Minelab Equinox Problem/Questions

[Hogtown Hunter]

I recently posted on here about opinions on the 15" coil vs. 11". The reason I asked is because I think I have a coil issue but wanted to ask you guys before I spend $300 on a new coil and i still end up having the same problem. The last few trips out if I hunt for over 45 minutes or so my machine gets chirpy. Almost like I have the sensitivity set to high? It will give a solid tone on large objects and if a coin is less than 4-5" deep. Deeper than that it will start chirping and my VDI numbers go all wacky. I air tested and that's what was going on. I've tried adjusting sensitivity, the different frequencies and shutting it down and resetting to factory setting. It works great the first 45 minutes but longer than that its toast for the day. The next morning it will work fine till it's on too long. I'm afraid to spend $300 on a new coil if its actually the detector itself. Was wondering if any of you have had the same issue? I used the coil in a lake a couple months back. Just the coil in water about 8" deep. Dont know if this could have caused the problem?
Also I got this detector back in January or February. I need to get out the paperwork on it but do you guys know if warranty covers up to a year?

 

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[Treasure_Hunter]

How old is detector, what is your battery level when it starts?

 

[Hogtown Hunter]

Its 10 months old.
You could be right about charge?
I was down to one bar today but yesterday I think it had two?. I'll fully charge tonight and run it for an hour or so tomorrow and check. Hopefully its something that simple.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

As power gets real low they become unstable.

 

[Prohaska]

The EQUINOX 800 Metal Detector with Multi-IQ technology, redefines all-purpose detecting for beginners to serious enthusiasts. Adaptable for all target types and ground conditions makes the 800 a true turn and go metal detector.

 

[RustyGold]

The Equinox has a 3 year warranty.

 

[Hddeuce03]

Have you taken the coil cover off and cleaned it out recently? I get sand in mine after a good beach hunt and it makes it chattery until I clean it out.

 

[Hogtown Hunter]

Have you taken the coil cover off and cleaned it out recently? I get sand in mine after a good beach hunt and it makes it chattery until I clean it out.

Thanks for that info. Didn't know you can pull off that cover. Just watched a YouTube video on how you do it. Dont know if that's the problem but I'm sure it will help.

 

[smokeythecat]

Did you charge it up and give it a try? RustyGold is right, 3 year warranty. And yes it redefines technology - but not in a good way. Words of advice, if and when it breaks don't horse around with it, send it to Minelab and get it fixed. They don't actually "fix" detectors anymore, they swap out the assembly that's bad. They are very good with with the warranties.

 

[Tommybuckets]

Before you send it off always do your due diligence. Take the connections off and re-connect, clean under the coil cover. Maybe try the v3.2 and if its still acting like that THEN send it in.

 

[smokeythecat]

Tommy, you forgot the swing it around your head three times

 

[Hogtown Hunter]

Ok. I went out today with full charge and it chattered the entire time. I still was able to locate targets but it was really difficult. I'm going to pull off cover and clean the coil like Hdduece suggested. I think I'm going to buy the 15" coil anyway so if the 11" coil works I'll have two to detect with. If it doesn't work then I will contact Minelab and see if I can get a replacement for the 11".

 

[smokeythecat]

It may or may not be the coil. I'd call Minelab for suggestions before I do anything else.

 

[Hogtown Hunter]

It may or may not be the coil. I'd call Minelab for suggestions before I do anything else.

Ok. I'll check in with them tomorrow

 

[SultansOfSwing]

Ouch!

Sorry cant help you beyond the items already suggested. I had one 11" coil fail on me where the wire meet the coil. Acted very strange and got a replacement from minelab.

 

[Hddeuce03]

Ok. I went out today with full charge and it chattered the entire time. I still was able to locate targets but it was really difficult. I'm going to pull off cover and clean the coil like Hdduece suggested. I think I'm going to buy the 15" coil anyway so if the 11" coil works I'll have two to detect with. If it doesn't work then I will contact Minelab and see if I can get a replacement for the 11".

Did cleaning it help? It's really easy to simply pop the cover off...you'll be amazed at how much sand/dirt gets in there!

 

[Southern Creek]

This has happened to me once with my equinox 800 after I dropped it. I did a default reset and it fixed the machine. Hope this helps.

 

[Hogtown Hunter]

Did cleaning it help? It's really easy to simply pop the cover off...you'll be amazed at how much sand/dirt gets in there!

I pulled cover off and there was lots of sand in there. Got cleaned up and seems to be working good now on two short tests. I'm going out tomorrow for a few hours. Hopefully this fixed the problem. Thanks again for the advice.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I pulled cover off and there was lots of sand in there. Got cleaned up and seems to be working good now on two short tests. I'm going out tomorrow for a few hours. Hopefully this fixed the problem. Thanks again for the advice.

If its black sand that will really mess with coil, coil cover should be cleaned before each hunt.

 

[pepperj]

As power gets real low they become unstable.

Is this on the Equinox series of detectors?
I have ran the Explorer, SE, Etrac, 3030 right out many a time and they were stable till WTF moment where it stopped working.