XP Deus Coil Not Connecting? This Might Fix It! (Personal Experience and Advice +)
The XP Deus (and now the Deus II) is well known for its technical advances. Renowned for its wireless design and exceptional performance, the XP Deus has been a favorite among hobbyists and professionals alike. However, a number of users have reported a perplexing issue: certain coils are no longer connecting to the control unit. This has left many in the community scratching their heads, wondering how to resolve this sudden compatibility issue.
Understanding the Problem
There are many possible reasons as to why you are having this problem, but some of the main categories of problems might be software issues, battery issues, electrical issues and so on. In this article we will discuss the specific problem I was having with my unit.
Put away for storage
I put my XP Deus away for storage for a while, and with my recklessness I let it discharge completely. After a prolonged period of inactivity, it’s not uncommon for electronic devices to require a bit of TLC to get back up and running. This was precisely my experience with the XP Deus after it had been put away in storage for several months. Both the coils and the control unit had completely discharged during this time, a scenario many of us might find ourselves in, especially if metal detecting is a seasonal activity for you.
Upon taking the detector out of storage, the first step was to recharge both the coils and the control unit. The charging process for the XP Deus is straightforward, thanks to its USB-based charging system, allowing for easy charging from a variety of power sources. Fully charged and eager to resume treasure hunting, I proceeded to update the software to the latest V6.0 firmware. The update process is designed to be user-friendly, typically involving a connection to a PC and the use of XP’s dedicated update software. This software guides you through the update process, ensuring that your device receives all the latest features and improvements.
It’s important to note that after a period of inactivity and a full discharge, electronic devices like the XP Deus may behave slightly differently until they’ve gone through a few charge and discharge cycles. This is normal and is often due to the battery needing to ‘recondition’ itself after being dormant for an extended period.
After the coils and control unit were fully charged, and the software was updated, the XP Deus was back to its optimal performance, or at least so I thought. Suddenly my regular black non-X35 XP Deus Coil was not connecting no matter what I tried. What to do?
I tried recharging it one more time, but with no result. My head began searching for what the problem could be: could it be the battery in the coil that finally gave up? Or could it be some electrical fault? Maybe it wasn’t charging?
After some research and testing I concluded that the battery probably was fine, so I started thinking from scratch: what else than charging did it need? Of course, I updated it!
Software update
I then downgraded it to some earlier software and what would you know: the coil was connecting again! Damn, okay time to take it one step at a time: let us read the software update documentation.
Here’s what I could gather from that: The V6.0 update introduced significant enhancements to the XP Deus, including improved target identification, new search modes, and better overall performance. These improvements required substantial changes to the way the control unit communicates with the coils. However, this meant that only the latest X35 and HF coils, which are designed to support these advanced features, are able to connect with the updated control unit. There we have it, that was the problem!
Identifying Your Coil Type
It’s crucial to identify the type of coil you’re using with your XP Deus. The X35 coils are easily recognizable by the mark “X35” written on the coil. The HF coils, on the other hand, are distinguished by their white color and are also available in different sizes tailored for specific detecting conditions.
So, if you’re facing connectivity issues with your coil, one immediate solution could be to revert your XP Deus control unit to an earlier firmware version that supports your coil type. Another, more future-proof solution (and more expensive) is to upgrade your coil to one of the compatible X35 or HF models.
While this involves additional investment, it ensures that you can take full advantage of the enhanced features introduced with the V6.0 update and any future updates.
However, remember to check for new updates! XP Deus is known for its commitment to continuous improvement. There is a slight possibility that subsequent updates post-V6.0 may address these compatibility issues. Regularly check for firmware updates that might restore connectivity with a broader range of coils.
Facing other issues?
The metal detecting community is a vast reservoir of knowledge and experience. If you’re encountering issues, chances are, someone else has faced and possibly resolved the same problem. Forums, social media groups, and community meet-ups can be invaluable resources for troubleshooting and advice.
If you’ve tried the above solutions without success, reaching out to XP’s customer support can be your next step. They can provide guidance specific to your situation and inform you about any potential fixes or workarounds that might not be widely known yet.
What did we learn?
This experience taught me a few valuable lessons about maintaining electronic devices, especially those used intermittently like metal detectors:
1. Regular Charging: Even when not in regular use, it’s a good idea to periodically charge your device to prevent the batteries from fully discharging.
2. Firmware Updates: Always check for firmware updates before heading out, as these can significantly improve your device’s performance and capabilities.
3. Compatibility Checks: Pre-update, ensure that all your equipment is compatible with the new firmware to avoid any connectivity issues.
By sharing this experience, I hope to help fellow enthusiasts avoid potential pitfalls and ensure a smooth transition back into the field after a break, especially following significant updates like the V6.0 for the XP Deus.
Remember, the key to resolving tech-related issues often lies in patience, research, and reaching out for support when needed. Happy hunting!
As usual, I’ll be very happy if you leave a comment below with your thoughts or wishes for future articles, and if there are any questions do not hesitate to fire away in the comment section! Maybe we at Hobby-Detecting could help you with your XP Deus related problems?
