Lunt Solar discontinues Coronado service and repairs

Lunt Solar has officially ceased servicing and repairing Coronado equipment as of earlier this month, a decision that has been met with mixed reactions from some members of the solar hobby community. However, this response is largely unwarranted.

Photo credit: Lunt Solar Systems

Lunt Solar discontinues Coronado service and repairs, offers alternatives

Lunt Solar emphasizes that those seeking service or repairs for Coronado products still have alternatives. Stellar Vision, for example, offers telescope repair services specifically for Coronado etalons and other devices. Additionally, BelOptik provides repair services for customers in Europe and other regions.

Lunt Solar’s decision to discontinue this service comes after a long history of involvement with Coronado products, which Lunt Solar acknowledges, given their connection to the original Coronado Instruments Group. Despite their extensive experience with Coronado equipment, Lunt Solar has made it clear that no long-term commitment was guaranteed for this repair service.

In the solar astronomy community, Lunt Solar’s ability to service Coronado products has long been recognized, particularly for items such as compression and tilt tuning mechanisms that date back to Coronado's early days. The company’s decision to end these services has been described as unfortunate, but not unexpected.

In addition to phasing out repair services for Coronado, Lunt Solar is currently in the process of developing a new line of solar instrumentation. This development may include not only repair services for Coronado products but also potential improvements to existing Coronado designs. More details on this new initiative are expected to be shared in the near future.

How to request Coronado product repairs from Lunt Solar going forward

For those in need of repair services for Coronado products, Lunt Solar has outlined the steps required to submit a request. Interested parties should email Lunt Solar’s sales team, as phone inquiries cannot be handled by the front office staff. Requests should include detailed information about the product and the issue at hand. If the product is deemed serviceable, Lunt Solar will respond with a proposed plan for testing and repairs, along with a rough estimate of costs.

Photo credit: Lunt Solar Systems

Products requiring service will need to be shipped to Lunt Solar, and customers are advised to insure their items as Lunt is not responsible for shipping damages. Once the product arrives at Lunt Solar’s facility, it will be inspected, which may incur a charge. Following inspection, Lunt Solar will provide a detailed quotation for the repair work. Payment for repairs, including return shipping, must be made in advance. If customers choose not to proceed with the repairs, they can pay for the return shipping of the product, although inspection fees are non-refundable.

It is important to note that Lunt Solar does not offer warranty repairs for any Coronado products. However, the company will provide a warranty on any work completed as part of a repair. As a disclaimer, Lunt Solar retains the right to discontinue this service at any time. While there is a possibility that Coronado may resume operations, Lunt Solar remains committed to servicing both Lunt and Coronado products as long as this remains viable. Lunt Solar appreciates the continued support of the solar astronomy community and encourages enthusiasts to enjoy their solar observing experiences while keeping up with future developments from Lunt Solar.