I found these recently cleaning out my dad's house. My dad owned Semtech Inc. back in the day (now a huge electronics corp). He hired Jack Roach and somehow started producing these METL-SENSOR detectors. I think my dad wanted to mass produce Roach's design. When I was a kid (1970's) I remember using the original Jack Roach square head detectors and cleaning up at the schools and parks. I remember how easy it was to separate the trash from the treasure. I found an ad in Popular Science in 1978, but otherwise I think this venture didn't get very far. I removed the old mercury batteries and hooked up a 12v supply and they both fired right up! I don't know what to do with these units. If anyone has a suggestion please let me know. BTW my dad is still around if anyone has a question about the history.
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Vintage Roach / Semtech Detectors Found
- Thread starter roboworm
- Start date
Old California
New member
Congratulations! You sure do have something special here, I've heard of these but never seen one before.
The two holes in the coil, I'm sure one is for ferrous the other for conductive targets if its designed similar to the Roach square coil. The meter, if similar with the Roach detector will ID targets based from conductivily. I'm not sure if this model does ID, pretty sure it does if its a Jack Roach design.
I would be willing to purchase one, seriously would love to have one. I do have two Roach detectors, but one isn't working now has a coil cable issue right smack were it connects to lower square coil.
Thanks for sharing, please keep me in mind if you can let one go. I collect vintage metal detectors, this is one model I'd like to have.
Please tell your dad detectorist out here still remember his Metl-Sensor model, and a few of us remember the Jack Roach model with square coil.
Take care,
Paul
The two holes in the coil, I'm sure one is for ferrous the other for conductive targets if its designed similar to the Roach square coil. The meter, if similar with the Roach detector will ID targets based from conductivily. I'm not sure if this model does ID, pretty sure it does if its a Jack Roach design.
I would be willing to purchase one, seriously would love to have one. I do have two Roach detectors, but one isn't working now has a coil cable issue right smack were it connects to lower square coil.
Thanks for sharing, please keep me in mind if you can let one go. I collect vintage metal detectors, this is one model I'd like to have.
Please tell your dad detectorist out here still remember his Metl-Sensor model, and a few of us remember the Jack Roach model with square coil.
Take care,
Paul
Old California
New member
Hello roboworm,
I'm more north of you central Calif, 3 hour drive. I can take a drive down there, if you were to consider parting with one of your vintage models. Trade or sell, if you can.
I once met someone who was a silent partner of Jack Roach, he had loaned Jack some money to start his business with the square coil Roach detector. That's how i obtained the first square coil Roach detector, the silent partner had one model.
Thanks,
Paul
I'm more north of you central Calif, 3 hour drive. I can take a drive down there, if you were to consider parting with one of your vintage models. Trade or sell, if you can.
I once met someone who was a silent partner of Jack Roach, he had loaned Jack some money to start his business with the square coil Roach detector. That's how i obtained the first square coil Roach detector, the silent partner had one model.
Thanks,
Paul
Old California
New member
Hello Tom,
That would be nice, always enjoyed the Roach detector with square coil. Detention was different from today's technology even different from detectors of same era, has a set of ferrous and conductive coils within the square coil.
The METL-SENSOR models appear to operate similar, only the main coil is round with the two small ferrous and conductive coils within.
Take care Tom,
Paul
That would be nice, always enjoyed the Roach detector with square coil. Detention was different from today's technology even different from detectors of same era, has a set of ferrous and conductive coils within the square coil.
The METL-SENSOR models appear to operate similar, only the main coil is round with the two small ferrous and conductive coils within.
Take care Tom,
Paul
Paul,
So I just had dinner with my dad tonight and asked for more details. He met Jack Roach when they both engineers at Hughes Aircraft. My dad, Jack, and one other person left and started a company called Trans-Electronics, making solid state diodes. This was in the 50’s and was soon bought out. Several years later, my dad started Semtech (also diodes) when he eventually “bought” the rights to Roach’s detector, after prospecting with Jack as a hobby. My dad says Jack’s innovative “pulse” technology was novel at the time, he doesn’t remember the details but probably a handshake deal.
My dad doesn’t remember if the pulse technology was used in the original square Roach detector, or it was something new. It would be interesting to compare the circuit boards to see if thay are similar. One interesting side note is I probably soldered up the circuit boards when I was a kid. My dad would bring home projects and teach me electronics, he said the detector was one of them.
So that’s the story of the Semtech Metl-Sensor.
I also still have a sack or two of silver coins my dad found back then. I have some 1700,s coins from a kingdom in Europe. He was on a business trip with his detector and found them in only a couple hours. He wanted to go back until he realized he stole the Kings property!
