recyclability of old detectors????

Ok. A few of ou got me thinking after you said "don't buy second hand" "don't buy a broken machine etc"
So,you want a new machine? Does this mean you won't sell your old one,cuz you kind of shot yourselves in the foot there.
A few of us do the hobby on a tight budget,hoping that IF we find something of value,we can upgrade quicker. We need cheaper high end machines and this is how we get them.
Anyway......Heres an idea
You must be holding a few machines that have been faithfull? Hows about the manufacturers offer a recyclability scheme,where anything that is not re useable gets melted down and put back into the pot for new machines?
Theres your outlet for them machines you won't sell!
I have seen one or two threads about parts being possibly obsolete....Do they need to be with such a return facility?
The manufacturers can keep the customers happy by sending some of these old parts out(tested of course). Or repair with old parts inhouse.
The user can then be satisfied that he can safely upgrade when he can with a brand he stands by.
Manufacturer keeps yet another customer,or 3 and so on,if the machine gets split up into enough reusable parts.
Now i know some offer to send new parts out at cost to them to keep us wanting more.
There would be a small cost to break the said machines down,but that can be regained by reusing the metal that is left over,or plastics.
The manufacturer might even(depending on country and incentives on offer) see this as a way of reducing it's carbon footprint.(not sure if i put the last sentence across right).
Might i donate my broken one to someone i never heard from? I might,on the grounds that i actually knew it would be reused for parts to keep someone else sweet. Even if i am out of pocket and never got to use it!!!!
I welcome comments and input on this. Is it possible? Could it work?
I hope this is the right place for this,as it relates to repairs and ultimately,do it yourself If you can get the parts needed.
Hell,they could even charge a reasonable price for them obsolete parts!
Now come on,i know even some of you tackle tarts that can go out and afford the latest and best might have one or 2 projects on the go,and maybe stuck for parts. You might like a bit of this idea for yourselves, to finish your project or repair thats just gathering dust,waiting for that elusive part!

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Does my wire coat hanger count as a down-sizing rod?

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I garrentee Garrett will work on that one.

I have a Old ADS that they still will fix.

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Old is Good Some Times!  LOL!

I know things the folks today are not being tought.

LOL!



Posted on: June 30, 2011, 10:57:28 AM

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As a Hobbyist, I have access to parts on a one or two basses.

Repair centers need larger lots to support what they say they can do.

The bone yard can use parts out of a transistor radio, A Detector with like circuits.

No Cost is incurred as a hobby because No Cost other then My or Your Time is in play.

Ok, I pay shipping on the DEAD for parts.  That's my thing.

I've made $700.00  detectors work because I had the weird part that no one could find.

I've substituted that weird part with some thing what was close enough to work.

You just can't do that on a large commercial bases.

There is no commercial out fit that's going to provide a service like that and make money.

Like I said , I do it for Fun.

Every Detector that I received from the Bone Yard has been Auctioned off with exception of the Bounty Hunter that BitBurgaggi sent me.

I fixed that one up and use it.  Could not find the Pot with Switch to put it back in factory configuration but could put a switch on it to make it do the job.

Yes it too will be placed on the Auction block soon.




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A lot of us are believers in second hand machines (all but one of mine is second or third hand or more).....BUT those of us who are approach used machines the same way we approach used vehicles:
1)  You have to do your homework
2)  You should buy from a reliable/reputable source
3)  If at all possible, you need to carefully check the machine out (that means either buying locally or buying from someone with a proven return policy).  If you don't feel competent to check the machine out yourself, you need to have someone you trust check it out for you (just like you have a trusted mechanic check a used car)
4)  If at all possible you should take the machine for a test drive (gets you back to point 3).
5)  You need to know that all manufacturers have the occassional "lemon" AND just as in automobiles, computers, etc, the original manufacturers warranty generally does NOT transfer when the machine is sold.   However, most manufacturers will repair their products  (for a price) as long as they have access to parts.

With those guidelines in place, it really is possible to find good used machines.

As for the greater points you made, they are valid.   And a recycle program would be nice but is probably impractical for the reasons homefire laid out.   There are companies out there that specialize in repairing old detectors (several of them even have very good reputations).   The trouble is the repair cost is often close to what you would pay for a newer detector.

All that being said, things like Homefire's boneyard are a great alternative.   Not only does he get the fun of rebuilding the detector (or salvaging parts if it isn't repairable) but you either get the detector back OR it gets auctioned here to raise money for the website.   Other hobbyist might choose to donate the repaired detectors to a local youth or veterans' group.

BA

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