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Hunting => Game Calls => Electronic Game Calls => Topic started by: Jeb on September 10, 2006, 05:35:33 PM

Title: Minaska Bandit
Post by: Jeb on September 10, 2006, 05:35:33 PM
Anyone here know or have any dealings with one of these callers ? Looks like a better deal than FP.
               Thanks....... Jeb
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: Brad H on September 10, 2006, 06:16:51 PM
My hunting partner has one. The full size one (which turned out to be a lot smaller than I thought it would be). I really like it. Plenty loud with a reliable remote. I use a WT myself, but if I ever get the urge or find the need for a smaller mini type, the Bandit M1 will be the ticket. I might get one anyway and create the need later. :sneer:

Brad
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: FinsnFur on September 10, 2006, 11:32:59 PM
Never had a dealing with them myself, but THO seems happy with his Minaska toys, http://finsandfur.net/forums/index.php?topic=215.0
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: Jerry Hunsley on September 13, 2006, 08:55:04 AM
I have never had an E-caller, but if I was going to get one , it would be the Minaska Bandit. Looks like a very compact and nice unit.
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: Jeb on September 15, 2006, 04:39:05 PM
Well now........it seems Minaska has now come out with a caller/decoy all in one unit. Looks like a winner to me!  The more I look at them the more I'm leaning that direction rather than going with a fx3 or fx5.
                                       :confused: Jeb
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: bearmanric on September 17, 2006, 12:03:05 AM
Jeb i use a Foxpro. they have some good sound's. but like you said on other  site you get new sound's free . i did have a bandit for a little bit steve let me try it out.at bear camp. cougar bait was playing his abot a mile from me it was very clear. sounded like a real cub. i might get a WT but i'm real serios about calling cougar's. good luck. Rick
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: YOTERS DEN on September 26, 2006, 07:16:04 AM
I have both and never had a problem with either, :congrats:  all depends on your needs/calling styles,  :biggrin: how much of a rush your in, :biggrin: and how many clams your willing to shell out.... :confused:

April
Hunt Smarter!...Hunt Longer!
...............................................
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: browning204 on September 26, 2006, 08:09:42 AM
The cool thing about the Minaska is, when you buy their caller you get the entire sound library. And then in the future if the come out with new sounds, you will automaticaly get them Free. Others make you buy sounds..

A buddy of mine just got the Bandit Big country. It is pretty loud and the remote seems to work just fine. Not as big in person as in the pictures.

If I HAD TO choose 1 or the other it would probably be the bandit based on customer reviews and I have hunted with both. Only 1 time with each but 1st impression tells me what I want to know...
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: Jeb on September 26, 2006, 04:16:07 PM
I ordered the "All in One" Caller/decoy unit from Minaska. Will post pics for size comparison whenever I get it in. I found a 6 month old FX3 for $425.00. No bells or whistles with it just the caller and remote loaded with 32 sounds. Anyways looking forward to the new caller whenever it gets in. Thanks for the input from everyone !
                                        Jeb
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: kyray on September 28, 2006, 08:27:31 PM
I've had both, FP and The Bandit. Both great callers. I actually prefer hand calls but there are those times when an e-caller can make all the difference. You can't go wrong with either. I seem to perfer the Bandit just a bit more than the other. I like to through in an unusual sound occasionally, at those hung up coyotes and the Bandit has 100 sounds on it out of the box. kyray
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: Dan Carey on October 03, 2006, 10:56:34 AM
I hope Minaska don't go the route FP went, with a new model every year, making last years obsolete or big bucks to upgrade.
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: Jeb on October 03, 2006, 05:42:23 PM
Yep this is definitely the hard part, waiting.  :shck:
                   Jeb
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: Jeb on October 11, 2006, 04:28:05 PM
Well it finally arrived yesterday. Hopefully tonite I can start with a new card and put what sounds I want on the caller/decoy unit. Pics coming later.
               Jeb
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: slagmaker on October 11, 2006, 05:18:58 PM
I am looking to get me an E-caller with remote just saved up the money for one, But then eagain I better get me a yote first :roflmao:

This Bandit sounds like the cats meow or should I say a bunnys death cry!

