Compadre coil connector conversion???

[Thompson44]

I have a Compadre with a damaged coil. I'm interested if there is someone that convert it for me, to have a connector on the control housing. This would allow me to switch coils. The problem with my old coil are the wires that go in to the coil where damaged. I contacted Tesoro and was advised it would be 50.00 to evaluate my unit and because it is a fixed coil unit. The coil would need to be replaced for about 110.00 plus S/H. As much as I love this unit, I can't pay that. When a new Compadre is 169.00. I explained I just wanted the wires repaired. Tesoro that they would have to replace the entire coil. This is my reasoning to have a connector installed and I'll buy a used coil, connect and be up and running again. It bothers me to see this machine idle, knowing what it has found for me in the past. It's not my primary detector, but it's a get second detector to have. If anyone can assist me on a coil connector install, would be happy to have it in use again.

 

[amberjack]

someone will be along with that info I am sure

Tesoro has gone to the dogs not the same company they used to be, its like going to work one day and getting told your pay is being cut by 30 % not a good feeling for me they are throw away detectors now unless I can fix it myself.

so sure you can get a fix happening

AJ

 

[Thompson44]

There attitude is where in business of selling machines, not repairing them. Spoke with a Tesoro dealer, thinking he may have a better contact. He advised 20 years ago he could've had it fixed, but not today. I was blown away with their 50.00 evaluation fee! Not Happening.

 

[amberjack]

its sure changed there even from 5 years ago, I sent a CSC in they wouldn't even fix it so yeah sell away but people will go elsewhere if they cant get their machines fixed , whites was a real nice company to deal with as with 1st Texas.

so I don't know where they are heading ?? maybe they are thinking like me Tesoro's are just throw away machines and granted I have had 1 problem in 5 years so cant complain about that I guess.

so really if I get 10 years or trouble free detecting out of a machine it doesn't owe me anything but I guess people want their detectors fixed.

check on youtube should be something on there how to do what you want with the Compadre.

AJ

 

[bleeohio]

Just wondering if you purchased this new or used. I know Tesoro used to fix their products even if it was secondhand. It was great piece of mind when buying used. But,, I also understand that it cost a lot of time and money shipping, repairs even if it is neglect. No other company that I know of will do "free" work on an unwarranted detector. Some of the high end units have a transferrable warranty but that is part of the high cost of initial purchase. I just sent in a vaq. for repair and the 50$ fee is ok with me as that covers shipping back to me. Still good service in my eyes..

 

[SkiWhiz]

If you can find the correct connector, you can send me the connector and your Compadre and I will install it for you @ no charge would just ask that you cover the return shipping. Not trying to take any work away from Tesoro, just my way of giving back alittle for all the good I get out of the forums and its members. Steve

 

[bleeohio]

There's a great offer Ski, wish I had the know how to perform my own operations.

 

[Hombre]

I can vouch for Ski's work, seen a Compadre that he did a coil connector modification on, looked clean.There are some threads about this mod on the Modification Forum and where to buy connectors, I believe the company's name is Mouser (spelling?) and part numbers for the SwitchCraft connectors.

 

[ToneTime]

Hello, I went through this last year! These are the part numbers you will need. Switchcraft SL175F and SL405MX. If you go to online components you will find what you need. Hope this helps![attachment 319047 1441764971100662307425.jpg]

 

[Kickindirt]

I have a 4 pin diablo coil that has male connection. Was hoping it would work on my tejon, tejon connection is 4 pin female style. Anyone know if could some how make the 3.5x7 diable coil work on the tejon?

 

[Thompson44]

Thanks, with all this valuable info I should be able to find the parts, when I do I'll send you a PM. Thanks

 

[fowlercharles]

Hi Thompson44, I hope you wont sell yourself short with your apparent negative thoughts of Tesoro. Times have changed yes but well within reason. I bought my first Tesoro around 84, after using and being abused by another "brand " since 69. I will just say that was the smartest detector move I ever made ! After lengthy down times and faulty repairs, excuses and excessive shipping fees I got some well earned relief from Tesoro and their Lifetime Guaranty, Amazing Service , AND practically free(one way) shipping. Tesoro offered the Lifetime Guaranty from their "beginning"! Absolutely no other Detector manufacturer offered such , and did not for many, many years! I will add that if it had a Tesoro Decal anywhere on it whether it was bought 1st. hand (new) or 15th., Tesoro fixed it pronto, for "free" most always, then paid the shipping back to you. And, almost always threw in some extra(free) piecy parts that you may have needed, like battery doors, spring clips, coil bolts etc. It was almost pathetic to watch how most all the other Manufactures finally, but painfully gave in to treating their customers like people like to be treated. Tesoro had been smoking all their butts on that for years. That is what makes Happy Campers ! As for Dealers, we all know some are better than others, so remember that when shopping for any machine. As for the Plug Mod on the Compadre, Tesoro Policy has never allowed Mods on any of their machines far as I know of. The $50 for the"whatever" on a machine you send in, well, think about it! Chances are, most times that will likely cover the whole deal, but if not, and you still aren't a "Happy Camper", you can always camp elsewhere. You have serious questions and want some straight answers, call Rusty at Tesoro and get treated right! HH Charlie

 

[Thompson44]

