third party repairs for Olympus

[js1719]

Search the CONFOCAL archive at http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal Hello,

 I am new to this list- have been running a confocal facility at Columbia for the past 8 years and I am glad I found it. I have a FV300 confocal from Olympus that is failing and need some advice. The problem is that there is not a high signal on the screen in both FL channels even with full laser power and high PMTs. The laser is working fine and the power output looks good. I am thinking it might be a problem inside the scope body or the detector? This problem happened abruptly  a few weeks ago and it will run me $1200 for a days service call plus they think the fiber needs replacing so they are asking $4200 for that. i don't think it is the fiber as the beam looks centered with minor interference patterns. 

My question is two parts: (1) Is there another company besides Olympus on the east coast (NYC) that can repair this for cheaper?

(2) What should I be looking for when and if I pay them to come. I have never had this particular issue before on either of my confocals. I just don't want to spend a fortune on parts that might not need replacment.

thanks for the advice.

Julia

Julia E. Sable

Lab Manager

Sheetz Lab

Columbia University

Dept. of Biological Sciences

[phone]

[hidden email]

[Ramshesh, Venkat K]

Search the CONFOCAL archive at http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal

Hi Julia,

 

   I would try and speak and to Brad Bobitt at LSM technologies (http://www.lsmtech.com). He may be able to help you.

 

Best,

Venkat

 

From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of js1719
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 1:20 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: third party repairs for Olympus

 

Search the CONFOCAL archive at http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal

Hello,

 I am new to this list- have been running a confocal facility at Columbia for the past 8 years and I am glad I found it. I have a FV300 confocal from Olympus that is failing and need some advice. The problem is that there is not a high signal on the screen in both FL channels even with full laser power and high PMTs. The laser is working fine and the power output looks good. I am thinking it might be a problem inside the scope body or the detector? This problem happened abruptly  a few weeks ago and it will run me $1200 for a days service call plus they think the fiber needs replacing so they are asking $4200 for that. i don't think it is the fiber as the beam looks centered with minor interference patterns. 

My question is two parts: (1) Is there another company besides Olympus on the east coast (NYC) that can repair this for cheaper?

(2) What should I be looking for when and if I pay them to come. I have never had this particular issue before on either of my confocals. I just don't want to spend a fortune on parts that might not need replacment.

thanks for the advice.

Julia

 

 

 

Julia E. Sable

Lab Manager

Sheetz Lab

Columbia University

Dept. of Biological Sciences

[phone]

[hidden email]