Master Hunter ADS & ADS 7 problems

[Pappydoodle]

[size=medium][/size] Hi All. I've got a problem with both of my older Garrett Master Hunter ADS machines and hopefully someone can tell what may be wrong and how to correct the problem. First off, I've had the oldest Master Hunter ADS since August 1980, bought it new in Auburn, CA and have literally searched all over the world with this thing. The other, the ADS 7 is a newer acquisition, but just started the same problem. I was out yesterday with No. 1 when the volume started to rapidly go down to practically non-existent after the initial sweep over a target (primarily coins in a school yard). If I moved the toggle switch to either side, it would kind of reset until I hit the next target, then it was the same thing - great loud first indication, then weaker until almost gone. First thing I checked was the battery strength of 1 and 2 using the switch on the side. Number One was all the way to the right, never moved. Number Two (sound), initially went almost all the way to the right then dropped almost to the left. Ah hah, I thought, needs new batteries. I had a fresh pack (purchased yesterday morning from Target with a good through date of March 2015). These are alkaline batteries by the way. Put two new ones in the slots for Number 2 and lo and behold, the meter went full right . . . then back over to the left almost to the stop. Anyway, I tried the thing and it kept doing the same thing it started earlier even with the new batteries. Came home really PO'd and changed the batteries again just for grins - same thing. Anyway, I then grabbed the ADS 7 which I had just put new batteries into and headed back out. It worked fine for a few minutes, then there was no sound at all. I did all the necessary adjustments, but no sounds at all. Another change of batteries accomplished nothing. They were both working, then suddenly quit making noise for no apparent reason. Has anyone else had this problem? If so what was it? Factory repair maybe? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks and keep on digging !!!

Ralph

 

[Bugar In. USA]

I would be contacting the factory, last time I did, they put a tech on the line right then, and he talked me thru-
Lordy -They Good people

 

[salmonriverhotrock]

I've got an old Groundhog ADS VLF-TR and sure enjoy operating the Rascal but have never encountered any problems with it before. And to have both of your machines go on the blink makes me wonder. Not knowing, are you using a set of headphones on both machines and if yes, is it the same set? May be worth looking at but by what you described, I would have done the same thing on the first machine by changing batteries.

I was running my White's GM V/SAT the other day when all the sudden I lost my threshold. I went to reset everything and no go. I then noticed the headphone plug had somehow worked a small distance out of the jack. Pushed it in, reset my ground balance, and off I went.

 

[Pappydoodle]

[size=medium][/size]Hi SalmonRiverhotrock and Bugar. Yes, it really is a pain in the tush to have both machines go out in the same weekend with the same problem. Yes, I do use headphones with each, but not the same set. Each detector has its own set. I took the oldest apart today and fiddled around with it, but the schematic I have does not match my machines, it's from an earlier version I think. Anyway, I'm going to call Garrett tomorrow and see what they tell me. I did find a similar problem on another forum, and the guy said a transitor went bad, but I don't have any test equipment, so I can't check anything - even if I did have a multimeter, etc, I don't think I'm qualified to repair these things. If I have to, I'll just box 'em up and send to Garratt. I'd rather repair these "jewels" than get rid of them - if I can. Thanks for the advice, I'll keep you posted.

 

[salmonriverhotrock]

I know how you feel Pappy.

Years ago, I had to send my Garrett Freedom II in. It only fell from the back seat of my extended cab pickup onto the floor, not much of maybe a foot or so onto carpet but it was dead just like that. It was out of warranty by a few years but yet they repaired and sent it back no charge. Something to do with a Diode if I recall correctly. I've read though in the last year, there are some parts on the Freedom II they no longer have or can replace.

I'm affraid though if my ADS Grondhog or my Freedom II ever died, I'd have to send them back in till Garret said it's time to part with them for good. I've gotten alot of fun and use out of these machines along with all they have taught me about real metal detecting so it would be a difficult seperation.

Not sure where you found a schematic but may pay to hang on to it. I'll be watching to see how you come out on these problems and best of luck.

 

[Pappydoodle]

[size=medium][/size] Thanks for the kind words Robert. I really hope Garrett can fix these for me. I've tried a couple of thier new(er) ones and I just don't like them. Been using these type things too long and as I've told others, when one them sings - there's something in the ground. I know modern technology is a good thing, but these machines, well . . . like a 1970 Dodge Charger R/T with a REAL 426 cubic inch Hemi engine - well in my humble opinion, they just don't get any better. I did call Garrett today and the lady I spoke with said it sounded like something on the board had gone bad. She told me to box 'em up, send 'em in, and they'd be happy to take a look. They're leaving tomorrow morning.

Ralph