HERE! HERE! I agree. I have one of the first MRC's on the west coast (Now we have two!) - have upgraded it from 500 to 600 and from Argon to Krypton-Argon, and have another grant in to upgrade (if funded) to UV and the 1000. We have always had great service from BioRad and quick responces to any inquiry. I too find a few things in the software less than efficient - but we've always gotten good service. Sue DeMaggio UCI ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: Re: PC upgrade problems... Author: Confocal Microscopy List <[log in to unmask]> at biosmtp Date: 1/3/95 12:49 PM > I agree with Dan Chin's recent comments regarding confocal systems. It > seems incredible to me that any manufacturer would not interact in a > thoroughly helpful manner with a user. I'm beginning to think that our > choice of a BioRad was an incredible blunder. > > Better make sure it isn't so, BioRad, if you even remotely care to > listen..... > I keep reading these messages that thrash Biorad confocals and their support with disbelief. We have had very few hardware problems (and those were minor) over the years with our MRC-600 that is being heavily used in a multi-user facility. When questions or problems have arisen, Biorad tech support has been responsive and has helped us via the phone and email to troubleshoot the problems, many resolved at no cost (we have no service agreement). They have quickly sent upgrades to the software anytime a problem seemed to possibly stem from that source. They have talked us through laser alignments, etc. There are the things in the COMOS program that drive me nuts. For example the menu handling of toggle selections (Hold LUTS, for example) that cause the pull-down menu to disappear rather than allowing further selections, and the Z-series sub-menu that doesn't allow you to turn on the focus motor (from that menu) when it finds that you have left it off, seem like very simple things that just aren't "nice" the way they currently work. Perhaps I have just lucked out with a good connection. Next time you have tech troubles, ask for Ulrike M. J. Ahlborn-Rhodus, Ph.D. (Technical Specialist). I have found her to be most responsive and helpful. Cheers! Dale A. Callaham ([log in to unmask])