Anxious to here what you think about the call Jeb
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: 5 SHOTS on October 15, 2006, 07:55:41 AM
This is my first attempt at posting a pic so bear with me  :confused: this should give you an idea of the size of the bandit  (http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m24/5shots_01/hunting005.jpg)    finally got it :whew:
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: FinsnFur on October 15, 2006, 09:43:53 AM
That'll work.....looks like the caller did it's job too.  :congrats:

Hey just out of curiosity..I've never handled a bandit, but is that speaker a factory part or did you mount that on there?
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: 5 SHOTS on October 16, 2006, 09:48:07 PM
I ordered the big country bandit, The speaker is factory mounted but with the other models it is an option that plugs into the side. The call is plenty loud enough for most, but on windy days I think a little bit more wouldn't hurt sometimes. That is the closest I can come to a complaint though. :bowingsmilie: Oh yes, it does work too! :highclap:
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: Jeb on December 28, 2006, 08:30:28 PM
I have the BCB and the Sidewinder decoy . Deer season ends here in Ga. in just a fews days so i really havent had the opportunity to do any calling .  Did manage to cross the state line this afternoon with a friend and we made 3 setups with no luck. The BCB sound is unbelievable not to mention how loud it can be. My partner was really impressed by the quality of sound that was coming out.  Just getting started here so hopefully things will start to come together.
                         Jeb
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: Bopeye on December 28, 2006, 11:45:43 PM
I gotta get me one of those. Is the Big Country quite a bit louder than say a FX3 or JS512?
Just wondering.
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: Jeb on December 29, 2006, 11:11:51 PM
Dont know about the FX3 but definitely louder than my 416b . Yeh the JS with the larger speaker is comparable but , you have a cone speaker in the back which you can turn on or off and then the much larger horn speaker on the front. I wanted something to get the sound out there and I believe the BCB will do the job .
                           Jeb
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: Rich on May 15, 2007, 06:36:28 PM
Bopeye ,
I recently received word that an upgrade is now available which will easily make  Bandit the loudest E caller on the planet. Stay tuned for other exciting annoucements from Minaska outdoors.  :eyebrownod:
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: ohiobob on June 16, 2007, 02:30:40 AM
Rich
Do you have any Idea when the announcements will be made approximately ??? and are they Planning any changes in their Remote ???
I DO love the FX 5 remote and think it will be EXTREMELY HARD TO BEAT !!! Hell even the FX 5 Remote might be obsolete in another year? even if it is I will GLADLY pay for the next upgrade !!!  :biggrin:
Bob
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: possumal on June 17, 2007, 09:02:27 AM
Quote from: Dan Carey on October 03, 2006, 10:56:34 AM
I hope Minaska don't go the route FP went, with a new model every year, making last years obsolete or big bucks to upgrade.

Dan: Not meaning to start an argument, but I think the guaranteed upgrades are one of the best features offered by Foxpro. I kind of compare it to being able to buy a new truck and knowing I can get full retail back on it against the price of a new one anytime. No depreciation.  It is a whole lot harder to sell a used ecaller and buy a new model than it is to make a simple upgrade for a set price. That is my opinion, but I respect yours.  I used my FX-3 a lot for a year, and it cost me $215.00, including S&H, to upgrade to the FX-5 which has great advancements.  Both companies and all others in the business of making ecallers are going to try to make a better caller all the time, and a guaranteed upgrade price is hard to beat.
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: MI VHNTR on June 17, 2007, 09:12:28 AM
I had been using my version of a homemade caller for quite a few years. I recently bought an FX3 to replace it. The main reason for this purchase was the ability to upgrade without having to buy a completely new caller. The FX5 remote looks like it has just about everything that I want in a remote. I'll be upgrading soon. I've had nothing but EXCELLENT service from FoxPro. MI VHNTR
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: CCP on June 17, 2007, 10:00:42 AM

I love the BCB All In One. it is just that everything you need all in one. No cords to keep up with No extra speaker to carry along. No extra decoy to tote it's all in one package. If you like the idea of just paying for an upgrade call Steve or Todd and they will fix you up.

