Frequently asked questions about instrument service.
Answers to the questions Rematek hears most — about servicing and calibrating the Microtox Model 500, Deltatox I & II, and RPA I & II fluorimeters, how to safely ship sensitive equipment, and why authorized service matters.
Authorized Modern Water service representative for 30+ years — Fallbrook, CA
Service & repair
Service, repair & the instruments we cover
- Which water-testing instruments does Rematek service?
- Rematek services and repairs the Microtox Model 500 acute toxicity analyzer, the Deltatox I and Deltatox II portable analyzers, and the RPA I and RPA II fluorimeters. These are the Modern Water environmental water-testing instruments Mark Woodward has worked on for over 30 years.
- What does a typical service or repair cover?
- Each instrument receives a full fault diagnosis followed by component-level repair — optics, electronics, temperature control, and the measurement path — plus calibration and performance verification before it ships back. Rematek also supplies replacement parts and ongoing support to keep older units in service.
- Do you service out-of-warranty and discontinued units?
- Yes. Rematek services in- and out-of-warranty instruments, including older Microtox, Deltatox, and RPA units that the original manufacturer channel no longer supports. With 2,400+ Microtox units in use worldwide, many are well past their original warranty and still fully serviceable.
- My analyzer is giving inconsistent readings — can it be fixed?
- Usually, yes. Drifting or inconsistent toxicity readings are commonly traced to the optics, the temperature-control path, or aging electronics. Rematek diagnoses the root cause and repairs it rather than swapping the whole instrument, so your testing program stays cost-effective.
- How much does Microtox M500 repair cost?
- Repair of the M500 runs $200 per hour. The first hour covers handling and troubleshooting and is non-refundable — but if you choose to go ahead with the repair, that cost is rolled into the actual repair. Any parts required are an additional cost. Rematek confirms a formal quote before work begins.
- What's the turnaround time for service?
- Fast turnaround is a priority — most instruments are cleaned, calibrated, and back on their way in about 72 hours, barring unforeseen issues, which are rare. Rematek will flag anything that affects the timeline when your instrument is assessed.
- How do I request service for my instrument?
- Contact Rematek with your instrument model and a short description of the symptoms you're seeing. Rematek assesses the fault and the work required, and provides a formal quote so you can decide before any service begins.
Calibration & compliance
Calibration, cleaning & compliance
- Do you calibrate the Microtox M500 and Deltatox analyzers?
- Yes. Rematek performs calibration and performance verification on the Microtox Model 500 and Deltatox I & II analyzers so your acute toxicity readings stay accurate, repeatable, and defensible.
- Why does calibration matter for compliance testing?
- Acute toxicity results are often used for regulatory reporting, so the instrument behind them has to be demonstrably accurate. Routine calibration and cleaning keep your data defensible under standards such as ISO 11348-3, DIN 38412, ASTM D5660, and EPA/NPDES Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing.
- How much does certified cleaning and calibration cost?
- Fully certified cleaning and calibration is $1,495.00 for the Microtox Model 500 and $686.00 for the Deltatox I & II. The price includes certification documentation and most repairs required as part of the service — any parts required are an additional cost. Return shipping is added to your quote if you'd like Rematek to handle it.
- Modern Water's cleaning & calibration service was discontinued — can you still do it?
- Yes. Rematek provides fully certified cleaning and calibration for the Microtox M500 and Deltatox analyzers, covering the demand left by the discontinued manufacturer service item. See the Cleaning & Calibration page for details on what's included.
- What do I receive as proof of service?
- A certified cleaning and calibration ships with a signed Certification of Quality — your formal proof of service. It declares the instrument meets or exceeds its original design and test parameters, lists the functional areas tested (block temperatures, computer communication, mode differentiation, photomultiplier light response, read/set functions, and full functionality), and confirms calibration against NIST-traceable standards. Hard copies of the calibration and test records are kept perpetually and are available on request. A repair-only job is different — it gets the instrument diagnosed and running again, but does not include a calibration certificate.
- How often should my analyzer be calibrated?
- It depends on how heavily the instrument is used and your own QA program, but most labs schedule regular calibration and cleaning at least annually, plus verification any time results look suspect. Rematek can help you set a sensible interval for your workload.
Shipping & logistics
Shipping sensitive equipment for service
- How do I safely ship a sensitive analyzer for service?
- Pack the instrument in its original case or a rigid box with at least two inches of cushioning on every side, immobilize any loose components, and seal the carton well. The optics and electronics are sensitive to shock and vibration, so double-boxing fragile units is worth the effort. Contact Rematek first and we'll advise on packing specifics for your model.
- Should I insure and track the shipment?
- Yes — always ship with a tracked, insured service for the replacement value of the instrument. These analyzers are specialized equipment, and tracking plus insurance protects you in the rare event of carrier loss or damage in transit.
- Do I need to drain reagents or remove anything before shipping?
- Remove any reagents, samples, and consumables, and follow your lab's handling procedures for them before packing. Shipping an instrument clean and free of liquids prevents leaks and damage in transit. If you're unsure what to remove, ask when you arrange the service.
- How is my instrument returned after service?
- Rematek returns the unit on its own FedEx account, with the shipping cost added to your invoice — unless you'd prefer it returned via your own FedEx account or shipping method. Just let us know which you prefer when you request a quote.
- Where do I ship the instrument, and what should I include?
- Rematek is based in Fallbrook, California — we'll confirm the shipping address when you request service. Include a note with your contact details, the instrument model and serial number, and a description of the problem so the diagnosis can start as soon as it arrives.
Authorized service & expertise
Authorized service & 30+ years of expertise
- What does 'authorized Modern Water service representative' mean?
- It means Modern Water formally appointed Rematek to service its Microtox M500 and Deltatox acute toxicity analyzers. Authorized service follows the manufacturer's standards for these specific instruments rather than treating them as generic lab equipment.
- Why choose authorized service over a third-party refurbisher or general repair shop?
- General equipment brokers and refurbishers can resell or repair hardware, but they aren't factory-authorized on these analyzers. Authorized service means the work is done by someone who knows the Microtox and Deltatox platforms in depth and is recognized by the manufacturer for that role. If you're weighing the options, see the Authorized vs. Generalist comparison.
- How much experience does Rematek have with these instruments?
- Mark Woodward, owner and operator of Rematek, has been an authorized service representative for over 30 years and works on the Microtox, Deltatox, and RPA instruments directly. That depth of hands-on experience is hard to match with general lab-equipment repair.
- Where is Rematek located, and who will I be working with?
- Rematek is a contract manufacturing and servicing specialist for environmental water-testing instruments, based in Fallbrook, California. You work directly with Mark Woodward — the same person who diagnoses and services your instrument — not a rotating support queue.
Authorized Service Representative
“Modern Water is pleased to announce it has appointed Rematek, LLC as an authorized service representative for its Microtox M500 and Deltatox acute toxicity analyzers.”
Rematek is a contract manufacturing specialist for environmental science technologies in Fallbrook, CA. Mark Woodward, the owner and operator of Rematek, has been an authorized service representative for over 30 years.
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