Mine started doing it when I was river hunting in very high iron. Was using it on/off a few times. Once I replaced the batteries and let it dry out with the cover off, it went back to normal. I have a feeling a little bit of water or condensate formed or something.

I have 3 carrots because I think they are great. I did buy Minelab's pinpointer which is nice too (forgot what is called). I think it is a little loud and I put my thumb over the speaker. don't need people 2 miles away wondering what the signal is.