Re: cryostat problems

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From:"Joyce Kotzuk" <JKotzuk@salud.unm.edu> (by way of histonet)
To:histonet@histosearch.com
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I believe this was the same model that was purchased at the institution I
worked for several years ago, and we had numerous problems with the model.
I think it was the first year for a lot of the automatic features of the
cryostat, and all that fancy electronics caused the unit to fail to operate
on many occasions.  We even had to start keeping a notebook of all the
problems we had, because many times the cryostat would not be operational
for the user, but then when the serviceperson arrived, it would work fine!
The compressors, however, were not a problem with our model; it was more an
electronic/computer board problem.  I went back to using the older, more
reliable Reichert-Jung (now Leica) cryostat, which I can not recall the
model number of. Sorry for the dangling grammatical error.  Zeiss may have
worked out the problems in newer models of the Microm, and I don't want to
condemn the company, because many of their products are top of the line.
But we definately had problems with the HM500.
Joyce Kotzuk, UNM Pathology dept.

>>> Montina Van Meter <mvanmete@postbox.acs.ohio-state.edu> 01/12/00
>>>02:48PM >>>
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





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