The cool thing is there are not many upgrades because they got it right the first time.

A few examples
When crow hunting with my FX3 I carry a larger speaker along with the unit. When I need a decoy I carry along a decoy with the unit.That is three things to keep up with plus extra batteries for the decoy and rolling and unrolling the speaker wire. Sitting back down and trying to remember if I plugged all this stuff in :shrug: Now with the BCB All In One I just carry one thing set it down and turn it on thats all nothing else. :yoyo:

Transferring sounds, no cords involved just plug the card into my computer and click and drag my sounds where I want them. The sounds are free and will work in any E-caller. Some of the new sounds Foxpro has sound pretty good but I can only use them in their caller :confused:

The gell cell battery is unbeatable in my opinion. Also when Foxpro decides to incorporate a decoy, gell cell and large speaker built into there caller I would have to buy another upgrade. I just cant see Minaska having a upgrade for the BCB All in One it already does it all but, if they do I will only have to pay for the upgrade NOT buy another caller.

Both callers are proven to call predators, Now it is just a matter of  which one has what the hunter wants, they already have what the predator wants which is the sound.
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: possumal on June 17, 2007, 10:36:26 AM
CCP: My understanding is that Minaska is coming out with an upgraded caller any day now. Rich made a post that it was his understanding that it was available. I assumed it has been under development as an answer to Mike Dillon's post in the Foxpro Forum "Clearing the air on some myths", but that may not be the case. Both companies offer great customer service, and I agree with you that it is a matter of personal choice which unit offers you the most of what you want.  For my use, having the decoy mounted on the caller wouldn't be a feature I would want, as I haven't heard a caller yet that didn't sound better a few feet off the ground.  Anyway you look at it, you are carrying all the items, and I prefer a tote that I can include the bigger speaker, hang the whole shebang up, open a flap and be good to go.  The guys that hunt in areas where they don't have any bushes or small trees to hang their unit up off the ground, I can see them wanting it all together, all the time.  An "Etched in stone" rule for me is to place the ecaller in such a way that the coyote has to show himself to me to get to a point where he can see the source of the sound. That is hard to do in open country like some of the guys hunt.  I like the basic setup Minaska has on their remote with ten banks of ten sounds, as I don't mind having a sound list with me, but I don't think I could give up the features of the FX-5 remote, especially the volume indicator, sound list, recall button, and 4 presets.  If you could ever get these two companies to join forces, they could make a unit to fully satisfy us extremists.  In any event, they are going to both strive to improve their callers, and they won't do it for free.
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: THO Game Calls on June 17, 2007, 11:06:00 AM
I have never understood why FoxPro has to "clear the air" on anything?

First it was the Wildlife Technologies caller, now it's the Bandit.  If the FoxPro is so good, why do they need to "clear the air"?   Let the unit stand on it's own.

Anyway -

I have an M1 Bandit, and I bought the extra speaker with it.   I have not used it much in the woods as I am a hand caller mostly, but I am really not all that impressed with it.  Lot's of little things that I belive will become big things at the worst possable time.  I'll probably be selling it here soon and upgrading to a Wildlife Tech.

The issue of the presets is valid but can be worked around.  One of the things I did was to put a KiYi sound on button 0 on each bank and a coaxer on button 9.  That way, no matter what bank I am in, I always have both those sounds at my finger tips.    Other than that, the remote is pretty basic and doesn't have many frills.   I doubt I would be able to read the print on the FoxPro remote without my reading glasses so that is no pluss for me either.   I only have a few sounds on my bandit, and like CCP, that's about all I feel I need.   

The M1 Bandit is a pain in the rear to set up if you don't have some place to hang it from or something to lean it against.   I solved that problem by gong to Staples and buying a desk top easel for 14 bucks.  It is about a foot tall and you can set the M1 Bandit on it.   

