Whites V3i

[grumpyjohn]

My newest detector is the V3i the latest offering from Whites. As you would expect from a machine made by whites the build quality is second to none.This machine has the same stem as all the other detectors in the Whites stable and is a well proven design.The biggest advance screen wise is not only colour but a choice of target identification methods to suit the operator.The V3i also has the ability at the push of a button to enhance the signal of those deep targets that are just a whisper. This comes at a cost though, regarding battery life! This machine is not for a novice and takes some time to master but if coming from another Whites product it makes it easier as it shares many systems with its predecessors.All whites coils will work on the V3i but unless a coil is V rated you can`t use the boost facility.All round a very versatile machine which will suit all types of detecting and can be set to suit any operator.
The V3 was brought out to compete with the Etrac and in my opinion was rushed onto the market without enough testing . There were problems with coil failure and the software at the start and earned the machine a bad reputation! With the V3i these problems are now solved and with the European repair base being in Scotland it`s easy to pick up a phone and talk through any issues you may have.

[Tascio]

Is the firmware on the V3i upgradable via the net/USB cable? How do they fix the software problems, do you have to send the whole thing back to the factory?

[grumpyjohn]

No Tascio the facility to upgrade via a computer is not featured on the V3i. When Whites changed the software they offered anyone who had purchased a V3 a free upgrade. During this upgrade some features were changed and others dropped (i.e. the facility to put in progs. from other V3`s via the radio headphones was dropped). New features like a choice of languages replaced them.The upgrades can only be done at the factory so sending the machine back is the only option. In saying this the repair base in Inverness is very fast. I`ve had to send my DFX back for repair twice. Posted to them Mon. arrived back on Thurs. in both cases.

[Tascio]

Posted to them Mon. arrived back on Thurs. in both cases.

Now that's some great service, hats off to Whites!