Equipment Service

 

So that we can keep track of your equipment and requirements, be sure to obtain a returned material authorization (RMA) number before returning it.  It is best to complete our online RMA form, but if you prefer to contact us by phone or email, include your

• Name
• Phone Number
• Email address
• Model and serial number of the equipment
• Address to which the equipment will be returned
• Date when you require the equipment back

Our normal processing time is 4 weeks; longer if extensive or unusual service is required.  In case of urgent need we can sometimes provide expedited service for an additional fee.

We recommend you include the cable(s) and battery charger with your equipment so we can test the entire system.

 

Our Service Process

 

After you contact us to obtain an RMA and ship the equipment to HOBI Labs, we

• Inventory and label the unit and its accessories
• Perform complete functional tests to identify what service, if any, it requires
• Send you an estimate of the cost and time required for the recommended service
• Wait for your authorization before proceeding
• Complete the authorized service and/or calibration
  (in the rare cases where we discover substantial additional work is required, we will again contact you before proceeding)
• Do a final inspection to ensure all instrument functions are normal
• Pack the unit, including a CD with the latest software, manual(s) and calibration file(s)
• Ship the unit, typically by FedEx Economy service unless you have requested otherwise

 

 

For exacting scientific applications we recommend calibrating your instruments every 6 months, or 200 hours of operation.  With the proper equipment, you can perform your own calibrations of backscattering sensors, and pure-water calibrations of c-Betas and a-Betas, using the same techniques we do in our own lab.  However even if you do your own calibrations, we recommend sending your instruments to HOBI annually for a complete state-of-health check.