Omega problem(s)

[jim tn]

Anybody have their Omega lock up in pin point? After a couple of hours of hunting this morning, mine locked up in the p p mode and the only way to get it out was to shut it off and then restart. On the next target it would again lock up. Also, a couple of times it went into over ring and locked on there as well. Also, the gb also changed on a couple of occasions to a lower gb number.

I changed the battery and checked connections and was using the 10" cencentric coil. I've not yet tried one of the other coils. Any thoughts before I make the call to F T for a road trip?

Thanks, HH jim tn

 

[otlew]

I have an issue where mine, on occasion will go into the pin point and then doesn't make a sound. I know there is metal under the coil, as I can locate it in the disc or all metal modes. Sometimes it does it, most of the time it works as designed. I can let it reset and pass the coil by metal and then it will pin point after that. ????

 

[BuckeyeBrad]

Jim, I've not experienced that with any of the FT detectors I have that use a membrane PP "button". Just grasping for straws here but by chance were you using it in extremely high heat/humidity? Barring that being a factor, I'd recommend you call FT and see what they think.

 

[jim tn]

n/t

 

[jim tn]

n/t

 

[otlew]

n/t

 

[BuckeyeBrad]

"0 to 90% non-condensing" so I thought there might be a connection with your detector issue. Don't know if this was the case or not but taking a detector from an air conditioned house to this hot real high humidity can cause some apparent condensing and all sorts of things can show up (temporarily) when that happens. Hope it's something like that so you don't have to be without it.

 

[jim tn]

Just talked with F T and am waiting for a call with the R A number. It needs to go back. A little ???something under the pin point pad is broken. I have never had a problem with any detector do to heat and humidity, but it really has been brutal here now for quite some time. Guess I'll have to dust off the F 75 LTD. Everything will work out all right. I have never had a problem with a F T detector and I really put some hefty hours in on the F 75. Thanks Brad for your ideas. Not unreasonable, by any means. HH jim tn

 

[Cal_Cobra]

I have an issue where mine, on occasion will go into the pin point and then doesn't make a sound. I know there is metal under the coil, as I can locate it in the disc or all metal modes. Sometimes it does it, most of the time it works as designed. I can let it reset and pass the coil by metal and then it will pin point after that. ????

I see this on occasion too on my Omega, and thought it was "normal", as I've also seen this behavior on my F75 LTD. I do think in every instance when this has happened the target was some kind of iron junk.

 

[otlew]

Jim, did you get the name of the person you spoke with at First Texas? I may be packing mine up also, only it will be on my dime, bought it used.

If they want a ridiculous price to repair it, I will just sell the coils and toss the rest of it in the garbage, adios First Texas. This machine is 7 months old and has been in once for repair already, it was fixed and all checked out this last May, sent back with a clean bill of health.

Just talked with F T and am waiting for a call with the R A number. It needs to go back. A little ???something under the pin point pad is broken. I have never had a problem with any detector do to heat and humidity, but it really has been brutal here now for quite some time. Guess I'll have to dust off the F 75 LTD. Everything will work out all right. I have never had a problem with a F T detector and I really put some hefty hours in on the F 75. Thanks Brad for your ideas. Not unreasonable, by any means. HH jim tn

 

[lafatlife]

I have had a problem with no sound in pp as well but just release the button and tried again. Mine unit sometimes goes off on it's own. I have to turn it off and then on again for it to work. I figured that in the winter I will send it in to have it looked at.

 

[jim tn]

Mine sticks in p p, period. It will be in the air in the morning for its 30 day check up. HH jim tn

 

[marcomo]

I may be packing mine up also, only it will be on my dime, bought it used.

If they want a ridiculous price to repair it, I will just sell the coils and toss the rest of it in the garbage, adios First Texas. This machine is 7 months old and has been in once for repair already, it was fixed and all checked out this last May, sent back with a clean bill of health.

I've been having an intermittent pinpoint problem with the Omega's older brother, the F5. When I send it in, it will be the second time I've done so in two years.

