Now, I like Steve Neville alarms - I like the simplicity, good battery life, and the compact look.
So when mine developed cracks around the base after 8-9 years, I shelled out £100+ last year to have them re-cased, thinking I would get a good few more years life out of them.
And today, I checked them and 2 of them have cracks already, and I haven't even bloody used them, and they definitely weren't cracked when I got them back!
I give up, great alarms on paper, but **** design!! What sort of case is so bad that it cracks with zero use???
Back to the Delkims I guess.....
So when mine developed cracks around the base after 8-9 years, I shelled out £100+ last year to have them re-cased, thinking I would get a good few more years life out of them.
And today, I checked them and 2 of them have cracks already, and I haven't even bloody used them, and they definitely weren't cracked when I got them back!
I give up, great alarms on paper, but **** design!! What sort of case is so bad that it cracks with zero use???
Back to the Delkims I guess.....
In reply to Post #1
Teach you for trying to look old school wont it. Bet you have tournies aswell
Teach you for trying to look old school wont it. Bet you have tournies aswell
In reply to Post #2
What a mean reply!
What a mean reply!
In reply to Post #1
So why not talk to whoever re-cased them?
So why not talk to whoever re-cased them?
In reply to Post #1
The plastic used on the casings really is of inferior quality.
Then there is the problem that the screws that hold the backplate on are tapered and the fixing holes are to near the edge of the casing and are undersized for the dia of the screw...recipe for disaster. I am divided in the opinion that lubricating the self tappers does more harm than good !
The main problem is the fact that the 3/8th bankstick fixing stud is held to the casing by a tiny bolt that has only a 4mm ish sized head that bears directly onto the plastic casing without a washer for added support.
If this is overtightened the head digs into the plastic and splits the casing like a wedge.
It is possible to unsolder the circuit board to access the bolt head and fix a thin SS washer to prevent this..I doubt those that recase the alarms do this though.
The easy fix hack is to source the washer then cut a slot out with a hacksaw or grinder so it can slip under the bolt head without de soldering the board.
I know fine well that a great many on here will now state they have had their alarms for decades and have had no problems...well good for you ! It is quite obvious that there is a problem with the casings...so many used sets up for sale with damage, the fact that companies or individuals have a service to recase the alarms and the fact that new replacement casings are available in the first instance .
On a side note...has anyone ever had to have any other make of alarm recased...excepting optonics ?
The plastic used on the casings really is of inferior quality.
Then there is the problem that the screws that hold the backplate on are tapered and the fixing holes are to near the edge of the casing and are undersized for the dia of the screw...recipe for disaster. I am divided in the opinion that lubricating the self tappers does more harm than good !
The main problem is the fact that the 3/8th bankstick fixing stud is held to the casing by a tiny bolt that has only a 4mm ish sized head that bears directly onto the plastic casing without a washer for added support.
If this is overtightened the head digs into the plastic and splits the casing like a wedge.
It is possible to unsolder the circuit board to access the bolt head and fix a thin SS washer to prevent this..I doubt those that recase the alarms do this though.
The easy fix hack is to source the washer then cut a slot out with a hacksaw or grinder so it can slip under the bolt head without de soldering the board.
I know fine well that a great many on here will now state they have had their alarms for decades and have had no problems...well good for you ! It is quite obvious that there is a problem with the casings...so many used sets up for sale with damage, the fact that companies or individuals have a service to recase the alarms and the fact that new replacement casings are available in the first instance .
On a side note...has anyone ever had to have any other make of alarm recased...excepting optonics ?
In reply to Post #1
How many did you get re- cased for over 100 quid ?
How many did you get re- cased for over 100 quid ?
Never had any issues with mine
Did nearly break my toe once when I dropped one on it though
Did nearly break my toe once when I dropped one on it though
In reply to Post #7
LOL
Looks like you lost the rubber rod protector cap though .
LOL
Looks like you lost the rubber rod protector cap though .
In reply to Post #8
Rod scratch central
Rod scratch central
In reply to Post #5
Thanks for the reply, and yes, it really is a design flaw. In fact I only bought them after reading a load of crap about 10 years ago from the guy who made the casings saying they had re-engineered them, and the issues had now been sorted - utter garbage!
I am contemplating complaining, but to be honest I have lost confidence in them now.
And the cost was for having 3 of them done.
And as for trying to look old skool, lol, I don't have to try.
Thanks for the reply, and yes, it really is a design flaw. In fact I only bought them after reading a load of crap about 10 years ago from the guy who made the casings saying they had re-engineered them, and the issues had now been sorted - utter garbage!
I am contemplating complaining, but to be honest I have lost confidence in them now.
And the cost was for having 3 of them done.
And as for trying to look old skool, lol, I don't have to try.
