buying a used F5

[glddgr]

I'm still new at detecting and some of the tips and other info that i have received from this site has helped me tremendously, which leads me to my question; I currently own a F2, I'm considering upgrading to a used F5. but because of the additional functions and adjustments on the F5 and from the different sounds that it makes (from You Tube), i was wondering if there were any kind of basic test i could run just to make sure that it functions properly. because as with most used items i only have a short time that i can return it. i know there's no foolproof way or any guarantees but i would appreciate any recommendations, especially from Mike Hillis (as i understand you are the go to guy for the F5), but i would appreciate any and all input.
thanks in advance.

 

[marcomo]

One of the fine forum sponsors could no doubt give you a very good price on a new F5 which would give you five years of warranty.

If you buy used, you'll save some $ upfront, but you would be "uninsured" if your F5 needed any trips to the El Paso hospital.

 

[pasttom]

Just some jummbled thoughts...
Read the manual several times to understand features and functions (download from Fisher web site).
1. An F4 would be coil compatible with your F2 and it comes with an 11dd coil.
2. Understand that the warrantee is not transferable, but First Texas is reasonable if repairs are needed.
3. Check in the battery compartment for signs of damage and dirt. Replace the batteries during check.
4. Air test in as many modes as you can with various items.
5. With the unit turned on wiggle the coil wires at both ends, listening for sounds that sync with the wiggle.
6. Remember there are two coil connects- screw in is newer and usually preferred (access space is tight for collar be sure you can get your fingers in there).
Good luck and HH!

 

[Big Boys Hobbies]

Good points here. As Tom said I would air test it with many targets. Be sure to do it outside away from any electrical devices.

 

[sqwaby]

Read the manual online before you test, then you will be informed as to what different functions are avail and how to access the settings. Like any(most) detectors it will get noisy and start to false when you start to approach the max on gain and threshold or the combination of both.

 

[Mike Hillis]

Hi glddgr,
All good advice I've read so far.

If I was buying a used F5, I'd want to make sure the display looked nice, no punctures or large ugly scratches on it.
No sign of battery leakage inside the compartment.
The knobs aren't unduly woobly (although the gb knob is inherently a little looser than the others due to the type of pot being used).
The tactile pads work. You press them correctly and they work. You shouldn't have to push one repeatly to get it to do something.
The headphone jack works,
The speaker works,
The display works correctly. Just run through all the settings and make sure nothing is missing.
The detector should ground balance.
Pinpoint works.
Air tests....air tests should be able to be conducted without uncontrollable falsing. I know everyone's EMI environment is different, but at max sensitivity and minimum threshold, you should still get coil diameter depth on both a quarter and a nickel.

I guess that is all just basic stuff. The F5 doesn't have a prefered performance minimum like the analog do, as being digital they are all very close to the same.

I haven't found any difference between plug styles. I have a push in plug and a threaded plug style. Both work well for me.

Good luck,
HH
Mike

 

[glddgr]

[][size=large]Thanks to everyone for alll of your input i really appreciate it and intend to use it. i will keep you all posted. [/size][/]

 

[crusher28]

I have both f2 and f5. Worth the up grade????? NO. WILL IT GO ANY DEEPER???? DEPENDS WHERE YOU DETECT (NO BIG DIFFERENCE). But both units are great.