I've been using my Monaco Optix XR for about 5 years. I am curious whether "pucks" ever degrade or go bad in terms of accuracy? Is there a point at which one should consider replacement?
Yes. My first Eye-One puck sat on shelf for 2+ years. Went to use it again on a new monitor and discovered that the cheap plastic filter over the lens had apparently oxidized and was opaque white instead of the original clear blue.
Contacted the vendor (Pantone) to ask for a replacement and was told that no service was provided and warranty was expired. So instead of getting a 2 cent piece of plastic I had to buy a new puck.
I've kind of accepted the fact that if you buy a new monitor every 3 to 4 years you have to buy a new calibrator, mostly because monitor and calibrator technology changes too fast.
I have mine (DTP-94) for many years, I think more then 8 years and it's still as good as in the beginning. After use, put it back in your box. If you use it every 4 weeks for 15 minutes, it will not go bad. ... at least not mine.
The plastic blue filter in my first Spyder2Pro had a defect. Easy to replace, I requested a replacement, but was denied. Colorvision says each puck is calibrated with it's own components. There are variations in the plastic filters, so replacing it without recalibrating the puck would reduce the accuracy. Colorvision replaced my entire Spyder2Pro package under warranty for free.
redcrown wrote:
Yes. My first Eye-One puck sat on shelf for 2+ years. Went to use it again on a new monitor and discovered that the cheap plastic filter over the lens had apparently oxidized and was opaque white instead of the original clear blue.
Contacted the vendor (Pantone) to ask for a replacement and was told that no service was provided and warranty was expired. So instead of getting a 2 cent piece of plastic I had to buy a new puck.
I've kind of accepted the fact that if you buy a new monitor every 3 to 4 years you have to buy a new calibrator, mostly because monitor and calibrator technology changes too fast....Show more →
FYI, I also contacted X-Rite. While not providing a specific life expectancy, they said the device should last for years if stored dust free in original packaging and away from high humidity. I was very impressed that they did not automatically send me down a path of suggesting I buy a new every couple of years just to make another sale. My particular device is the same as Hendrik's - DTP-94.
The DTP-94 is a good Hockey Puck (better than others I know of and have used) and mine is a few years old and still works fine. But I am very careful with it.
I started out with the Monaco Optix XR and the DTP-94 puck that came with it. I’ve since upgraded my monitor to a LaCie 324, and got the Blue Eye software that comes with the monitor. One of the recommended pucks to use with the Blue Eye software was the DTP-94. Still works like a charm. I’ve had it since 2003, and it’s always been kept in it’s original box. Still works and looks as new.
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Gary
Will Fly for Food... and more Nikon stuff
I've hardly used it and it was stored properly. Really rubbish quality, that one.