How do you send a Garrett Pro-Pointer back?

[bowwinkles]

target area with two coins, one is deeper than the other. Your base machine detects the one closest to the top and you dig the plug and use your old limited depth pointer and make the recovery. Now your old pointer does not detect deep enough to see the lower coin, so it could be missed. Now come along with the same situation but using the TRX and with its greater capabilities, the possibility of it seeing the lower coin is much greater and it also would be recovered. Thus someone coming along later after your hunt using the new science may recover the missed coin. That is what I was saying, no reflection on anyone.

 

[TN_INDIAN]

I would love to hunt behind all you guys that uses the TRX pinpointer. me and my trusty 3 year old Garrett propointer that's never been serviced wld clean up.

 

[choppadude]

I would love to hunt behind all you guys that uses the TRX pinpointer. me and my trusty 3 year old Garrett propointer that's never been serviced wld clean up.

And you have used the Whites TRX how many times? If I am correct, you need to try BOTH items before you can make any type of comparison.
Must have bought that "3 year old pro pointer" used since you have only been detecting for less that 2 years.

 

[chris kennedy]

The last three new pin pointers Minelab, Vulcan and TRX all have more than a single on/off function. What are you going to do when Garrett and others decides to follow the leaders and do the same?? The science is advancing and very soon I expect there will be flood of used single function units available to be gobbled up by those who desire that old style pointer.

for the record the newest minelab pinpointer is a piece of junk, it has less range than the garret and not to mention it has a higher failure rate. the vulcans are good from what i hear but again not up to snuff with garret.

 

[bowwinkles]

for the record the newest minelab pinpointer is a piece of junk, it has less range than the garret and not to mention it has a higher failure rate. the vulcans are good from what i hear but again not up to snuff with garret.

I have had three Gpp units Two that quit and had to be returned (at my expence) and the final replacement unit. I also have a Minelab with a bunch of hours on it and it has never failed. None of the three Garrett pointers have ever began to match the depth of the Minelab. If the failure rate is higher for the Minelab then I have not seen that data posted anywhere. My minelab has been a workhorse and only got a rest when my new Vulcan came into use. Now the TRX has the Gpp shelved and the Vulcan and Minelab enjoying the ride to the field as reliable backup. My dirt, my style of hunting and my choice. Please continue with your choice and enjoy the hobby.

 

[chris kennedy]

I have had three Gpp units Two that quit and had to be returned (at my expence) and the final replacement unit. I also have a Minelab with a bunch of hours on it and it has never failed. None of the three Garrett pointers have ever began to match the depth of the Minelab. If the failure rate is higher for the Minelab then I have not seen that data posted anywhere. My minelab has been a workhorse and only got a rest when my new Vulcan came into use. Now the TRX has the Gpp shelved and the Vulcan and Minelab enjoying the ride to the field as reliable backup. My dirt, my style of hunting and my choice. Please continue with your choice and enjoy the hobby.

yeah, another thing is why pay 50 bucks more for the minelab, i could understand $10-15 but it seems sort of outrageous.

 

[SavingThePast]

target area with two coins, one is deeper than the other. Your base machine detects the one closest to the top and you dig the plug and use your old limited depth pointer and make the recovery. Now your old pointer does not detect deep enough to see the lower coin, so it could be missed. Now come along with the same situation but using the TRX and with its greater capabilities, the possibility of it seeing the lower coin is much greater and it also would be recovered. Thus someone coming along later after your hunt using the new science may recover the missed coin. That is what I was saying, no reflection on anyone.

I would hope that everyone checks their hole with their detector after retrieving a target no matter what pinpointer they are using...

 

[bowwinkles]

If ur detector did not see the lower target the first time then why would it see it the second pass. The TRX at the bottom of the hole will read the presents of a target 3 to 4 inches further on down in and below the hole, where as the Gpp would not. That is the situation I was describing.

