Stolen equipment identification.

Good afternoon to all.

Was just having a look at the stolen detectors link and a thought came to me about something that has been around for a while now, "Data dot DNA"
It could also have some leverage on your insurance policy prices??? Probably pay for it's self in some cases.

A grab from their site.

How does DataDotDNA® work?

Hundreds or even thousands of DataDots are sprayed or brushed onto various locations on your valuable items.
The unique code on each DataDot is then stored on a secure national database, which can be accessed by police if your property is stolen.
The DataDots are almost invisible to the naked eye, but can be detected by a UV light and magnifying device.
It's virtually impossible to locate and remove all the DataDots, making it extremely difficult for thieves to sell your property without fear of being caught.
Warning stickers act as a further deterrent to thieves.

The Data dot link.
http://www.datadotdna.com/au/datadot_personal_protection.php

I forwarded this suggestion to Minelab. They said "Great!".

That was back in the day of the 4500.

Data Dots is a really great idea.

Marco, would your password disable the detector if it was not used?
That might be a pretty good deterrent if were widely known.

The idea was that the owner of a new detector would need a password to activate the device. If the detector was stolen in transit or during a house burglary, the device would be useless without the startup code. An owner posting their detector to a friend or leaving their machine at home in the garage could turn it on, then scroll down the menu options to 'SCRAMBLE CODE' to immediately lock-up the detector. Prospectors could also re-program the number with their own combination to make it easier to remember. The owner could also decide how often the security code needed to be entered. One only? Once a month? Once a year?

The best part is that the whole thing could be done without rebuilding the detector... it's all software driven.

The same method could be used to match genuine coils to the detector.
Word would get around fast. People would eventually avoid stealing them in the event of break-ins.

The passcode idea is very clever and it is disappointing to hear that the suggestion was never implemented. It would not be that expensive or difficult to modify the software and to make it available retrospectively to owners for an appropriate fee, as well as a standard inclusion for new production runs. If someone from Minelab is scanning this forum I hope they reconsider.

I hope they don't. How many damn passwords etc do we need to remember? It would be better to have a fingerprint recorded as the technology is here for that. That way it's protected and you don't have to remember the bloomin' password. End of rant temporarily.

The pass code was not taken up, because if your detector was stolen, they could sell you a new one...

how easy to engrave your drivers licence number on the leg of the detector.
When u sell it the next bloke puts his licence number on the next leg u get my drift.
u dont have to remember codes--but I reckon u will be able to trace your machine..not fool proof but a very good deterent

regards
Oneday69

I understand and agree that some folks would prefer not to have to deal with passcodes etc, however just like mobile phones it would be for each user to decide whether they wish to enter and use a passcode, or not. In the meantime license number will have to suffice although anyone brazen enough to steal such an item wouldn't care less about using it with someone else's scratch mark or worse still simply file it off...