Mechanical Design Improvements/Warranty Update:minelab:

[pacer]

OK, I purchased my CTX 3030 from Kellyco on December 23, 2015, so it's a given it's under warranty. I come to find after reading posts here on the forum, there are mechanical design issues with my machine. Of course, this was not brought to my attention at the time of purchase. Thank you all that had posted and brought this to my attention.

So I contacted Melissa at Minelab and explained my situation to her. She was very courteous, tentative and pleasant to deal with. Absolutely professional in the highest degree. She advised me the issues would be addressed and corrected. She also said Minelab would issue a "Return Authorization" and I could send my machine back through UPS at Minelab's expense. The whole procedure would take approximately 10 working days or so.

The bottom line is, yes there were issues, yes Minelab was aware of the issues and yes Minelab will take care of the issues including absorbing all costs associated with the machine. I would rather to have not be bothered with this situation to start with. However, Minelab in my opinion has responded to the situation in a most professional manner with great customer service, which is very much appreciated on my part.

A very Big Thanks to Melissa and Minelab!

 

[Sanderling]

Coincidentally, I just got off the phone with Melissa. As you say very courteous and professional. Hope that they get this resolved for you. I bought my CTX 1/11/16 and a detector friend told me to make sure I got the updated version which I did. I had no idea that there was one and asked Gene and Steve at Kellyco on the 11th and they confirmed that there was an updated version with a better seal (O ring) and arm rest that is more secure. So, how do you know to ask when you are not aware of an update? I think Kellyco should have mentioned this at the time of your purchase. Best regards tbw.

 

[pacer]

Sanderling,

Exactly, how is one suppose to know of any "Updates or Improvements" if one is not advised at the time of purchase. I believe Kellyco wanted to get rid of "stock on hand" rather than return inventory back to manufacture. Easier for them, harder and a big inconvenience for consumer. Which I believe shows disrespect and disregard to consumers.

But, like I said, Minelab is taking care of the situation. Just a loss of time for me.

 

[Sanderling]

Tbw, that was exactly my point. I think you are right on that they wanted to sell what they had on hand. Mine had to be drop shipped to me, but it only took like three days. Frankly tbw I do not think that you are alone in the situation you are in. I just got lucky because of someone else who is up on all the stuff going on at Minelab. So how do you like the CTX? I have not even had mine out yet. Going to try to go tomorrow. So far I find it pretty confusing, but that is just me. I am still a paper guy in an electronic world. I will figure it out, but I think it will take longer than it did with the Safari I have. Good luck to you.

 

[pacer]

Can't comment on how I like it thus far, as I no longer have it. I took it to UPS to ship it back to Minelab, East. The UPS clerk told me it would take a week to get there and another week to get it back. Coupled with the fact that Minelab will have it for about 10 working days. So, it would be safe to say it will be a month until I can get my hands on it. Now I'm a little bit ticked off!!! Not sure if I should be unhappy with Kellyco for selling me a unit that was obviously not up to standards or Minelab for not issuing a recall to retro fit the detectors, bringing them up to par. Oh well!

 

[Sanderling]

That is a bad deal for you. Minelab has known about the seal issue for some time. I hope they make it right for you ASAP.

 

[pacer]

They're going to make it right, unfortunately, I will be without my 3030 for almost a month. Imagine how I feel? Just got it a few weeks ago, haven't been able to take it out because of bad weather. Then come to find about the issues and have to send it back for retro. Sucks!

 

[KinTN]

...I will figure it out, but I think it will take longer than it did with the Safari I have...

It wont. The sounds and general machine response will feel comfortable to you. You will have to learn slightly different tones(and theyre changeable- but don't, yet) and revel in the fantastic display of whats in the ground and learn some new numbers, but when I went from Safari to CTX, it took me way less than 1/3 the hours that it took for the Safari to initially click in my brain. And thanks to all that CTX info, my understanding of what the Safari was trying to tell me was Greatly increased. Target Trace is fantastic. I never had that 'barrier' that I had to get thru with my Safari/first FBS. It was like I understood what the CTX was saying but had to learn its particular nuances. If I had Andy's CTX book back then, getting up to speed would have been even quicker.

 

[Sanderling]

Tbw, it does suck, but once you get it back you should be ready to roll. It is hard for me to imagine as I was already looking for mine the day after I bought it. Waiting is hard, but you did the right thing though, no matter the pain. There will still be some good targets for you when you get it back and I want to see the posts of your finds.

KinTn I hope you are right. Got Andy's book on the way. It just seems like there is so much to learn on the CTX, but looking forward to getting to know it. I will take it out for it's first run tomorrow and will see how it goes.