Charles, Believe me I have always been a Tesoro guy & really enjoyed their products since I bought my first one in '91. However the young lady at Tesoro changed my opinion on Customer Service/Life Time Warranty. I still have the emails to prove it. She was friendly and professional, however she requested my serial # & few days later could not find a warranty card for my unit. I explained I was not the original owner. That's when she advised me of the 50.00 evaluation fee. I went a far as to email he pics of the frayed wires going into the coil. She advise that they would not repair my coil wires, but would have to replace the coil with a new one at the cost of 110.00. If the 50.00 fee would've been applied towards the cost of the coil, I would've agreed. That's when I explained a new Compadre was 169.00 and would not spend 160.00 on repairs. If they would have just soldered & heat shrinked the frayed wires, I'd been Happily hunting with a great machine again. I was going to buy a Tejon or Vaquero when the Compadre went down, but after this I bought a AT Pro. However it still frustrates me to see my Compadre sitting there knowing of the targets I've dug with it. I came so close to sending it to Tesoro with a note, telling them to throw it in their trash can, Because I didn't have the heart to throw it in mine. I'd buy several used ones, but never support Tesoro by buying a new. But we all know Owners don't like to let go of them.

 

[fowlercharles]

Hey Thompson 44, Oh Yeah, I know, "bigtime" your frustration with having one of your favorite machines down and no cure in site ! Your email exchange with Tesoro certainly didn't help matters but that's one thing Tesoro is known for not being so good at, Email ! It does lack the Personal Touch and may be why Tesoro has never really encouraged it! Knowing Tesoro's nature toward their customers, that is understandable! Anyhow don't give that Compadre up! Do a search "on line" , Google /Bing whatever( I just did a Bing) for "Compadre rewire" and it will bring up the whole procedure. It is by JB Ms. and he lays it all out how to do it (pics too) and the parts #'s etc. That should help you get what you need to let SkiWhiz do the project for you. Man, what a Prince he is! He is one of the many truly Good Guys we get to know in this great hobby! I hope this helps. I did not find the procedure on the Finds "Search", but "on line", Who would have thought that? HH, Charlie

 

[amberjack]

yep even buying new here doesn't matter with shipping and the look at fee plus parts they are throw away machines for me but hey I don't care only had one drama in 5 years of owning Tesoro's so not to bad , but I do understand how you feel

just buy another one or solder the wires shouldn't be to hard to do and rap some tape around it and get back out there or do the mod, one good thing there is plenty of DIY info on the net and on here to work on Tesoro's , so all is not lost.

guess they have a new boss now and business modal , but one thing is for sure it pays to ring them before sending anything in then I can make an informed decision on what's my best move in regards any repairs.

yes its sad they are not the company they once were but we all know how it is now and have a choice like you said you went with another brand and when we have all the facts at hand we can make a choice that best meets our needs and that is freedom so now its pretty well carved in stone how the new Tesoro operates we all can do what's best for us as individuals.

AJ

 

[BarberBill]

I know it's disappointing to see the change in service. However, if they had always had the newer policy, none of us would think a thing about it as it's what you'e expect from nearly any company. All detector manufacturers' bottom line is to make money, not give it away which pretty well describes all of us as well. Another thing about this particular situation is the fact that the Compadre is so reasonably priced to begin with. Putting more money into a favortie $500 plus detector that one really likes wouldn't be as hard to swallow. At any rate I hope you are able to get if fixed for a small cost. My two bits.
BB

 

[hardrockminer]

I have a Compadre with a damaged coil. I'm interested if there is someone that convert it for me, to have a connector on the control housing. This would allow me to switch coils. The problem with my old coil are the wires that go in to the coil where damaged. I contacted Tesoro and was advised it would be 50.00 to evaluate my unit and because it is a fixed coil unit. The coil would need to be replaced for about 110.00 plus S/H. As much as I love this unit, I can't pay that. When a new Compadre is 169.00. I explained I just wanted the wires repaired. Tesoro that they would have to replace the entire coil. This is my reasoning to have a connector installed and I'll buy a used coil, connect and be up and running again. It bothers me to see this machine idle, knowing what it has found for me in the past. It's not my primary detector, but it's a get second detector to have. If anyone can assist me on a coil connector install, would be happy to have it in use again.

Thompson44,

I to had a damaged section in the insulation down by the coil, it allowed moisture to get in the coil & cause falseing.

I took the Tesoro MDer to the Tesoro factory in Prescott, AZ. After checking out the unit they said the coil was bad & needed replacement. So I bought a new coil from them to fix it. I never considered it a warranty issue.

They build a good product & they are usully good sports about people sending in their MDers for a tune-up (something I think is abuse) when nothing is wrong with the machine.

Maybe you can get a used coil here at findmall cheaper & hardwire it in yourself or have a friend do it. Buying connectors just makes the process more expensive.

HaRM

 

[Thompson44]

Thanks for all the input. I did order a couple different connectors Friday off of Ebay. So I'm hoping I'll be closer to having the Compadre up and running.

 

[Thompson44]

A Big Thanks to Steve (SkiWhiz) for repairing my coil & converting my Compadre with a coil connector. A Tesoro has been brought back to life to detect again. Thanks Steve

 

[SkiWhiz]

A Big Thanks to Steve (SkiWhiz) for repairing my coil & converting my Compadre with a coil connector. A Tesoro has been brought back to life to detect again. Thanks Steve

It was my pleasure. Hope that you don't mind that while I had it apart I sprinkled a bit of magic in it, get ready to dig lots of goodies