Sunray probe DX-1 for MXT Opinion please.

[Hutch911]

Looking for a pinpointer the will not break or get lost. Been through 5 whites pinpointers they just give up and no two are alike some stink out of the box. Tried the Garret but seems to give many false readings. So I am looking at the sunray DX-1 how does it compare to all other pointers.

Thanks

 

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[Sandman]

I don't have a inline probe for my Whites, but I do for the Minelab Sov GT, the S-1, and love it. The Sunray probes are inline which means they are just like a 1" coil so they operate on the full controls of the detector and results show up on the screen. My Sov has a meter. These Sunray probes have about a 5 inch range off the tip and are strong. Best is they are attached to the contol box so you can't leave them on the ground when you walk away.

 

[Hunt4Fun]

Hi Hutch,

I installed a DX-1 on my MXT over 4 years. This same DX-1 has detected and/or pinpointed many thousands of targets without any repairs necessary. That should answer your question about breaking easily. The only thing I suggest is slipping a 3/4 inch PVC cap on the business end of the probe to protect it.

When you throw the DX-1 toggle switch to the probe position, the DX-1 probe behaves like a 1 inch search coil which is actually what it is. You will hear signals in your headset just as if you were still using the main coil. If you leave the MXT’s trigger in the search mode, you can use the probe to get VDI numbers on shallow targets. You just have to keep the probe in motion like you would your main search coil. This is very helpful if you have a piece of trash near your intended target because you will hear and see on your display which is which. This is also very helpful when you run into a pocket spill.

When you pull the MXT trigger, the DX-1 probe goes into all metal pinpoint mode. Like any other coil, the DX-1 probe will detect deeper in this all metal mode than it will in a normal search mode. In this all metal mode, my DX-1 mounted on my MXT in my soil with high gain is capable of pinpointing coins well beyond the 3 inches the factory advertises. Be advised that the pinpoint depth of the DX-1 will be reduced at low gain settings.

You mentioned false reading problems with another brand of pinpointer. I do not recall ever having false signal problems with my DX-1. If you hear a signal, even a consistent raise in the threshold, there is a target there.

As already answered, an installed DX-1 cannot be lost unless you lose your entire detector.

I cannot imagine you being sorry you bought a DX-1. It will pay for itself in two ways. First, the increased fun level the DX-1 generates. Second, your target retrieval time will decrease allowing you to be back up hunting more quickly which translates into more finds.

HH Bob

 

[Tin Nugget]

I thought it was a waste of money, that is, untill I bought one. Been using it for almost 3 years now with no problems!

 

[Hutch911]

Thank's everyone!!! I think I will go for it!

 

[johnnycat]

Another thing. I mounted mine on the detector itself, (on the right side of the box) and it really seemed to help with the balance. Also, if you are having trouble in locating something in the ground because the probe is too hot...Click the trigger 1-3 times. That will desensitize the probe so that it is only hot closer to the tip and easier to pinpoint with. Don't click more than 3 times because it will knock the pinpointing abilities waaaaay down.

 

[Hunt4Fun]

Hi jonnycat,

Your detuning tip is truly a great one. Using your tip will make people very happy since they will usually be able to touch their target on the first try with a coin probe.

Another tip is for DFX and XLT users. Set Ratchet Pinpoint to OFF and set VCO to ON. These settings combined with jonnycat’s detuning tip make pinpointing with the main coil and the Sunray probe a piece of cake.

HH Bob

 

[Hunt4Fun]

Hi jonnycat,

I am planning to buy an M6. The rod configuration of an M6 is much different than an MXT, DFX or XLT. This difference requires that the Sunray switch box be mounted much farther down the rod toward the coil. If the probe is also mounted on the rod it has to be even farther out on the rod. Offsetting the swinging weight of the switch box by moving the probe mount up to the detector box seems like a good idea.

I am very interested in how you box mounted your Sunray probe. Did you use the Sunray Optional Box Mount kit? Are longer mounting screws needed to mount the clips to the detector box? Will a White’s detector stand be in the way? Only one clip works well for a rod mount .... will only one clip work on a box mount?