 

[Electriken]

Hello everyone,
Like many of you out there I had purchased a new CTX3030 just before Xmas from a well known dealer in Melbourne Victoria Australia and had no Idea there was an issue with the the water proof design of the Battery pack.
After reading several articles and watching some videos on Utube I am now not prepared to go into the water with my detector until I can get the issue sorted .
Iam sure the dealers and Minelab were aware that the updated version was going on sale in early 2016 so they made an effort to sell all the older versions. I hope they can offer us the same service and take back the detectors and rectify the issues at no cost to the Australian customers. Does any one know if the CTX3030 has an IP rating ? This is a design rating for Ingress Protection for Electrical goods and Equipment that is designed to be used in and around water.
Any feed back from fellow CTX3030 users in Australia would be much appreciated.

Regards Ken Grinter
Barwon Heads Vic

 

[trojdor]

Hello everyone,
Does any one know if the CTX3030 has an IP rating ? This is a design rating for Ingress Protection for Electrical goods and Equipment that is designed to be used in and around water.
Any feed back from fellow CTX3030 users in Australia would be much appreciated.

Regards Ken Grinter
Barwon Heads Vic

Ken,

Yes. From the brochure:
"Ultimate performance multi-frequency TREASURE detector with enhanced FeCo
discrimination, integrated GPS and wireless audio options, all in a sleek rugged
design that is waterproof (IP67 rating) to 10 ft (3 m)."

...which already is a problem. IP67 ratings are for (dustproof, and) submersion in water "up to 1 meter" for "up to 30 minutes"...not 10 feet.
I think the basic design was based on the 'best case' scenario that everyone would carefully check the USB cap, and the battery pack 'o'-ring, and the battery latches, and make sure all 3 cables are screwed down tight (including the waterproof headphones), and hunt carefully being especially careful not to snag the battery latches on anything.
Oh, and to hunt for 'up to 30 minutes' (remember IP67).

Problem was, not everyone was careful. (and to be fair, some very careful folk were just unlucky)
A lot of folks didn't/don't even realize the 1/4 headphone adapter isn't waterproof and can't be used underwater. So, oops...another damaged unit. Of course, the WM10 isn't waterproof, either. (To really hear underwater, you need special waterproof headphones...with the special waterproof 'screw-on' connector NOT THE 1/4 PHONE CONNECTOR...optional accessory.)

Additionally those battery latches don't close with a lot of force (o-ring is on the small side, replace with bigger one), so conversely it doesn't take a lot of force to release either latch. And for whatever reason, those latches seem to snag on everything. (cut a used bicycle inner tube into rubber bands...ranger bands...about 5/8" width, and wrap one around the housing to hold both latches shut.)

I know everyone loves to hate Minelab over how much they charge for the CTX, but with all the free warranty repairs, I suspect it's quickly turning into their equivalent of the 'red-headed step-child'.
If you want to read between the lines and observe that they learned their lesson from all this, look at the new GPZ-7000...which uses the same 'chassis' and identical battery attachment mechanism.
The GPZ is NOT listed as being 'waterproof'...it's only 'weather proof'. Lesson learned.

In conclusion, I'd suggest being extra careful...and to follow all the suggestions from this forum on keeping the CTX dry in the water...even with the 'upgrades'.

HH,
mike

 

[Sanderling]

That is good advice Mike. Like many, I was attracted to the CTX because it was waterproof. Mine came with the 1/4" type plug headphone. I was quite dismayed (to put it mildly) to see in the instructions that the headphone module WAS NOT waterproof! What !!??!! Now I have to go out and spend another $100-200 for waterproof headphones? I have since figured out how to use it in the water using the wireless module (again NOT WATERPROOF). I will not be submerging the unit, but did want to be protected if caught by a wave or in heavy rain. Calling the CTX 3030 waterproof is a bit of a stretch.

Sure the warranty is good, but look at tbw's posts above. He is out a brand new machine for weeks without even being able to use it!

 

[Electriken]

Hello Mike,
Thanks for the quick response for the update on the technical specs of the CTX3030 in regards to its IP rating. Having worked as a Marine Electrical Technician for many years out on ocean going ships and vessels I am quite aware of the problems associated with Electrical equipment that is used in and around water. I agree with you that every effort should be made to ensure the integrity of CTX3030 water proof capabilities are checked before during and after being used in and around water, and even the best designed equipment will fail due to water ingress if not maintained correctly. Maybe Minelab should talk and listen to their customers and find out what we want and get the design right the first time.

