Well It turns out that my processor may have been going on my SE. I spoke to several knowledgeable people at Minelab and was very pleased with the interaction, answers to my questions, and the degree in which they worked to help solve the problems I was having with my SE. They did a lot of extensive testing to trouble shoot the root cause of the problems I was experiencing.
To clarify on some of the above discussion. Each coil has its own type of mini processor, the coil projects the electromagnetic field and detects everything it can based on the FBS technology. (the 28 different frequencies cycling) It then passes that raw signal up to the control box, which has its own processor. (this processor is a set of boards, a PCU, firmware chip, filters and firmware etc) This processor along with some various electronic filters "processes" the information in conjunction with the firmware and "ID's" it based on the settings your request via the firmware interface, whether it is a tone ID or a digital display. Obviously it takes more processing power to convert these signals into a digital display versus a tone ID. The more variability, the more discrimination, the more processing that is required.
So, the faster the processor, the faster it processes the data the coil (which is always "detecting" full speed/best capability). In turn, a faster processor should increase the response time you get in-between targets, as well as the Tone and Digital signal the detector displays.
All this being said, the tech only had available to him, the same processor specs we have available. Minelab has only posted the specs to the eTrac processor which is 32bit running at 48MHz. I could get from the tech that the original SE processor, is slower than the SE Pro processor, and that the SE processor is different than the eTrac processor. Whether different means one is faster than the other cannot be determined. It could just be a different "chipset" to use computer CPU terminology, but have the same over all processing speed. My personal opinion is the eTrac processor is most likely faster than the SE Pro processor.
Another addition you should know, is that if you replace the processor on your detector, it's just not the processor that gets replaced. Like I mentioned above, it is a set of boards that includes the processor, firmware chip etc. They currently only use the SE Pro processor/board set. So you would get the "faster"processor and most recent firmware etc should you require a replacement or desire an upgrade.
I could not get confirmation on any "2010" firmware, or if there were any differences between the original firmware for the SE or that which is being used for the SE pro. (other than if any changes, new processors would have the SE Pro firmware) My person opinion based on my computing experience (I build computers) is that the firmware would most likely have to be updated to some degree to compensate for the faster processor. (IE needing a new BIOS on your computer to recognize a faster processor) Obviously there are small bug fixes and other tweaks that must have come up. So logic could dictate that some other changes to improve minor things were most likely added to the firmware. However, I doubt the changes would make any noticeable difference, other than the improvement with the faster processor. (which I feel could make a real difference)
Lastly, cost, which will probably turn off most people. Part prices are static and there is no negotiating, the price for the replacement processor/board set is around $375, tack on at least 1 hour labor at around $65 and you're over the $400 mark. Return shipping is a flat $15 UPS 3 day. I had the front keypad replaced (part is around $27.50) the processor set, and the upper cam-lock clamp (~$12) area replaced on my SE and the total came up to $448 including shipping. Just a FYI the foam grip if you want a new one is like $10.50, and the strain relief and connector (what you connect the coil plug to) the part alone costs $50. However, my changes have affectively turned my SE to an SE Pro.
Some additional info: The tech did a full inspection of all the wires and connections and did not find any corrosion. I purchased my SE used from eBay back in 2008, and it was originally purchased in 2006 or maybe 2007. I definitely use mine a lot, but I don't feel I abuse it. However, it does get exposed to plenty of dirt, dust, and mud. The tech did report that the interior of my detector was covered in a fine dust. He said that it works its way in. The speaker is one obvious way in, but he mentioned that the speaker housing also acts as cooling for the processor and interior of the detector. Something to keep in mind should you decide to seal up the speaker. For the majority of my ownership of my SE I did not use a dust cover on the housing, no matter the design I find it adds to the glare so you cannot read the display. For most of the last half of 2010 I did have one on. The tech also said he installed a moisture crystal packet inside the housing which should help prevent moisture affecting the electronics. I thought that was a very nice touch and a sign of their dedication to quality and service.
Well, that's all I can think of to talk about, I hope that sheds some light on some questions you all have and hope it contributes to the knowledge that is out there. If I think of anything else, I'll update this post.
Jai
Your above statement is somewhat contradicting...even though the tech had the same processor specs available to him that we do, you could still "get" that the SE processor is slower than the SE Pro processor
Minelab is like any other business out there to make as much profit as possible with their products. If there are ever any changes to their machines, believe me, they will clearly state/advertise this to the world. Even if, for example, the only feature added to the firmware was 11 levels of volume instead of 10. They would state this. It's in their best interest.
