After getting my Excal 1000, “Merlin”, a few weeks ago, I had done tons of reading, research and watched lots of videos on its use and operation. I saw many, if not all, of OBN’s modding videos and few others as well. My friend Jim, that’s an electronics wiz, did all my repairs on Merlin. The only thing he did not replace because I was unable to locate one was the cracked Ikelite connector - the one that goes from the electronics pod to the battery pod. Jim thought that, despite the crack in the connector, that connector would hold. At the moment, he’s got my detector and he will be removing the silicone grease and epoxying the whole area within the connector. Although this may not be end up being the culprit, I do not see anything else that could be causing faulty operation after submersion in water. Regardless, I have learned something about Minelab and its Excals that I am sharing in my email to them below. If I receive a response, I will share it with an UPDATE.
Hi,
I recently purchased a used Minelab 1000 that needed work done to it. I have other detectors made by other companies but this is my 1st Minelab detector. I am fortunate enough to have a friend that’s an electronics expert that did the repairs needed on it so that it would be able to operate it. He replaced the rotted cable sheathing and fixed a battery solder connection that had been done improperly by the previous owner. The only thing he was unable to replace was the Ikelite battery connector which he said was cracked but still usable. This is the connector that goes from the electronics pod to the battery pod. After using it in the water, the Ikelite connector just isn’t working properly and water is seeping in impacting the proper operation of the detector. The part will be able to be epoxied for a permanent repair but I preferred to replace it altogether. After much research, I have looked into buying the part but it doesn’t seem to be available. (Ikelite Part #4101). Below is a picture of the part in question. Additionally, I called the Ikelite company in the USA and they told me that the part is discontinued. I called Kellyco Detectors, which is as far as I know, your only authorized repair center in the USA and they will not just sell me the part. They stated that “I must send the detector in for repair”.
On the metal detecting forums which I am a part, there are many stories on how repairs at Kellyco Detectors are taking an inordinate amount of time. I’ve heard of repairs for “non-warranty” work taking even months. I do not understand how I cannot just buy the part so that I can make my own repair? Much like an automobile owner. The Minelab Excalibur is not a discontinued detector so I find this inability to purchase a part for it, or to be forced to send it in to 1 specific company for a simple repair, bordering on extortion. I could understand a bit of unreasonableness if the part was a proprietary circuit board, but this is a connector that was used in other products that were not just metal detectors. At this time, I respectfully request that Minelab review its policies on the selling of these parts so that owners of Excaliburs can make their own repairs if they choose to do so. It is my belief that this policy change would be favorable for Minelab and eliminate much of the negative comments regarding repair issues in the USA.
Sincerely,
Felix ******
BTW - This is where I sent my email to [email protected] in case any of you want to write to them as well or direct me somewhere else.
UPDATE #1
Minleab Americas responded! I am impressed with the timely response. Here's their message below:
Good morning Felix,
I am waiting on an answer as to whether we can send this part you for a customer repair, I will have an answer for you today. If it needs to come in for repair, we do have another service center in Arizona and this technician handles all of our gold detectors and most recently our Excalibur’s and his repair timeframe is 2 to 3 weeks. But at this time let me find out 1st if we can send the part to you and we can proceed from there.
Cindy L Wilson
Customer Technical Support Coordinator
Minelab Electronics | 1938 University Lane, Suite A, Lisle, IL 60532
T: +1 (630) 401 8159 | F: +1(630) 401-8178 | E: [email protected]
UPDATE #2
I just got another response from Minelab and they're willing to sell me the part. I think this is satisfactory if its sold at a reasonable price so we'll see. However, I don't think that anyone should have to go through all this to buy that part. It should just be available for order.
Felix ******,
We understand your situation and would like to get the part shipped to you based on the ability to replace it yourself or through a friend which you have stated in your email. If you could please send us your shipping address we will work up an invoice based on pricing for the part plus shipping, but understand this part will be warranted in new condition and once it's installed will no longer be covered by Minelab Americas, we are only able to warranty parts that have been installed by one of our technicians. Once we receive payment we will get the part shipped right away.
