E-Trac Display Screen

[DFXer]

I like this detector but the E-Trac's display screen is giving me fits. With the protective cover on, the display is too dark in cloudy weather and it creates too much glare in sunny weather. Of all the detectors I've owned, this display is the most challenging. Neither the backlight nor the contrast setting are any help. Is anyone using the E-Trac without the glossy cover? My assumption is that it is intended to be used all the time since removing it and reinstalling it is work.

I use my DFX without a cover and have never scratched it. Is the E-Trac display too sensitive to be used without the cover?

Thanks,
Paul

 

[Bell-Two]

The Minelab cover is too tight, I use the Sunray and it comes off and on easily. There is a clear screen protector that is available can't mention name here but it works very well to protect from scratches, use enviormental cover only for rainy or extremely mudd conditions. Contrast in bright sun is always a problem, I have learned to tilt the detector head a bit and use my body to block sun glare....with my body it doesn't take much to block the sun

 

[UtahRich]

Are you talking about the Rain Cover? I use a Xagg screen protector and it works great to prevent wear and dirty fingers from scratching the screen and buttons. However, it doesn't protect against rain, dirty winds and the like, but is easier to see thru.

Perhaps if I wish real hard, Minelab will come out with a rain/splash resistant version here in the near future that has a non-glare screen.


Rich

 

[LostNowFound]

n/t

 

[david.di]

It's a personal need/want , if anything. If your careful, no the cover is not necessary.

Naturally enough, it helps to keep it from scratching, if you subject the control box to a situation that will cause such scratching. Like when you put the detector into your car , it helps with transportation, but you can wrap just about anything over the control box to this anyway. In the field, the cover keeps dust off it and will keep it looking new.
In my case, it never sits around long enough to gather dust, when not in use anyway

I can tell you that I have used the Etrac in heavy rain and it got the control box pretty wet , muddy , but no means is it that fickle, not to be able to sustain such exposure. Just wipe it dry and clean. I've actually poured water over the control box to clean it.It's a very, hardy control box. I have taken to simply covering the push buttons that I use most , to stop them from looking over worn , but the rest is not protected.

Personally, I have found that not having the screen covered at all with any clear membrane lose fitting cover, when using the Etrac, is the best for viewing it's screen. I've used PDA style screen covers and they work well and are probably another method to help protect against......... what?

 

[LostNowFound]

I do not use a cover with my ETRAC.

THe screen so far has been easy to read.

 

[joedirt]

I bought some screen cover plastic from Best Buy. Then took a piece of paper and laid it over my E-Trac screen and used a penl to outline the entire face of the console. Then I laid the paper over the screen cover plastic and cut the two at the same time using the marked paper as a template. Then I put the plastic over my console and held it in place with a couple tiny pieces of scotch tape.

It keeps my screen from getting scratched, does not add additional glare, and can easily be wiped off or replaced once it gets too scratched up.

I know it sound ghetto, but it works for me.

 

[Diggler]

I can barely read my screen in most situations. Took off the cover and didn't help. The depth gauge is hardest for me to see. By the time I point the coil to the sky and walk in a circle trying to get a view I forget where the target was. Really bugs me.

 

[DFXer]

Diggler,
I agree. I was relic hunting today and the depth meter indicator was almost invisible. When I'm programming the machine indoors I can barely see anything. I'm going to a treasure hunting show tomorrow and plan to talk to the Minelab people.

Paul

 

[nge]

I don't use one either, I don't like hunting in the mud or rain. Also, I hardly ever look at my screen, only when I get a strange sound I've never heard before. I usually use multi-tones.....NGE

 

[Diggler]

I wish someone could modify the Etrac software to show the depth in inches in the FE/CO area.
Maybe in Australia where the sun shines in the opposite direction it is not a problem? Couldn't
Minelab let users update software through the computer link?