In reply to Post #10
Although you haven't used them so this clearly isn't the issue the thread isn't particularly square to the casing either as the casing has ever such a slight run towards the back of the alarm. I only noticed this as i purchased some large diameter lock nuts to help alleviate this problem, it actually made it worse as it puts pressure onto the case as the washer tightens square to the casing. I've been a nev user since the early versions and still am so I'm not knocking/hating the product but this latest generation of casing are the worst so far, I've had ears sheer off on a sideways take too....... Come on stevie make them out of delrin or something better lol!
Although you haven't used them so this clearly isn't the issue the thread isn't particularly square to the casing either as the casing has ever such a slight run towards the back of the alarm. I only noticed this as i purchased some large diameter lock nuts to help alleviate this problem, it actually made it worse as it puts pressure onto the case as the washer tightens square to the casing. I've been a nev user since the early versions and still am so I'm not knocking/hating the product but this latest generation of casing are the worst so far, I've had ears sheer off on a sideways take too....... Come on stevie make them out of delrin or something better lol!
In reply to Post #11
I'm also a fan and have mk3 remotes, they do all I need but the case has always been an issue.
I'm also a fan and have mk3 remotes, they do all I need but the case has always been an issue.
In reply to Post #1
Yes that's why I eventually got rid of mine and went over to the rx+ with no regrets , I had about 3 sets over the years all with the same problem.
Yes that's why I eventually got rid of mine and went over to the rx+ with no regrets , I had about 3 sets over the years all with the same problem.
In reply to Post #13
I don't know if this will help some others but the best way I've found to reduce potential base cracking is by buying the longer threads from reelking and put a chunky rubber o ring on first then add a small stainless knurled locking collar screwed up to the o ring as this essentially takes the pressure and the o ring helps keep the alarm rigid and square to the thread whilst not pressuring the case too much. Its also fairly easy to align onto bars with this arrangement too.
I don't know if this will help some others but the best way I've found to reduce potential base cracking is by buying the longer threads from reelking and put a chunky rubber o ring on first then add a small stainless knurled locking collar screwed up to the o ring as this essentially takes the pressure and the o ring helps keep the alarm rigid and square to the thread whilst not pressuring the case too much. Its also fairly easy to align onto bars with this arrangement too.
In reply to Post #14
It's not just that part of the casing that cracks though...the backplate itself cracks where the mounting holes are and the casing cracks where the screws fixing the backplate are...
It's not just that part of the casing that cracks though...the backplate itself cracks where the mounting holes are and the casing cracks where the screws fixing the backplate are...
In reply to Post #15
Yep, mate of mine had the same issues with his. Load of crap and well past their sell by date. Get some Delkims.
Yep, mate of mine had the same issues with his. Load of crap and well past their sell by date. Get some Delkims.
Maybe..if you like the old skool retro look,have a gander at ECU,alarms..my son,has them,and after his Neville alarms cracked,hasn't looked back..
I think those ECU'S are great..from what my son says.
I think those ECU'S are great..from what my son says.
In reply to Post #17
Looked at them online several time, mainly the mk1 remotes but never seen them in the flesh and don't know anyone that has them. Imagine them being a fair bit bigger than nev's with all the buttons on them.
Looked at them online several time, mainly the mk1 remotes but never seen them in the flesh and don't know anyone that has them. Imagine them being a fair bit bigger than nev's with all the buttons on them.
In reply to Post #18
i have a set of the MK1s.
brilliant alarms, even better after service.
i have a set of the MK1s.
brilliant alarms, even better after service.
In reply to Post #1
I know they may not be to everyone's tastes, but I use the Neville headliners on my alarms & have never had a case crack.
I know they may not be to everyone's tastes, but I use the Neville headliners on my alarms & have never had a case crack.
In reply to Post #19
Are they much bigger than nev's and how robust are they?
Are they much bigger than nev's and how robust are they?
In reply to Post #18
My son also has the mk1s..size wise I would say not bigger than my txi delkims..
I have to say,if my txi,went to the big alarm graveyard,I'd get those ECU ,no question about it,very very good bits of kit..and,not silly prices,and UK based as well..
Edit..son's are the original mk1 compacts,very smart and reliable..now I have heard some saying about reciever range
..Well we not found this a problem,..
Son's words, faultless..
My son also has the mk1s..size wise I would say not bigger than my txi delkims..
I have to say,if my txi,went to the big alarm graveyard,I'd get those ECU ,no question about it,very very good bits of kit..and,not silly prices,and UK based as well..
Edit..son's are the original mk1 compacts,very smart and reliable..now I have heard some saying about reciever range
..Well we not found this a problem,..
Son's words, faultless..
In reply to Post #22
I've owned a set and my receiver range was absolutely terrible!. It wouldn't even make it 40 yards before losing connection in the end I got rid. I couldn't make it to the next peg without it loosing signal. Never had an issue with the alarms just a very poor reciver range.
I've owned a set and my receiver range was absolutely terrible!. It wouldn't even make it 40 yards before losing connection in the end I got rid. I couldn't make it to the next peg without it loosing signal. Never had an issue with the alarms just a very poor reciver range.
