Fell on CTX 3030 and I broke it - question

[jdeiana]

Quick 2 questions for you guys who are a bit more knowledgeable in the functionality of detectors than me - I fell just the right way on my CTX and broke the handle about 2 inches below the below the screen - right about the top of the hand grip. It snapped clean in half - BUT the wire inside the hanlde which goes to the screen protion is fine and undamaged and also the wire connection to the screen protion is fine -

a bit of super glue and duct tape has it firmly back together and the tests I did on some quarters in my back yard has it appearing to perform fine - 2 questions - I think being digitial then if it works, it works, and should still perform exactgly the same without any depth or ID issues, is this a correct assumption? Should I expect it to funtion at the same level as long as it still works?

Secondly - I think (but not sure) the handle and shaft are not meant to be waterproof but just the connections inside, then would the unit still be waterproof? Is this a correct assumption?

I am not too concerned about the the waterproof part as I am about the functionality, but still good to know in case I am out in the rain.

Any thoughts or feedback on EITHER question would be appreciated since I am so mad at myself about this. May ease my mind - or not.

 

[nolanation]

You may be Safe in regards to it still working correctly, but something like that would ALWAYS be in the back of my mind. "Is it not picking this up because I broke it?" "Did I not find anything good or deep becuase I broke it?" If I were you, I would get my $2500 machine fixed. I know it could be pricey, but if you call Minelab, and explain what happened, and how terrible you feel about it. They may help you out some. Especially since it still "works".

 

[jdeiana]

You think like I do - THAT is what I am worried about - it always being in the back of my mind while I am hunting - and wondering if that was the reason I had an off day

 

[Larry (IL)]

I would REALY be surprised if Minelab did not cover accidents in their warranty. I would call Minelab to see what they say.

 

[gitterdug]

The warranty covers for defect and SPECIFICALLY exludes damage from accident, so while Minelabe MIGHT cover it for the public relations aspect, it will not be due to the warranty. Go read the warranty and see for yourself. I would still call them, and talk to someone other than a minor call taker. Someone does have the power to grant wishes and perhaps they will fix it for nothing.
This is from their warranty:
Quote:

4. To the maximum extent permitted by law this warranty:

is extended......

does not cover damage caused by accident, misuse, negligent act or omission, alteration, modifications or unauthorised service by the Purchaser or any other party; End Quote


This would exclude your situation. Don't get discouraged though. You really NEED to get it fixed properly and they are the only ones who can make it 100%.

 

[Larry (IL)]

I know what the warranty says, but I would still be surprised if they did not pick up the tab on the repair. Good customer relations goes a LONG way for future sales. What it would cost for them to make the repair would be cheap advertising when word spreads on the forums how well a customer was taken care of by Minelab USA....... [size=x-small]hint, hint[/size]

 

[jdeiana]

I had little hope it would be covered by Minelab because I was clumsy with a couple of pops in me and fell on it - I am pretty sure that is a very difficult unit to break - It took 230 pounds at the exact right angle to snap that handle - I am going to go on the assumption it will work fine - just won't be quite so aesthetically pleasing as it once was.

 

[jdeiana]

Like Larry says tho it may be worth a shot - we will see how far customer service is willing to go for a dedicated minelab customer - it is my 3rd high end mahcin I have purchased from them in 2 years (Safari and etrac) - or maybe just not gouge me on a repair - I just hate sending her away if it functions fine - me and her aren't out in the woods to win beauty contests afterall - just to make finds

 

[hershey1]

If it was my machine I would send it in to get checked out and after explaining what happened ask Minelab to call you with an estimate. If you wait something could go wrong as a result of the accident on down the road. A phone call will not cost you anything then you will know. Minelab customer service number is 888-949-6522. HH

 

[jdeiana]

Thanks for the number - I will do just that - appreciate the posts

 

[jdeiana]

For anyone curious - I did call that number supplied by HH - got a techncial guy on the phone right away - he said breaking that handle will have no effect on performance and even said the area inside there is not protected by o rings anyway so going in the rain or water would be fine - he said no need to even send it for repairs if I do not mind the cosmetic damage - she just is not as pretty as she was - should have just called them to begin with- but thanks all for the posts. And you can all file that info away in your brains in case any of you are ever unfrotunate or clumsy enough to break yours like I did.

 

[mudpuppy]

Well then...I should think that fall and break would give your machine some character, maybe even make it operate hotter and find more and better loot than the normal ones...Life is tough on us all, but most of us have come through some breaks of our own a lot better than before! Good luck with your hunting!
Mud

 

[Jason in TN]

I know what the warranty says, but I would still be surprised if they did not pick up the tab on the repair. Good customer relations goes a LONG way for future sales. What it would cost for them to make the repair would be cheap advertising when word spreads on the forums how well a customer was taken care of by Minelab USA....... [size=x-small]hint, hint[/size]

I would totally agree minelab has not been known for this in the past though. Had a buddy leave a pair of wireless headphones on the roof of his truck for the V3 drove of they hit the highway at about 50 and shattered. He called whites told them what had happened said the lady on the phone laughed and said send them to me we will send a new pair out tomorrow. Minelab are you listening hint hint.

Jason