N96FY (1081) - it is now suspect and I have a dilemma.

[Flying Eye]

Hi All,

So, I had some mostly minor ups and downs with the installation of my new N96FY (1081) station over the last 2 weeks. Nothing that could not be described as basic schoolboy errors of how to set up a station. Not unreasonable either as I'd never done this or anythng like it before. I finally got it all sorted out pretty much - or as much as I can do this side of the new year.

As things progressed I had been having lost contact incidents, and got to more or less the bottom of those, and got as low as one per day. I still think this could well be caused by interference though, but can not be 100% certain either way truthfully.

Given the amount of resets I have done I also noted that the + and - buttons are a bit less than responsive, particularly the + one. It seems like it has a flaky connection most times. Then I suddenly get a whole gang of lost contact incidents again tonight. I'm less convinced there can be that much interference!

Given all the issues stacked up as they now are, I am now seriously thinking I may as well send this one back and get another from Maplin. With that in mind I went to the Maplin website to discover they don't have any! They do have pre order on the next batch and some B grade units with a different order number though. So, they are actually not in a position to replace the one I have here right now anyway!

Would you wait to let them know of the problem until they get stock, or just send it back right away and wait until who knows when to get a replacement?

If they don't have stock, so can't replace, would they be routinely obliged to give a refund? I'm asking that as I would prefer a replacement, the refund would be for the bargain price I got the unit for, and not for the sort of money the new batch will be selling for. I'd really have to think long and hard about paying full price for one of these, as I doubt they can be what I could call good value even if it were fully functional, mostly I am thinking about FO and their lack of quality control, and also a bit about Maplin having no luck in influencing that problem so far.

Any ideas on what I could do for the best here? I have enjoyed setting it all up and using it, and I'd like for that to continue, but the smart way to proceed is a bit less than clear to me right now.

Anyone?

[nigelran3]

Hi Ian I would take it back get your money back and invest in a better model these units are good but only if you get a faultless one in the first place but their quality control on these is poor

I see alot of people have problems with the touch screen models it seems as if you are a little heavy handed with them they give problems with the touch control

one point on your sensor contact loss make sure you are using really good quality batteries (no pound shop jobs) and make sure that the contacts are clean and tight when you fit them
and this should help to get rid of sensor contact issues

I run a Watson MKII solar unit Paid only £ 6.00 on good old Ebay actualy bid on the one you have but was sent the MKII solar as they had run out of the one like yours I set up in July and had a few sensor problems which I cured with Good batteries and now it seems fine

But In answer to you Question as what to do as I say take it back and get your cash back as if you have faults now you will never trust the unit fully

hope this helps
Nigel
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/nigelran3/index.htm

[jim-easterbrook]

Given all the issues stacked up as they now are, I am now seriously thinking I may as well send this one back and get another from Maplin. With that in mind I went to the Maplin website to discover they don't have any!

Check the local store stock - one of your local Maplin shops may well have one and their T&Cs say you can take a web ordered product back to a local shop for replacement.

[Conrad]

Flying eye they are showing 2 in stock at northampton and 2 at Kettering stores of the N96FY


Store Stock
Distance
Holborn 1
1 miles
London Liverpool Street 2
1 miles
St Paul's 3
1 miles
Camden 4
1 miles
Tottenham Court Road 3
1 miles
Bishopsgate 0
1 miles
Strand 1
2 miles
Great Portland Street 4
2 miles
Marble Arch 3
3 miles
Wood Green 11
3 miles
Item to check:

[Flying Eye]

Nigel, Jim, Conrad,

Thanks very much indeed for the input. It has sparked some serious thinking.

One thing I did not think to mention, I'm housebound, so I think my best option is to drop Maplin a line tell them of the issue, and ask how they would propose to remedy the situation.

At least they are then advised of the potential problem, and I am not overly committed to any specific course of action just yet.

I think I shall at least sleep on this one.

on a side note, I found one more location for this thing tonight, (more out of desperation than much else) and so far it has not misbehaved at all! I really do hate intermittent issues.

[Conrad]

I would expect that the nearest shop would be informed of the issue and send you one as though it was coming direct from the maplin warehouse.

[Flying Eye]

Thanks very much Conrad, I think I shall get in touch with them very shortly.