Setting up a magnetic rangefinder ear cap

Darth Voorhees

Well-Known Hunter

Preferred Vendor

• May 24, 2014

• #1

I decided to post this as people ask about it on occasion and why not share? thats why we are here!

So, i bought small (1/4") circular magnets in 2 thicknesses 1/16th inch and 1/8th inch. I drilled countersink holes in the helmet mounted earcap with a drill bit the same size as the magnets in 3 locations. I put superglue in the countersink holes and press fit the 1/8th magnets in them. then i did the same for the removable part, using the 1/16th magnets. You have to be careful on the removable side because its very thin so you just need a slight countersink.

To get them to line up..i just put dabs of black acrylic on the magnets on the helmet side and then lined up the earcap and "touched" it in place so it would transfer the paint to the outer cap.

Mine isnt lined up totally perfect, but its close..i could have taken a bit more care and got it more even but i was rushing it for an event lol

 

Jc27

Well-Known Hunter

Preferred Vendor

TDH PREMIUM MEMBER

• May 24, 2014

• #2

I did the same thing to my ear piece. It works well and makes taking the stalk off easy.

 

DeathProof

Active Hunter

• May 24, 2014

• #3

Forgive my ignorance....why would you need to take the stalk off? I guess for transport?

 

Jc27

Well-Known Hunter

Preferred Vendor

TDH PREMIUM MEMBER

• May 24, 2014

• #4

Yeah, I am afraid that it will get broke off.

 

Darth Voorhees

Well-Known Hunter

Preferred Vendor

• May 24, 2014

• #5

Transport, replacement, to tighten, if you need to rewire....thats all i got lol

 

DeathProof

Active Hunter

• May 24, 2014

• #6

Makes sense!

Thanks for the idea!

 

K

kaptnmike37

New Hunter

• Sep 29, 2014

• #7

This is a great idea,thanks...i'm going to use this.

 

tubachris85x

Well-Known Hunter

• Sep 29, 2014

• #8

Aligning the magnets have always been a pain in the butt, but the best method I've found for me, would of course as you described, counter sinking the magnet(s) (I've done only 3 max). I've never been a fan of the paint/marking method, so what I do is apply the magnet to the outer RF ear cap, then place a barrier (like saran wrap) over it, and press the ear cap in places so the magnet will fit the hole and then you can adjust the alignment of the ear cap. Once you get that set, just let the adhesive set. (I use JB weld typically)

 

Fett 4 Real

Sr Hunter

• Sep 29, 2014

• #9

Only thing with your magnet setup is that if it gets bumped its coming off... magnets are good vertically but horizontaly they dont hold and once moved to the side they release if you will. A better thing to do is 2 posts where your bottom two magnets are and a magnet between them. Less magnets used = less money and its more secure. It is then secured in both planes of movement.

 

Fett 4 Real

Sr Hunter

• Sep 29, 2014

• #10

Like so

 

tubachris85x

Well-Known Hunter

• Sep 29, 2014

• #11

Fett 4 Real said:

Only thing with your magnet setup is that if it gets bumped its coming off... magnets are good vertically but horizontaly they dont hold and once moved to the side they release if you will. A better thing to do is 2 posts where your bottom two magnets are and a magnet between them. Less magnets used = less money and its more secure. It is then secured in both planes of movement.

Click to expand...

I haven't had that issue to be honest with all my past commissions where I made that modification. Then again, I rarely ever remove it at all. I did a single post and one magnet for my montross lid but that was because I didn't have suitable space for more than one magnet

 

T

Trooper Trent

New Hunter

• Sep 29, 2014

• #12

The way I did it so that it would line up perfectly every time is to countersink into the helmet side piece double deep, then install the magnet recessed inside. I did not counter sink the magnet on the ear cap side, but just glued it on. That way not only is it attached magnetically but the outer magnet has to fit inside a hole, forcing it to fit in the perfect position every time and preventing it from moving at all.

To do this:
1. I first drilled the hole into the ear piece just deep enough for two magnets to fit.
2. Put the magnets together and place them in the hole but DO NOT GLUE.
3. Place a dab of super glue on top of the top magnet
4. Place the ear cap down and position it perfectly and let it adhere to the upper magnet.
5. Pull the ear cap away from the ear piece, bringing both magnets with it (since they weren't glued down and first one is now glued to the cap).
6. separate the two magnets and glue the second magnet down into the ear piece hole (make sure the poles are oriented the correct way).

And here's a video showing how it lines up perfectly every time.

 

Last edited by a moderator: Sep 29, 2014

Fett 4 Real

Sr Hunter

• Sep 29, 2014

• #13

That works to so it doesnt shift

 

T

Trooper Trent

New Hunter

• Sep 29, 2014

• #14

exactly. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure I drilled the hole to fit a total of 3 magnets. So the recessed bit is actually two magnets for added strength with the third being attached to the ear cap. It definitely helps the cap to hold stronger.