Opera Service Contract Levels

[mwy...@gmail.com]

Hi All,

I was wondering what level of service contract you have on the
Opera. Our warranty is up and we are discussing the pros and cons of
Plan A vs. Plan B. I have heard so horror stories of people stuck
with Plan B and wanted to see what everyones take was on this.

Thanks,

Mike

[Michelle Ocana]

Hi Mike,
Isn't Plan B some kind of birth control?
I don't think you want to opt for Plan B on your Opera. Everything in that box has a history of poor quality control coming out of Germany. Just assume that everything will break because it will. We have had just about everything fixed or replaced and most of it was done this year. IMIC (Z-motor and perfusion tubing) was replaced once and almost twice because of a tubing issue. The tubing was patched but we had a flood in the box...again. Lasers too many times to count (3 405s in 6 weeks was a new record for us!), fibers too many times to count (figure about every 3-6 months depending on how often you use 405nm), Opera computer, CIAs, cameras, pump (I think we are up to 3 or 4 this year), the doors, mirrors and beamsplitter (etching due to flood) and a lense. Haven't replaced the nipkow yet but have asked for it.
It's the only system I have ever used that we consistently come out ahead of the service contract.


Best,
Michelle