 

[OleSarge]

What needs to be done? Thanks in advance. GL and HH. Matt

Sorry folks, I need to get back on topic for a minute and get Matthias' Pro Pointer in the mail. Just call Garett at the number listed in your Pro Pointer owners manual. They will give you a control number and allow you to mail it to them with follow-up capabilities once they get it.
For certain you are going to have to pay a buck or two postage to mail it to them but they package it and (will probaby) pay return postage.
Mine took two weeks to turn around and was returned to me in every case working and appearing to be a brand new Pro Pointer.
Since I dropped mine in the bottom of a muddy stream, stepped on it and washed it off, Garrett would have had every right to charge me for repairs, or at least a penalty for being so stupid.
There should be no misunderstanding here about why my Pro Pointer was sent in....It never stopped working, the speaker just dimmed down and became harder to hear.
Will it break again...as certainly as I will possibly drop it in the street as I cross and a car smashes it.....will I bedamn it because, it being a necessarily very sensitive piece of electronic equipment, being used in the very harsh world of metal detecting...succombs after being immersed in muddy water, thrown around on rocky soil and probing through acidic or corrosive dirt? Heck NO!! I've never owned any other tool which has provided such dependable service, at a level as near my expectations as possible, and only demands a fresh 9V battery occassionally.
Bottom line here, call e'm, get a control number, mail e'r, and wait. They may send you some Garrett thingy's like a hat patch, Garrett anniversary pin or other logo related goodies too.
Off topic again....Using the metal detector as a pin pointer for layered targets, buried atop each other and consisting of different metals has never worked very good.
The AT Pro will discriminate the easiest target to find, which is usually a penny, if one is in the mix, and report it on the DTI along with the others as scratchy flashes.
When the divot is opened and the pin pointer used discrimination has fairly well became a secondary task, and the pin pointer can concentrate on the target most local to it.
As layered targets are located and removed additional waves of the metal detector will allow discrimination and (maybe) a better idea of what's left in the hole.
For this reason the length of my Pro Pointer's tongue is really irrelevant because it isn't identifying the target metal I'm digging at the minute. It's sole purpose is to quickly and effectively pin point it for removal from the divot....and I really don't like it licking too many other targets lying too far from my intended target.

ATP/GPP/Fiskars Diggers/BH Outback/CT hand held

 

[Walker614]

I would hope that everyone checks their hole with their detector after retrieving a target no matter what pinpointer they are using...

Agree 110% the pp is just that tells me if I'm close or not. My ATP has already told me something was down there. It I don't get a signal then I dig deeper. I don't get the issue.



Chris W.

 

[bowwinkles]

Let me try one more time. Stacked targets that are about three inches apart. Your base detector (be it ATP or others) finds the top target and you dig the find. You then re sweep the area with the base detector but it still does not see the lower target. You cover the hole and go on to your next detected target. My judgement is that if your pin pointer has greater capabilities than the Gpp then the lower target most likely would have been detected even though the (ATP) did not see it on the second sweep after the first target was removed.

 

[OleSarge]

Let me try one more time. Stacked targets that are about three inches apart. Your base detector (be it ATP or others) finds the top target and you dig the find. You then re sweep the area with the base detector but it still does not see the lower target. You cover the hole and go on to your next detected target. My judgement is that if your pin pointer has greater capabilities than the Gpp then the lower target most likely would have been detected even though the (ATP) did not see it on the second sweep after the first target was removed.

