Lifespan of the Minelab Explorer XS?

[coil.soiler.rich]

I have 2 Explorer XS, both made around 2002 I think. One has seen heavy use and the other one very little use. The heavily used one is dead (no power up). The lightly used one was working fine until finally now it powers up, sort of, but then shuts off immediately.

I thought it was a battery/voltage issue so I tried fresh AA's, then I disassembled the battery holder and burnished all the contacts with sandpaper, cleaned up with alcohol and .... no change. I did get the voltmeter on the pack up to a full 12 volts now.

So my question is whether continuing to open up the machine and clean contacts or resolder anything might get it working or whether due to age the lightly used Explorer is a lost cause? Do they all quit working when the circuit boards reach a certain age? Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

[straker]

I've seen owners get a new explorer face plate decal with touch pad membranes and replacing them to fix power up issues. Sometimes a capacitor will go bad.

 

[MikeO]

Worst case scenario you can send it too MSR Detector Repair.
https://metaldetectorrepair.com/

 

[Desi Dunne]

Yeah...those button membranes weren't the best when it came to 'moisture ingress' UNDERneath the sides edges and around the bottom etc.
Many failed and are still doing so. Probably the No.1 fault in why so many "EXplorer's' are now defunct?
You can Order them Online if you do a search around...but take in the uk when doing so...

I have still an "Explorer XS", a very low Serial No. and still works!