updated eTRAC II wish list

[ironsight]

I'll add a few more important features.
-Ability to assign custom tones to different custom areas of the pattern similar to the 3030.
-Keep the same form factor of the eTRAC and not just a ctx3030-LITE version.
-Keep FBS and not FBS-2, that way all current eTRAC after market coils would still be compatible with the eTRAC-II
-a more robust arm cuff

Here's the revised list based on the comments so far:

-color hi-contrast non-glare display

-keep same eTRAC form factor and 3rd party coil compatibility same as the current eTRAC which means keeping FBS (not FBS-2 which requires Minelab proprietary 'smart' coils).

-upgradable firmware capability via the USB port

-ability to assign custom tones to different custom areas of the pattern

-a menu option to allow the detector to automatically go into sleep mode when ever the detector is laid down horizontal when digging using position sensor circuitry. Then automatically wake up when in vertical sweep mode. Would eliminate annoying squaking while digging and extend battery life. In the least, mute the audio when horizontal if a sleep mode is not design practical.

-a genuine Minelab inline probe accessory option

-ability to assign custom names to saved patterns

-ability to change sensitivity and other settings on the fly when in QuickMask

-clock

- a more water resistant (not water proof) control box

-more robust arm cuff

-an optional wireless headphone accessory, possibly a small bluetooth transmitter module which would plug into the headphone jack option

-standard lithium ion battery pack

-tilting screen for better screen viewing although i don't know if it could be designed water resistant, maybe with a flexible rubber membrane around the screen's perimeter?

IMO... gps, FBS2 and waterproof features would be a ctx3030. Those are expensive features that separates the lower cost of the eTRAC from the mortgage price'd ctx3030. The 3rd party coils many here have invested in would be useless if FBS2 were used. If someone wants some or all those features might as well just buy a 3030.

 

[DukeOBass]

I really like the current arm cuff on the Etrac. The flimsy CTX arm cuff is a major part of the ergonomicaly unfriendly CTX.

The form of Etrac definitely needs to stay the same.

 

[BryanM362]

So, is someone going to send this to Minelab? I can do it, but didn't know if anyone had a contact, rather than me just sending it in blindly.

 

[moonshine]

I can see it now, an Etrac "Pro" model.....i want one

 

[robby4570]

One issue I see, some of these conflict with others... take for instance the inline probe and sleep mode, couldn't use sleep mode (or mute mode) if you are trying to use an inline probe.

 

[Southwind]

Seriously, if you plan to send this to Minelab you know what they're going to say. All but a few of these ideas are all available on the CTX 3030. Why would they possibly be expected to spend the time and money to develop another CTX 3030?

 

[BryanM362]

Seriously, if you plan to send this to Minelab you know what they're going to say. All but a few of these ideas are all available on the CTX 3030. Why would they possibly be expected to spend the time and money to develop another CTX 3030?

They should be open to ffedback from their customers, I would think. There are some ideas that don't overlap with the 30/30, you never know....

 

[ironsight]

Seriously, if you plan to send this to Minelab you know what they're going to say. All but a few of these ideas are all available on the CTX 3030. Why would they possibly be expected to spend the time and money to develop another CTX 3030?

Yeah i know what they're gonna say, those guys have a mind of their own. While i'm sure Minelab monitors these forums, Minelab employees rarely chime in on these forums.

Far as the ctx and a futuristic updated eTRAC, there's a substantial cost differential for features many don't need or want. And that's the conundrum for many of us.
Its not as if the ctx could with 100% accuracy identify the target's metal composition or detect a dime at two feet. If that were so, yep i'd spend the $2500 for it.
Granted if some, most or all of the features in the list would be implemented, it would take R&D resources and additional hardware.

If they could keep the same case, possibly upgrade the uProcessor and drivers to support a color display and maybe a real time clock, use the ctx display already in inventory if it'll fit in the current case.... the only additional hardware would be a positioning sensor, some new circuitry to support firmware updates, new arm cuff, lithium battery pack and obviously a newly designed circuit board(s). The last hi-tech company i worked for cranked out a dozen new circuit boards a week and with only two CAD operators.
The sleep or audio mute horizontal feature would be a first in the industry maybe even patentable.
The rest is all software updates.

I suspect the new eTRAC might cost a hundred or two more but i for one would trade in my old eTRAC and buy one of the new ones in a heartbeat. A $2500 ctx with features i don't need or want - no thanks. Not unless i win the lottery.

I still say Minelab is missing an opportunity here. They could tap into a whole new group of people who can't or won't spend that kind of money on a ctx.

Minelab! Are you listening?.......Don't put all your egg$ in one basket! Time to market! You snooze, you lose in the competitive hi-tech business!

 

[moonshine]

honestly they are probably hard at work on something as we speak. they cant come out and say so. cant give out release dates, or planned release dates, such as "hoping to release etrac II summer 2015". its suicide to announce stuff like that, then everyone will just wait for the "new" model. (Instead of purchasing from what is presently on the market) especially if they are making upgrades a lot, like every few years.

ill bet you they would look at what we have to say. im sure they do already. good marketing and good engineers listen to their consumers.

 

[Elton]

The old dinosaur body need to go...........

 

[Southwind]

Well if they could just improve of the FBS's ability to find gold and still retain the same copper/silver ability I'd be happy. As it is now I have to own 2 detectors to get the best of my hunting. The CTX/E-Trac for deep copper & silver, and the AT Pro for the gold.

 

[moonshine]

thats exactly something that i hope engineers are working on. i dont understand the electronics of a metal detector....apparently you have to choose either silver/copper OR small gold.....is that something that they could at least make switchable on the etrac 2? let you pick? such as "gold program"....etc. i dont know if thats possible or not. hopefully the next generation of minelabs detectors will address that.