Whites M6 backlight.

[AJ03]

just wondering if anyone has added a backlight to the whites M6 screen and if so how? I am a circuit board phobic so a step by step would be needed

so if anyone has done this or knows how any info greatly appreciated !!

AJ

[Skippy]

It's probably within your skills to front-light it, and a lot easier, too. Two cell battery, a yellow LED, resistor, switch. Maybe a 3.6V 40mAh NiMH/NiCad modular battery like they stick in PC's would be neater..LED current will be low, less than 5mA, probably... just thinking out loud here.

You would likely need to replace the LCD module with a compatible, but backlit, one to do a proper job on it.

[AJ03]

Thanks Skippy, do you mean put the led in the housing with its own power supply outside with a switch?

cheers for the help
AJ

[Skippy]

I mean put the LED(s) on a boom, sticking about 10 cm in front of the control box, pointing back at the screen. The battery etc would sit on the top/back of the control box, held on with velcro / blu-tack / rubber bands whatever.
As I assume you're wanting to detect in the dark / low light, you'll be wanting quite modest levels of brightness, so a small lightweight battery is OK.

[AJ03]

yeah kool that's what I was thinking for my Gold bug pro until they come out with the F19 but never did work it out or I couldn't find one already made to do as you have explained know of anything like that pre made?

or am I going to make it myself ?

yeah for night detecting.

thanks for your help appreciate it !

AJ

[Skippy]

It would be simple to say "just get a cheap LED torch/flashlight and fix that on a boom". But it will be way too bright.
Home building will be educational and fun. It may look ugly, but if it's functional and gets you out detecting, who cares.
Other ideas:
have a boom each side of the display, an LED on each, it may give better illumination.
White LED's might be worth considering, trouble is they need over 3 Volts to work, compared to about 1.6V for a yellow one. And they may be a bit 'dazzly'.
Though a Lithium cell might seem practical, eg. cellphone/digital camera type, they are more fussy, about charging requirements etc. Keep it simple. Something like these NiMH's was what I was thinking of:
http://cpc.farnell.com/gp-batteries/...-6v/dp/BT01325
You may be able to salvage one from an old PC motherboard, even if it's just for initial trials.

[AJ03]

your right it will be educational I am used to messing around with 18650's etc.. so I guess its just on a tiny scale.

how do I charge a battery like that http://cpc.farnell.com/gp-batteries/...-6v/dp/BT01325 ?

and the led ?

seriously I see some sort of picture in my head developing but has a ways to go as in how do I hold the battery to boom do I have to remove battery to charge what do I charge it with the wire to led is about all I have I think LOL

but we are getting there and thanks hey I know you don't have to do this so I appreciate it .

AJ

[Skippy]

Charging a battery like those PCB mount ones is very simple. It depends what you have to hand. If you have a battery charger that can do 9 Volt PP3 types, then making up a lead with a PP3 connector (buy one, remove one from some old radio, or take apart an old dead PP3 and salvage the cap with the pips on) and a suitable resistor (approx 470 Ohms) to limit the current to 8 mA, and a plug/socket, that's it. Maybe add a diode as protection (in case of a short circuit).
Or you likely have a 5 volt supply, like a phone/camera etc charger adapter, often with a USB plug or socket. Same basic circuit, different R value.
The simplest solution is to use two AAA non-rechageables in a holder. They have sufficient capacity to run the LED for months of detecting.
https://www.rapidonline.com/Electric...-2925?IncVat=1
You wouldn't even need an on/off switch if you insert a strip of thin card/plastic under the pip of a cell.

Your LED needs to be high efficiency, so you can run it at low currents , likely 1 to 5 mA. This sort of thing, as a guide:
https://www.rapidonline.com/kingbrig...200mcd-55-1525

[Cadmaster375]

an easy way to do it would to be buy a book light or some thing similar and velcro it to the detector.

[AJ03]

thanks Skippy your a champ think I get it now thanks hey shouldn't be to hard to do just needed to know the ins and outs.

thanks Cadmaster375 also.


AJ