I started metal detecting as most do, with headphones. Good headphones are very precise and probably excel over an external speaker. Fact is, before I tried them I was so convinced headphones were better, I added speakers to my AZO Outpac III* shoulder straps intending to use them only when the heat of the day made headphones too uncomfortable. I would use headphones in the mornings and evenings and speakers when it was hot... so I thought.
Almost all dealers of Minelab metal detectors offer the low profile speakers and DeTacc amplifiers. My detector; a Minelab GPX-4000, does not have a sound amplifier inside the battery as does the newer GPX-4500. Meaning if you have the GPX-4500 and use its supplied battery you will need to buy just the speakers.
I cut the speaker wires at the factory plug in connector, combined the wires and added a 90 degree connector plug purchased from Radio shack. The process requires a bit of a steady hand and a little practice (or experience) with a soldering gun. The case of the 90-degree connector comes apart by pulling the small and easy to lose philips head screws.
There is a tool available in craft, hardware and even sailing chandleries called a Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl (see photo). They have become very popular to make quick yet permanent repairs and modification to many types of materials; heavy cottons, nylon, dacron sails, even leather is no stumbling block for the Speedy Stitcher.
I knew if I did not secure the speaker leads they would get tangled in the branches and brush where I detect. I looked around the shop, spotted the Radio Shack black plastic wire loom clamps, thought of my sewing awl and went to work.
First step was to get the speakers mounted. I measured, pinned them on for a temporary try and repositioned them a couple of times before I was satisfied and made the permanent mount. I removed the original brackets and screwed the speaker cases directly to the shoulder straps. The screws that came with the speakers were a bit short. I replaced them with 1 inch long screws and added the washers.
Next; I ran the right side and longest wire where I wanted it positioned along the strap around the collar and down to the battery compartment. I added about six inches to what I thought would be enough; matched the left wire length to the right, cut them both, soldered the wires to the 90 degree plug, wrapped the extra wire with electrical tape and did a permanent mount of the wires by sewing the wire loom clamps onto the backpack.
When it came time to mount the amplifier I used industrial/marine strength Velcro and placed the amp on the right side of the detector's control box where I could get to the volume control easily and where it would be protected by the AZO control box cover.
Lastly, look close and you'll spot another addition to the backpack. I had found it difficult to hang the backpack on a hook so I used a strong web strap and sewed it to the back of the collar. Now it easily hangs on a hook and the loop doubles to keep it on a hanger much better than before.
It's not a major project, but it did required a bit of patience.
To get it right will require a test fit, trial positioning for sound and final assembly. Don't forget, during the sound testing; wear the same type of hat you usually wear when detecting. With your hat redirecting the sounds you will be amazed at the small details you can hear with the dual external speakers.
Almost all dealers of Minelab metal detectors offer the low profile speakers and DeTacc amplifiers. My detector; a Minelab GPX-4000, does not have a sound amplifier inside the battery as does the newer GPX-4500. Meaning if you have the GPX-4500 and use its supplied battery you will need to buy just the speakers.
I cut the speaker wires at the factory plug in connector, combined the wires and added a 90 degree connector plug purchased from Radio shack. The process requires a bit of a steady hand and a little practice (or experience) with a soldering gun. The case of the 90-degree connector comes apart by pulling the small and easy to lose philips head screws.
There is a tool available in craft, hardware and even sailing chandleries called a Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl (see photo). They have become very popular to make quick yet permanent repairs and modification to many types of materials; heavy cottons, nylon, dacron sails, even leather is no stumbling block for the Speedy Stitcher.
I knew if I did not secure the speaker leads they would get tangled in the branches and brush where I detect. I looked around the shop, spotted the Radio Shack black plastic wire loom clamps, thought of my sewing awl and went to work.
First step was to get the speakers mounted. I measured, pinned them on for a temporary try and repositioned them a couple of times before I was satisfied and made the permanent mount. I removed the original brackets and screwed the speaker cases directly to the shoulder straps. The screws that came with the speakers were a bit short. I replaced them with 1 inch long screws and added the washers.
Next; I ran the right side and longest wire where I wanted it positioned along the strap around the collar and down to the battery compartment. I added about six inches to what I thought would be enough; matched the left wire length to the right, cut them both, soldered the wires to the 90 degree plug, wrapped the extra wire with electrical tape and did a permanent mount of the wires by sewing the wire loom clamps onto the backpack.
When it came time to mount the amplifier I used industrial/marine strength Velcro and placed the amp on the right side of the detector's control box where I could get to the volume control easily and where it would be protected by the AZO control box cover.
Lastly, look close and you'll spot another addition to the backpack. I had found it difficult to hang the backpack on a hook so I used a strong web strap and sewed it to the back of the collar. Now it easily hangs on a hook and the loop doubles to keep it on a hanger much better than before.
It's not a major project, but it did required a bit of patience.
To get it right will require a test fit, trial positioning for sound and final assembly. Don't forget, during the sound testing; wear the same type of hat you usually wear when detecting. With your hat redirecting the sounds you will be amazed at the small details you can hear with the dual external speakers.
I still pack headphones in my gear bag, which I now consider back-up. I reluctantly put them on when my ears get too cold, when detecting in the company of others or when outside noise or wind prevents me from hearing well with the external speakers.
* AZO Outpak III battery backpack available from http://www.arizonaoutback.com/
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