Etrac Problem

[Obie1]

Hi everyone,

I have a problem. When I was hunting today my etrac went to overload when I was digging a target. So I moved it and it was still doing it. Did a reset and then a master reset, no luck. It will stop doing it when I am next to my car or another large metal object. Also when I put a target on the ground and then put the coil right on it, it will stop. When I turn It off and then back on, it will take about 5 sec and then overload again. Took out the batt pack for a couple of mins but that didn't help either.

Any suggestions would be great,

Thanks,

Obie

 

[CBAILEY IN GA]

Don't sound good, did you clean the coil and cover? Craig

 

[LabradorBob]

check to make sure all the batteries are in correct!

LabradorBob

 

[Mach1Pilot]

Do you have another coil to try?

 

[Obie1]

Yes cleaned coil cover, Change batteries with new disposable and tried the rechargeable pack. Took off the coil from control box and turned it on and it did the same thing. I know it sucks, I was just getting a possible silver signal and then.....Disaster!

 

[Obie1]

Update: Called Kellyco (MD dealer purchased from) and they have never heard of this problem, so instructed me to call Minelab. Have called them and had to leave a message, I am waiting to hear back yet. In the mean time my Etrac has decided to start working again.... It has been very humid here latley, I wonder if there is moisture getting in the control box shorting something? I hope the ET is made with some kind of weather protection on the circuit boards. I was thinking of running a bead of silicone down the bottom of the handle where the two halves come together to further prevent and moisture from getting into the case. I keep thinking that when I set it down in the grass, water may seep in there and start some corrosion. Just a thought.

HH
Obie

 

[C&RHunter]

I bought my Etrac late Sept of 2008. It would go into the overload mode on occasion at first. Resetting seemed to correct it, I thought. But as time went by the problem kept getting worse. After about 4 months, I talked to Minelab and had to send it in for repairs, and they fixed it on warrenty. Since being repaired, things have been fine. You probably need to call Minelab and talk to to them. Good luck. (By the way, nothing to do with this post, but my hunting partner recently sent his XS in to Minelab for repairs, per their instruction, and should get it back before long. So they are still repairing the old XS machines, even though there are "rumors" that they won't.)

 

[Obie1]

Well about two days after had this problem the Etrac started working again, so I decided to use it. No sense in sending it in if everything appears to be working, right? Well the other day I went to use it and it wouldn't even turn on and still won't. I guess the Trac needs to go home to get repaired at this point. Oh well, I guess I can just watch the forums and wish I were finding the good stuff like the rest of you until it gets repaired!

HH
Obie

 

[Cladiator (OR)]

Sorry to hear the bad news. I hope the turn-around time is quick and you can get back out hunting soon. If they give you any details on what got repaired, let us know. Thanks.

 

[Obie1]

Will do. When Minelab called they said it sounded like the PCB, but we'll find out.

 

[utahshovelhead]

Just currios if you know where your E trac was made or manufactured ? Also if you might know the serial number so I can see if mine was made the same day. You don't realy need to reply to this post if you dont want to as I know your haveing a bad day. Sorry Bro.

 

[OhioCoinHunter]

When my E-trac died on me Minelab put a new pcb in it. It's like getting a brand new detector. For the past year since I got it back, it's worked great. I hope they get your detector back to you quick. Seems like the move to Chicago has really set them back.

 

[Obie1]

Well got back the Etrac yesterday. They put in a new PCB. Haven't used it yet but hopefully it's good. The only thing is that it looks like they switched the handle on it. It has dirt in some of the bolt holes, by the head phone jack and the logo is chipping off on the side. It was only 2 months old so I know it wasn't in that bad of condition. Not a real big deal but kind of disappointing. Anyone else who has sent theirs in notice this?

 

[Cladiator (OR)]

Thanks for the update. The "used" handle switcheroo sounds kinda cheezy though. I hope the "new" unit it works well for you.

 

[Obie1]

Hopefully all the battery contacts are new too if their going to do that, and the headphone jack! It may be just me, wouldn't you return something better than you received it? Being the manufacturer and all, I know I would want it that way!

 

[Barry NY]

let me tell you this and it is 100% accurate because I have done it myself:

if you bought the unit using a credit card and it's been fewer than 60 days from RECEIVING YOUR CREDIT CARD STATEMENT - not from receiving the unit then these are your rights:

you have the right to request a FULL REFUND or REPLACEMENT for DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE from the retailer. if the retailer refuses you have the right to DISPUTE THE CHARGE and get a credit on your statement.

it's a real crime and shame that people believe that they have to endure the problems of having to get a brand new piece of electronic equipment repaired after just having bought it. that is NOT the case.

metal detectors are not cars - if it breaks in the timeframe of 60 days from getting your credit card statement showing the charge for the purchase - get a new one plain and simple - don't stress or bother about repairs. it doesn't matter which retailer you purchased it from. do not listen to anything the retailer tells you otherwise. they are on the hook for 60 days from your receipt of the credit card statement.

hopefully this helps everyone who comes across this most unfortunate situation.

Barry