13. Support
The ΔStop is designed and built to last, and it is backed by a warranty that reflects that intent. This section covers what the warranty includes, how to request service, and how to get in touch for questions that don't rise to the level of a service request.
Warranty Coverage
Your ΔStop 100 is covered by a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. During the warranty period, a unit that fails due to a covered defect will be repaired or replaced at no cost to you, excluding shipping in some cases as noted below.
The warranty covers:
Manufacturing defects in the unit itself, including the enclosure, faceplate, controls, internal electronics, and connections.
Failure of the unit under normal use.
The warranty does not cover:
Damage from chemistry exposure, liquid immersion, or environmental conditions outside the specifications in Section 11.
Damage from use with unapproved power supplies or accessories.
Damage from opening the enclosure, attempting internal repairs, or modification of any kind.
Damage from enlarger loads exceeding the rated capacity of the switched outlets.
Normal cosmetic wear, including small scratches on the faceplate or discoloration from prolonged darkroom use.
Loss or damage of the unit during shipping to or from the support location, except where shipping is explicitly covered by the service process below.
Requesting Service
If you believe your unit has a warranty-covered issue, the first step is to review Section 10 (Troubleshooting). Many symptoms that appear to be unit failures are resolved by a connection check, a settings review, or a power cycle.
If the issue persists after troubleshooting, reach out by email with the following information:
Your name and shipping address.
The unit's serial number, located on a label on the rear panel near the connections.
The date of purchase and, if possible, the order number or receipt.
A description of the symptom, including when it started and under what conditions.
A summary of the troubleshooting steps you've already tried.
Any photographs or short video clips that help illustrate the issue.
The more detail you provide up front, the faster the issue can be diagnosed. In many cases, support can resolve the issue by email without requiring the unit to be shipped in.
Service Process
If the unit needs to be returned for service, you will receive shipping instructions by email, including the return address and any required documentation. Pack the unit in its original packaging if available, or in a rigid box with soft fill on all sides. Include a copy of the correspondence summarizing the issue.
For warranty-covered service, return shipping to the support location is the customer's responsibility. Outbound shipping of the repaired or replacement unit back to you is covered. For service that falls outside the warranty, you will receive a repair estimate before any work is performed, and both directions of shipping are the customer's responsibility.
Service turnaround varies depending on the issue, parts availability, and current queue. Most issues are resolved within two to four weeks of the unit's arrival at the support location. You will receive updates at key points in the process.
Out-of-Warranty Service
The ΔStop is designed to be serviceable for the long term, and support is available for units outside the warranty period as well. The process is the same as warranty service, with the difference that the customer receives a repair estimate before work begins and covers both the repair cost and shipping in both directions.
Some older units may reach a point where specific components are no longer available. If that is the case, you will be informed during the estimate, and alternatives will be offered where possible.
Contact Information
Email: john@johnjonesfour.com
Project Page: https://deltastoptimer.com
The project page is the best source for current information, including compatibility lists, firmware updates (if applicable), new accessories, and any notices that affect existing users. It's worth checking periodically, particularly if you are running a less common enlarger or experiencing an issue you haven't encountered before.
For Questions That Aren't Service Requests
Not every message needs to be a service request. If you have a question about the workflow, an idea for a future accessory, a compatibility question before purchasing an enlarger, or just want to share a print you made with the ΔStop, email is welcome for any of those as well.
The ΔStop was built as a tool for a small community of darkroom printers, and communication between that community and the person behind the tool is part of what makes the project work. Questions, feedback, and photographs are all welcome.