I hope Wendell doesn't mind, but this ends with a plug for a Magnetic Locator repair service that I think did a great job.
First, I had posted a couple of months ago that both my locator, and back-up locator, crapped out on me in the same month. One of those was a schonstedt GA-72CV. I sent it Schonstedt for repair, and they told me it was unrepairable and offered me some cash for a trade in. I asked them to just send it back.
I then tried to contact Subsurface, through both email and by phone, because they say on their wedsite that they repair "older" schonstedt models. For the record, I don't think this is that old, and is still being sold as new on some websites ... I could never get through to a person on the phone, and 2 emails I sent asking if they can repair this model went unanswered. I will say though that my other broken locator I sent in was a Subsurface, and although it was way out of warrenty, they didn't charge me, so my overall experience with Subsurface is good.
Anyway, I googled some more names and found Diaz and Diaz electronics in Michigan. www.magnetic-locator-repair.com. I emailed them, and they promptly responded, we exchanged some email and he even offered some advice on what to check for a possible do-it-yourself repair. I ended up send it to them, I just got it back today, working fine. I just thought I'd pass this on since, IMO, they offer great service.
I don't intend to hijack your comment, but ...
I had a very similar, very positive experience with Atlas in Dallas, TX. They advertise in POB classifieds and have a $175 flat rate charge. Good to their word and a good job.
www.surveyrepairs.com
I don't intend to hijack your comment, but ...
I don't take that a hijack at all. It's good to get the name of the little guys out when the big guys let you down.
I went through SubSurface, filled out their online repair form, printed it out, mailed it to them, and got two units back fully reconditioned in less than a month. I also never talked directly to anyone, in spite of calling several times. They seem to have their way of doing things and that does not involve answering the telephone or emails. Their system does work quite well, both units look brand new and work just fine.
I don't intend to hijack your comment, but ...
I have used Atlas and their flat rate pricing and was very impressed.
Is Diaz right at the border of Canada? If so I have used those guys too with positive results.
We've got two the "pistol type" Schonstedts. Both are about 4 years old. I have sent them in about two times each because of a malfunction, and when I get them back they are completely refurbished, and they haven't charged a dime.
I've always heard good things about Schonstedt, too, which is why I was surprised when they said they couldn't repair this one due to parts availibility. This was just a recommendation for people with equipment that Schonstedt no longer repairs.
I have used Atlas a couple of time with excellent results.
Schonstedt told me my trashed 52C was not repairable.
Presto. Atlas made it work as good as when new.
JA, PLS SoCal
