I think this is a genetic defect of this instrument. We have had two
compressors replaced on ours - one in warranty and one since then!
Joyce Weems
Pathology Manager
Saint Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta


	-----Original Message-----
	From:	Montina Van Meter [SMTP:mvanmete@postbox.acs.ohio-state.edu]
	Sent:	Wednesday, January 12, 2000 4:48 PM
	To:	histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
	Subject:	cryostat problems

	Dear Histonetters:
		I purchased a Microm HM500 cryostat 26 months ago, that
until recently,
	worked just fine.  I returned from the holidays and the compressor
was
	fried!  I was a little miffed that an expensive piece of equipment
would
	break down so soon.  I also have learned that two other labs in our
	department have replaced 2 compressors each in a span of six years!
(They
	also have the same type of cryostat)  Has anyone else had problems
with
	this cryostat or is this a common problem with all makes and models?
I
	would appreciate all responses on this matter.  I'm concerned that
we will
	have to shell out $2000.00 every couple of years for compressors!
	Richard Allan Scientific doesn't oficially take over until Feb. 1,
so I
	have to pay Zeiss for the "upgrade kit" and have a repair service
install
	it.  By the way, this is the seventh Microm compressor job they've
done.
	If you prefer, you can email me directly.  Thanks in advance.


	Tina Van Meter, HT
	Neuroscience Dept.
	The Ohio State University
	Columbus, Ohio  43210