone endcap to SS this year. Wish I could find a SS in the M12-8 CTX head phone connector. These are used hundreds of hours a year under, in saltwater

 

[WaterWalker]

The above Waterproof IP68 are in-line connectors, not panel mount as OBN's.
Physical size is approx. 3/4 diameter over center and 3 1/4 long when assembled.
As you can see I have a wrap of electrical tape around the connector and I have also affixed the connector to the shaft with a wrap of electrical tape.

 

[bklein]

What do you guys think of plastic vs metal threads on the interconnects? The salt water seems to wick up the metal on my CTX.

 

[OBN]

What do you guys think of plastic vs metal threads on the interconnects? The salt water seems to wick up the metal on my CTX.

Pictured above..Im sure over 1000 hours in saltwater.. No Issues.

I do like Water Walkers for sure, very easy, fast and it works. I might recommend checking it once a year or at the end of the season if you happened not to have changed out the coils.

 

[bklein]

You lost me - "water walkers"?
On the excal photo there is a rubber o-ring that helps keep the water out of the threads - but on the CTX the connectors are spaced out more and there is just the one inside the female. The 3M look good as long as the second o-ring stays there...