Paul, if one or both of these detectors would add to your collection, I can let them go. I am near retirement and have always wanted to hunt again like I did with my dad, so possibly a trade? I’m having back surgery Monday so maybe in a few weeks we can talk about it.
Greg
So I just had dinner with my dad tonight and asked for more details. He met Jack Roach when they both engineers at Hughes Aircraft. My dad, Jack, and one other person left and started a company called Trans-Electronics, making solid state diodes. This was in the 50’s and was soon bought out. Several years later, my dad started Semtech (also diodes) when he eventually “bought” the rights to Roach’s detector, after prospecting with Jack as a hobby. My dad says Jack’s innovative “pulse” technology was novel at the time, he doesn’t remember the details but probably a handshake deal.
My dad doesn’t remember if the pulse technology was used in the original square Roach detector, or it was something new. It would be interesting to compare the circuit boards to see if thay are similar. One interesting side note is I probably soldered up the circuit boards when I was a kid. My dad would bring home projects and teach me electronics, he said the detector was one of them.
So that’s the story of the Semtech Metl-Sensor.
I also still have a sack or two of silver coins my dad found back then. I have some 1700,s coins from a kingdom in Europe. He was on a business trip with his detector and found them in only a couple hours. He wanted to go back until he realized he stole the Kings property!
Paul, if one or both of these detectors would add to your collection, I can let them go. I am near retirement and have always wanted to hunt again like I did with my dad, so possibly a trade? I’m having back surgery Monday so maybe in a few weeks we can talk about it.
Greg
Old California
New member
Hello Greg,
Wishing you a quick and speedy recovery from back surgery, near retirement too best to get these done as soon as possible so you can enjoy retirement.
That will be great, yes let's talk some more in a few weeks and I'll purchase or trade for both if its ok. Have modern detectors to trade, or sell out right which ever you prefer.
I think the technology Jack used on the Roach detector was a beat-frequently type setup and it was something new. I'll have to look it up, but this sounds about right. Just amazing, how your father started these two businesses, Trans-Electronics and then Semtech Corporation which I believe you mentioned is still around.
Sounds great Greg, please get back with me after you've recovered from surgery. Looking forward to meeting you, have so many questions to ask you pertaining to both the Roach detector and MetL-Sensor model.
Here are two pictures, one of a Roach detector meter and your MetL-Sensor meter, both are the same meter only differences are models. I'm sure your meter ID with conductivity, same as the Roach.
Thank you Greg,
Paul
Wishing you a quick and speedy recovery from back surgery, near retirement too best to get these done as soon as possible so you can enjoy retirement.
That will be great, yes let's talk some more in a few weeks and I'll purchase or trade for both if its ok. Have modern detectors to trade, or sell out right which ever you prefer.
I think the technology Jack used on the Roach detector was a beat-frequently type setup and it was something new. I'll have to look it up, but this sounds about right. Just amazing, how your father started these two businesses, Trans-Electronics and then Semtech Corporation which I believe you mentioned is still around.
Sounds great Greg, please get back with me after you've recovered from surgery. Looking forward to meeting you, have so many questions to ask you pertaining to both the Roach detector and MetL-Sensor model.
Here are two pictures, one of a Roach detector meter and your MetL-Sensor meter, both are the same meter only differences are models. I'm sure your meter ID with conductivity, same as the Roach.
Thank you Greg,
Paul
Hey there Paul : The only place I know of, that has a collection of vintage detectors, is Fisher Co. When they were headquartered in Los Banos, I went to their place. And in the lobby of the building, was a room or two that was dedicated to vintage detectors. Not only their own Fisher brand, but also other brands. Did you ever get to see that while they were in Los Banos ? And in addition to detectors, there was also displays of various things their customers had found over the decades.
Not sure about their present company headquarters in El Paso . As to whether or not they have continued these displays there. But if they DO, then you ought to write in your last will & testament, that upon your passing, that your collection goes to them. Then future generations could continue to enjoy some of the unique items you've gathered.
And be sure to not only say "Paul", but also say : " Aka : Old California". So that anyone familiar with your forum avetar will remember "oh yeah! that Paul fellow", haha
Not sure about their present company headquarters in El Paso . As to whether or not they have continued these displays there. But if they DO, then you ought to write in your last will & testament, that upon your passing, that your collection goes to them. Then future generations could continue to enjoy some of the unique items you've gathered.
