Well, Dan, I gave it some thought...
"Just taking one apart you may damage its weather resistant integrity and taking the steps if you knew them without
proper testing equipment one goof up in the procedure you may be going backwards and do more harm than good."
By golly that is absolutely correct.
My CZ-6 employs a red spongy rubber type gasket beneath the faceplate, and it could indeed have stuck to one side or the
other, in part, when I popped it out of it's case. Gaskets are frequently sacrificial in all sorts of repair work, and I doubt
the same material could be readily purchased, yet with a little searching, a satisfactory substitute could be found, and the
process of fabricating an acceptible duplicate could begin, using an exacto blade and a straight edge.
However, a thinly applied bead of RTV, allowed to cure completely, before engaging, would most likely suffice, since our
goal is not to be waterproof, but to be somewhat splash resistant.
Sure, some of the trimmer caps are possibly frozen in position, since we're talking about a machine that's probably 15yrs
old, or more... Judicious application of compressed air, or use of a heat gun can remedy those situations, if a very light
tapping won't dislodge possible corrosion from salt air. Otherwise, we're back to a solvent of some sort. Xylene or
acetone applied with the end of a toothpick could be enough to save the day.
I've found that a bit of warmed vegetable oil may ease the release of a stuck gasket. It's possible to warm it in a
tablespoon, that has set on an electric stove element, then draw some up in a syringe for application.
Gasoline may also break loose a gummed gasket, when applied with a syringe, if you're a bolder sort.
Appropriate tools are a requisite.
I'd hazard a guess that many of those beepers out there have at least a passing interest in electronics that would exceed
the level found in your ordinary swash buckler pirate of a modern day treasure hunter. After all, they did spend the big
bucks on an electronic tool! They may already have a digital multimeter. A scope or old LCR bridge are going pretty
cheap on the bay, these days of throw away electronics. What else are we gonna need? A small precision soldering
station, an old Eico grid dip meter, an swr analyzer from Ramsey?
Not a problem, for any number of intetelligent people looking to make improvements in the scheme of things.
It's easy enough to purchase the tools, I've got 'em by the ton.
(I just had to tape a magnet to a dowel, so I could reach across the garage, over a pile of tools, to grab a bolt from my bolt
bin, if you can believe that level of ridiculous!)
Basic use of electronic test equipment isn't so difficult, yet the fine points do require an education... or guidance, to
accomplish a specific task.
Schematics seem to be problematic, in the competitive world of metal detector manufacturing...
It's not like we can grab a copy of Sam's and go to work.
Yet, if a knowledgeable fellow is available, who might enjoy educating others, and thus improving the world around
himself, wouldn't that be a good thing? I very much enjoy being around smart people... one less thing to worry about!
But that's not to say you won't find me in the company of corsairs, buccaneers, and freebooters, from time to time!
"My posts were made in good faith lest someone damages their unit or perhaps makes it less effective because of
untrained hands entering it."
Of course you meant well. I accused no one of malice!
The fellow expressed interest, and asked for guidance, if the tech had been amenable to such. Apparently he wasn't.
...And I've been advised by a competent fellow, that the most common causes to discover a metal detector in the pawn
shop are divorce, and someone twiddling inside the case... LoL
"I guess thats why we have Tech's and again if I felt my unit was not working correctly would contact a local Fisher dealer
for his expertise and if applicable send it into Fisher and let the pros work on it..."
Yes, there is an absolute need for technicians. And many people would probably toss a malfunctioning item in the trash,
and put another on the credit card, if they did not send it in for authorized factory service.
I've spent much of my life around people who drive a truck from the showroom floor into the garage, rip the motor down,
and install a cam, chip, exhaust, and supercharger... Or buy a brand new $20k motorcycle, and tear it down for paint,
engine mods, and nitrous.
Many years ago I watched a Pantera go directly to the shop, for a completely built engine. (It wasn't quick enough???)
Frankly, I remain distressed that so few refuse to toe the line, any longer.
Adventure within guidelines lacks innovation.
We'll be stuck in the comfort zone as others in the fast lane zip past us.
...and think of those techs, earning a decent living for their families, re-adjusting what someone had taken 15 minutes to botch... LoL
When the kiddies in the park ask me, "Watcha doin?" I tell them, "I'm lookin' for pennies." They run on their way.
When people ask what I've found, I tell them, "Pennies and pulltabs... But I hope to find a nice ring, for my wife!"
They grin, and go on about their business happily, because I've left them with a concept of great things.
Everyone already knows if you work your fingers to the bone, all you get is boney fingers.
90% of everything IS dung. But that's not why we work our way through it.
I've always hoped that if I could spark the light in just one person during my daily travels perhaps creativity and
innovation would come of it. I like the idea of a better place!
It's all good.
rmptr