Regards Ken Grinter
Barwon Heads Vic

 

[amberjack]

Ken, better hope Melissa got a transfer to Adelaide

think now out of warranty ctx's are throw away's if they stuff up well even in warranty half the time, come on Fisher get that new machine out so I can get rid of this ticking time bomb

AJ

Hello Mike,
Thanks for the quick response for the update on the technical specs of the CTX3030 in regards to its IP rating. Having worked as a Marine Electrical Technician for many years out on ocean going ships and vessels I am quite aware of the problems associated with Electrical equipment that is used in and around water. I agree with you that every effort should be made to ensure the integrity of CTX3030 water proof capabilities are checked before during and after being used in and around water, and even the best designed equipment will fail due to water ingress if not maintained correctly. Maybe Minelab should talk and listen to their customers and find out what we want and get the design right the first time.

Regards Ken Grinter
Barwon Heads Vic

 

[pacer]

Here's my update. As I mentioned at the beginning of this thread, I spoke with Melissa at Minelab, she was delightful to deal with, a real professional. She advised me that Minelab would update my machine at no cost to me and take care of shipping in both directions to and back from their repair/warranty center in Florida. Unfortunately, my machine would be in transit for 1 week in each direction for a total of 2 weeks of travel time. In addition, Minelab would have my machine for up to 10 working days to make the necessary updates. I was looking at about a month with no machine. :veryangry:

Now comes the caveat. After the Minelab repair/warranty center had my machine for 2 days, I spoke to Marty. Again, great guy to work with and a real professional. He advised me that they did not have the necessary components in stock. He also advised me that the components were in transit and weren't due to arrive until late March to mid April. If I left my machine with the repair/warranty center until the components arrived, I would be without my machine until possibly the end of April when the travel time is factored in. Not to mention any additional delays when everyone who has the same issues as me, sends their machines in for the same upgrade.

I will have to go through this same scenario once again sometime in April in order to take care of the upgrades. To say I'm frustrated would be a understatement.

 

[amberjack]

I feel your frustration best off not worrying about it and get on with detecting arm cuff issue not a big deal and the o rings most of us are using are working and cheap and take a few minutes to fit , so send it in when you have down time for 6 months at least they are consistent so have to give them that right

AJ

Here's my update. As I mentioned at the beginning of this thread, I spoke with Melissa at Minelab, she was delightful to deal with, a real professional. She advised me that Minelab would update my machine at no cost to me and take care of shipping in both directions to and back from their repair/warranty center in Florida. Unfortunately, my machine would be in transit for 1 week in each direction for a total of 2 weeks of travel time. In addition, Minelab would have my machine for up to 10 working days to make the necessary updates. I was looking at about a month with no machine. :veryangry:

Now comes the caveat. After the Minelab repair/warranty center had my machine for 2 days, I spoke to Marty. Again, great guy to work with and a real professional. He advised me that they did not have the necessary components in stock. He also advised me that the components were in transit and weren't due to arrive until late March to mid April. If I left my machine with the repair/warranty center until the components arrived, I would be without my machine until possibly the end of April when the travel time is factored in. Not to mention any additional delays when everyone who has the same issues as me, sends their machines in for the same upgrade.

I will have to go through this same scenario once again sometime in April in order to take care of the upgrades. To say I'm frustrated would be a understatement.

 

[nasc]

AJ,

I recently bought a CTX that has been used very little. I found a post explaining the metric sizes of the o-rings but the supply outlets I contacted could not help. Do you have a part #, manufacturer or any info that could help me get them.
Thanks,
Glen

 

[amberjack]

Glen

try Ralph at sunray http://www.sunraydetector.com/ my computer crashed I had links to them from an o ring place , I will find them eventually but in the mean time maybe sunray can help?

maybe someone else has a link I know its in a thread on here somewhere I want to find it for myself also so will keep looking

let us know how you get on?

AJ

 

[amberjack]

2mm x 79mm http://www.theoringstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=368_12_11&products_id=7404

2mm x 80mm http://www.theoringstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=7405

2mm x 19mm http://www.theoringstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=368_52_51&products_id=24534

2mm x 19.5mm http://www.theoringstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=368_12_11&products_id=1946

I read somewhere sunray has a IP68 hosing for the USB port is this true and if so has anyone used them?

AJ

 

[Jason in Enid]

2mm x 79mm http://www.theoringstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=368_12_11&products_id=7404

2mm x 80mm http://www.theoringstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=7405

2mm x 19mm http://www.theoringstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=368_52_51&products_id=24534

2mm x 19.5mm http://www.theoringstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=368_12_11&products_id=1946

I read somewhere sunray has a IP68 hosing for the USB port is this true and if so has anyone used them?

AJ

I have used the 2x80 and I thought it was a tiny bit too long and too thick. I might see if I can get something about 1.8 by 79 to see if it works better. As for the USB port, I think 2mm is much too thick. I don't agree with removing the factory rubber gasket in order to use this. You can get a thinner o ring that will allow both the ring and the gasket to be compressed at the same time.