It always blows to have to send a detector in for repair, but in all fairness I try to remind myself that these are sensitive electronic instruments that we play with in the dirt in all kinds of weather conditions.

I also kind of think one of the tradeoffs in lighter weight as a rule is going to be at least slightly less durability. A two pound detector just probably isn't going to be as solid as a five pound one. But to me that's OK because a detector is cheaper to fix than a rotator cuff...

Even under warranty sending a detector in for repair costs time and money: calling the company, packaging the detector and paying to ship it.

But with First Texas I definitely think that the savings by buying used isn't worth the lost five year warranty.

 

[jmaryt]

jim!..you are probably experiencing a condensation issue as a result of moisture
penetrating inside.perhaps leaving it in a air conditioned room for a day or two may help.
if not,a plane ride might be in order!

(h.h!)
j.t.

 

[otlew]

But with First Texas I definitely think that the savings by buying used isn't worth the lost five year warranty.

I have to agree with this statement.

 

[Ken in NC]

Jim

Sorry to hear of your pinpoint button problem

I do hope this is an isolated/rare failure, and not one that starts to show up on these machines

I personally thought the choice of controls for the T-2 was smart. They used the trigger switch for pinpointing. As you know, that feature can be one of the most used on a machine

Then I noticed the F4 and F5, as well as the Omega 8000 came out with membrane buttons for pinpointing. Since these membrane buttons have been around for years (microwave ovens, even the older Compass detectors used them), I did not think much of it. But perhaps a more durable button for the pinpointing would have been the better route

I would imagine that when choosing the design/source for these switches, First Texas insisted on switches that would last for 20+ years, regardless of the cost. After all, these machines are not exactly cheap to buy new, and FT would not want to risk their products image by saving a few cents per switch/face panel

 

[jim tn]

j.t., I am kind of glad it was ???something broken under the P P pad rather then a condensation problem. I hunt in pretty humid conditions a good part of the year and wouldn't look forward to having to dry the Omega out every few days. Although I get the feeling that the P P problem isn't isolated solely to my single Omega, I have had five F T detectors in the last four years and until with the Omega never had a single problem. And I do use a detector pretty hard, time wise.

otlew, F T, 1-800-413-4131 and just tell the operator the nature of your problem and she will get you to the right person. Probably Felix then Hector for the R A #. When the p p first stuck, it continued to stick every time in pin pointed there after. HH jim tn

 

[Cal_Cobra]

I'm a bit surprised that First Texas only puts a trigger to their two flagship machines, the T2 & F75. I see a lot of the competitors using triggers on their mid-range detectors, it's a great feature to have, and membrane buttons, well to be honest they do kind of suck to use, especially when wearing gloves.

Hope you get your machine sorted out ASAP Jim....guess the F75 LTD will have to suffice for a while eh?

 

[jim tn]

F 75 LTDing at a spot this afternoon and it took me 5 targets before I was remembering the trigger rather then the pad. I'll take the trigger any day. I really needed to dust off the LTD anyway. I've got a trip coming up and wouldn't mind taking both detectors along, though. HH jim tn

 

[otlew]

j.t., I am kind of glad it was ???something broken under the P P pad rather then a condensation problem. I hunt in pretty humid conditions a good part of the year and wouldn't look forward to having to dry the Omega out every few days. Although I get the feeling that the P P problem isn't isolated solely to my single Omega, I have had five F T detectors in the last four years and until with the Omega never had a single problem. And I do use a detector pretty hard, time wise.

otlew, F T, 1-800-413-4131 and just tell the operator the nature of your problem and she will get you to the right person. Probably Felix then Hector for the R A #. When the p p first stuck, it continued to stick every time in pin pointed there after. HH jim tn

Thanks Jim,

It is still working, but it is erratic in behavior. I will call and have them give the worst case cost. If that is acceptable then I will send it in. IF not its for salvage.

First Texas is giving a 5 year warranty that they know many people will never use, because we switch detectors like underwear. Original owner only, non transferable hmmmm, why? If you are proud enough to guarantee a five year life span, but leave an out, good marketing I suppose. The adage, buyer beware comes to mind.