Minelab's Service Policy - this may answer a few questions

[Andy Sabisch]

Minelab has established a new service policy and it contains stated positions on repairing / servicing old units, modifying detectors and adding non-Minelab accessories to Minelab detectors. Here is a copy of the policy so if you have one of the listed detectors, you will be aware that the unit will no longer be serviced or supported via the service department. Also, if you had thought of sending in a detector such as an Excalibur to have Gray Ghost headphones or a headphone plug installed as many have done in the past, that is also no longer an option . . . . .

At least with this information there should be no surprises.

Andy

 

[Nick A]

Wow, dated today even. LOL, that was a quick response. Makes perfect sense to me though. I have no problem with this policy.
It would be nice if things could last forever, but with modern electronics that's just not how it goes.

On the plus side, this creates an service opportunity for some enterprising people who want to repair and service these older machines, though there is a point where it's just cheaper to give in an buy the new machine.

 

[Mick in Dubbo]

It sounds like there will be a few disappointed Sunray customers from now on. Sounds like they will have to use their local TV repairer in future.
Mick Evans.

 

[MXTerer]

will we be able to order schmetics and service notes on them?

 

[Willee - Texas]

There go the values of the SD-2000, SD-2100, Sovereign Xs, Excaliburs with red headsets, and a few other good detectors.
Is Minelab's era of great customer service over?
What is next ... made in China stickers? (No biggie ... others are doing that now ... without the stickers)
I guess that is the punishment they get for making a quality product that outlasts the parts supply or the tech's memory about how to fix it.
Perhaps biodegradable electronic parts that slowly dissolve and are not replaceable are the answer ... that should take care of the parts problem.

I make pool cues and if business ever gets so demanding that I cant keep up with custom orders I would hire some help ... not stop offering that service.
But then I think ... if they can no longer do custom work on their detectors good enough to back by warranty ... I dont blame them.
No work is much better than shoddy workmanship.

Take for instance the custom headphone mod on the Excalibur.
It requires replacing the end of the detector housing with a different end cap.
The end cap off of a battery pod works perfect.
One manufacture of headphones is now installing the matching connector on their headphones as standard.
Seems like a good idea ... Minelab part on Minelab detector allowing other headphones to be used ... and not a very hard mod to do.
What is the problem?

What I dont understand is where have all the AMERICAN innovators gone?
Why are there no quality made AMERICAN parts being offered to do this mod?
Ya think it is too hard to set up a CNC lathe and run 3000 end caps from high impact plastic rod?
Sun-Ray is a good example of an AMERICAN company doing a great job of making high quality accessorys for the detector aftermarket.

Oh Well ... just my opinion and worth less than two clad pennies.

Willee