Here we go again Excalibur Back to Minelab

[erikk]

Sounds like people might be better off buying an older used Sovereign model and sticking the box in a water proof container. More reliable than an Excal, lighter, cheaper, and so on. Those stinking POT dials on the Excal are the main problem people have with reliability. They didn't use a POT with a sturdy enough dial stop, and once the POT wipers/feelers get pushed into that part of the dial where they never were intended to ride the contact points distort the feelers, so even if you get the dial back into it's normal surface range chances are the feelers aren't making good contact with the surface area anymore. If I have one warning for Excal owners is DO NOT crank the dial hard trying to see if it's really in it's last possible position. Lightly turn the dial and when it wants to stop- STOP! Don't second guess yourself and try cranking things further. I know that's hard to do because I too like to crank on a dial on things to make sure it really has stopped or clicked, but you have to fight human nature here to avoid blowing past the POT stops.

Here is an IDEA The only dial I use is the on/off threshold Turn off or on till you hear the slight hummm all the others I just set and forget

 

[erikk]

I have seen people with the larger knobs on the excal's they have yet broke a pot! I think the reason for over size knob on the threshold is good for very fine adjustment. You can kinda just squeeze it to get that tweak you need. With the stock knobs you have to support your hand and wish the knob to move just ever so little. I never had the machine long enough to get new knobs. I have to say I had to buy a new Minelab before sending this one back. I just didn't want to go through the good hunting portion of the year without one. Now if we could just get a storm to cooperate!

Radio Shack

 

[Willee - Texas]

Sounds like people might be better off buying an older used Sovereign model and sticking the box in a water proof container. More reliable than an Excal, lighter, cheaper, and so on. Those stinking POT dials on the Excal are the main problem people have with reliability. They didn't use a POT with a sturdy enough dial stop, and once the POT wipers/feelers get pushed into that part of the dial where they never were intended to ride the contact points distort the feelers, so even if you get the dial back into it's normal surface range chances are the feelers aren't making good contact with the surface area anymore. If I have one warning for Excal owners is DO NOT crank the dial hard trying to see if it's really in it's last possible position. Lightly turn the dial and when it wants to stop- STOP! Don't second guess yourself and try cranking things further. I know that's hard to do because I too like to crank on a dial on things to make sure it really has stopped or clicked, but you have to fight human nature here to avoid blowing past the POT stops.

Very good advise ... and do not install larger knobs to give you better grip and torque.
I would rather fuss with a slippery knob than twist it past its stop.
The pinpoint control is a good example because of the "O" ring seal it is hard to feel the "click" and the tendency is to twist it past the stop.
You got to use a delicate touch when turning the knobs on an Excalibur reguardless of what model it is.

It is about time for a redesign of the Excalibur ... lose the tube style case and go to something that will allow a more durable switch configuration.
But it should not double the price.

 

[Critterhunter]

Maybe you could glue a piece of plastic or metal onto the control housing next to the dial, then glue a piece onto the dial. Position the one on the case at the last spot the dial should be allowed to move to so that it bumps up against the one on the dial and prevents you from over stressing the POT stop.

 

[otlew]

That is an excellent idea Critter, but I think Minelab should be the one to do it and offer to retrofit every Minelab 1000 and 1000 II out there for a very reasonable price. I wonder if they are repairing for free the units that have failed because of a well known design flaw. They see these in the repair facility every day and don't you think they know this?

Since they are NOT going to, then I think I might try your idea, simple, fast and positive. Think Gorilla Glue would do the job

Maybe you could glue a piece of plastic or metal onto the control housing next to the dial, then glue a piece onto the dial. Position the one on the case at the last spot the dial should be allowed to move to so that it bumps up against the one on the dial and prevents you from over stressing the POT stop.

 

[Critterhunter]

I'd use Epoxy. Gorilla Glue will try to foam out too much on small contact points like that. Good quality hobby grade epoxy found at a hobby store. Trust me, the stuff is MUCH better than the garbage you get at Walmart and such. Comes in two clear plastic bottles. One with red lettering and one with black. Forget the name but most hobby stores carry it.

 

[dbsmokey]

I think the epoxy is called jb weld. JB Weld

 

[Critterhunter]

No, that's something else. This stuff is clear Epoxy and comes in two clear bottles. Just about every hobby store carries it. Strongest epoxy I've ever used.

