Kinda Bummed!

[Dick from IA]

One of many reasons I chose a Minelab XTerra70 was the assumption that in time Suray would come with an inline probe for this series, as these two companies work together a lot. Recently I questioned Ralph at Sunray about this and his answer was that Minelab is choosing not to share VFlex technology with any after market suppliers.

I've seen photos of the Uni Pocket probe mounted to a detector, which is OK, but you've still got to remove your headphones to hear it. And nearly $300 for a probe is a bit high, in my opinion.

Phooey

[Dick from IA]

Hey Chuck, I do own a VibraProbe560 and think it's great. From what I've heard, though, is a Sunray will pinpoint (and detect) targets at 3" or so. That's why it's so appealing, as those who have them claim it really speeds up recovery time and often discovers new targets right near the original target.

Dick

[JoAnne]

Good morning Dick - is there some way you can hook a sunray probe to your detector you have now and use it? I probably do not know what I am talking about. My thought is just because your Mnelab does not have it why can't you do it yourself? If this is a silly idea then just ignore it. LOL

[Dick from IA]

Originally Posted by JoAnne

Good morning Dick - is there some way you can hook a sunray probe to your detector you have now and use it? I probably do not know what I am talking about. My thought is just because your Mnelab does not have it why can't you do it yourself? If this is a silly idea then just ignore it. LOL

Hey JoAnne: A Sunray Probe is designed using the circuitry from the specific detector it is mounted to, with a switch on the Sunray control box that changes your signal from detector to probe, and sending it's signal through your headphones.

Hope I explained it well enough; Good question

Dick

[JoAnne]

Yes you did Dick - thanks - I told you I probably did not know what I was talking about - guess I didn't. Have a great day. JoAnne

[Dick from IA]

Originally Posted by boobieinPa

If you are asking the question

"Can you mount your SunRay probe yourself?"
Yes you can, but if you have a Minelab you have to make a hole in the lower shaft for the cable, unless you don't mind the cable being on the outside of the machine.

Ralph did mine. In case I ever sell the ExplorerII I didn't want the lower shaft to have a hole in it, so I just got a 2nd lower shaft.

Guess I didn't know that, but it wouldn't be a problem, except, as I mentioned, Minelab is not sharing the VFlex technology with outside suppliers, so that takes the XTerras out of the picture.

Maybe in time, though. We'll see

[John's Detectors]

Hi Dick, I'm sorry to hear about your dilemma with probes. Yes the Vflex technology is being kept from any outsiders right now. If you were to try to insert a SunRay probe in the Xterra 70 circuitry, you would have serious complications and the detector wouldn't work at all. I don't know if they will ever do anything with the X70 unless the Vflex design is released to them. Ok Dick God Bless and I personally think the Vibraprobe is the best. Happy hunting!

John Tomlinson,CET
John's Detectors
Blackwell,Tx.
Best Little Detector Shop in Texas!

[Hightone]

I can see this being not only a problem for Sunray, but why the cost is so high. The digital processor (that resides in the coil) has to send a lot of information. One part of it is the frequency that the coil is (since you have a choice of 3 different ones). The probe being inline would also have to have that information to retransmit the signal to the box, while operating at it's own frequency. This could be not only pretty hairy (with the different frequencies), but could cause some problems for the Xterra 70 if not precisely transmitted. I can see Minelabs concern.

VFlex is a good idea, but is a double edged sword.