[SJAAboard] update about our solar scope, Daystar T-Scanner

[Gary Mitchell]

I just got this reply from Daystar:
> While testing the optical stack, we discovered additionally that your
 > blockers and trimmers need to be replaced.  This happens on DayStar
 > Filters that are over 10 years old (yours is 16 years old).  The
 > repair cost for the blockers and trimmers is $750.00, plus $20.00 for
 > shipping.  We will apply the $225.00 you already paid towards the
 > $750.00 cost, leaving you a balance of $525.00.  We will also apply
 > the $20.00 for shipping, and send you an invoice reflecting a total
 > balance due of $525.00.  The new blockers and trimmers will come with
 > a 10 year warranty (as opposed to the original 5 year warranty.  If
 > this is satisfactory, please let me know and I will mail the invoice.
 > If you do not wish to have the blockers and trimmers replaced, let me
 > know and I will return your filter to you.

Actually, we also paid $65 up front (initial evaluation) for
a total of $285.  (I'm taking care of this issue.)

So, what do we want to do, pay the additional $465?  If we
don't, I suppose we'll be out the $285 we already paid.  I'm
inclined to go ahead.

Does anyone know if the Coronado solar scopes have the same
aging problem?

Gary


Gary Mitchell wrote:
> About our solar scope, the T-Scanner...
> 
> I just got this from Daystar:
> 
> On 5/28/2008 Daystar wrote:
> 
>> You sent SJAA's T-Scanner (Serial #TS-792) is in need of Blocker
> 
>  > and Trimmer replacement.  The cost for Blocker and Trimmer
>  > replacement is $750.00, plus $20.00 for shipping (total $770.00).
>  >  Will forward a new invoice to you for your review, as prepayment
>  > is required.  Blocker and Trimmer elements are being manufactured
>  > presently, and assembly should begin May 30, 2008.  We anticipate
>  > shipment of completed work to begin the week of June 2 - 6, 2008.
>  >  Thank you for your patience.
> 
> For reference, on 1/4/2008 Daystar wrote:
>  >     We had some time to diagnose your club's T-scanner today.  I have
>  > some good news and bad news.   It looks like the filter has been
>  > opened.  There is an internal tuning problem which the filter
>  > exhibits which cannot happen unless somebody opened the unit and
>  > tampered with the optical elements.   This is a relatively minor
>  > repair, but it will require that we open, re-tune and re-test the
>  > optical stack.   That process typically takes about 2-3 weeks and
>  > costs $250.00.  There is a slight chance the optical elements while
>  > being tampered with could have sustained damage, but I don't see
>  > evidence of that at this time.  Should we find the filter has more
>  > damage, when opening, I will advise and we will stop to assess if
>  > there is a reason to continue.
>  >
>  >    The blockers and trimmers appear to be fine. Your environment is
>  > good for keeping them cool and/or dry, so they have a lot more life
>  > left in them.
>  >
>  >    I'll send an invoice for the $250 - less the $45 you have already
>  > paid.  You can make payment by check to get the repair going.
> 
> 
> To my knowledge this is the first we heard anything from them
> since January.  It's possible they thought they sent another
> notice mentioning the "more damage" and that's why it has
> taken so long--we were waiting for each other.  (I should
> have contacted them sooner.)
> 
> I replied asking for more details and whether that $770 is or
> is not including the $250 we already paid.  I'll let you all
> know when I hear back.
> 
> Gary
> 
> 
>