Do Not Expect CTX Updates Anytime Soon

[Altamaha]

Speaking of design flaws/poor design, oversights or whatever (i.e. micro-fonts/poor status bar readability, clock placement, leakage, etc) regarding the CTX 3030, has anyone noticed that the user function (previous mode setting) is lost when the detector is powered down? This setting which allows one to configure the detector to be able to quickly switch between 2 different programs/modes & 4 different patterns, is lost when the detector is powered down. This is a great feature, but why not leave it set (like the rest of the user function settings) until the user wants to change it. Just wondering if anyone else has noticed this or is it just my machine or a flaw/design oversight on Minelab's part? I have checked and this is the only one of the user function settings that is lost when the detector is powered off. I noticed this early on after purchasing the detector and have suggested (on the suggestions post) that a change be made to maintain the setting until the user changes it like all of the other user functions.

It is not a design flaw...... it is part of the design encompassed in the soft programmable functionality of the User Button. When you shut the detector off, then turn it back on, it starts up in the mode you had running when you shut it off. And since you just turned it on, at that point in time, there is no previous "hunt" mode. In fact, electronically,the previous mode would have been OFF.

Hmm, that makes sense logically if you consider the definition of previous mode as in "current & last of two modes being used during a detecting session". I was thinking that this might have been their reasoning for implementing it that way. I was however just thinking of it as a two high/position program stack with the facility to toggle between two (favorite/frequently used) programs. A few other detectors that I have used had such a feature and would remember the current & last used programs of a detecting session. Very powerful for cross checking a target by comparing between two programs with different attributes. In any case when the previous mode option is chosen/setup in the CTX 3030 the two programs (current & previously used) are obviously in the stack & switchable during the detecting session. Would be nice (never mind/or change the label if that's the hang up) to just save them both when the detector is shut down, so that they can be used (if desired) without having to reconfigure the detector after the machine is powered on again.

Thanks

 

[Digger]

I hear what you're saying.......to accomplish what you suggest could be done with a dedicated "two function" switch matrix. But then, I think it would cease to be available as a User Programmable function of the "multi-functional" soft key. I say that because similarly, the backlight settings are only available when the backlight is not controlled by the User button. Just a guess on my part.

 

[Digger]

They'll respond when we, as consumers, hit them at their bank account. The next time they come out with a new whatever (harness, detector, pinpointer), just don't buy one.

For the record, the first Explorer was brought to the market in the late 1990's. The Explorer evolved to the Ex2, then the SE. The E-TRAC was introduced in 2008, nearly 10 years after the Explorer came about. The E-TRAC was their flagship detector for the next 4 years, until the release of the CTX3030. So prior to the CTX3030, we had about 14 years of Explorers and E-TRACS, none of which could be updated or upgraded. If you wanted to "maintain current functionality", you would have had to purchase four different detectors over a period of nearly14 years.
The CTX3030 has been commercially available for just a little more than a year and half. During that brief time, (comparatively speaking) it has allowed us to "maintain current functionality" by implementing the free online updates. Maybe some think that their CTX3030 hasn't received all the upgrades they hoped would be here by now. But regardless of what your plans for the "upgrade sequence" is, the CTX3030 functionality is current. Unfortunately, some of you seem to have convinced yourselves that Minelab isn't working to further enhance the CTX3030.....their new "Flagship detector".......their first platform that doesn't require buying a new detector when updates and upgrades are developed. And your "idea" for getting them to respond to your suggestions is to not buy any of their products?

I can understand being frustration from not getting all we want, all at once. But recognizing that some manufacturers release products that are unproven in the field, I appreciate Minelab reviewing the CTX user's "wish lists", and working toward those enhancements that will maintain the reliability of CTX3030. And for that diligence, I certainly don't understand your suggestions.

 

[Larry (IL)]

I agree with you 100% Randy, some of these whiners needs a reality check, they don't know how good they have it with the CTX.

I want, I want, I want.........

