Celestron Computerized Hand Controller - Need to vent

Okay, here's my sob story. I received my Celestron Nexstar 8i with the
Starbright SLT coating over a month ago, and the hand controller (HC) was a
turkey. I sent it back and am still waiting for a replacement. I called
service and they tell me the things are backordered until........well they
don't know.

Anyhow, I think it stinks that I plunked down $1,500 for a new scope, and it
still hasn't seen first light.

Has anyone else had similar experiences with Celestron? I read on previous
posts that they were a good company as far as customer service was concered,
but I "ain't" seeing it. I'm thinking they could just yank a controller off
another scope or something. I don't want to go through the hassle of
sending the whole scope back.

I sold my 4.5" equatoria and 8" dob for this thing, and I am not happy.

On Sat, 11 Oct 2003 05:30:27 GMT, "Ted Wilson" ...reflected:

Okay, here's my sob story. I received my Celestron Nexstar 8i with the
Starbright SLT coating over a month ago, and the hand controller (HC) was a
turkey. I sent it back and am still waiting for a replacement. I called
service and they tell me the things are backordered until........well they
don't know.

Anyhow, I think it stinks that I plunked down $1,500 for a new scope, and it
still hasn't seen first light.

Has anyone else had similar experiences with Celestron? I read on previous
posts that they were a good company as far as customer service was concered,
but I "ain't" seeing it. I'm thinking they could just yank a controller off
another scope or something. I don't want to go through the hassle of
sending the whole scope back.

I sold my 4.5" equatoria and 8" dob for this thing, and I am not happy.

If you really had your heart set upon that particular telescope, then...

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

Otherwise, I'd send it back and get a Meade LX10 or LX90. They're awfully
good nowadays, especially with the UHTCoatings. Plus, you'll have two
supports...one for each side of the o.t.a.. and as far as sending the
Celestron back...hey! It's FUN to send stuff back, especially
when it sucks. Just call up UPS and arrange for them
to pick that sucker up with your credit/debit card,
and for peanuts...

....couldn't be easier.

I'm swapping back and forth between Agent and the website showcasing
the Meade LX90...oooooooooo...

....the shizznit of fair-to-middlin' catadioptrics.

Personally, the only way I'd get a Celestron is to buy only the o.t.a. and mount
it on my Vixen GP-DX.

Alan

"Ted Wilson" wrote in message
...
Okay, here's my sob story. I received my Celestron Nexstar 8i with the
Starbright SLT coating over a month ago, and the hand controller (HC) was
a
turkey. I sent it back and am still waiting for a replacement. I called
service and they tell me the things are backordered until........well they
don't know.

Anyhow, I think it stinks that I plunked down $1,500 for a new scope, and
it
still hasn't seen first light.

Has anyone else had similar experiences with Celestron? I read on
previous
posts that they were a good company as far as customer service was
concered,
but I "ain't" seeing it. I'm thinking they could just yank a controller
off
another scope or something. I don't want to go through the hassle of
sending the whole scope back.

I sold my 4.5" equatoria and 8" dob for this thing, and I am not happy.
Generally, Celestron are pretty good for their customer service.
Unfortunately, it sounds as if you have hit a time when the service
department, is unable to help, because they don't have access to the part.
:-(
Now the key at such times, is to keep your own cool, and to write a really
clear, but also very firmly worded letter, and send it to them recorded
delivery. The 'key' to this, is that letters, have a legal standing
(technically the telephone conversation also has such standing, but try
proving it!...).
The US is different from the UK, but in the UK the letter in the UK should
go to the supplying company (since your contract is actually with them, not
with Celestron). The letter should point out, that at this time, you have
_not_ yet received the goods you ordered in working order. The 'point' is
that the supplying company, has contracted to sell you a product, and you
have not yet received that product in working order. In the UK, you would
then say that you will be contacting the credit card company (assuming you
paid using a card), and registering a dispute with them, if they have not
provided a working system in a reasonable time (perhaps ten days). This is
one of the most powerful things about using credit cards for purchases,
since in the UK at least, the the purchase made using such cards, actually
forms a contract between the credit card company, and the supplier. I don't
know how close the US comes in this regard, but I would suspect that there
is some leverage that can be made using this route. One question, is how
long ago the scope was paid for, and supplied?. In the UK again, there is a
'reasonable time' set down for the supply of goods. Though Celestron provide
the warranty and support in the US, this would not in my mind, absolve the
supplying company from responsibility to provide the goods ordered in a fit
state...
Normally the credit card company, publishes details of it's terms and legal
relationship, and if you want to use this leverage, some careful reading
will be needed.

Best Wishes

They probably don't actually *have* the item you need at the moment. If
they got a bad batch, they'll be having to wait until a new batch is
manufactured.

With computerized telescopes, a well-debugged secondhand one can be a better
deal than a new one. When I bought my current telescope, I had *almost*
completed a purchase from a member of this group, when a local dealer made
me an offer I couldn't refuse. I'm still regretting that I didn't go
through with the secondhand purchase; the one I bought new had to be
exchanged a week later, and then it needed further parts swapped out a few
weeks after that.

"Alan W. Craft" wrote in message
...