If anyone is looking for an M1 Bandit, give me a shout and make me an offer - ya never know  :)

Al
THO Game Calls
www.thogamecalls.com
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: possumal on June 17, 2007, 11:23:13 AM
THO: Clearing the air is an attempt to clarify rumors and misunderstanding that exists among the hunting fraternity. If you read the post, it is easy enough to understand. The Borland brothers evidently know where the improvements are needed and that is probably why they are putting out a unit with a bigger amp and a heat sync.  As to W.T., there is a clear comparison posted in the Foxpro forum on that too.  I don't work for or represent any of the companies named, but I do think it is important for people who are considering the purchase of an ecaller to compare facts.  That is my opinion, but I respect yours.
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: CCP on June 17, 2007, 02:12:16 PM

The clearing the air thread on their site is like the president of Chevy doing a thread on Chevy versus Ford. I wonder who he would say was better?? I also bet the Chevy guy could dump a whole bunch of so called facts on us.

If Mike did a head to head test and found the Minaska to be better do you think he would post on his site "Hey guy's the Minaska beat the Foxpro" I think not. Here is my favorite line "It might sound louder but it is distorted sound"

Seems like I read somewhere they were going to do a head to head using the same power supply. Why not just use the ones that come standard with the units. I want the test to be with what I am buying and bringing to the field. I want the test to be with the batteries,speakers and equipment that come with the unit not any add on's. That would be a fair test.

If  someone went to bass pro and bought the FX caller and the BCB and tested what came in the box. If one company was allowed to add speakers and extra 12v batteries then the other should be able to add to there's during testing. This would go on and on and never be a true winner.

I would also want the test to be done by a professional that doesn't know anything about hunting or calling this will help take the bias out of the equation.

I am affiliated with Minaska on my video. To clear up any so called bias, Foxpro and Minaska both offered the same thing my reply was I will pick the one I feel is the best caller I tried both in the field and did a head to head for myself and found for my personal use I liked the Minaska better.  I called Steve at Minaska and went with them.

They are both good callers and I used the Foxpro a lot.It was the best caller I had ever used until I got a Minaska. If you already have a Foxpro I wouldn't run out and sell it but if I was in the market for a new caller I would look into the Minaska BCB I think you will like what they have to offer.

I am with you possumal Both companies offer great customer service.

I still like Foxpro but the clearing the air thread they did was a big turn off for me personally.
   

Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: possumal on June 17, 2007, 03:03:44 PM
CCP:  Another example of different interpretation by people. I don't see anything biased at all about the post he made. It told exactly what size amp each unit had and the fact the Minaska had no heat sync which led to the thermal breakdown.  The report comparing a W.T. was apples to apples, done with with same sound.  If Mike Dillon found out that a Minaska unit was better than his unit, he would take steps to improve his unit, but he would print the truth.  As I said before, there must be something to the report that alerted the Borland brothers, as they are putting out a unit with a bigger amp and a heat sync.  I predict their unit will be better and the white noise on the top end that I have heard people describe will either diminish or disappear completely. I don't think either company would lie to the public, but apples to apples comparisons are meant to give you a basis of comparison based on facts.  I have heard both units hooked up to comparable big speakers, and my ears told me that the FX-5 was much clearer with no distortion. That is my opinion, but I respect yours.
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: ohiobob on June 17, 2007, 03:22:10 PM
CCP
anyone that knows ANYTHING ABOUT TRUCKS know that CHEVROLET IS THE KING !!! so Ford should save their money on a comaprison and try to build a better truck   :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

I AM KIDDING !!! ah hell,, no I am NOT kidding,,CHEVY RULES !!!