 

[Mason Jarr]

Well, Randy, you likely have insight into what's going on at MineLab that most of us do not. I don't know if they're working on a new update or not. They haven't responded (as far as I'm aware) to any of the suggestions/desires we've asked for. Maybe they're calling you and telling you that they're working on it. They haven't called me. They haven't posted on this website. I haven't seen anything on the MineLab site. In my simple mind, that seems like they're ignoring us.....the people who buy their products and keep them on the leading edge of this hobby. When I earn my money and use it to buy a product and then the seller doesn't respond in a manner that I think is reasonable, then I don't spend my money with that seller anymore. Maybe, that's not how everyone will act, but it is how I will. I'm sure people will not make their decision on whether or not to buy MineLab products, based on my words. I think they will make their decision based on MineLab's care of their customers. I look at it as I would a new car. I don't care how old it is or how many miles I have on it. If it's not running like I want it to and I paid good money for it, I want it fixed and quick. For $2100 I think that's a reasonable expectation. Perhaps, you do not.

 

[Mason Jarr]

I agree with you 100% Randy, some of these whiners needs a reality check, they don't know how good they have it with the CTX.

I want, I want, I want.........

Hold on there hoss! Having an opinion that's different than yours doesn't make me a whiner. As I said, in my first post "I want" one additional bin in combined mode. Is that an unreasonable request? I never said the CTX isn't a good machine. I just think it can be better....and based on the number of people who post when these topics come up, I'm not alone. Some of you guys must have stock options.

 

[Digger]

I look at it as I would a new car. I don't care how old it is or how many miles I have on it. If it's not running like I want it to and I paid good money for it, I want it fixed and quick. For $2100 I think that's a reasonable expectation. Perhaps, you do not.

I agree that having a product perform as advertised is a reasonable expectation. In that regard, what isn't functioning properly on your CTX3030, that needs fixed?

 

[Mason Jarr]

It's already been fixed once. It broke 5 weeks after I bought it and I had to send it in for a new screen and keypad. Isn't it OK if I just would like to have another bin in Combined mode without there having to be a malfunction with the way it's running now? As I said above, I never said the CTX is a bad machine. I just think it can be a better machine and part of the reason I bought it was that I was impressed that there would be an ability to update the platform through firmware mods. I know you're a smart guy, Randy, and I definitely don't want to debate you. I know I'd lose. But I would ask that you channel some of your energy and influence into getting ML to work on some of our requests. And, if they are already, to have the courtesy to make a short statement to let us know. That's just good business AND customer service.

 

[GateKeeper]

I WANT to go hunting with Digger

 

[Larry (IL)]

I wasn't singling you out MJ, sorry you took it that way. I too could use an extra bin and I have told Minelab so, it might come and it might not but I will not dwell on it. I'm thrilled with what I have and it suits my hunting needs quite well.

 

[Mason Jarr]

I wasn't singling you out MJ, sorry you took it that way. I too could use an extra bin and I have told Minelab so, it might come and it might not but I will not dwell on it. I'm thrilled with what I have and it suits my hunting needs quite well.

We're good. The written word is easy to take out of context. I'm an outspoken person (comes from 30 years in the military), but I do try to analyze what I say beforehand. It doesn't always work.

 

[Digger]

I would ask that you channel some of your energy and influence into getting ML to work on some of our requests.

I've put more time and energy into the CTX3030 during the past several years than you can imagine. Thousands and thousands of hours in the field......and thousands of miles in between. But rest assured that, although I am confident that they read this forum, I will continue to reiterate (to Minelab) what has been suggested (by the users) for platform evolution. Truth be told, many of those suggestions are also on my personal "wish list".

 

[Altamaha]

I understand that there are defenders of Minelab on here and that's their right. It's also the right of those of us who don't like the fact that they (Minelab) haven't (at least it seems that way) been listening to their customer's wishes regarding what they would like to see as new features/upgrades to the CTX 3030. There is an old saying/truth in business that "the customer is always right/king", and wise, good business people heed this truth. As far as the time between the release of the first Explorer and the E-Trac (14 years) this is a totally new/different age (IT, Internet, software driven/upgradeable devices, 3D printing, etc.) This is an age where technology is changing so quickly that a leading edge device/product can become totally obsolete in only a few years. Remember, it was Minelab who saw the need (out of necessity I'm sure to) to stay abreast of new technology by adopting new method & techniques to produce the kind of products (software driven/upgradeable) which we have all become accustomed. That's just the way things are now in a rapidly changing technological world. We expect constant changes/upgrades to products. Minelab used the idea/promise of software upgrades as a selling point (check their brochure/website) for the CTX 3030, and being a creature of this new rapidly changing technological era, I as a customer expect them to honor this promise (not discussing free or not free here) and not take two years (which is an eternity in today's world) to start fulfilling it. Regular upgrades/improvements with modern software upgradeable devices/products is just standard practice today, why should we expect any less of Minelab? This is the time we live in!

