gfmucci
Jr. Member
- Jun 19, 2014
- 36
- 8
- Detector(s) used
- BH in 70's; new to Whites MX5 in July 2014
- Primary Interest:
- Metal Detecting
Age of detectors and performance degradation - performance of old vs. new
How does age of the machine effect detector performance?
I know from personal experience with electronics (audio, radio receivers, ham radio) that age degrades electronic components and performance.
At what age of detectors have you noticed performance degradation? My own experience with other equipment indicates degradation may begin as early as 15 years, assuming there was no earlier failure of components. Capacitors are usually first to go.
For example, if someone was to purchase a Whites DFX, which began its run in circa 2002, that makes that unit about 12 years old. How many trouble free (meaning still performing at or near factory specifications) years might one expect from that age unit? How does a purchaser of 10 to 15 year old equipment confirm whether or not a piece of equipment is actually performing as it was intended to? Simple air tests are meaningless for such evaluation except learning that it still "detects" at some level.
This uncertainty concerning used equipment causes me to lean toward new.
Has technology of new equipment improved over the past 10-12 years to the extent that a $500 new model today performs as well as a $1,000 model performed 12 years ago?
How does age of the machine effect detector performance?
I know from personal experience with electronics (audio, radio receivers, ham radio) that age degrades electronic components and performance.
At what age of detectors have you noticed performance degradation? My own experience with other equipment indicates degradation may begin as early as 15 years, assuming there was no earlier failure of components. Capacitors are usually first to go.
For example, if someone was to purchase a Whites DFX, which began its run in circa 2002, that makes that unit about 12 years old. How many trouble free (meaning still performing at or near factory specifications) years might one expect from that age unit? How does a purchaser of 10 to 15 year old equipment confirm whether or not a piece of equipment is actually performing as it was intended to? Simple air tests are meaningless for such evaluation except learning that it still "detects" at some level.
This uncertainty concerning used equipment causes me to lean toward new.
Has technology of new equipment improved over the past 10-12 years to the extent that a $500 new model today performs as well as a $1,000 model performed 12 years ago?
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