As for your post CCP,,I agree with you,,the comparison SHOULD BE an out of the box comparison,,I have THOUGHT about selling my FX 5 and getting a BCB, BUT it has to do with the FoxPro Representitives they have "selling" their product  :wo: I LOVE MY FX 5 and the FP customer service BUT on PRINCIPLES I DO NOT LIKE THEIR Canadian Sales Rep and feel that IF they have that fat Bastard selling units for them,,then MAYBE they can get O.J. as their
California / Florida Sales Rep  :argh: :argh: :argh: OR let O.J. have Florida since he is searching golf courses for HIS wifes killer and let Phil Spector have California :confused:
But each and EVERY opinion I have seen on here is the REASON that Chevy and Ford & FoxPro and Minaska ALL SELL
Many units,,because EVERYONE has DIFFERENT likes and dislikes and that is what this Country is about,,choices  :highclap:
Bob

(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z277/ohiohunter55/PhilSpector.jpg)
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: CCP on June 17, 2007, 04:06:22 PM
Quotethey are putting out a unit with a bigger amp and a heat sync.

They must have something different coming out because mine already (assuming) has the bigger Amp and heat sync.(5 Months old)

So if they have new bigger Amp's and heat sync's then does that mean they are now louder and better than the foxpro??

I know my unit is obviously louder than my 416 and FX3  cant say for the FX5 haven't got one to compare to. This must be due to the new Amp and Heat sync.

QuoteIf Mike Dillon found out that a Minaska unit was better than his unit, he would take steps to improve his unit, but he would print the truth.

There are many,many things I agree with you on and enjoy these type subjects. I do disagree with the quote above partially. Mike may take steps to improve his unit but would never publicly state another E-caller was better than his. I believe him to be honest but also believe him to be a business man. A statement like that even if true would be business suicide. It would be better unsaid.

If the biggest issue was the Amp and heat sync's and Minaska is addressing it or has addressed it then will Foxpro take the article down?? Or will they publicly state Minaska fixed the problem we spoke of previously and they are now a louder undistorted caller?? I think not.

  I am obviously a Minaska BCB fan after using their product and  possumal is obviously  a foxpro fan after using their products we will probably not change each others mind because we have used both and formed our own opinion. This is what I love about these type threads they bring lots of info out front. This can help the new or undecided guy in his decision making.

E-callers can be a big expense (was for me) and as much info one can gather to help decide is a big help. 
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: possumal on June 17, 2007, 04:40:45 PM
CCP: If your Minaska Big Country is 5 months old, it does not have the new amp and heat sync.  The Big Country was a result of a custom order by a customer, not a new idea for Minaska. When the new unit is available, I am sure it will be compared to the FX-5 in as close to an apples to apples comparison as possible, and I am equally sure that Mike Dillon will publish the results. As far as me being tied to Foxpro callers, I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to change if I found one better. I am not on their payroll, but I do appreciate the kind of informative posts Mike Dillon made.  If they are not accurate, what is to keep the Borland brothers from issuing a rebuttal?
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: THO Game Calls on June 17, 2007, 06:04:05 PM
QuoteIf they are not accurate, what is to keep the Borland brothers from issuing a rebuttal?

One real big thing - FoxPro owns Predator Masters lock stock and barrel.  The moderators for their forums are PM Mpderators, the Canuck Rep is the PM spokesperson - and on and on and on and on.

If Minaska were to say one thing about the Fox Pro test, you can rest assured they would be banned from PM.  That would be a huge hit and a big loss of business for Minaska.

It's Business Blackmail and anyone who spends any time at all on PMS knows it.  It has been that way for YEARS, since the old Loudmouth wars.