As much as I like to agree, in this case I just can't. I have never had the ATP miss a target only to be found by the pin pointer.
Stacked targets, say a penny, a dime and a bottle cap will show a rusty (iron side grunts with a high middle tone) 84-85 for the bottle cap but a wiggle over the target will also produce a 71-72 showing a mix of the dime and the penny.
Usually the penny will be the dominant tone with a mid range and a shaky depth indicator.
If the dime is on top and off set from the penny/cap, the DTI may pop a 81 for a split second but the penny signal will still prevail.
Dig the bottle cap and the penny signal will still trump the dime but you won't get a clear 75, instead it will still be much lower 71-72.
Then, dig the penny and your clear bell tone and DTI of 81 will let you know the dime is ready.
The pin pointer can give as many false signals as it produces good ones.
I once dug a coin spill of seven dimes, a few pennies and two quarters.
What really made this difficult was that the dirt apparently was from a deconstruction site and contained lots of fragmented steel screen wire shards.
The pin pointer loved the coins but they were stacked in a column extending from between about 4" to 10 or 11"deep.
Between each layer of coins the pin pointer would become saturated with the signals from the screen wire and wanted me to make my hole bigger and dig outwards instead of down.
Another wiggle over the hole with the ATP showed that the coins were still deeper in the hole and the metal causing the pin pointer to activate was ghost images from the screen wire shards,
This is easy to fix by withdrawing the pin pointer from the hole, turn it off, and turn it on again, making sure it's away from the hole.
This procedure is why some folks dislike other brands of pin pointers, or prefer the Garrett Pro Pointer. Click-Off...Click-On...desensitized and back on the job without waiting for the pause some other pin pointers require.
The wiggles between layers works a lot better (for me anyway) with the 5X8" DD coil than the 8.5X11" DD coil, but I suppose, with practice, either will do it well.

ATP/GPP/Fiskars Diggers/BH Outback/CT hand held

 

[SavingThePast]

If ur detector did not see the lower target the first time then why would it see it the second pass. The TRX at the bottom of the hole will read the presents of a target 3 to 4 inches further on down in and below the hole, where as the Gpp would not. That is the situation I was describing.

I would assume it would see it because I already had my propointer in the hole and retrieved the target that was up higher, when I check the hole after removing my target the detector would still show a target in the hole...

 

[bowwinkles]

you folks are extremely fortunate to own such a great detector that does not have depth limitations. My detector carries the same initials in its name as yours and it definitely does have limitations, no mater how many times I sweep the area. If the second target is below that limitation then it just will not see it. I am fortunate enough to have yet another little hand held detector called a TRX that when I use it at the bottom of the hole after the first recovery gives me a chance to maybe see into those areas that are past my base detectors range. The range of the TRX exceeds the capabilities of the GPP and gives me a better chance of yet another recovery in those areas that are out of range of the base detector and GPP.

 

[Walker614]

Ok so you hate pp but I don't have a problem with mine or my ATP. I found a spill of pennies an a couple quarters in my yard ranging from 4" deep to 10" deep. Quite a few of the the pp didn't hit on but the ATP dig so I dug deeper and the the pp found them. So your point is received but not necessarily agreed.



Chris W.

 

[OleSarge]

you folks are extremely fortunate to own such a great detector that does not have depth limitations. My detector carries the same initials in its name as yours and it definitely does have limitations, no mater how many times I sweep the area. If the second target is below that limitation then it just will not see it. I am fortunate enough to have yet another little hand held detector called a TRX that when I use it at the bottom of the hole after the first recovery gives me a chance to maybe see into those areas that are past my base detectors range. The range of the TRX exceeds the capabilities of the GPP and gives me a better chance of yet another recovery in those areas that are out of range of the base detector and GPP.

Product envy is something brought forward from a deprived childhood.
If your point is that your TRX is more expensive, just say "mine's bigger than yours" and get it over with.
Otherwise, stick to the topic and leave snake-oil metal detecting to the arm chair gurus.
I'm missing your point in regards to the thread topic....matthias asked "how to send a GPP back to Garrett for repair"..not for a comparison bashing his GPP by comparing it to your super pin pointer.
My take on your argument is that you continually dig and refill your holes without wiggling the open hole for deeper targets...and the initials on my metal detector are ATP and it clearly says "Garrett" right on it in bold letters.
Regardless of whatever equipment you carry, waving a 10" deep hole, with the top 5" previously removed to retrieve a target at 5" deep, does not require a metal detector with a dept capability of 10" since 10" minus 5" equals 5" of depth.
If you prefer to wiggle your super pin pointer around in previously filled holes to marvel at its superior depth, why even bother with a similarly initialed metal detector at all?
Heck, make the day doing nothing but wiggling your TRX at deep targets and leave the good targets for those of us who use brand X pin pointers and clearly labeled metal detectors.

