Heip! What do I do??????

[theministerman]

Yesterday I assembled my new Minelab E-Trac metal detector and I charged the NIMH 1600 Slim Pack for 18 hours. When I installed it correctly(there's only one way to do it.) I then pushed the Power button and there was no sound. I then checked if I had seated the battery pack correctly. It clicked and locked in O.K. Still nothing! I then thought I"ll try using the 8 AA Super duty battery pack in case the battery charger may have been bad. So, I went to the store, bought 8 Super Duty AA EverReady batteries, installed them by the book(4 in one direction and 4 in the opposite direction as per diagram. Check and double check( former military man) and when I pressed the button, held it down for 3 seconds then released my thumb, Nothing happened. No tones. No sound. To say I was NOT happy is the understatement of the year. But wait there's more! I calmed down and decided to call Minelab headquarters in Las Vegas , Nevada U.S.A. The phone number listed is 1(702) 8809 on the back of their E-Trac Instruction manual. The recording said that this number is No longer in service. Maybe I misdialed. I wasn't thinking too good. my wife called. She called the operator. They're no longer there at that address says she. Twilight Zone? Area 51?
Does KellyCo handle all problems concerning problems of this nature now. Shipping is going to cost $40.00. What should I do?

 

[Sailorman]

Call Kellyco first. Let them walk you through any checks if they want to try. Be polite and they will usually bend over backwards to help. If you have to return it request that they pay the shipping. Sorry to hear you're having a problem, that's a let down for sure. You shouldn't need to hold the power button down for three seconds though, mine is just a momentary press and it's booting up.

 

[NebTrac]

Minelab repair is now 2 places. In Illinois and in Florida....I believe. They haven't been in Nevada for over a year now. Sometimes mine will shutoff and say "overvoltage" on the screen. I usually just drop the battery pack in a little harder than before and that works, so you might try that.

This is a dumb question, but I'm just checking. You are pushing the top button on the left ?

NebTrac

 

[theministerman]

Thank you for your reply Sailorman and Nebtrac. Yes, I will be polite with Kellyco. I spoke with George earlier last week concerning the other coil i ordered (4.5x7) and he was very nice. He told me that coil is on backorder. When I called on Saturday at 1Pm ( California time), they told me they were getting ready to close up shop.( Fla. time is 4pm.) and to call back Monday morning. And yes, I did push the Power button to no avail. I am quite disappointed in that these machines appear to just get shipped out without any inspection or quality control. It reminds me of new cars sold in this country 5-10 years ago and then show up in the back of Consumer Report magazines with dangerous brake problems, fuel leaks spilling on hot manifolds etc. Anyway, thanks again for your help and assistance.
Gene

 

[Sailorman]

I will say that once you get a working E-Trac you are going to have one fine detector on your hands. They take a little time to learn but it will be worth it. Coils are a headache right now. With the big gold rush in Africa and increase in sales here and elsewhere they are often back ordered for long periods. I really lucked out and got an Ultimate 13" for mine just because I got one of the few unclaimed ones that were just coming in.

All the manufacturers seem to be at Max output and having trouble keeping up right now.

 

[elki1052]

theministerman, I don't know if you are aware of the "LEMON LAW" if I were you I will insist on a NEW REPLACEMENT because of the fact of DOA (dead on arrival) and ship the one you got at dealers expenses.
it is unfortunate that this happened but your warranty should cover for a new one do to the fact that it is 0% used.
who knows what Else may be wrong with this unit and sometime later when the warranty expires it goes dead again! and then: $$$$$ for you!
just my 2 cents.

 

[Mosley]

When I got my E-trac, it didn't work. I took a pencil eraser and polished the two contacts on the battery pack. That did the trick. The E-trac has worked great since.

 

[theministerman]

I have cleaned the contacts, I have done everything I know to do. and it appears that this machine is indeed DEAD. I will call Kellyco first thing Monday morning and have them walk me through whatever steps they might have to determine what I pretty much already know. I think you're right Mosely, I think the machine is dead. I am aware of the Lemon Law and have no problem insisting on a new machine with free shipping all around.

Thanks to everyone for your responses.

 

[pescadore]

I'm pretty sure Kellyco will take care of you. Good Luck !! You will love the E-trac when you get one that works.

 

[Coilfisher]

I noticed if you have stereo headphones and they are set to MONO you cannot hear the Etrac (at least on mine).
But, I would assume you had tested them with the headphones out of course.

 

[theministerman]

I called Kellyco this morning and spoke with Lelani. I explained everything to her and she simply said for me to send it back and they would send a new one. She also gave me a return shipping number and for me to stick it on the box and they would pay for the shipping. Hope it works this time. Thanks to all for your input. I really appreciate it.
gene

 

[Sailorman]

Glad to hear they took care of it! Sorry you had to wait but you'll just have that much more fun with it I hope.

 

[elki1052]

KELLYCO is SUPER!!! what a service!!
I'm glad your problem has been taken care. you will love that machine. and welcome to the silver magnets.