In reply to Post #23
That's a shame jimbo..
Yesterday we was working all around a lake about 2 acres,and my son's worked in every swim, we even tried it down the woods and it worked fine..
I don't know,but my son loves them no issues ,as yet..
That's a shame jimbo..
Yesterday we was working all around a lake about 2 acres,and my son's worked in every swim, we even tried it down the woods and it worked fine..
I don't know,but my son loves them no issues ,as yet..
My Nevs are cracked on the back plates and the underside, I keep thinking I'll use them until I can't use them no more and get something else, thing is they just keep on going. I know of I replace them I'll regret it
I really rate them they're the perfect buzzer, simplicity. i've dropped mine in the water, melted one on a log burner trying to uneccasarily take care of them after a session of heavy rain. I agree though the strength of the body work is rubbish, my back plates are going to pack in soon enough but I'll just get some more back plates, best buzzers I've ever had.
I'd like to see some olive green or brown buzzers for a change, I've got some of them gardener nano green buzzbars recently and they look lovely and a change from the usual stainless, black or carbon. I'd love a set of nevs in Khaki brown to go with them 😍
Why are buzzers always (mostly) dust bin lid black?
I really rate them they're the perfect buzzer, simplicity. i've dropped mine in the water, melted one on a log burner trying to uneccasarily take care of them after a session of heavy rain. I agree though the strength of the body work is rubbish, my back plates are going to pack in soon enough but I'll just get some more back plates, best buzzers I've ever had.
I'd like to see some olive green or brown buzzers for a change, I've got some of them gardener nano green buzzbars recently and they look lovely and a change from the usual stainless, black or carbon. I'd love a set of nevs in Khaki brown to go with them 😍
Why are buzzers always (mostly) dust bin lid black?
Had the original ECU Mk1 compacts and now have the Mk1 R- plus compacts I only really use them for my weeks away in Europe, signal range on both sets is limited but it's no bad thing in my opinion, these get packed back in the case when used and batteries removed until the next time.
I have the Micron MX & Mini Micron X that I use the most these days they do what they need too I would recommend them, kind on the pocket as well and I dont really care about abusing them for the price they are, one set left set up on the pod getting knocked and bumbed about in the van or on the barrow and the others are on sticks usually shoved in the unhooking mat when finished with.
I have the Micron MX & Mini Micron X that I use the most these days they do what they need too I would recommend them, kind on the pocket as well and I dont really care about abusing them for the price they are, one set left set up on the pod getting knocked and bumbed about in the van or on the barrow and the others are on sticks usually shoved in the unhooking mat when finished with.
In reply to Post #21
touch shorter than nevs, cannot fault mine mate.
touch shorter than nevs, cannot fault mine mate.
In reply to Post #23
Why would you want the range more than 40 yds ? Have got a set and again cant fault them.
Why would you want the range more than 40 yds ? Have got a set and again cant fault them.
Are these the ones you guys have?
In reply to Post #29
no mate but if i had the spare cash id get them
no mate but if i had the spare cash id get them
Do the E.C.U'S eat batteries still
In reply to Post #31
still on my first set in mine. find taking them out when not in use helps, but ive always done this with my alarms.
still on my first set in mine. find taking them out when not in use helps, but ive always done this with my alarms.
In reply to Post #29
They're the ones I have Glenn I swapped my MK1 compacts with a mate for the Mk1 R's he preferred the slightly smaller compact design I've never found the batteries an issue granted they dont last as long as a 9v in a Delkim alarm but will need a seasonal change, if I was to buy a set now it would be the MK1 super + compacts with the single big bug eye LED.
BUG EYE ECU
They're the ones I have Glenn I swapped my MK1 compacts with a mate for the Mk1 R's he preferred the slightly smaller compact design I've never found the batteries an issue granted they dont last as long as a 9v in a Delkim alarm but will need a seasonal change, if I was to buy a set now it would be the MK1 super + compacts with the single big bug eye LED.
BUG EYE ECU
In reply to Post #33
They look very cool.
They look very cool.
In reply to Post #33
That's what I'd have ,very smart
Although nothing wrong with my txi delks,so no need to change,
Another thing worth mentioning is in son's reciever is the vibrate mode,this also is fantastic,especially if you want to keep quiet,or other
That's what I'd have ,very smart
Although nothing wrong with my txi delks,so no need to change,
Another thing worth mentioning is in son's reciever is the vibrate mode,this also is fantastic,especially if you want to keep quiet,or other
I was seriously contemplating a set of ECU's a couple of years back but a good friend put me off after he had 2 heads snap off due to the threads being a weak spot....he also confirmed the range on the receiver was pants...
In reply to Post #36
Love my Nev's but if I change it would be the RX+ Fox over delkim
Love my Nev's but if I change it would be the RX+ Fox over delkim
Reading ALL pages