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

[Gary Mitchell]

Rich N wrote:

> Hi Gary, 
> 
> Thanks for the update.
> 
> If we just pay the $285 we will get back a filter that doesn't work?

Evidently.  (We already paid $285, we don't pay that now.)

> For $285 plus $465 we get back  a filter that works?

That's the question.  Is the board willing to pay nearly
$500 (more) for our solar scope to be working properly
again and with a 10 year guarantee?

We would pay a whole lot more than that to get a Coronado
of similar aperture.  And I suppose it would have a
similar expected life span.

I should point out that we got this filter originally at
a very significant discount.

> It would be interesting to know how much we could get for the complete
> Ha scope on the used scope market, or our auction, after the filter has been fixed.

For a newly repaired (i.e. known good) filter on a working
scope, I suppose it should be worth the repair cost at the
very least... *IF* we wanted to sell it.

So, what should I tell them?

Gary


> 
> I know when I bought the larger energy rejection (ER) filter for my DayStar Ha 
> scope I was told the ER filter will fade over time as it is exposed to UV light.
> Not something I wanted to hear.
> 
> Rich
> 
> 
> 
>>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
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
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