I say all of this as someone who has been a loyal Minelab customer for years! I have owned every one of their detectors (Sovereign, Explorer XS, Explorer II, Explorer SE, E-Trac and now the CTX 3030), which has costed me many thousands of dollars. The reason that I have owned them is because I like them. I haven't always been happy with their customer service and their poor response to customer suggestions in the past, but the CTX 3030 is a totally different animal (I like it) released with a totally new/different promise, than their previous hardwired machines and I am really unhappy that they are not fulfilling this advertised promise!

My two cents!

 

[BH_Landstar_]

Tunnel Vision Syndrome springs to mind here with all this !

Fixed on a single point -- New Product -- Gold Seeker in the mid range price bracket.

Will this also be software updatable ? If it is, I sure hope that they (Minelab) get their act together with updates / fixes in a more timely fashion than what they have done with the CTX at this point.

As for the CTX, I would have liked to have had the option to change the handle angle where I could tilt it forward or back and lock it in that position, this would have made it more flexible for those that are tall and have long arms.

Just my two cents.

 

[Digger]

Minelab used the idea/promise of software upgrades as a selling point (check their brochure/website) for the CTX 3030, and being a creature of this new rapidly changing technological era, I as a customer expect them to honor this promise (not discussing free or not free here) and not take two years (which is an eternity in today's world) to start fulfilling it.......................the CTX 3030 is a totally different animal (I like it) released with a totally new/different promise, than their previous hardwired machines and I am really unhappy that they are not fulfilling this advertised promise!

You mentioned the word "Promise" several times. So I followed your advice and checked the brochure. Here is what I found:

"Software Upgrades - With the CTX 3030 you can now upgrade your detector software - simply connect to the internet and XChange 2 to download the latest version.
Look forward to exciting new developments from Minelab!"

They updated the software within the first few months. They didn't wait two years, as you suggest.
You have access to the latest version via XChange2. I, like many others, look forward to exciting new developments.

 

[TheGeorgiaCanuck]

So far I havn't had any problems with the CTX3030. The headphones and pinpointer....yes.

Broke the cord at the strain relief within the 2nd month. Returned it and got another set. Cord broke on new pair within 3 months, this time I just cut the cord and soldered on a 90deg 1/4 stereo jack, filled the solder area with silicon, then covered the cord about 4" from the plug with glue type heat shrink. No problems since. Will be getting Sunray Gold's for Christmas.

The Minelab pinpointer started going nuts after 3 months, returned it, got another and guess what....1month later it started doing the exact same thing. I tossed it in my backpack and bought another Garrett pinpointer. I did like that the Minelab one would sense things at 4" deep, but I can't use defective products.


Now the ONLY thing that I *wish* the CTX3030 had, is the nice silver warble tones from the Etrac. Other than that I have no complaints.

 

[chadwick]

I have no complaints I have had great luck with customer service. I love my ctx I have tons of silver and great experiences with it. The updates arent keeping me from getting my money out of it . Im just happy to have one and understand its up to me to get the best out of this machine.

 

[GateKeeper]

Are you guys seriously listening to yourselves? You have the best machine on the market and your still not happy with that. Have you all learned every aspect, and function? If you haven't, why are you complaining? Could there be some tweeks here and there? Sure, but I'm not going to badmouth a machine, throw myself on the floor and have a temper tantrum.

I myself have had a great time with my CTX. I have found so many amazing finds. I even enjoy it more hunting behind someone else with a different machine and see the look on their face when I pull a target out of the ground they have missed.

With that being said, this thread is going no where and it's boring me. I'm locking it down. Post future responses at the top where it belongs. FYI, if it gets out of hand again, your post is getting a big boot.

Happy Holidays Everyone
Gate