Best regards,
Brian Lewis
ASC West
Minelab Americas | 1938 University Lane Suite A, Lisle, IL 60532 USA.
T: 1-877-767-6522 | F: +1-630-401-8184 | E: [email protected]
Hi,
I recently purchased a used Minelab 1000 that needed work done to it. I have other detectors made by other companies but this is my 1st Minelab detector. I am fortunate enough to have a friend that’s an electronics expert that did the repairs needed on it so that it would be able to operate it. He replaced the rotted cable sheathing and fixed a battery solder connection that had been done improperly by the previous owner. The only thing he was unable to replace was the Ikelite battery connector which he said was cracked but still usable. This is the connector that goes from the electronics pod to the battery pod. After using it in the water, the Ikelite connector just isn’t working properly and water is seeping in impacting the proper operation of the detector. The part will be able to be epoxied for a permanent repair but I preferred to replace it altogether. After much research, I have looked into buying the part but it doesn’t seem to be available. (Ikelite Part #4101). Below is a picture of the part in question. Additionally, I called the Ikelite company in the USA and they told me that the part is discontinued. I called Kellyco Detectors, which is as far as I know, your only authorized repair center in the USA and they will not just sell me the part. They stated that “I must send the detector in for repair”.
On the metal detecting forums which I am a part, there are many stories on how repairs at Kellyco Detectors are taking an inordinate amount of time. I’ve heard of repairs for “non-warranty” work taking even months. I do not understand how I cannot just buy the part so that I can make my own repair? Much like an automobile owner. The Minelab Excalibur is not a discontinued detector so I find this inability to purchase a part for it, or to be forced to send it in to 1 specific company for a simple repair, bordering on extortion. I could understand a bit of unreasonableness if the part was a proprietary circuit board, but this is a connector that was used in other products that were not just metal detectors. At this time, I respectfully request that Minelab review its policies on the selling of these parts so that owners of Excaliburs can make their own repairs if they choose to do so. It is my belief that this policy change would be favorable for Minelab and eliminate much of the negative comments regarding repair issues in the USA.
Sincerely,
Felix ******
BTW - This is where I sent my email to [email protected] in case any of you want to write to them as well or direct me somewhere else.
UPDATE #1
Minleab Americas responded! I am impressed with the timely response. Here's their message below:
Good morning Felix,
I am waiting on an answer as to whether we can send this part you for a customer repair, I will have an answer for you today. If it needs to come in for repair, we do have another service center in Arizona and this technician handles all of our gold detectors and most recently our Excalibur’s and his repair timeframe is 2 to 3 weeks. But at this time let me find out 1st if we can send the part to you and we can proceed from there.
Cindy L Wilson
Customer Technical Support Coordinator
Minelab Electronics | 1938 University Lane, Suite A, Lisle, IL 60532
T: +1 (630) 401 8159 | F: +1(630) 401-8178 | E: [email protected]
UPDATE #2
I just got another response from Minelab and they're willing to sell me the part. I think this is satisfactory if its sold at a reasonable price so we'll see. However, I don't think that anyone should have to go through all this to buy that part. It should just be available for order.
Felix ******,
We understand your situation and would like to get the part shipped to you based on the ability to replace it yourself or through a friend which you have stated in your email. If you could please send us your shipping address we will work up an invoice based on pricing for the part plus shipping, but understand this part will be warranted in new condition and once it's installed will no longer be covered by Minelab Americas, we are only able to warranty parts that have been installed by one of our technicians. Once we receive payment we will get the part shipped right away.
Best regards,
Brian Lewis
ASC West
Minelab Americas | 1938 University Lane Suite A, Lisle, IL 60532 USA.
T: 1-877-767-6522 | F: +1-630-401-8184 | E: [email protected]
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