Old Detector ; New Chips

[Anonymous]

Would it be possible to update an old model detector by just replacing a few chips with more modern effective ones and end up with a much improved detector?
Say a Whites 3900 for instance.

 

[Anonymous]

[No message]

 

[Anonymous]

The way a circuit performs is as much to do with the components around the chip as the chip itself. Changing chips, at best, won't make any difference and, at worst, will result in gross instability.
Eric.

 

[Anonymous]

Changing the chip on the surfmaster seems to make a big difference or is that component not a chip ? and how about the mods.people do.
Regards
Kris

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Kris,
Joe's question was whether it was possible to update an old detector by just replacing a few chips. If you just pull out the original IC's and transistors and pop in more recent or alternative types, then you will likely run into many problems.
If on the other hand, you are a competent electronic engineer, have the schematic of the old detector, together with the expected waveforms and voltages and are prepared to change some passive components too, then in some cases it is possible to effect an improvement.
This is how the Surfmaster mod originated.
Eric.