Cracked Headphones

[txbluesman]

I recently purchased an Excalibur from one of my hunting partners (I have never detected in water) and sent it in to Minelab to give it a check to make sure it was in good working order. They checked it out (and didn't charge me) but when I received my detector back the headphone's casing was cracked (due to poor packing and/or shipping abuse). I tested the headphones and they still produce good sound, but I'm going on my first water hunt in 3 weeks and want to know if I should get them replaced prior to my hunt - or do you think I will be OK. I really don't want to travel 600 miles to have my headphones quit the first time they get submerged (I won't be diving on this trip, just wading chest deep). Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Gulf Hunter]

That's a tough one txbluesman. As far as I know water gets into the headphones, even wading. Sometimes I dive under to fan out a hole. I am not sure what the reprecussions will be for you. If Minelab will take responsibility for the damage, this would be a great opportunity to have the junky blues replaced with the yellow Koss units and they may pay! What a deal! Give it a shot, because I payed $75 for my headphone upgrade and it was a great choice. You may still have time, if they get you right on the bench, before you head out. Where do you live in TX and where are you headed, if you don't mind me asking?
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[txbluesman]

Amarillo and heading to Galveston (your neck of the woods). I really don't want to press Minelab for the repair since they were kind enough to check it out without charging me (ie. 2nd hand detector). I hate to spend anymore money on a detector I will use only once a year, but then again I hate to waste a week long hunting trip. If I go for replacements, do you think the yellow headphones or grey ghosts? (I have grey ghosts on my SE and I like them)

 

[Gulf Hunter]

Ay, yer comin' to me haunt, eh? I'll be around, but you may not see me. I'm a night pirate!
Grey Ghost from what I understand work well. Have never used a set personally, but I'm certain there are others here who have. I know Max has used some, so perhaps when he wakes up in the morning, he will chime in here. Can you do your own install? I ain't about to try that one. It certainly cannot hurt for you to at least make a polite inquirey to Minelab. They are a great, customer service oriented company. They have taken care of many issues for me that were questionable defects. A little good will goes miles with me. Don't be afraid to at least tell them what happened and just see if they offer to help you.
GH

 

[adam in cal]

Maybe if its only a crack you could goop it up with some kind of waterproof silicone or some similar product ?? just a thought .....good luck

 

[Excal1]

Call the Minelab number and ask for Sandy. She is Great. She is a detectorist also from way back. If there is anyone there that will change the phones out, it will be her. Tell her Bobby Gaston said Hello.
PS - When you talk to her and explain the situation don't sound offensive though. She will beat you. Just explain the situation and ask her what she thinks you should do. You might be surprised.

 

[ejudasf]

I would call and ask politely like everone else is saying. But, if they don't change them, and or you are affraid of 'wasting' a trip, it would then depend on what type of crack are we talking about.

I am not a Minelab speaker person, but the way these underwater headphones are put together, there is GOBS and GOBS of rubber sealant encasing the 'speakers' inside. (They are actually piezo tweeters.) And at all wiring connections or solderpoints, there is also GOB of rubber protecting it.

Water does get into the cups anyway, if you were to dive with them.

Again, it would depend on the location of the crack, but more than likely they should be fine.

laterz

ed