f5 problems

[chietst]

received replacement f5 because when turned on the unit "beeps" every second & displays 1,2,3 over & over again in the lower left of the display. ran the replacement unit for two hours and now this unit is doing the same thing. am I doing something wrong or am I so unlucky to get two f5 that are fubar with the same problem?

 

[ez4sure]

i would check the batterys and coil connection most likely something simple like that let us know

 

[pasttom]

As this is your first post on this forum, there is no history to help here. Forgive me if you are a seasoned pro, but it sounds like you are looking for newbie help. I would call Felix and talk to him. He is the man and I believe a good man, but more important Fisher's man to handle these things. If you chose to go on your own or try stuff to see independently, read on.
More info:
What happened to get you a replacement unit? What did Fisher have you try? (beep-1,2,3 sounds like an error code they would ID right away) What did they say when they checked out your first unit? How much experience do you have with MD machines? Has anyone who knows them looked at it? Have you been near any EMI sources when this occurs? From what you say it is the 2 digit ground balance reading that I would guess is going nutz, did you GB according to the instructions in the manual? Did you redo the ground balance to try to break the beep/123 cycle?
Steps you might want to try:
Check coil connection snug- not loose or over tight. If you have another or can borrow another coil try it with that one (small coils are more stable if you have a choice try the smallest one available) to see if it is coil related.
I would not just check the batteries, I would buy new ones that are a different brand and from a different store and be very careful they go in correctly.
I would try the machine in various locations. EMI pollution, think high environmental electrical saturation, is usually related to proximity of power lines or transformers, etc. Look for open country vs city or industrial park.
When it is beep/123ing throw down a quarter and sweep over it and see if anything changes.
Good luck, friend! The road of life is seldom straight and smooth so why is the rearview mirror so much bigger than the windshield?
Tom

 

[Mr. Beard]

Mine has done that a couple of times and it turned out to be the screw in coil connector at the housing. I used some pliers to make sure it was a little more than snug, and haven't had any more problems with it.

 

[Elton]

n/t