Used Etrac

[Dirty_Coins]

I am an experienced Fisher user and I have just purchased a used Etrac on Ebay. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to make sure there isn't any damage to the unit when it arrives. I know they are complicated and there is a learning curve - is there anything I should check on the machine before my dispute window closes?

 

[sprchng]

Minelabs are much easier to run that Fishers and the learning curve on the etrac is greatly over rated by people who don't want you to get and start using one.
Find someone in your area that has one and give them yours to run for 15 minutes and they can tell you if it's running right--if it's busted it will probably be obvious.

 

[roadapple]

Dirty Coins ,

Have ready before your machine arrives ; (dirty or clean coins LOL) a silver quarter, silver dime,copper penny (wheaty),regular nickel. Lay on top of the ground away from electrical lines,turn your machine on, raise your coil up about 6 inches and listen for the tones and watch the screen for the VID numbers changing ...... your new machine will either work by giving sounds and changing numbers ...... if not... you got problems ! Don't worry about how accurate it is at this time as who knows what program pattern is showing when you actually turn the machine on/and what settings are being used. There is tons of information available on this site to help educate through your process. However this should just tell whether your machine is operating as it should and that you got a good machine. Good luck !

 

[Dirty_Coins]

Sprchng and roadapple thank you very much for your imput. It was kind of a stupid question I guess I just wanted to make sure there were no really well known problems with this machine that I should be on the look out for. I can't wait to get my hands on this thing!

 

[madforclad]

Sprchng is correct, the learning curve for the eTrac is highly overrated. Yes it can be an intimidating machine with all the functions it has. My advice would be to put it in the factory coin mode and leave it there for a few weeks until you get used to it. The Etrac is a super machine and it's capabilities are unlimited in a skilled user's hands. With the eTrac you will want to pay attention to sounds more than VID. 9 times out of 10 when it tells you there is a silver in the ground, it does not lie. You will need to slow your swing speed down from what you are used to with the Fishers.

 

[screw cap junky]

I would inspect the coil closely for cracks or damage before doing anything.