And be sure to not only say "Paul", but also say : " Aka : Old California". So that anyone familiar with your forum avetar will remember "oh yeah! that Paul fellow", haha
Paul,
You now know the extent of my knowledge of metal detectors! The Roach is the only one I’ve ever used!!! I haven’t hunted for 45 years. My dear wife bought me a discovery 1100 for Christmas a while back and has collected dust since. You can bring me up to speed and maybe my dad can help with any questions you have.
I can tell you back then there wasn’t anyone faster than me in clearing a playground of its loot !!!!
Glad I found you Paul. See you soon.
Greg
You now know the extent of my knowledge of metal detectors! The Roach is the only one I’ve ever used!!! I haven’t hunted for 45 years. My dear wife bought me a discovery 1100 for Christmas a while back and has collected dust since. You can bring me up to speed and maybe my dad can help with any questions you have.
I can tell you back then there wasn’t anyone faster than me in clearing a playground of its loot !!!!
Glad I found you Paul. See you soon.
Greg
Maybe this forum doesn't have a "PM" system. If not, (and if Paul doesn't see/reply to this), you can PM me via the forum: "Friendly metal detecting forum" . My avetar there is Tom_in_CA And I will hook the 2 of you up via email.
Thanx for helping Paul preserve a unique sector of md'ing nostalgia !
Thanx for helping Paul preserve a unique sector of md'ing nostalgia !
Old California
New member
Hello Greg,
I apologize, I may have placed myself in harm's way of being banded maybe even placed you in that position as well. For bringing up a possible trade or sale for the vintage detector on an open forum, I should have found other means to contact you. Noticed you were a new member, and I new your private messaging feature would not be activated until a certain period of time. That is why I asked openly, was wrong to do so.
Sorry Greg if I caused any problems, please continue to share your experiences and post when you can. I believe after a certain period of time, a number of postings you'll have access to the private messaging feature.
Thanks again for sharing, look forward to taking with you in the future.
All the best,
Paul
I apologize, I may have placed myself in harm's way of being banded maybe even placed you in that position as well. For bringing up a possible trade or sale for the vintage detector on an open forum, I should have found other means to contact you. Noticed you were a new member, and I new your private messaging feature would not be activated until a certain period of time. That is why I asked openly, was wrong to do so.
Sorry Greg if I caused any problems, please continue to share your experiences and post when you can. I believe after a certain period of time, a number of postings you'll have access to the private messaging feature.
Thanks again for sharing, look forward to taking with you in the future.
All the best,
Paul
Old California
New member
Hello Tom,
I've never been to the Los Banos headquarters, missed out on that opportunity wish I had though.
Carl and a couple of others are the true collector's, Yes, collect them but use them as well. Always been fascinated with older technology, heck I still use an analog TV with converter with one of those flea market antennas.
Been a while since heading out in your direction, suppose to get with El to give him quick lessons with the Equinox. Maybe we can meet somewhere, scrub our coils over old dirt.
Take care Tom,
Paul
I've never been to the Los Banos headquarters, missed out on that opportunity wish I had though.
Carl and a couple of others are the true collector's, Yes, collect them but use them as well. Always been fascinated with older technology, heck I still use an analog TV with converter with one of those flea market antennas.
Been a while since heading out in your direction, suppose to get with El to give him quick lessons with the Equinox. Maybe we can meet somewhere, scrub our coils over old dirt.
Take care Tom,
Paul
Old California said:
I only had a couple of days on the Equinox (I got one of the early ones that got shipped out). And didn't care for it in the turf (when compared to the Explorer). But I did have fun with it in the dry sand at the foot of Ocean Ave @ Carmel beach. Even got a few wheaties and silver with it. In the couple of hours I messed with it, I got a good feel for it, in that one particular venue.
It turns out I'm meeting with another Nox user there this coming Thursday. I will see if El wants to join us. And I can show him my settings that I'd arrived at. And show him some flagged signals. Of course, this would be specific for *just* that type hunting. Not for turf, or relicky ghost town, etc....
later, Tom
OK....from reading all of the posts and it looks like the voltage used to fire this detector up was 12 volts. That is wrong...I know for a fact that the original detector called for a 7.5 volt mercury battery. This battery is probably obsolete by now...so somone should be able to wire up voltage from 5 AA batteries to get the required 7.5 volts. The 12 volts is just too much battery power and will over time cause a short circuit. I played with one of these for a while ...I think that it was in 76 or 77....I almost bought a used one in the early 80's....probably 81 or 82....even then those 7.5 volt batteries were hard to find...so that was one of the reasons that I did not purchase it plus still wanted a lot of money in 80's currency!!