Otherwise, I'd send it back and get a Meade LX10 or LX90. They're awfully
good nowadays, especially with the UHTCoatings. Plus, you'll have two

Let me second that. I near nothing but good things about the LX90. It is
apparently an unusually reliable performer at a good price. The reason for
the reliability is that it is based on pre-existing technology (ETX90
computer and LX series mount), with nothing new and untested.

"Roger Hamlett" wrote in message
...

The US is different from the UK, but in the UK the letter in the UK should
go to the supplying company (since your contract is actually with them,
not
with Celestron). The letter should point out, that at this time, you have
_not_ yet received the goods you ordered in working order. The 'point' is
that the supplying company, has contracted to sell you a product, and you
have not yet received that product in working order. In the UK, you would
then say that you will be contacting the credit card company

Exactly. In the US also, the thing to do is deal with the dealer (not the
mfr.) and ask to return the product for a full refund, or dispute the charge
on your credit card.

That kind of experience will rot your socks...sorry you're having such a bad
time with Celestron. I've had a lot of experiences with Celestron and most
was good. However, every once in a while you get a poor experience with
Celestron which makes you realize that, much like Meade, Celestron is
certainly not above putting the screws to you. Unfortunately, there's not
much you can do except wait. Hope it's not too long for you.

Al


"Ted Wilson" wrote in message
...
Okay, here's my sob story. I received my Celestron Nexstar 8i with the
Starbright SLT coating over a month ago, and the hand controller (HC) was
a
turkey. I sent it back and am still waiting for a replacement. I called
service and they tell me the things are backordered until........well they
don't know.

Anyhow, I think it stinks that I plunked down $1,500 for a new scope, and
it
still hasn't seen first light.

Has anyone else had similar experiences with Celestron? I read on
previous
posts that they were a good company as far as customer service was
concered,
but I "ain't" seeing it. I'm thinking they could just yank a controller
off
another scope or something. I don't want to go through the hassle of
sending the whole scope back.

I sold my 4.5" equatoria and 8" dob for this thing, and I am not happy.

Aside from the problems you are having with getting the controller try
www.astrogeeks.com. They have a free downloadable controller for the 8i I
believe. I have the GPS and it works like a dream on that.

--

Thanks,
Dave
For Nexstar11GPS tips, tricks, and general information visit
http://www.nexstar11.com. astronomy software visit www.nexstar11.com, select
"Downloads"
The UNOFFICIAL site for NexstarGPS information.
All information is "In my opinion" and not to be taken as fact.


"Roger Hamlett" wrote in message
...

"Ted Wilson" wrote in message
...
Okay, here's my sob story. I received my Celestron Nexstar 8i with the
Starbright SLT coating over a month ago, and the hand controller (HC)
was
a
turkey. I sent it back and am still waiting for a replacement. I
called
service and they tell me the things are backordered until........well
they
don't know.

Anyhow, I think it stinks that I plunked down $1,500 for a new scope,
and
it
still hasn't seen first light.

Has anyone else had similar experiences with Celestron? I read on
previous
posts that they were a good company as far as customer service was
concered,
but I "ain't" seeing it. I'm thinking they could just yank a controller
off
another scope or something. I don't want to go through the hassle of
sending the whole scope back.

I sold my 4.5" equatoria and 8" dob for this thing, and I am not happy.
Generally, Celestron are pretty good for their customer service.
Unfortunately, it sounds as if you have hit a time when the service
department, is unable to help, because they don't have access to the part.
:-(
Now the key at such times, is to keep your own cool, and to write a really
clear, but also very firmly worded letter, and send it to them recorded
delivery. The 'key' to this, is that letters, have a legal standing
(technically the telephone conversation also has such standing, but try
proving it!...).
The US is different from the UK, but in the UK the letter in the UK should
go to the supplying company (since your contract is actually with them,
not
with Celestron). The letter should point out, that at this time, you have
_not_ yet received the goods you ordered in working order. The 'point' is
that the supplying company, has contracted to sell you a product, and you
have not yet received that product in working order. In the UK, you would
then say that you will be contacting the credit card company (assuming you
paid using a card), and registering a dispute with them, if they have not
provided a working system in a reasonable time (perhaps ten days). This is
one of the most powerful things about using credit cards for purchases,
since in the UK at least, the the purchase made using such cards, actually
forms a contract between the credit card company, and the supplier. I
don't
know how close the US comes in this regard, but I would suspect that there
is some leverage that can be made using this route. One question, is how
long ago the scope was paid for, and supplied?. In the UK again, there is
a
'reasonable time' set down for the supply of goods. Though Celestron
provide
the warranty and support in the US, this would not in my mind, absolve the
supplying company from responsibility to provide the goods ordered in a
fit
state...
Normally the credit card company, publishes details of it's terms and
legal
relationship, and if you want to use this leverage, some careful reading
will be needed.

Best Wishes

Celestron is one of the worst companies to deal with. I have had nothing but
bad experiences with them over the years. Too many to go into details. Meade is
much better. Celestron's scopes are quite good--it's just their service that
stinks.
Larry Brown
http://home.fuse.net/astronomy