Spectrolino-Spectrograph Table Repair

[nkpoulsen]

I have a Spectrolino with the X-Y table.  The Spectrolino works fine, but the table does not work very well.  It works just fine for a while when reading a target, and then glitches and doesn't properly return to verify the spectrophotometer.  That throws it off for the remainder of the read.  I had both units completely gone through by Gretag shortly after acquiring it a few years ago.  Since then, it's had minimal use.  

To my question, is there some place other than X-Rite that can repair this table?  They want me to pay for a complete service for both the table and the Spectrolino, and it's fairly expensive.

[Rhossydd]

I can't give you a certain answer, but I very much doubt anyone other than X-Rite would be able to do this. Out of interest how much did they quote ?

Does it try to get the calibration tile and fail ? If so it might be dirt inside causing it to stick. I've seen a web site or video somewhere on Youtube about how to dismantle and service them yourself. Not for the mechanically incompetent of course.

[nkpoulsen]

I will check out the video.  Thanks for mentioning it.  In fact, that might be just what I need.  Chromix has a ton of these (still?), and they suggested that I take it apart and examine it.  But, I was reluctant to do this on my own.  But with a video as a guide, it might work out just fine.

To answer your question, it's $1,200 or $1,300 to completely review and upgrade both units.  Maybe it's gone up since I last checked?  At the same time, for that price, they would also calibrate the Spectrolino.  So, it could be worth it. 

It's certainly worth keeping this setup.  It's one of the few spectrophotometer that can be used both normally and in a UV mode.  As far as I know, it's the only spectrophotometer with a polarizing filter.  I've heard from both Colorburst and Chomix that a polarizing filter can be very useful with matte papers.

[Rhossydd]

it's $1,200 or $1,300 to completely review and upgrade both units.  Maybe it's gone up since I last checked? 

Ouch.
It may not be an option now anyway, I think they were dropping support for their older units soon.

I've only read that a polarising filter was much benefit when measuring uneven glossy materials like gloss canvas.

Maybe one of the more knowledgeable folk here might like to comment on whether the latest kit like the Isis and i1Pro2 now make the Spectrolino redundant ?

[Czornyj]

Maybe one of the more knowledgeable folk here might like to comment on whether the latest kit like the Isis and i1Pro2 now make the Spectrolino redundant ?

Frankly - FWIW - I stopped using my Spectroscan after buying i1pro2. I like the convenience of use it provides, and profiles created with i1pro2+i1profiler package are still of decent quality.

[shewhorn]

Frankly - FWIW - I stopped using my Spectroscan after buying i1pro2. I like the convenience of use it provides, and profiles created with i1pro2+i1profiler package are still of decent quality.

I'd be inclined to go that route if my Spectrolino/Spectroscan bites the dust. Only problem is, I do canvas and the i1Pro 2 doesn't have a polarizer so for a semi gloss or gloss coating it's limited. The Barbieri spectros are the only ones I can think of that currently offer a polarizing filter option.

Cheers, Joe

[Czornyj]

I'll save my Spectrolino for use in the cases when polarizer is needed, as poor man's Barbieri LFP (which is damn expansive).
I'll be using the i1pro2 as a primary workhorse for the whole rest. It's robust, easy to clean, has wavelength calibration, and is much more comfortable in use.