Hey folks...I understand that Minelab will not service a machine that has mods done to it...For those that have a modded machine where do you send it when things go pear shaped????
Cheers...Sparra
Cheers...Sparra
Modded Minelab Repairs
- Thread starter Sparra
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What you need to be prepared for is, depending on the fault, once you buy a modified or have a machine modified it may be unrepairable. If its a minor fault the modifier should be able to fix but major problems like PCBs etc. may render the machine useless. Also read a recent post by one well known & respected modifier saying Minelab will no longer sell him parts such as end caps, cases, labels etc. making any repair difficult.
Basically any repair requiring the control box to be opened requires a class 1 service centre I.e. Minelab especially where parts need repair by replacement & a modded machine voids this option as you know. Hopefully the modifier can help?
P.s emailed a bloke who might be able to help
Basically any repair requiring the control box to be opened requires a class 1 service centre I.e. Minelab especially where parts need repair by replacement & a modded machine voids this option as you know. Hopefully the modifier can help?
P.s emailed a bloke who might be able to help
Thanks for the reply's...I have been talking to someone about a modded 3500 and was just checking about repairs if it developed a problem...Still tossing up whether to just save the money towards a new machine...
Cheers...Sparra
Cheers...Sparra
Sparra - this is an ongoing old hot debate. There are two extremes -
Don't do it - Minelab won't touch the modified machine, the warranty is void, the mod people vary in their expertise. Lots of horror stories - lack of accountability and the like.
Do it - the mods are good, the mods people are good. Successful finds, better detector at a cheaper price.
Many pros don't for the simple reason they need to trade up through Minelab dealers. Most just open the package, take out the box and leave the rest pristine. Better trade-in etc. Plus any issues anywhere in Australia or overseas with the box and Minelab will fix. The trend now seems to be hand-made to order specialist coils and even some specialist hand-made detecting set-ups to get a better edge.
My preference is no but simply because of the warranty, trade-in issues etc.
I guess it depends what you want to do - a standard box with good coils, settings and experience will find gold. I am sure you will get lots of advice either way. I suppose just weigh up the pros and cons and make your decision.
Don't do it - Minelab won't touch the modified machine, the warranty is void, the mod people vary in their expertise. Lots of horror stories - lack of accountability and the like.
Do it - the mods are good, the mods people are good. Successful finds, better detector at a cheaper price.
Many pros don't for the simple reason they need to trade up through Minelab dealers. Most just open the package, take out the box and leave the rest pristine. Better trade-in etc. Plus any issues anywhere in Australia or overseas with the box and Minelab will fix. The trend now seems to be hand-made to order specialist coils and even some specialist hand-made detecting set-ups to get a better edge.
My preference is no but simply because of the warranty, trade-in issues etc.
I guess it depends what you want to do - a standard box with good coils, settings and experience will find gold. I am sure you will get lots of advice either way. I suppose just weigh up the pros and cons and make your decision.
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Hi guy's I'm also thinking about the mods, I have a 5000 and on the weekend I us my friends modified 4500 and it was a very noted improvement I don't know why ML would leave the front gain out on the setting the power I gained in deth to the coil on a small target it was great . The only thing that I did notes was it was harder to run in( fix tracking) and it did become unstable when trying to pinpoint but I haven't used a 4500 before but the threshold was as smooth or smoother then my 5000 ?? What to doooo ( is that edge worth it) to loose ML service my 5000 is on the end of it warranty time soon. I did a run with the new sdc2300 with the idea of a wifey detector on the weekend and it was the only one finding the color I did like it proformcse but it didn't sit on the ground when you did a hole it falls on its side it needs a wider bottom and there no arm strap like you get with a gpx after haft an hour my arm was getting sore no good for wife, 
the head phone lead to is to short and all this for $3999 #? Come on ml . Love to here your thoughts.
the head phone lead to is to short and all this for $3999 #? Come on ml . Love to here your thoughts.
wildanfindgold said:Hi guy's I'm also thinking about the mods, I have a 5000 and on the weekend I us my friends modified 4500 and it was a very noted improvement I don't know why ML would leave the front gain out on the setting the power I gained in deth to the coil on a small target it was great . The only thing that I did notes was it was harder to run in( fix tracking) and it did become unstable when trying to pinpoint but I haven't used a 4500 before but the threshold was as smooth or smoother then my 5000 ?? What to doooo ( is that edge worth it) to loose ML service my 5000 is on the end of it warranty time soon. I did a run with the new sdc2300 with the idea of a wifey detector on the weekend and it was the only one finding the color I did like it proformcse but it didn't sit on the ground when you did a hole it falls on its side it needs a wider bottom and there no arm strap like you get with a gpx after haft an hour my arm was getting sore no good for wife,
There are now aftermarket options to help with the tipping over and short headphone lead problems.
Both of which are made by members of this forum.
As for modded detector it's a personal choice, plenty of guys finding good gold with stock machines, even older ones.
I'm always keeping an eye on gumtree, eBay and facebook groups to see what's available. One thing I have noticed is that modded machines have a very hard time selling.
G
Guest
PhaseTech said:
Earlier this year a number of modified GP 3500 were sold on that Auction site by someone that has a Business and is
a seasoned prospector for $3000 a piece. Data is no longer retrieval due to it being more than 3 months.
Below is a link where a few modified F1A4 machines can be found where they have sold for more than $2000.
http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_...0.H0.Xminelab+51A4&_nkw=minelab+51A4&_sacat=0
This is my take on this matter. I would not modify a detector that is worth more than $2000 otherwise its going to be a very large
chunk of cash your dealing with just in case something might go wrong.
I have been through this process. I purchased a GP3500 for $1800 with 11"DD, 450mm DD coiltek and the 15mmx12mm Minelab mono
which was sold for $200. So machine owes me $1600 plus $300 for the mod in total $1900. If my machine needs to be repaired
Ismael Jones will repair it. It runs quieter and smoother and is sensitive to the small stuff as well. When I made this decesion there was
no whites SPP or SDC 2300.
I am not worried about selling it because at $1500 there will be enough people waiting in queue to buy it if I was desperate. I also have
Ismael Jones Little Ripper wireless system and that is a nice piece of kit.
I would not modify a 4000,4500 or 5000 because your dealing with a lot of cash just in case something does go wrong.
If you can get a cheap machine like I have I think its worth the risk. If you can not then don't do it.
Hi,just looking for a repairer for my unmoded GP Extreme,wondering what other people do for repairs.It is in[was] good condition and can't afford to upgrade or spend heaps on repairs so would appreciate any advice.Have a basic knowledge of electronics and have been through the process of elimination[battery,leads ect] so need HELP!!PLEASE
i answered your other post
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