Way to go, Orion!

Just after I purchased the Sirius mount, Orion upgraded the SynScan hand controller. Among other things, the new HC allows firmware updates via the net, and has improved tracking and fine-tuning of Go-To objects. Sounds like a worthwhile upgrade, so I emailed Orion customer service a few days ago to find out what the upgrade path is for an existing Sirius owner. Their response: There is no upgrade path, other than buying a new hand controller at full price of $395.00.

Frankly, this downright sucks. I'm not your typical the bitching-and-moaning type of consumer - for example, I spent $1,200 for a defective Sirius mount, then had it replaced by what was clearly a repacked unit complete with scratches and chips, and didn't complain about it. Nor do I expect something for nothing - I had to pay Celestron a nominal fee for a similar hand controller upgrade back when I had my N8GPS, and did so gladly. But full price?!?!? Wrong answer!

I've got a better idea: I never buy another Orion product again, and they can kiss my ass.

Thanks for listening. That is all.