Coronado Technology Group
precision optical systems
1674 S. Research Loop
Ste. 436 Tel: 1-520-740-1561
Tucson, AZ 85710 Fax: 1-520-624-5083
www.coronadofilters.com
gerry@coronadofilters.com
July 27, 2004
SHIPPING POLICY
The heart of every Coronado filter is an air spaced Fabry-Perot etalon. This is an
exceptionally precise and fragile optic. The two etalon plates are optically
contacted….no cement, wire, housing etc. holds them together. This is an essential
element of the design. Over the past 6 years we have shipped thousands of these
instruments and experience in shipping procedures has been our teacher. We
contracted with a firm specialising in package design to develop the optimum way of
shipping such delicate instruments. Essentially we “suspend” the etalon to minimise
direct shock. It is our experience that the least amount of in-transit handling minimises
the possibility of the etalon becoming decontacted during shipping and for this reason
we insist on second day air as the only viable option. For customers outside of the USA
we select the most expedient method of courier shipping.
Apart from decontacting, the instrument and optics are relatively sturdy. We’ve had
only two instances of optics being cracked or shattered in transit. Our decontacting rate
runs around 1% of overall shipments and investigation of shipping methods surrounding
a decontacted etalon invariably point to ground shipping. For this reason we insist that
all returns for warranty work or matching be by second day air and we also insist that
you return in original packaging. By this we mean the foam supports for the inside of
the box and the factory supplied shipping case. For the PST this means the original
foam dye cut housing fo
r the PST. For the record, Styrofoam peanuts are useless forcushioning shock.
Effective this date we ask that you make clear to customers that if they decline
second day air shipping and their etalon is decontacted in the ground shipping
process, this will not be covered by warranty.
Although the box may not show any outward sign of damage, urge your
customer to open upon receipt and examine the instrument for obvious signs
of physical damage. A decontacted etalon is not discernable by physical
evaluation, it is only apparent when you observe the Sun. Should you or your
customer, have any questions about performance, contact our customer service
department. They will advise you.