Detector Design for the 21st Century--It's Time!
I feel it’s time metal detector manufactures step into the 21st century regarding the physical design of their machines. Granted, the software capability and functionality has seen major strides over the years and as a result, we now have the most capable detectors ever built.
Having said that, I submit the age of bulk, weight and wires has long passed. We have the technology to produce light weight, rugged, compact, fold up, wireless machines in both VLF (single or multi band) and PI configurations but we’re still dealing with 20th century problems brought on by the heavy, bulky, non-waterproof, wired machines that are a pain to travel with and maintain.
How many issues do you read on the forums about weight, broken or malfunctioning wires or units that were caught in the rain or dropped in the water for example? How many detectorists love to take their machines on vacation but have trouble because of the size, portability, take down and set up of those detectors? It’s challenging enough to pack all the ancillary equipment necessary to dig such as scoops, shovels, etc let alone having to deal with the size and delicate nature of the detector especially when we have the wherewithal to streamline and improve the overall design substantially and make the detector more impervious to our normal operating environment.
I’m impressed by the groundbreaking XP Deus design (albeit still not waterproof) as I am with the Minelab SDC 2300 and that should be the objective going forward for all manufacturers as I see it. My guess is that manufacturers would see a significant jump in sales if they could give us such a portable, survivable machine and keep the prices as consumer friendly as possible.
I’m betting that the first major supplier to successfully meet this challenge will leave others behind in short order. I know I’d be on their buyers list as I also know that such machines will eventually be here…I’m just pushing for sooner rather than later!
Just the view from my foxhole…
I feel it’s time metal detector manufactures step into the 21st century regarding the physical design of their machines. Granted, the software capability and functionality has seen major strides over the years and as a result, we now have the most capable detectors ever built.
Having said that, I submit the age of bulk, weight and wires has long passed. We have the technology to produce light weight, rugged, compact, fold up, wireless machines in both VLF (single or multi band) and PI configurations but we’re still dealing with 20th century problems brought on by the heavy, bulky, non-waterproof, wired machines that are a pain to travel with and maintain.
How many issues do you read on the forums about weight, broken or malfunctioning wires or units that were caught in the rain or dropped in the water for example? How many detectorists love to take their machines on vacation but have trouble because of the size, portability, take down and set up of those detectors? It’s challenging enough to pack all the ancillary equipment necessary to dig such as scoops, shovels, etc let alone having to deal with the size and delicate nature of the detector especially when we have the wherewithal to streamline and improve the overall design substantially and make the detector more impervious to our normal operating environment.
I’m impressed by the groundbreaking XP Deus design (albeit still not waterproof) as I am with the Minelab SDC 2300 and that should be the objective going forward for all manufacturers as I see it. My guess is that manufacturers would see a significant jump in sales if they could give us such a portable, survivable machine and keep the prices as consumer friendly as possible.
I’m betting that the first major supplier to successfully meet this challenge will leave others behind in short order. I know I’d be on their buyers list as I also know that such machines will eventually be here…I’m just pushing for sooner rather than later!
Just the view from my foxhole…
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