Al
THO Game Calls
www.thogamecalls.com
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: Rich on June 17, 2007, 06:18:28 PM
To the best of my knowledge, Minaska has no intention of changing their entire unit. The existing Pelican case that holds the innards is already so good that there ain't much room for improvement. You simply pop the bugger open like you would a small suitcase, replace any needed part and close the lid. You can't get it any easier than that. The upgrades I mentioned will be found inside the box. The internal workings if you will. The advances in electronic gizmos are constantly improving, and the boys at Minaska were wise to choose the pelican case method. If you know what you are doing like those Borland boys do, it is a simple matter to replace an outdated electronic module, chip, amplifier or other space age gizmo in a hearbeat.  Keep a close eye on the digital caller market boys. Minaska is leaving all the rest in their dust. Nothing wrong with foxpro or W.T. now mind you, they will work in a pinch.   :roflmao:
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: ohiobob on June 17, 2007, 06:19:25 PM
Al ( THO )

YOU ARE SO RIGHT !!!  :bowingsmilie: :bowingsmilie: :bowingsmilie: :bowingsmilie: :bowingsmilie: :bowingsmilie:  
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: THO Game Calls on June 17, 2007, 06:32:55 PM
Rich,

When are us mortal people, you know, the guys who just hunt predators, not the movie makers, board owners and call making legends going to be able to get their Minaska callers upgraded?   :)

I read on HM that they did some work for Leonards unit - but there is nothing on the web site about any changes or upgrades or anything? 

Also read they had some issues with the remotes and that there was a fix for that too, and again, a few select folks got that change made to their units, but no mention of it on the web site.

All this talk about a new amp and heat sink, and yet nothing on the web site that I can find.

Is this all top secret stuff only for the beautiful people?

Honestly, if there are issues that need to be addressed, if there are upgrades coming, don't you think they might mention it somewhere? 

AL
THO Game Calls
www.thogamecalls.com
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: possumal on June 17, 2007, 06:42:36 PM
T.H.O.: I don't recall saying that the Borland brothers had to issue a rebuttal on Predator Masters, but they surely could issue it somewhere.  I have emailed them myself trying to get info on the subject with no reply yet.  When Rich made his earlier post about the revised unit coming out, I figured that was as good as gospel as he represents Minaska, and he does not lie. Rich is dead on right about the pelican case, as it does make it easy to open and replace parts or make repairs. I guess time will tell when the reviisions are available and what they are specifically.  The Mike Dillon post on the Foxpro forum is specific as I read it.  If nothing else, what would keep the Borland brothers from posting something on their own site if no other place is available? That's enough for me on this subject, and I await something to be published about the improvements.
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: Rich on June 17, 2007, 06:51:01 PM
THO Game Calls ,
I will call them tomorrow and find out what I can.  I am surprised that there has been no public announcement concerning the  upgrades.  I haven't been down to Lincloln recently.  The innards in my own personal Bandit are pretty much the same as those found in a Big Country. 
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: ohiobob on June 17, 2007, 07:21:20 PM
I have also checked the Minaska website for about 8 days and never seen anything either,which made me think maybe there ISN'T an upgrade coming ??? so I will wait and see like everyone else  :shrug:
Bob
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: minaskasteve on June 17, 2007, 07:45:38 PM
I will make a post this evening with all of the details.  A quick note - we have completely redesigned our circuit board on the unit itself.  It is now one board instead of 2 and almost all surface mount components.  We began design about 12 months ago.

Check back for a full list of all the changes and yes we have an upgrade program for all models!

Thank you,

Steve Borland
Minaska Outdoors
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: THO Game Calls on June 17, 2007, 08:00:06 PM
It's OK Mr C - I have read on HM how they have taken care of folks like Leonard and Smithers and a few others.  There was specific mention of remote problems and that they had a fix for it.   Like I said, I have not used mine enough to find out if it will have those same problems or not, but I would sure hate to get set up on a stand and find out that it did.

I went through this about 4 years ago with a Western Rivers caller.   It broke after I owned it for 6 whole days.   When I called them they said, "oh yeah, we know about that problem"   which made me wonder why they didn;t fix it before they sold it.

Like I said, I will be dumping it here soon for something else so not a real big deal to me.   I was just jerking your chain.


Possum Al

PMS has a track record of banning advertisors and others who they think bad mouth them on other boards, and a track record of threathening people if they write stuff on other boards that is against PMS.  You can take that to the bank because I have the E mails to prove it.  PMS has been a FoxPro board for years.   Both the mods who work PMS's E caller forum also work the FoxPro forums.

