Anyone have GLARE issues on ETRAC screen?

[mmoat7]

I am about to purchase an ETRAC and one of my biggest concerns is that in all the videos the glare is so bad I can't even see the screen.... Do any of you have trouble seeing your screens on a sunny day? Please let me know, thanks!

Also, the back light looks pretty weak too.... anyone have any input on that?

Thanks again!

 

[D&P-OR]

Screen glare---since day one (Explorers & Etrac).---Etracs a little better but still a problem that needs to be addressed.-----Backlight is fine.

 

[Bell-Two]

Generally not too bad except in direct light, I can usually angle it just a bit and read it. Enviormental cover exacerbates the problem a bit but it is not a real problem normally.

 

[etracjoe]

Its not enough of an issue to justify not getting the best machine out there. Very trivial but yes a problem.

 

[marchas45]

Get yorself a Zagg cover for the screen it helps a lot. Helps with glare and scratches it's awesome.

 

[NebTrac]

It can be an annoyance, but one you can get used to. In my vidoes when I show the screen I really try and get a good clean shot. I'll have to go back and look. I know when I did the dollar dig I had screen glare, but I also had the protective cover on as well. I usually take it off when I want to show the screen on video.

NebTrac

 

[Nick A]

Yes! Polarized sunglasses (not ordinary ones) will help. I did not think that certain brand of screen protector that cannot be named helped at all... still glary, just different.

 

[Terra1959]

Yes and Yes...IMHO your dead right.
Even an Xterra of half the price has a better, more readable screen (Oh...and a better arm cuff and strap)
I have noticed that when it is a very hot day the screen graphics become even fainter as the whole screen becomes blacker (and thats with contrast at maximum)
Sorry to sound like a whinger, I know it was the 1st model Etrac out and with its many good points I can excuse these little annoyances
We love it but please fix it Minelab

T59

 

[tippyhound]

Avoid setting contrast at maximum. I have only once had a problem with my screen darkening on a hot day and that was right after I bought it and I set the contrast to maximum to be able to see it better. As it turned out I backed the contrast off to about the 3/4 setting and it has never done it since.

As far as the glare problem, screen visibility could be better as I have owned 4 L.C.D. screened detectors prior to this one and this is the only one I have ever had that problem. I love this machine so much and find it to be the best all around detector I have ever owned (and I've owned a lot) I find it easy to over look this small problem. Minelab needs to work on that problem. send them a letter to that effect. Rick

 

[greedykind]

i think the screen cover made the glare worse

 

[sugar]

do you have the coordinates in the big screen position they are much easier to see than when they are at the top just a thought

 

[Diggler]

i think the screen cover made the glare worse

Same for me.

 

[D&P-OR]

Get a packet of those anti-glare sheets at a Staples store (or even Walmarts) and apply one of them over the window of your control box cover.---They are transparent (same as your cover window) and can be taken back off later without leaveing residue or causing damage.----Even at that, they aren't the answer to the worlds problems but they definitely DO help.----Even if Minelab does solve the glare issue on their screens on the Explorers/Etracs (which they haven't)--you're right back to a glare problem when you put a box cover on--and we do need control box covers if we want to take decent care of our machines.------Getting back to the face plate glare issue--for the life of me, I can't see why Minelab hasn't solved that yet after all these years (on the EX/Etrac).----They have "whipped it" on the Xterra series--glare is no issue at all on the Xterras.----------Del

 

[nge]

Would it help any if you made a surround, similar to a miniature umbrella, to shade the screen? Maybe around the sides too, or like an overhang, maybe attach it with velcro, so it can be removable. With all the modern conveniences built into these machines, why doesn't someone make a pair of virtual glasses that can be plugged into the detector through the USB slot? Just my two cents worth.........NGE

 

[D&P-OR]

NGE----Give it a try!---If you come up with something let us all know.----I've tried about everything (over the years).----For me at least, adjusting the screen contrast didn't help.---Didn't like polarized sun glasses, couldn't even SEE the stinkin screen then! ----I brought this up to a major screen cover maker (don't ask me for a name) & was told "if you come up with anything, let me know"--so there ya go!----As I stated earlier, I DO feel the Etracs screen is a LITTLE better (glare wise) than past Explorers (and I've had 'em all)----BUT, the problem hasn't (yet) been resolved.-----One thing, if you can tighten your cover to get some of those wrinkles out of the covers transparent window--that alone will help you with glare---and then apply a anti-glare sheet on the cover window.----That's my "best shot" at the problem to date.---------Del

 

[sugar]

the etrac comes with a thin plastic cover covering the controls do you guys keep this cover on or take it off i wonder what cling film would do i think i will try it i will write up the results if any good

 

[UtahRich]

I removed the original thin plastic protective cover and installed a shield. I used a * z ) a ^ g ! g because I had a free discount coupon good for the majority of the price. There are other similar products that protect the screen and touch pads from scratches and minor wear.

Polarized lenses do a great job of reducing the glare, and your abilty to read the screen as well. (at least my Ray Ban's do)

The glare isn't so bad that I consider it a major problem, just a nuisance.

Rich

 

[SilverSeeker247]

I'm wondering if any other companies have trouble with glare on their machines? Has anyone heard of other machines having glare like the E trac and explorers??

 

[Jack Flynn]

The glare don't bother me at all. Learn to hunt by ear then check the TID if you need too. I seem to have more issues with my wrists and elbows while using the E Trac. Digging too many deep holes seems to wreck my old bones and joints.

 

[muggsc]

I concur. I purchased said E-Trac from Rich and aside from the protection that the shield gives, glare is at a minimum.
Cal