What's the Deal W. Philips Topaz??

In our continued search for another flex machine, we reconsidered Philips Emerald (low Vol/high mix Mfg). We already have a CSM so it makes a little sense. Then the salesman started talking about the Topaz. The Topaz supposedly is "practically the same" as Emerald, only a lot faster. For an extra 7K, it seems like a good deal. Except that nobody in our area has ever bought one. Why don't people like this machine? Or is it just that Newyorkers don't realize a good thing when they see it? I didn't pay enough attention to the Boos and Cheers post--would you guys mind doing it again? I'd very much appreciate it.

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| In our continued search for another flex machine, we reconsidered Philips | Emerald (low Vol/high mix Mfg). We already have a CSM so it makes a little sense. Then the salesman started talking about the Topaz. The Topaz supposedly is "practically the same" as Emerald, only a lot faster. For an extra 7K, it seems like a good deal. Except that nobody in our area has ever bought one. Why don't people like this machine? Or is it just that Newyorkers don't realize a good thing when they see it? I didn't pay enough | attention to the Boos and Cheers post--would you guys mind doing it again? I'd very much appreciate it. smd: I posted "Boos And Cheers." I can't figure it out either. All I got from that posting was e-mails from salesperson recommending that I consider other machines. Maybe you'll get a better response than I did. There is 300 to 400 Philips (Yamaha) GEM platform machines in North America. GEM platform machines are: Older machines: Eclipse, Comet, and Orion Newer machines: Emerald, Topaz, and Saphire

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| | In our continued search for another flex machine, we reconsidered Philips | | Emerald (low Vol/high mix Mfg). We already have a CSM so it makes a little sense. Then the salesman started talking about the Topaz. The Topaz supposedly is "practically the same" as Emerald, only a lot faster. For an extra 7K, it seems like a good deal. Except that nobody in our area has ever bought one. Why don't people like this machine? Or is it just that Newyorkers don't realize a good thing when they see it? I didn't pay enough | | attention to the Boos and Cheers post--would you guys mind doing it again? I'd very much appreciate it. | smd: I posted "Boos And Cheers." I can't figure it out either. All I got from that posting was e-mails from salesperson recommending that I consider other machines. Maybe you'll get a better response than I did. There is 300 to 400 Philips (Yamaha) GEM platform machines in North America. GEM platform machines are: | Older machines: Eclipse, Comet, and Orion | Newer machines: Emerald, Topaz, and Saphire

I own both a Philips Orion and a Philips Eclipse. The machines have been in service for slightly longer than one year and we are extremely pleased with their performance. We have configured our machines for max flexibility - we can run one job on both machines or separate jobs on each machine. The Eclipse offers a greater range of component handling (at a lower placement speed) than the Orion. We place SOIC's and chips with the Orion and Fine pitch QFPs, BGA's etc. on the eclipse when the two are used together. I would be happy to answer any questions for you on these machines. We analyzed and viewed several machines before purchasing Philips. It was the right choice for us and continues to be a favorable experience. The Philips people are great. Good luck in your decision making. Steve

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| | | | In our continued search for another flex machine, we reconsidered Philips | | | Emerald (low Vol/high mix Mfg). We already have a CSM so it makes a little sense. Then the salesman started talking about the Topaz. The Topaz supposedly is "practically the same" as Emerald, only a lot faster. For an extra 7K, it seems like a good deal. Except that nobody in our area has ever bought one. Why don't people like this machine? Or is it just that Newyorkers don't realize a good thing when they see it? I didn't pay enough | | | attention to the Boos and Cheers post--would you guys mind doing it again? I'd very much appreciate it. | | smd: I posted "Boos And Cheers." I can't figure it out either. All I got from that posting was e-mails from salesperson recommending that I consider other machines. Maybe you'll get a better response than I did. There is 300 to 400 Philips (Yamaha) GEM platform machines in North America. GEM platform machines are: | | Older machines: Eclipse, Comet, and Orion | | Newer machines: Emerald, Topaz, and Saphire | | I own both a Philips Orion and a Philips Eclipse. The machines have been in service for slightly longer than one year and we are extremely pleased with their performance. We have configured our machines for max flexibility - we can run one job on both machines or separate jobs on each machine. The Eclipse offers a greater range of component handling (at a lower placement speed) than the Orion. We place SOIC's and chips with the Orion and Fine pitch QFPs, BGA's etc. on the eclipse when the two are used together. I would be happy to answer any questions for you on these machines. We analyzed and viewed several machines before purchasing Philips. It was the right | choice for us and continues to be a favorable experience. The Philips people are great. | Good luck in your decision making. | Steve Steve: Did you buy the machines new? Why did you not buy a Comet? How have the machines been in terms of reliability? Does the nozzle changer work on your Eclipse? Does Philips typically have spare parts in stock? BTW: thanks for your good will wishes, but I would prefer to take every bit of "luck" out of the decision-making process. I'm not alone in buying the P&P, but I am alone on several other projects and I do not want to goof anything up. That's why i keep bugging everyone for thier ideas. Thank you very much for yours. Hopefully you'll tell us more about the Eclipse! Later, S

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| In our continued search for another flex machine, we reconsidered Philips | Emerald (low Vol/high mix Mfg). We already have a CSM so it makes a little sense. Then the salesman started talking about the Topaz. The Topaz supposedly is "practically the same" as Emerald, only a lot faster. For an extra 7K, it seems like a good deal. Except that nobody in our area has ever bought one. Why don't people like this machine? Or is it just that Newyorkers don't realize a good thing when they see it? I didn't pay enough | attention to the Boos and Cheers post--would you guys mind doing it again? I'd very much appreciate it. Did you see the following response to SMTNet? Dave F Re: Siemens siplace for high mix/medium to low volume - Phillip Hunter 00:45:49 6/13/98 (0)

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