This is topic Gonna order a Minaska tomorrow morning...Last chance to talk me out of it in forum Member forum at The New Huntmastersbbs!.
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Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on August 19, 2008, 04:54 PM:
Actually, I don't want anyone to talk me out of it ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
So I called the good folks at Minaska and got all the questions I have answered so I am pressing on.
The only thing that worries me is that I am 'puter illiterate. If anybody can screw up downloading the sounds and changing the banks its me.
Gonna get the M1/sidewinder combo and a 10wTOA speaker.
Never used a decoy before so that will be a learning experience for me.
I have used a e caller in the past. It did work and called coyotes but it also let me down on a few occasions(by not operating properly) and that kind of turned me off to using one. Plus it just seemed like more gear to hump around.
Hopefully, I'll be happy this time.
Great customer service so far as well. Guy had no problem answering my questions. Thats always a plus
Posted by Paul Melching (Member # 885) on August 19, 2008, 05:11 PM:
Mule
I'll trade ya for my fx-5 LOL
Anymore, I look like a moving van in the desert.
Camera,caller, decoy,rifle or shotgun , stool (cuz I'm OLD).Some guys even carry ladders.
It was simple when I knew absolutley nothing and carried a rifle and a lanyard.
Good luck with the new unit they sound goood!
Paul
Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on August 19, 2008, 05:31 PM:
I hear ya paul
Things sure have changed.
I remember doing this with ONE call
ONE gun
And one of those misquito net style camo thingies you wore over your jacket. They cost a whole dollar at Target.
Posted by Scott F. (Member # 1961) on August 19, 2008, 05:31 PM:
Mule- Smart choice. You'll love it or Rich Higgins will give you your money back.
Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on August 19, 2008, 05:32 PM:
Scott,
Rich's review was the deciding factor in me even considering one.
But now that I know Rich will reimburse me I am much more comfortable
[ August 19, 2008, 05:34 PM: Message edited by: MULE ]
Posted by Dan Carey (Member # 987) on August 19, 2008, 05:40 PM:
I had a U1 and its sold. The decoy works great from slow to fast mode. If Rich has to buy it back, he's on his own. I own a WT.
[ September 04, 2008, 06:20 PM: Message edited by: Dan Carey ]
Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on August 19, 2008, 05:42 PM:
It just dawned on me..
I'll be the first one to use it in Mongolia!!
Posted by Paul Melching (Member # 885) on August 19, 2008, 06:17 PM:
Cool! dont you have wolves in mongolia?
Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on August 19, 2008, 06:20 PM:
Paul,yes we do
Except the ones in my area are smaller than the others and they suspiciously like coyotes
Posted by Semp (Member # 3074) on August 19, 2008, 06:41 PM:
For my $.02, I have the Bandit M1 and it works as advertised. No problems. The MB Cottontail sound worked pretty good at the LBL.
If ya need help downloading sounds or using the Minaska Sound and Print Utility, just pm me and I'll see if I can help.
Of course I might accidentally erase your whole caller but it won't be intentional. ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on August 19, 2008, 08:19 PM:
GOOOOOOO Mongoloids!
What's the shipping like to Outer Mongolia!?
I heard it's on par with the shipping to BFE...
Some Khan Artist told me it was high. Don't know if I believe it.
Live long and prosper, eh?
Vulcan, Mongolian. They all look the same to me.
[ August 19, 2008, 08:21 PM: Message edited by: smithers ]
Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on August 19, 2008, 08:49 PM:
Free shipping to Mongolia
I don't know how they do it ![[Confused]](confused.gif)
I just hopes it makes it thru customs
But then again,if I throw around the Sultans name (PBUH), I probably won't have a problem
Posted by TA17Rem (Member # 794) on August 23, 2008, 09:07 PM:
Good choice on a E-caller Mule and good luck.. Like others have said if you need help with the sounds and what ever just let us know, will be more than happy to help...
Posted by Cayotaytalker (Member # 1954) on August 24, 2008, 07:59 AM:
Mule i hope you injoy your new tool of the trade. I also went with the Minaska. I'm glade i did not go with the other brand. Yet i'm sure they are very good e-callers also.The fx-5 & fx-3 seam like nice calls. The one thing for me is that Minaska always seams about $100 bucks less than the other brand. And trust me there is alot i can do with those 100 saw mill dollars!Plus those PC suck ass sheet eaters over on the other channel just piss me off.And there is a good chance i will never own one.There for because i'm a hard head,i will never know how good of a call the other brand makes. And sir not only am i puter illiterate, i'm just damn illiterate! So if i can load the sounds so can you. It's fun and it's eazy.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on August 31, 2008, 01:29 PM:
MULE, did you get it yet?
Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on August 31, 2008, 01:40 PM:
Not yet Leonard
But I really don't expect to see it for a bit. These 4 day holiday weekends always screw up stuff.It screws up my timelines and I'm sure it screws up Minaskas as well. Just the way it is
All the people we tried to schedule work with last week will be screaming for it come tuesday or wednesday.
I hate the holidays
Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on September 04, 2008, 05:39 PM:
Hmmmmmm...
Sent a E mail yesterday looking for just a update. No answer which wasn't a big deal.
Until I read that thread at PM.
Got me wondering now
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 04, 2008, 05:57 PM:
There was a reason why I asked, MULE. I have been waiting for a month. I didn't even want to admit it before, not wishing any adversity or flack for Minaska, but this is getting to be a bit much. Needless to say I could have used my Foxpro LAST WEEKEND, like I wanted, but instead, I'm still waiting. Of course, they charged my card right away.
Good hunting. LB
Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on September 04, 2008, 06:20 PM:
You have been waiting a month?
Did you order it on line or over the phone??
I went into business for myself about 15 years ago. Wish I didn't because then maybe I would have a life. But thats a different story.
One thing I did learn is this. If you think it will take 1-2 weeks to get a product to a customer?? Then tell that customer 3-4 weeks.
That way if it takes 1-2 weeks you are golden.You are early and a hero. If it takes 3-4 weeks then you are on time.
Shit happens. People understand that. But if you say 2 weeks and that turns into 2 months then you have pissed off folks.
Not saying this is the case here. Just saying.
Another wise move is to tell your customer if his order is gonna be late. That always helps.
Me? I couldn't use my caller right now if I had it. So I'm not in a huge hurry.But in a couple weeks I plan on getting out and that will change
Posted by Scott F. (Member # 1961) on September 04, 2008, 06:27 PM:
Call Todd at MO until you get a hold of him.
I am in constant contact with him regarding company things but periodically there are lulls in communication due to them being very busy with business and personal items. Communication always picks up after a bit.
Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on September 04, 2008, 06:43 PM:
Scott,
No offense but you totally missed the point of my post
Posted by Cdog911 (Member # 7) on September 04, 2008, 07:08 PM:
MULE,
They've wrapped up their move to a new production facility and are in the process of building motherboards which are being built in-house, rather than from outside sources. The point being that no orders are being filled right now, nor are they being ignored. The move put the entire production process into a holding pattern and they're all but ready to get things rolling any time now. They chose now to make this move because it's the off season and few people are actually using their gear. I can't speak as to why they didn't respond to you, but I just wanted to let you know that you weren't lost along the way. I've got buddies here at home that are waiting just like you.
Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on September 04, 2008, 07:12 PM:
Cdog,
Thanks for the update
Now thats how you handle these things. Just tell folks what the deal is and its no big deal.
Posted by Scott F. (Member # 1961) on September 04, 2008, 10:12 PM:
Sorry, just trying to help.
Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on September 04, 2008, 10:51 PM:
Scott,
No need to apologize and I realize you are trying to help.
Posted by Cdog911 (Member # 7) on September 05, 2008, 04:19 AM:
Scott, Nothing wrong with your advice either. My information is, at best, a couple weeks old so they may actually be in production now and would give MULE better info than what I'm aware of. I just know what I posted from talking to them at the Expo.
Posted by The Bandit (Member # 960) on September 05, 2008, 03:58 PM:
Lance & Scott,
Thanks for trying to clear up our delay in production and shipping. The move and a few engineering changes to allow us to move to the next level have really held us up in the last couple months. Like Lance had stated we tried to do this in the off season because moving your entire operation is never fun. Several units shipped out today and LEONARD's just happens to be one of them. Sorry about the delay guys.
[ September 06, 2008, 06:15 PM: Message edited by: The Bandit ]
Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on September 05, 2008, 04:16 PM:
My better half talked to Brad today and it looks like my wait won't be much longer
Thanks for the update Bandit
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 11, 2008, 04:37 PM:
I got mine this afternoon. It's on the wall charger right now.
Good hunting. LB
Posted by Cayotaytalker (Member # 1954) on September 11, 2008, 06:11 PM:
Leonard good to here you got your new toy(i mean tool of the trade) Did you sign up to get your free sounds and to get on there site? There are a few good post over there none by me lol.There are a few top hands that pop up over there.A few good post by Gary G. I put my order in around x-mass time of 07 that was a long wait for dang sure.
Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on September 21, 2008, 02:11 PM:
Leonard,
So what is your opinion of the caller so far?
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 21, 2008, 04:07 PM:
I haven't used it yet.
I have played with it, noticed a few changes.
It has a single board, uses jumpers instead of dipswitches. No volume pot on the machine, just a momentary contact pushbutton, and it still doesn't tell you if it is on or off. You depend on the LED, and it is hard to see in bright sunlight. They painted the main speaker in some type of zulu tone. Don't know if it is supposed to disperse sound better, or reduce reflections, or something else? The speaker in the back is inside, with 45 holes drilled in the case. I don't know what that might do to the water integrity, should you be hunting in rain? I like the charger jack better than the previous one. Also, the ext spr. and aux jack have a much more positive feel when inserted all the way. Generally speaking, the interior is cleaner, although I don't have the decoy feature installed, it is in another box, but I don't use it very much anyway. If I was targeting cats, I would lug it regardless of the bulk and the extra weight.
Other than the hardware, the operation so far is excellent. Plenty of volume, and They used my suggestion of keeping the speaker silence switches inside so they don't get turned off accidently, but still; you cannot tell the configuration unless you turn it on, so it is a good idea to check before you close it up, and walk out to a stand. They make pushbutton switches that maintain down and release when pushed again and it is easy to tell, at a glance, which speaker is on, or perhaps you want them both off, if you are using the remote speaker, as I intend to do, hunting at night, from the vehicle. I think the sound selection, as factory installed is adequate. There is a difference in volume on some sounds, you need about two more clicks, in some cases to be equal. The first modification I need to do is install some type of strap. The handle is fine, but I have way too many other things to carry, so a caller is something that I would rather sling over my shoulder. This may be picky, but I wish the antenna was longer and flexible? I have not tried the machine for distance, as yet, but I worry about line of sight, so I have a tendancy to hold the remote in a raised arm if I am not sure the command has been received? Of course, with my hearing, I need pretty high volume if the wind is blowing and the machine is some distance away.
Anyway, at this point, I'm happy. One more thing. I'd like to see a green full charge LED on the transformer. (like a Johnny Stewart) Actually, I have been using a Johnny Stewart wall charger, for just that reason. I don't like guessing as to whether the battery is fully charged, or not?
So, what is your opinion?
Good hunting. LB
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on September 21, 2008, 07:14 PM:
Leonard; I hate to be the one to break this to you, but somebody has to tell you. Your caller is a piece of crap. Too many bells & whistles, gizmos & geegaws to be fumbling with in the dark.
However.......there is hope. I happen to have an extra Cabela's model 512 tape player. Bring your caller to the camp-out and I'll take it off of your hands & set you up with a proven producer, even trade. Don't worry about thanking me.....it's the least I can do.
Posted by TA17Rem (Member # 794) on September 21, 2008, 07:25 PM:
Leonard for carrying my B.C. caller i bought two med. size key-rings and installed them on the slots that are on the carry handle. I had a shoulder strap laying around that came with one of my hunting bags and use it to carry the BC.
I also got a nylon key ring strap that has a snap button on one end and a snap hook on other. I use this to attach my remote so it always stays with the unit when not in use..
Hope you like youre caller, i like mine alot...
Posted by Scott F. (Member # 1961) on September 22, 2008, 04:47 AM:
Leonard,
Had someone make me a braided paracord strap. I got some thick zip ties and attached it on to the small tabs the caller has on the top. Simple.
Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on September 22, 2008, 01:58 PM:
Leonard,
Did you get the Ultimate One or the Big Country caller?
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 22, 2008, 04:00 PM:
I'm not sure what it's called, might be a Big Country? LB
Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on September 22, 2008, 04:43 PM:
You don't know which call??
One was 600 bucks and the other is 700 bucks.
You must be wealthy Leonard because I remember details like that.hhahahhaha
Posted by Cayotaytalker (Member # 1954) on September 22, 2008, 04:43 PM:
Leonard sounds like you got the Big Country to me. I like mine just fine. It's not to hard to carry. In the day light just hold that thing up to your face and cup your hand around the light.At the end of each stand i walk out to my call.The first thing i do is fold the antenna down and hit the off button.If the button makes a clean click sound it's off. But i still always hold the call up to my face cup my hand and check the light.(day light only)At night you will know if it is on or off. The light is a little bright at night.
Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on September 22, 2008, 04:46 PM:
[ September 23, 2008, 08:51 AM: Message edited by: MULE ]
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