I dropped my E-trac in the water :( *UPDATED*

[Sandbox]

I'm not too familiar with PI machines but aren't they no discrimination? Most of the beaches I detect are loaded with iron. I assume I would dig iron all day but like I said, I'm not familiar with PI. Thanks.

Nope, no discrimination, dig it all. There was a Sov. GT on eBay last week, went for just under $500.

If you can find an Aquasound, you would be in luck but they are expensive more than a CTX. I never seen one used and they are made in my area. TR machine but they are popular here so others have told me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENqLPAdXSDw

 

[SalemScott]

Scott if you use a PI where you are, you might quit detecting altogether!

If you have a lot of iron you don't want a PI unless you enjoy watching everyone else digging the good stuff while you clean the beaches

LOL, we have tons or iron. Heck, the place I go the most has huge metal pieces 6 or 8 feet long. Some look like pipes, some just long blobs of corroded metal.

 

[SalemScott]

Nope, no discrimination, dig it all. There was a Sov. GT on eBay last week, went for just under $500.

I think I may have to keep my eye out for one of those and get that so I don't have to worry about the etrac once it's back to working again.

 

[Roger B]

Wow Scott, sorry to here that! That's something I worry about when beach hunting, so I rarely venture into the shallow water. I find plenty in the wet sand.
Good luck, I hope it works out for you.

 

[Stunmi]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fisher-CZ-2...169?pt=US_Metal_Detectors&hash=item4613bda821

Nice case, anyone know what it originally was for?

 

[Cfmct]

Nice case, anyone know what it originally was for?

Its for the Fisher CZ20/21 Fisher gave out a hard case with its water machine not a cheesy bag

 

[SalemScott]

I called Minelab today and explained the situation. They said most likely I fried the 2 boards in there and since it was caused by water damage of my own doing I'm out of luck and it will cost me about 3/4 of the price of a new machine to replace them. He then said to call them monday for some type of number and then I can ship it to them for them to inspect. I don't know if I should even bother. It's messed up and I know the response is it's gonna cost me $1,000+. To say I'm sad and disgusted is an understatement. I have a feeling this is the end of the line for my hunting days. I love this hobby dearly but just can't put another $1,500 into it for another machine. My final video post here in the forum may be me bringing my e-trac into the back yard and smashing it to pieces. Take care.

 

[MexGT]

I know the feeling, this will not be the end ... why not just keep your eyes open for a used in good condition ? or save the $$ for black friday sales which will be offered shortly?

Keep it up!

 

[itsaring!]

Sad Minelab told you it would be 3/4 the cost of a new machine. Whites replaced everything in one of my DFX's including the screen and screen cover for just over $100. And the DFX used to cost almost as much as an etrac.

 

[ScubaDetective]

I called Minelab today and explained the situation. They said most likely I fried the 2 boards in there and since it was caused by water damage of my own doing I'm out of luck and it will cost me about 3/4 of the price of a new machine to replace them. He then said to call them monday for some type of number and then I can ship it to them for them to inspect. I don't know if I should even bother. It's messed up and I know the response is it's gonna cost me $1,000+. To say I'm sad and disgusted is an understatement. I have a feeling this is the end of the line for my hunting days. I love this hobby dearly but just can't put another $1,500 into it for another machine. My final video post here in the forum may be me bringing my e-trac into the back yard and smashing it to pieces. Take care.

Scott,

I found a CZ-20 for 200.00 INCLUDING shipping. You can find something this winter and keep swinging. I know you can. I have NO idea how much gold you find BUT I know the water is where its at. Good luck

 

[DaviDs]

http://www.brokendetector.com/prodserv.htm

^^^^ -- maybe try this place?

 

[Sandbox]

I called Minelab today and explained the situation. They said most likely I fried the 2 boards in there and since it was caused by water damage of my own doing I'm out of luck and it will cost me about 3/4 of the price of a new machine to replace them. He then said to call them monday for some type of number and then I can ship it to them for them to inspect. I don't know if I should even bother. It's messed up and I know the response is it's gonna cost me $1,000+. To say I'm sad and disgusted is an understatement. I have a feeling this is the end of the line for my hunting days. I love this hobby dearly but just can't put another $1,500 into it for another machine. My final video post here in the forum may be me bringing my e-trac into the back yard and smashing it to pieces. Take care.

