Response To Electricmetal21's Hardware Update Suggestions Posted On The CTX 3030 Software Update Suggestions Thread

[Altamaha]

Electricmetal21 you posted the following on the CTX 3030 software update suggestions thread:


"I don't have any CTX software suggestions but, I do have two CTX 3030 hardware suggestions:

My first suggestion is to change the CTX detector's screen so it isn't quite so reflective and so it doesn't scratch easily. If the sun is shining on the screen, the glare from the screen makes it really hard to see the numbers on the screen. The CTX screen is made out of soft plastic. The plastic is so soft that wiping the dust off the screen will put small scratches on the screen.

The CTX does have a screen cover that comes with the machine. But the glare from the screen cover is just as bad as the glare from the screen. A hard plastic, non glare, type screen or some type of hard plastic non glare cover to put over the screen would make it a lot easier to see the numbers on the screen.

My second suggestion is make it easier to change CTX search coils. I have a CTX 10 inch coil and a CTX 6 inch coil. When I change a coil, I have to thread the coil cord from the new search coil up the shaft into the machine, open the back of the machine, and try to screw the coil cord plug into the connector in the small space in the back of the machine. This process makes coil changes slow and clumsy. And, makes it is a major pain to change coils.

Doing both of these things would go a long way to making this machine more user friendly."


To speak to your first suggestion, I totally agree with you regarding the CTX 3030's screen glare problem and the poor choice of material/plastic (especially considering the cost of this machine) used for the screen. While not fixing the root cause of the problem, you may want to try the Nushield DayVue screen protector which has been recommended by several members on this forum. It helps to protect the screen from scratches and also helps to cut down on glare.

To address your second suggestion, this has been discussed on this forum before and some have alleviated the situation with regards to changing coils, by purchasing (while ridiculously expensive for the CTX) a second lower shaft for any extra coils. I did this for all of my extra coils used on my E-Trac. This makes things much easier/quicker for sure.

Hope this helps.

 

[GKMan]

unfortunately that company no longer offers that screen protector. We had talked about this a couple weeks ago and it isn't on there site. The site mentions that the reason there isn't one is because the CTX screen is curved.of course we all know this was a minor defects on some machines so it is odd that they stop selling it for all of them. Yes the extra shaft is ridiculously expensive

 

[INSAYN]

I ordered and installed the NuShield screen cover to mine and have used it for nearly a year now, including having it submerged for over 3 hours straight while water hunting.
Never had it lift or peep off. And my screen is curved just as bad as the next. Not sure why they would not have them available anymore.
A person could purchase one for a similar sized screen and cut to fit just fine.

Anyone know if carbon fiber lower shaft for the E-Trac would fit the CTX? It cost half as much.

 

[C&RHunter]

No to the E-Trac shaft fitting the CTX. Totally different shape, size, design, etc.

 

[electricmetal21]

Thanks for the information.

At sometime in the future, Minelab will probably install non-glare, hard to scratch type screens in their new CTX's.

But, considering the money that the rest of us have already paid for our machines, it would be nice if Minelab would supply a hardware patch for those of us who have already bought the CTX.

By hardware patch I mean something like a hard to scratch, hard plastic, non-glare type screen cover that we could buy (or Minelab would supply for free to those of us who have already bought the detector) and fit over the top of our CTX screens.

Minelab would benefit from better customer hardware support. Better support is good business and would help Minelab sell more of their newer more expensive machines. I hope Minelab and the companies that make metal detector accessories for Minelab are listening.

 

[Altamaha]

Thanks for the information.

At sometime in the future, Minelab will probably install non-glare, hard to scratch type screens in their new CTX's.

But, considering the money that the rest of us have already paid for our machines, it would be nice if Minelab would supply a hardware patch for those of us who have already bought the CTX.

By hardware patch I mean something like a hard to scratch, hard plastic, non-glare type screen cover that we could buy (or Minelab would supply for free to those of us who have already bought the detector) and fit over the top of our CTX screens.

Minelab would benefit from better customer hardware support. Better support is good business and would help Minelab sell more of their newer more expensive machines. I hope Minelab and the companies that make metal detector accessories for Minelab are listening.

Sometime in the future Minelab will probably Install non-glare, hard to scratch screens for their new CTXs.

- Don't hold your breath, customers complained about this with the E-Trac and did you see any improvement on the CTX (at almost twice the cost)?

Minelab supply a hard to scratch, hard plastic, non-glare screen cover for existing CTX customers for FREE?

- You must be drunk on the juice of that customer caring/friendly major competitor of theirs, lol!

Minelab would benefit from better customer hardware support by selling more of their machines?

- One would think so but as long as customers keep buying their products like hot cake regardless of their current non-responsive attitude, they have no incentive to change!

Just my two cents!

 

[Digger]

There was Product Notice issued on the Polarization issue back in June of 2012.

http://www.minelab.com/usa/customer-care/product-notices?article=98950

Product Notices 29 Jun 2012

CTX 3030 screen, polarisation and polarising effects

A

 

[CopyTech99]

For changing out the coils, I have a tight fitting plastic/rubber cap (common size) that goes over top of connector of the coil not being used. I made a hole in the dome of the cap and ran some heavy duty red string and a knot at end inside cap.

Make sure you have the shaft all the way in during changeout, and you can easily grab the string and tug the connector through, uncap and make connection.

 

[jimzilla]

How about a plug and play coil system which could be equipped with a pressure valve, the kind used for gas fittings on grills. This way all you would need to do is unplug the stock coil and plug in the new one