C1 and C2
Laser units at end of life, scan head electronics and control PCs running NIS-Elements versions Nikon no longer supports. Parts are sourced and refurbished rather than bought new.
Confocal service / Nikon
Nikon confocal repair and service
Break-fix repair, preventive maintenance and relocation for Nikon C1, C2, A1, A1R and AX laser scanning confocals, quoted system by system. Independent, on site anywhere in the US.
NationwideOn-site service anywhere in the US, or on our bench in Newport, RI
Free assessmentNo charge to review the symptom and quote the work
30-day warrantyOn the parts and labor we install
Fully insuredLiability and equipment coverage, COI on request
Nikon confocals we work on
Each system is evaluated before we commit to a repair.
- C1 and C1siEarly point scanners on TE2000 and Eclipse 80i/90i stands
- C2 and C2+Compact point scanners, including C2si spectral
- A1 and A1RA1, A1R, A1 HD25 and A1R HD25, with resonant scanner and spectral detector options
- AX and AX RCurrent generation, including NSPARC
- Ti and Ti2 standsEclipse Ti-E, Ti-U, Ti2-E and upright Ni-E stands under the scan head
What we do on a Nikon confocal
How we quote non-Zeiss confocals: system by system. Send the model, stand, laser lines and software version and an engineer will tell you plainly whether we can take the repair, what it is likely to involve, and whether a service contract makes more sense from us or from the manufacturer for that model.
- Diagnosis of a missing laser line, weak or noisy PMT or GaAsP channel, scanner errors and software that will not connect
- Laser repair and replacement, including LU-N4 and LU-NV laser unit sources, with realignment into the scan head
- Pinhole and scan path alignment checks with a written report of what was measured
- NIS-Elements workstation support, including replacing failing control PCs on older systems
- De-install, crating, relocation and reinstall with performance checks at the new site
- Trade-in credit toward a refurbished confocal or a new CrestOptics spinning disk on your Ti2 stand
Where Nikon systems usually fail
The symptoms we see most often, by generation.
A1 and A1R
Laser unit and AOTF faults, detector failures and PC or licensing problems. Many A1 systems are past their original service agreement, which is when labs call an independent provider.
AX
Still supported by Nikon. Labs ask us for PM, repair between contract renewals, relocation and trade-in value when deciding whether to renew.
How a service call runs
The same four steps whether it is a down laser or an annual PM.
Tell us the symptom
An engineer, not a call center, reviews your request and asks the few questions that narrow it down.
Get an estimate
You get an advance estimate, refined with scope, parts and lead time once the system is evaluated. You approve before work starts.
We do the work
On site in your lab, or crated and repaired on our bench. Lasers measured, optics cleaned, scan path aligned.
Report and warranty
A written service report with the measurements taken, plus 30 days of coverage on parts and labor.
Thinking about replacing it?
We buy and take trade-ins on Nikon confocals. See the Nikon C2 guide on coastalmicroscopes.com, or put the credit toward a new CrestOptics spinning disk on your existing Ti2.
Questions labs ask us
Do you service Nikon confocals?
Yes, on a system by system basis. We evaluate each C1, C2, A1, A1R or AX before committing, then quote the repair. Zeiss LSM systems are the only line we cover with blanket all-inclusive contracts.
Can we get a service contract for our Nikon A1R?
Depending on the model, a contract may be available from us or from Nikon. For most A1 and AX systems we recommend starting with per-visit PM and repair, then moving to a contract if the system needs regular attention.
Our C1 or C2 is out of support. Can it still be repaired?
Usually yes. The laser unit, scan head electronics and the control PC are the typical failures and we source and refurbish parts for them. If a repair is not the best use of the budget, we will quote a trade-in instead.
Do you work on NIS-Elements and the control PC?
Yes. We support the control PC, software reinstallation and licensing on older Nikon systems, including replacing a failed computer so the confocal keeps running.
Are you a Nikon authorized service provider?
No. Coastal Microscopes is an independent service provider and is not affiliated with Nikon Instruments.
Request a free service assessment
Tell us the manufacturer, model and what the system is doing. An engineer reviews every request.
No obligation and no charge for the assessment.