Man that sucks, if you are giving up on getting it repaired put it on eBay and sell it as is, take the money and use it towards a used Sov. GT and waterproof the box or get a CZ 20.

If you do not want to sell it, take it apart yourself and check it out before you smash it, did you check the battery voltage?

 

[Sandbox]

Sad Minelab told you it would be 3/4 the cost of a new machine. Whites replaced everything in one of my DFX's including the screen and screen cover for just over $100. And the DFX used to cost almost as much as an etrac.

White's charges $60 for labor, seems it's a flat rate. What does Minelab charge, by hour or a flat rate?

 

[SalemScott]

Sad Minelab told you it would be 3/4 the cost of a new machine. Whites replaced everything in one of my DFX's including the screen and screen cover for just over $100. And the DFX used to cost almost as much as an etrac.

While this problem is completely my fault, I was a bit (understatement!) disappointed with the results. The guy I spoke to was very nice and all but I couldn't get cut a break at all? Will they give me a break when they send me the estimate? I'm not sure but I'm gonna guess they won't. I've been a Minelab fanboy for a while now and have always spoke praises for the ability of the E-trac. That being said, if I do end up getting another detector....it will never again be a Minelab. My $$$ will go to another manufacturer.

Scott,

I found a CZ-20 for 200.00 INCLUDING shipping. You can find something this winter and keep swinging. I know you can. I have NO idea how much gold you find BUT I know the water is where its at. Good luck

Is the CZ-20 a good machine? Is it a PI machine? Sorry, I'm new to the beach scene. Doing a quick search it appears some love it. If you wouldn't mind passing along a link or whatever for that machine it would be greatly appreciated. Heck, I have $200 in gold and silver sitting here right now from my beach detecting over the past few weeks. (7.5g of 10K and 5+oz. of silver.)

http://www.brokendetector.com/prodserv.htm

^^^^ -- maybe try this place?

Very interesting, thanks for the link. I will give them a call.

Man that sucks, if you are giving up on getting it repaired put it on eBay and sell it as is, take the money and use it towards a used Sov. GT and waterproof the box or get a CZ 20.

If you do not want to sell it, take it apart yourself and check it out before you smash it, did you check the battery voltage?

Work was crazy today so I didn't have a chance to have it checked out. I do know the battery pack with fresh duracells doesn't work either.

 

[Cfmct]

Why don't you try and flush it with fresh water... you may get lucky... I would never smash the detector whether it was shot or not.

 

[ScubaDetective]

Scott, its a VLF machine dual frequency. Search for CZ-21 its the model before it. One on Feebay now for 500.00. You need to search. I got lucky with mine. I sure hope you can find something cheap

 

[Sandbox]

CZ20/21 is not a PI machine, it's dual frequency the one on eBay I posted the link on for $499 is right up the road from me.

 

[Sandbox]

Scott, its a VLF machine dual frequency. Search for CZ-21 its the model before it. One on Feebay now for 500.00. You need to search. I got lucky with mine. I sure hope you can find something cheap

$200 wow that was a steal, I do not even see 1280X that cheap which I read is worthless in saltwater. Around here, the water detectors seem to never be a steal, even on Craigslist.

 

[Sandbox]

Why don't you try and flush it with fresh water... you may get lucky... I would never smash the detector whether it was shot or not.

That's what I would do too, seems others had this problem with the Etrac when having an accidental dunk.

http://www.americandetectorist.com/forum/index.php?topic=8369.0

 

[SalemScott]

Sorry to keep going on with this whole ordeal but I have an update and it may be good. When I spoke to the guy from Minelab he said to open it up and let it air out. When I asked if that would nullify my warranty he said, "My warranty is already null because of the water." I wasn't impressed by this statement. I came home from work and opened it up and it's been open since then. I just went and put the battery in it and it started up! I then shut it off and when I started it back up it gave me the 'Voltage Overload' message. What does this mean? Is there still hope? I know it's been suggested I rinse it with water. While I respect your opinion, it's been drilled into my brain my entire life that electronics and water don't mix. I just feel like I'm gonna make this situation worse than it already is. (Is that possible?) IDK.