Does Minelab make FIRMWARE updates for their MD's (Equinox)?

[GroundBalanced]

(Accidentally put this in the wrong forum, so posting here where it belongs).

So, i'm thinking about some of the things that people have complained about, nit picky items in some cases but easily fixable with a quick firmware update.
Does MINELAB do that kindof thing where you plug the EQ into your laptop and do a firmware update like you would a router or phone etc?

I'm looking for them to come out with a firmware update to alter something like (example) LIGHT BRIGHTNESS for the 600, change it to the same luminosity as the LOW brightness on the 800. The current default (and only) brightness on the 600 is way too bright for anyone to really use with ease.

I've had times when the 600 sounds go like 50% quieter for no apparent reason, then after the next new target, they bounce back to normal volume level. (Not 100% sure that its the EQ volume, or the EQ's sending of the Bluetooth signal, or possibly the Headphones, but i've heard others say this happens to them and they have different headphones). This would be another quick fix (if they identify it) that could be firmware updated.

Does that FIRMWARE UPDATE functionality exist?

 

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[smokeythecat]

As far as I know, not as of yet. Give it six months or so.

 

[Metal Detecting Stuff]

The capability is there, but unless Minelab thinks its a big issue, they usually won't have one released. The last CTX update was a few years ago. There was a lot of input from users given, but most requests were not implemented.

Wayne

www.metaldetectingstuff.com

 

[flgliderpilot]

I'd be surprised if there is a firmware update but I'd SURE LOVE TO SEE ONE.

IMO they would be stupid not to do at least ONE just to say they did ... because a firmware upgradeable multifreq machine for $699 is a HUGE selling point.

 

[DeepseekerADS]

IMO they would be stupid not to do at least ONE just to say they did ... because a firmware upgradeable multifreq machine for $699 is a HUGE selling point.

Great point and observation. I don't think they will though. Minelab ran a long time with the CTX - what, about 6 years? They had other markets, but for the CTX the only thing I saw they did was fix the o-ring leakage problems. I guess people are still buying Etracs, and certainly CTX's, but now we have the Noxes out. By now they must have a team planning the next generation following.

Why would they produce a firmware upgradeable multifreq machine and limit future generations and profits? That kind of machine would likely be the last machine the user would ever purchase.

 

[parkgt]

They already have our money and are selling them as fast as they can; what is their incentive to spend time improving the NOX when they can be working on something else to sell?

 

[flgliderpilot]

They already have our money and are selling them as fast as they can; what is their incentive to spend time improving the NOX when they can be working on something else to sell?

Agree. If anyone out there is working on an open source multifreq machine NOW is the time to step forward and get rich.

 

[fuceye]

The up date should be an option.....available per choice. You want your 600 to be 1/2 brightness you pic the 600 1/2 brightness update and download and install.You want to change it back....download the 600 full Brightness update and re- install.
It would mean minelab would need to store the update/mod files on their site for download,that way they could keep an arm bar on any incompatibilities and keep their protect closed source.
On the other hand it would be great if they made their product completely open source.....I can,t see that happening.
It's hard to address everyone's concerns via updating but the infrastructure they have would be a great way of smoothing over a lot complaints.
We will see how smart the engineers really were when the sat down to discuss the path the future minelab could take..... I would be impressed if they showed that much courage.
Time will tell if the engineers were just a bunch of straw men just leaving oz and
walking down the yellow brick road of bean counters....or big boys with slide rules
And big berries.

 

[Jason in Enid]

On the other hand it would be great if they made their product completely open source.....I can,t see that happening.
It's hard to address everyone's concerns via updating but the infrastructure they have would be a great way of smoothing over a lot complaints.

No manufacturer with a brain would make their detector software open source. If they did, my EQX would be completely different from your's and different from the new buyers. Then you would have people making random software changes just like they do now with random settings changes but in much deeper ways. Then 90% of people would be complaining because their new Minelab sucked when the truth is that they messed it up with all their random changes to the software. Bottom line, it would only be a downside for Minelab.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Great point and observation. I don't think they will though. Minelab ran a long time with the CTX - what, about 6 years? They had other markets, but for the CTX the only thing I saw they did was fix the o-ring leakage problems. I guess people are still buying Etracs, and certainly CTX's, but now we have the Noxes out. By now they must have a team planning the next generation following.

Why would they produce a firmware upgradeable multifreq machine and limit future generations and profits? That kind of machine would likely be the last machine the user would ever purchase.

The pinpoint lock, seawater mode were software updates, they did updates on the rear housing and battery that holds the battery. The arm cuff lock and rail it rides on, they also made language updates.

 

[fuceye]

No manufacturer with a brain would make their detector software open source. If they did, my EQX would be completely different from your's and different from the new buyers. Then you would have people making random software changes just like they do now with random settings changes but in much deeper ways. Then 90% of people would be complaining because their new Minelab sucked when the truth is that they messed it up with all their random changes to the software. Bottom line, it would only be a downside for Minelab.

that is ok and just what I am talking about. minelab could structure its updates in such a way as to give the consumer a choice as to what updates they wanted and skip the rest. not open source at all.
You are right to some degree about the wetware slippage though.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Fuceye, post by our rules, no insults.

 

[fuceye]

Fuceye, post by our rules, no insults.

thanks...I fixed it...sometimes I think I am talking to idiots and get carried away....my apologies .

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

thanks...I fixed it...sometimes I think I am talking to idiots and get carried away....my apologies .

That is not apology it is another insult. Again, post by our rules, NO INSULTS!

 

[smokeythecat]

Back to the original point, I do not think Minelab is going to make any changes for a long, long time. It's just how it is.

 

[Tnmountains]

Back to the original point, I do not think Minelab is going to make any changes for a long, long time. It's just how it is.

Fisher did the same thing with the F-75 SE. I was not happy about the cost of the upgrade and parked the machine.

 

[fuceye]

To answer the original question Does Minelab make FIRMWARE updates for their MD's (Equinox)?

Not Yet.​

Does Minelab make coils for their MD's (Equinox)?

Not Yet.​

Does Minelab make waterproof headphones for their MD's (Equinox)?

Not Yet.​

Does Minelab make usb wall warts for their MD's (Equinox)?

Not Yet.​

Does Minelab make car chargers for their MD's (Equinox)?

Not Yet.​

Does Minelab make s-shafts for their MD's (Equinox)?

Not Yet.​

I have consulted with the great metal detector god. she hath said as it is written so shall it be done. look upon the great everlasting manual. gaze at its scripts and images. know all that it is the word. these things shall come to pass.

 

[smokeythecat]

Or as Minelab sayeth, yeah, what, me worry?

 

[Ammoman]

So, am i to believe Minelab has given several of its detectors the capability of updates but has yet to deliver any? Please say it isn't so!

 

[smokeythecat]

They is them, we is us and we are just supposed to buy from them and smile!

Truth being told, I have no idea why they did a few of the things they did with this release. Some just don't make sense. Like no "S" handle!

Fuceye, I didn't realize the list was that long....was probably taking a cat nap.