You are the only person I am aware of that has box mounted a Sunray probe. Any and all comments will be appreciated

HH Bob

 

[johnnycat]

Hi jonnycat,

I am planning to buy an M6. The rod configuration of an M6 is much different than an MXT, DFX or XLT. This difference requires that the Sunray switch box be mounted much farther down the rod toward the coil. If the probe is also mounted on the rod it has to be even farther out on the rod. Offsetting the swinging weight of the switch box by moving the probe mount up to the detector box seems like a good idea.

I am very interested in how you box mounted your Sunray probe. Did you use the Sunray Optional Box Mount kit? Are longer mounting screws needed to mount the clips to the detector box? Will a White’s detector stand be in the way? Only one clip works well for a rod mount .... will only one clip work on a box mount?

Friend,

I thought your question on the mounting might be asked. OK...Here goes. I did this about 3 years ago and have since sold the MXT with the probe. If I remember correctly, I had to call Sun Ray direct and ask about the kit to mount the probe on the side of the detector box. They knew what I needed right away. All it is, is two metal clips with flat bottoms so they can be mounted on the box. Yes, the kit brings the screws you will need, they are just a little bit longer. Also, yes, I only used one of the clips and it held fine. The detector stand doesn't come close to the probe at all, mounted on the box. Good Luck. By the way, if I remember correctly the cost was way out of line, ($15-$20). But, what are you going to do?? But, it was worth it.

HH Bob

 

[Hunt4Fun]

Thanks for the info, jonnycat. There is a lot on the forums about the probes but not a lot about alternate mounting. Appreciate the comeback.

Bob

 

[bigtim1973]

I am thinking of getting this probe for my MXT also. I have a couple of questions for sandman and hunt4fun. Is there a noticable difference when you mounted this probe to your detector? Also about the cord...the new model has a straight cord instead of the curly one....will you have to wrap the straight cord around something to keep it from dangling around or tangled up in briars or stepping on it etc. or is it short enough to keep that from happening? Tim

 

[Sandman]

The cord is short enough to reach the box and the probe sits under the armrest on my Sov. I also tried the hipmount with the box in the Minelab bag and bought a extension cord to reach the switch box on the shaft. I also bought the short pigtail for different mountings just in case I wasn't happy with one. Sunray sells the extension cables too.

 

[Hunt4Fun]

Hi bigtim1973,

The DX-1 does add some weight to the detector. Mounted to the MXT’s shaft like shown on the SunRay site I do feel a difference in how the detector swings. Been using my MXT this way for over 4 years so it certainly has not even slowed me down from using the machine. Just today, I temporarily taped the probe to the control box where the optional mounting clips would hold it and the balance seems back to a normal MXT. Will have it box-mounted before long

I do not know if I can really help you with your question about the DX-1 cord getting tangled in briars. I am a coin and jewelry hunter in parks, schools and beaches. I have limited experience detecting in thicket areas and congested desert brush. Yes, the straight cord does hang in a slow loop below the detector. I have never done anything to wrap or secure the cord in any way. The cord is 30 inches long between the strain reliefs. Over the years, the spiral cord on my Killer B's has gotten hung up lots of times on brush. I only remember the probe cord getting hung up on brush one time. I have never come close to stepping on the cord. However, you do need to keep track of where the cord is when the digging tools go to work. You will soon develop a routine for using the probe which will usually cause the cord to lay in the same place at every dig.

If you buy a SunRay probe, be sure to buy one of the new ones with a straight cord. The early models had a spiral cord that after a few stretches would start breaking internal wires or the shield. Some of these early models are still around.

You will probably get much better answers about how a DX-1 works in your hunting environment if you start a new thread and ask your questions. The DX-1 is a really great pinpointer so I hope it fits in to your type of hunting.

Good luck,
Bob

 

[Tin Nugget]

On a long hunt the probe does affect you because of the added weight. You can mount it on the side of the box and it's not as bad. I perfer mine mounted on the shaft. I have found it's easier and quicker pull off and snap on. The probe is the heaviest part and on a long hunt I will just stick it in my pocket, not a problem. When mounted on the shaft, just loop the cord once so the tip is pointing toward the ground. This takes up the slack and you can hunt brush, woods etc. without getting snags.

 

[The Beep Goes On]

I had some questions like that too...

http://www.thebeepgoeson.com/display.asp?page=Sunray_Probes