You tell me that is not a conflict of interest.  
 
Like I said, it is business blackmail.  Minaska has to pretty much sit on it's hands while FoxPro can say anything it wants.  There is so much  BS on PMS because of the finaicail interest of the moderatoes and staff that a new caller will never get good info unless he goes somewhere else.  

AL
THO Game Calls
www.thogamecalls.com

Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: possumal on June 17, 2007, 09:26:08 PM
Minaska Steve: Thanks for your post clearing up the fact that an upgrade is coming. No rumor, just fact. I look forward to seeing the details.

THO:  Unless Foxpro owns Predator Masters, I don't see the conflict in interest where they are concerned. If you don't like the moderators and the people who post over there, you just don't go over there. I don't know much about the politics over there, but something bad must have been going on to push Jim Champion into getting out of there and opening this forum. I doubt that Foxpro themselves had anything to do with that.  As I said earlier, there is nothing to keep Minaska from making a post somewhere else, and Minaska Steve just proved that.

I prefer this forum to PM myself.
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: minaskasteve on June 18, 2007, 02:25:49 AM
We have been silent about our new design over the last 12 months and we are only a couple of weeks away from starting to ship units out (beginning of July).  This is why you did not see us reacting to anything that was supposed to clear the air.  We had been shipping units out with our heat sink installed long before that post. 

We are extremely excited about our new design as well as all of the things we have been working on in addition to our calls.  We have added new members to our Field-Staff that will be announced very soon, completed filming on our first video and began working on several shows that will air in 2008.  We have been working extremely hard on our sound library and will continue to do so.

What's New:

We have changed the way our receiver and audio board is laid out we no longer have 2 separate boards inside the unit instead we have one single board with everything on it including all audio and charging jacks.  This eliminated all of the wires except for power and speaker which translates into better sound quality. As for the remote there will be volume presets that will work much like our banking system so you will know how loud the call is when it is placed a long ways away from your position.

All of our units continue to utilize compact flash memory which is upgradeable by you the user out in the field and memory that can be purchased almost anywhere.  I believe that we are the only manufacturer to offer this ability without the user having to order the unit upgraded at the factory or sending it back to the factory.
The M1 will now operate on a custom 10 AA NiMH L- shaped welded pack that can be changed out in the field if needed within seconds and it will also accept the same 8 AA holder we use now.  There is no longer any speaker noise when you turn the unit on or when the unit is paused as our new amplifier uses a mute line.( Dual-channel power amplifier part # TDA8946J). http://www.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheets_pdf/T/D/A/8/TDA8946J_N1.shtml (http://www.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheets_pdf/T/D/A/8/TDA8946J_N1.shtml)
We have removed the volume knob on the unit – you simply turn on the power switch and you are ready to go.

Remote reliability at the distance of 400 yards on the ground is still what we rate our products at however if you get the unit up off of the ground any distance this will add to the range you will receive.  At 2' off of the ground we have achieved over 2 times the distance we rate them at. We have also changed to and addressing system that will allow up to nine units to operate  without affecting each other so if you are calling with a buddy you can set your remote to only operate your call this can be done by depressing a button on the receiver board while holding a button in on the remote.

Our products will speak for themselves. We do not feel the need to spend time telling you why our unit is better than anything that has ever been created and ever will be created.

Upgrades:

All models can be upgraded to our new design for $100.  The remote, memory card and charger will be compatible with the new unit.  We will need to install the new circuit board, reprogram the remote for the volume presets and change the plug on the charger.

Please post all questions you might have for us and we will do our best to answer all of them.

Thank you and I hope this will help with anything that is floating out there.
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: THO Game Calls on June 18, 2007, 08:39:56 AM
It's all good.

Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: HaMeR on June 18, 2007, 11:56:28 AM
Great post & Thanks for the heads up!! :biggrin:
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: possumal on June 18, 2007, 12:03:15 PM
Minaska Steve: Thanks for your detailed post.  The rumor mill should be shut down now.  Sounds like you have made some good improvements in your unit.  Good luck with the venture. :highclap:
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: minaskasteve on June 18, 2007, 01:41:16 PM
I wanted to post a couple of pictures of our test models..  The ones we have been beating to death out in the field testing in every scenario possible. The case used for the M1 test unit was pulled from the pre-drilled inventory in the current configuration.

Neither test unit has the slider switches installed for power or speaker selection - we simply used our existing push button for testing.

(https://www.minaskaoutdoors.com/test/1.jpg)
(https://www.minaskaoutdoors.com/test/3.jpg)
(https://www.minaskaoutdoors.com/test/4.jpg)

Both sliders will be in the groove directly above the green LED.

(https://www.minaskaoutdoors.com/test/5.jpg)
(https://www.minaskaoutdoors.com/test/6.jpg)

Inside the Big Country Bandit

(https://www.minaskaoutdoors.com/test/11.jpg)
(https://www.minaskaoutdoors.com/test/12.jpg)

Remember the push button you see in the picture will not be there on the finished product.

(https://www.minaskaoutdoors.com/test/13.jpg)
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: ohiobob on June 18, 2007, 06:57:45 PM
Thank you for the post Mr Borland,,It has answered a few of my Questions  :congrats:
Thank you
Bob
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: vvarmitr on June 18, 2007, 06:59:48 PM
Thanks for the heads up Steve.  :biggrin:
If I ever decide to get an e-caller this is the route I've decided to go.
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: KySongDog on August 23, 2007, 08:54:47 PM
Quote from: minaskasteve on June 18, 2007, 02:25:49 AM
Upgrades:

All models can be upgraded to our new design for $100.  Due to the fact that all of the holes will be different you will receive a completely new unit (case, speaker etc.).  The remote, memory card and charger will be compatible with the new unit.  Your old unit will be tested and available as a discounted used unit with a 1 year warranty.

Please post all questions you might have for us and we will do our best to answer all of them.

Thank you and I hope this will help with anything that is floating out there.

Have the upgrades been started yet?  I can't find mention of it on the Minaska web site.   :confused:

Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: HaMeR on August 24, 2007, 01:17:25 PM
I wanna hunt with you over that Bandit VV!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: minaskasteve on August 25, 2007, 10:02:25 PM
QuoteHave the upgrades been started yet?


We have started the upgrades and they will start shipping out on Monday Aug 27th.

One thing we forgot to mention to a few of the guys that already sent their units in is that we need the call, remote and battery charger. The plug for the charger has changed and we will need to reprogram the remote for the volume presets.
The volume presets work much the same way you change sounds. You press the Bank button then either the volume up or down button it does not matter then 1-9 for your presets. You will also have full manual control just like you do now.
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: Gary in CA on August 31, 2007, 10:03:29 PM
I've had one of the BCB prototypes for about 2 months now.  It didn't have all the bells and whistles of the total upgrade, but it had the new amplifier and came nicely camo'd.   I flogged it pretty good, played it for quite a few folks, and hunted it both here and in Nevada.  I think everyone will be pleased with theirs.
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: KySongDog on September 01, 2007, 05:34:23 AM
I just sent a Bandit M1 in for the upgrade.  The guy on the phone said it would take a couple of weeks.  The upgrade features sound pretty nice.  Looking forward to trying it out for real. 

Semp
Title: Re: Minaska Bandit
Post by: possumal on September 03, 2007, 07:44:20 AM
Quote from: Gary in CA on August 31, 2007, 10:03:29 PM
I've had one of the BCB prototypes for about 2 months now.  It didn't have all the bells and whistles of the total upgrade, but it had the new amplifier and came nicely camo'd.   I flogged it pretty good, played it for quite a few folks, and hunted it both here and in Nevada.  I think everyone will be pleased with theirs.

Hey Gary: You better watch that flogging stuff!  That can get you in trouble with all the funny stuff going on these days on Capitol Hill.  :roflmao: :roflmao: