Quietly sobbing in the corner...

[DJT (David)]

Spent the evening double packing my CCD for return to SBIG for a little TLC..sniff...but based on previous experience, it will be in good hands. I read recently here a comment from someone that SBIG after-service wasn't that hot and I have to say that's not been my experience. Looks like by spinning off the service centre and continuing to source spares for the older models they are committed to their customers.

In the meantime, the DSLR is up and running.Forgot how less complex DSLR imaging can be.

Still...sob.. I had just got the hang of the CCD...buwaaaaaaaaah! .

[Kunama]

Just think how sweet the reunion will be ............
Sometimes absence does make the heart grow fonder !

Over the last 12 months I have been trying out quite a few bits of astro gear and although the decision has been mine, the parting has not been easy

[DJT (David)]

Cheers Matt

All back in one piece after just three weeks. Hats off to Bill Lynch at Sbig for turning it around so quickly. Had literally just finished getting the setup right for the 60da and OAG on the RC8 expecting to miss a fair bit of the season with the CCD so I am well chuffed.

Will be up and running again after the long weekend.

[photosinferno (John)]

You got it on-line yet?

[DJT (David)]

Hi John, not yet..spending this weekend at the new place...holy cow...I can see stars!.. Really..who would have thought there could be so many!!!

There isn't a street light for 20Km..

[clive milne]

Originally Posted by DJT

I read recently here a comment from someone that SBIG after-service wasn't that hot and I have to say that's not been my experience.

I sent my ST10 back for a service and a minor repair a couple of years ago. My experience is that the service department was entirely competent, fast and very reasonably priced. My only criticism is that the method of return post (pick up - courier) was unnecessarily expensive.

If you call them on the phone, be prepared to spend some time talking.
Bill is a pleasure to deal with, but does enjoy a good chat.

[DJT (David)]

Originally Posted by clive milne

I sent my ST10 back for a service and a minor repair a couple of years ago. My experience is that the service department was entirely competent, fast and very reasonably priced. My only criticism is that the method of return post (pick up - courier) was unnecessarily expensive.

If you call them on the phone, be prepared to spend some time talking.
Bill is a pleasure to deal with, but does enjoy a good chat.

Hi Clive,

Agreed, the repairs were great, replacement cost ( fan and CCD power module along with cables and a new power brick) and service was reasonable but the shipping was a tad expensive however A) it's a UPS thing and B)it was close to what I paid to ship out via auspost with insurance. I recon I paid close to $700 shipping and insurance return but figured that to replace this as new is around $12k including FW? It's a no brainer. I got the unit back within 72 hours of getting a tracking number!

I missed the phone call with Bill, we never quite caught up but he was great on the email, sent photos showing all the issues and basically did a great job.

He has set up as a dedicated maintenance operation in Santa Barbara with the rest of the operation heading over the border to Diffraction Ltd. he's going to end up on an Astro tourist trail one day!