BH Tracker IV Died

Digstuff

Jr. Member
Dec 16, 2021
91
148
PA
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Hello,
I bought a Bounty Hunter Tracker IV around three years ago, and it has always worked well.
I use it a few days a month on average.
Yesterday I went to go metal detecting and found it would not turn on: the needle wouldn't move, and there was no sound.
I put in new batteries, with the same result. I opened up the case, and all the solder joints are solid. No wires are loose, and there are no blackened components.
The capacitors are not swollen or cracked.
I'd rather fix it than return it. I did not buy an extended warranty.
Is there any simple solution to fix it?
Thank you!
P.S. I have a basic understanding of electronics, enough to repair some stuff. I am willing to work on it.
 

Last edited:

eman1000

Hero Member
Feb 24, 2016
728
1,105
Elizabethtown, IN
Detector(s) used
XP Deus ORX, Etrac, F75, Simplex, MX5, V3i, Equinox, Tesoro Vaq, F22
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting

Or just buy a simplex you won't regret it or even the digitek if your on a tight budget
 

OP
OP
Digstuff

Digstuff

Jr. Member
Dec 16, 2021
91
148
PA
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting

Or just buy a simplex you won't regret it or even the digitek if your on a tight budget
If i have to upgrade, I am looking at the BH Lone Star;
but I really loved the simplicity of the BH IV.
If possible I don't want to spend a lot of money. :laughing7:
So far I have had no problems with my Bounty Hunter. (Except for this ???)
 

OP
OP
Digstuff

Digstuff

Jr. Member
Dec 16, 2021
91
148
PA
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Well, I got desperate and bonked it really hard.
Guess what... it worked. :hello2:
Thanks for your help, eman1000.
I imagine this will die sometime, so I'll keep the resource you gave me.
:blob8:
 

Zincoln Miner

Hero Member
Nov 14, 2003
567
360
New York State
Detector(s) used
Minelab Vanquish 340, Tesoro Silver uMax, Compadre, and BH Tracker IV.

Ex: White's Spectrum XLT, Tesoro Cutlass II Umax, and that circa late 70's red handled junk from RadioShack that started it.
I wonder if the power on switch contacts where dirty?
 

Zincoln Miner

Hero Member
Nov 14, 2003
567
360
New York State
Detector(s) used
Minelab Vanquish 340, Tesoro Silver uMax, Compadre, and BH Tracker IV.

Ex: White's Spectrum XLT, Tesoro Cutlass II Umax, and that circa late 70's red handled junk from RadioShack that started it.
Yeah I get it. Sent you a PM that might help.
Please send me the same thing. I'm curious, and I have the same model.

Thks
 

alloy_II

Hero Member
Dec 24, 2021
629
1,028
Hello,
I bought a Bounty Hunter Tracker IV around three years ago, and it has always worked well.
I use it a few days a month on average.
Yesterday I went to go metal detecting and found it would not turn on: the needle wouldn't move, and there was no sound.
I put in new batteries, with the same result. I opened up the case, and all the solder joints are solid. No wires are loose, and there are no blackened components.
The capacitors are not swollen or cracked.
I'd rather fix it than return it. I did not buy an extended warranty.
Is there any simple solution to fix it?
Thank you!
P.S. I have a basic understanding of electronics, enough to repair some stuff. I am willing to work on it.
Since they banned lead solder, tin based solders grow whiskers causing failure in electronics. NASA, Tin Whisker Home Page.

It's possible when you gave the detector a smack you dislodged the offending whisker. They are rather fragile.
 

Last edited:

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