AT Pro/Garrett Pro Pointer/Fiskars Diggers/BH Outback/Cen-Tech hand held

 

[auximenes]

If ur detector did not see the lower target the first time then why would it see it the second pass.

That's not always true. If the secondary target is actually past your detector's range, then sure, it won't see it even after removing the primary target. However, the usual situation is that the top target is masking the one right below or next to it. This is why you should run your detector over the area real quick before filling the hole and moving on.

 

[OleSarge]

I have had three Gpp units Two that quit and had to be returned (at my expence) and the final replacement unit. I also have a Minelab with a bunch of hours on it and it has never failed. None of the three Garrett pointers have ever began to match the depth of the Minelab. If the failure rate is higher for the Minelab then I have not seen that data posted anywhere. My minelab has been a workhorse and only got a rest when my new Vulcan came into use. Now the TRX has the Gpp shelved and the Vulcan and Minelab enjoying the ride to the field as reliable backup. My dirt, my style of hunting and my choice. Please continue with your choice and enjoy the hobby.

bowwinkles, I absolutely love your last line in which you take command of the thread by "allowing" members to continue the hobby with "their choice" of a product which has been diminished to a zero value by the entire content of this post.
Why would anyone in their right mind want THREE GPP's if they were dissatisfied with one in the beginning.
Only a glutton for punishment would keep three pin pointers unless there was a alternative motive behind the sacrifice.
Perhaps the THREE GPP's gives more value to finally getting the Minelab, the Vulcan and the TRX.
For any member who may be mislead by this propaganda, I invite matthias to do a thread when he/she gets the GPP back from Garrett after it's repaired.
If the experience was as bad as this, we need to know about it...if not it will be a debunker for more product bashing and can help a new MD'er in making a informed metal detector/accessory purchase.

ATP/GPP/Fiskars Diggers/BH Outback/CT hand held

 

[OleSarge]

That's not always true. If the secondary target is actually past your detector's range, then sure, it won't see it even after removing the primary target. However, the usual situation is that the top target is masking the one right below or next to it. This is why you should run your detector over the area real quick before filling the hole and moving on.

ATP/GPP/Fiskars Diggers/BH Outback/CT hand held

 

[bowwinkles]

Product envy is something brought forward from a deprived childhood.
If your point is that your TRX is more expensive, just say "mine's bigger than yours" and get it over with.
Otherwise, stick to the topic and leave snake-oil metal detecting to the arm chair gurus.
I'm missing your point in regards to the thread topic....matthias asked "how to send a GPP back to Garrett for repair"..not for a comparison bashing his GPP by comparing it to your super pin pointer.
My take on your argument is that you continually dig and refill your holes without wiggling the open hole for deeper targets...and the initials on my metal detector are ATP and it clearly says "Garrett" right on it in bold letters.
Regardless of whatever equipment you carry, waving a 10" deep hole, with the top 5" previously removed to retrieve a target at 5" deep, does not require a metal detector with a dept capability of 10" since 10" minus 5" equals 5" of depth.
If you prefer to wiggle your super pin pointer around in previously filled holes to marvel at its superior depth, why even bother with a similarly initialed metal detector at all?
Heck, make the day doing nothing but wiggling your TRX at deep targets and leave the good targets for those of us who use brand X pin pointers and clearly labeled metal detectors.

AT Pro/Garrett Pro Pointer/Fiskars Diggers/BH Outback/Cen-Tech hand held

Top's ur border line to an art. 15. I started by answering his original question with a suggestion to go for a replacement rather than more of the same. That brought on the response from others, which led to the discussion that seems to be progressing into another direction. I purchased and used the Garrett and I went through all the hassle until the Minelab came out and wow what a great change to the better for me. Then the Vulcan came out and it again raised the bar. Shortly there after the TRX came out and yet again set a performance level that was high. Please stay with what you are happy with and I will do the same. Your job as forum road guide seems to be self assigned and did not appear on anyone's duty roster so just stand down and let things go where they lead. I again say that the suggestion for the thread starter is to go for a replacement rather than more of the same if he can do that with the place he obtained the original pointer from.