 

[otlew]

Will do. Your idea was such and obvious solution, I was trying figure out a way to put the stops on the inside, but why, just make a lexan or polycarbonate flat and glue at each extreme of the knob rotation. It might look weird, but if it keeps you in the water scooping gold and silver, well it can just look weird.

I'd use Epoxy. Gorilla Glue will try to foam out too much on small contact points like that. Good quality hobby grade epoxy found at a hobby store. Trust me, the stuff is MUCH better than the garbage you get at Walmart and such. Comes in two clear plastic bottles. One with red lettering and one with black. Forget the name but most hobby stores carry it.

 

[otlew]

Critter,
Is this the type/brand you are speaking of?

2 Part Epoxy

 

[Critterhunter]

That's a different brand I think but it should be just as good from the looks of it. The stuff I use is in the same bottles but one bottle has read lettering and the other bottle is black. The red is the hardener. Lightly sand the surface of the Excal where you want to glue a stop and also where the piece to run into the stop will be glued onto your dial. Also sand the plastic or whatever you are going to use. Clean those surfaces with a little rubbing alchohol after sanding them lightly. Mix equal portions of the two part epoxy well and work quick with it as it will harden quickly if you buy the 5 minute stuff (this brand has 5, 10, and half hour types...I prefer the 5 minute). Just mix up a little at a time, done one dial with the piece glued to the dial and the stop for it. Then mix another small batch for the next because once the stuff starts to harden in like 2 or 3 minutes it will lose it's ability to stick things together well. If it's getting thick/hard it won't work nearly as well. I like using Q-tips to mix/apply. Have a piece of clear box tape handy to tape over and hold the part to the dial or control box, unless you can hold your hand real steady and apply pressure for a good 5 minutes or so. You need some decent light pressure to insure strongest bond, so using tape works well.

 

[otlew]

Critter,

Thanks for the clear instructions. I have hobby shop in my area for modelers, but I am going to wait to go over there, or go anywhere, this traffic is crazy....Merry Christmas everyone.

 

[Buried Crap NJ]

An update on the Excalibur repairs. I have it back and lets just say it's working as if its brand new. (Matt L No laughing) I have used it a couple of times and the issue's are no longer a problem. Thanks to Ewout for taking the time to allow me to help trouble shoot the issue's. I hope this help in your repairs and decisions and outcome of my machine. It looks like Minelab has settled in there new home. Things are looking up in the repairs of the Excaliburs. If you still have questions about your machines contact them they were very helpful this time around. Be patient,give them the time and the info they need to make the repairs. This will help everyone in the future. steve

 

[boog]

Minelab and I had some issues earlier in the year---they were resolved and I am well pleased. QUESTION: All manufactured products (including metal detectors) will experience issues dealing with their reliability etc...Check the threads on any forum--Why is Minelab (excal II) targeted out to the extent they are? Am I to assume that Whites, Fisher,Garrett etc...detectors are flawless, and if not, have service departments that can turn around repairs in less time than Minelab? I have not seen any ill-reviews of other detectors quality or service in any of the forums----if there are- please guide me there--otherwise get off the band wagon and let Minelab continue to improve. Food for thought--HH Boog

 

[otlew]

Boog, what was the nature of your problem and how did Minelab resolve to your satisfaction? Let's give them the full credit.

No doubt you have disgruntled people with all the brands and the various models produced. Thinking people speak from personal experience and not from the influence of other people's experiences. So if a person is happy, then good, but if they were to go through what the complainant has they might see things a bit different.

Then you have what the young folks refer to as a "Fan Boys", never critical of something they like and ardent supporters of their choice. To do otherwise might suggest they could be wrong about something, not allowed by that mind set.

How much loyalty does a manufacturer deserve, If they take your money with the promise of value and fail to deliver ? Everyone makes mistakes, it is what they do about it that is the true measure.

As far as the Excalibur II, its perceived quality and thus reliability was brought into question for many as some were posting about numerous trips back for repairs. Hopefully Minelab has resolved this and the new Excalibur will return to a normal state of perceived quality and reliability. I have had three brands of detectors now and really have no major complaints about any of the machines. All of these machines lacked in some aspects, including the Minelab, perfection is elusive.

 

[SurfPro]

I was seriously considering purchasing an Excal II 1000, now I think I'll wait. I hope the folks that are making the decisions at Minelab read these forums. For now, I have a nice waterproof box for my Sov that I bought from Bling that I'll use this summer.

 

[marbien]

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE SOOOO I WILL WAIT UNTIL THE STORM RIDES THROUGH TOO MUCH RAIN IN THESE PRODUCTS