ACORN FAQS: Here are Some answers to a lot of your questions!
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What radio manufacturers does Acorn
represent? |
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What radio manufacturers does Acorn represent? Acorn is proud to be an Authorized Dealer for EF Johnson, Kenwood, Bendix-King, Maxon, Tait, Vertex, and Midland. We solely represent EF Johnson in the vast majority of Montana and in (approx) the Northern half of-Wyoming, and are the Montana dealer for Kenwood as well. We are proud to have earned the trust year after year of these fine manufacturers. (click here to go back to top of page) |
| What kind of computers do we service? We'll service anything and have serviced everything; from servers to workstations to laptops to POS systems, we haven't met a computing device we don't like. Dell, HP, Compaq, Sony, Toshiba, IBM, EMachine, Gateway, Lenovo, Acer, Micron, and Systemax brands are some of the brand names that we deal with every day. (click here to go back to top of page) |
| Does Acorn carry "ruggedized" radios and computer tablet PCs? Acorn is proud to carry equipment from three major manufacturers that comply with various military standards for ruggedness: EF Johnson ES Series Radios, XPlore Ruggedized Tablet PCs and Panasonic Toughbook Bramd Tablet PCs. Within each brand name, Acorn is authorized to sell a selection of models and model options and accessories. (click here to go back to top of page) |
Will Acorn provide demonstration units for prospective buyers? We are happy to present our product line to qualified prospective buyers for the purposes of evaluating equipment and purchase options and accessories. A little lead time is necessary to reserve the equipment as our demonstrator units are "out in the field" on trial most of the time. We also are happy to provide customer references whenever we can. (click here to go back to top of page) |
| How many radio lines are necessary? Why not just one brand? Like cars, suits, and insurance policies, we carry multiple brands to accommodate differing needs and widely varying budgets. Acorn can provide everything from "Cadillacs" to "Escorts" and from budget short-term radio rental bundles to long-term trunked digital systems. We have the brands, models, and experience to fit your needs. (click here to go back to top of page) |
| Why do we build our own PCs and servers? How can we compete with other major brands? We've been building as long as anyone - big or little - and our prices compete favorably because we have no big advertising or shipping costs. Our components are the same as our big competitors but our warranty plan and service is frankly, far better. Why do we build? Because our customers end up with a great product and local "right-now" service. (click here to go back to top of page) |
| Does Acorn have equipment upgrade programs? Most of our product lines can be purchased with a variety of hardware and programming options; these options can in many cases be upgraded to options with more features or enhanced features (radios and PCs). While this cannot apply to all models, it can often be a great way to make an initial purchase affordably...knowing that you can upgrade inexpensively at a later date. (click here to go back to top of page) |
| Does Acorn have leasing or contract services programs? Acorn will be happy to customize leasing or discounted contract services options with you for your particular needs. Acorn can put together a wide variety of packages including hardware, software, and maintenance for you for one, two, three, four, or five year periods. This often is a great way to stabilize service costs and minimize budget impact when repairing or replacing equipment. (click here to go back to top of page) |
| What radios can be repaired? What do we install or repair? From crystals to circuit boards, we've probably worked on every type of radio ever built...from every manufacturer, While we no longer service "ham" radios, we still actively service most analog and digital radio units and system components as long as it is economically viable to do so, and we'll guarantee everything we do. We not only repair subscriber units (portable radios and mobiles) but also have substantial training and certifications to be involved in deploying and troubleshooting of communications "backbone" equipment. (click here to go back to top of page) |
| How do we figure out what is wrong with computers? Using the "cars" model again, we try to identify the possible issues with computing...corrupted software, missing data files, predatory programs, hardware failures or partial failures, and network connectivity problems. Once the problems have been isolated, we find or recreate data files, "fix" programs, replace hardware, and scan networks to replace cable and reconfigure as necessary. Many variables make this a tough job, but our technicians are experienced and amply trained; we're staffed and ready to handle even the toughest of tasks. (click here to go back to top of page) |
| How about vehicles? How about remote locations? Acorn has auto installation bays (2) that get substantial use for all makes and models of cars, trucks, ATVS, and anything else with wheels. For the big rigs, we'll come to you. In fact, we'll go to any site necessary to review, measure, repair or install your communications lines and equipment in a vehicle, in a shack in the "middle of nowhere", underground, on a roof, or on a tower...just as we've been doing for thirty years. (click here to go back to top of page) |
| How about laptops? Do we actually repair them or just send them away? Laptops (sometimes referred to as "notebooks") are more difficult to access, but our technicians have outstanding experience actually repairing most laptop issues right in our shop. There are occasions where we'll need to involve a third party, but we always give customers an accurate listing of what is to be done off-site and the expense and time involved. Not surprisingly, many area computer shops and technicians refer or send their laptop repairs to Acorn. (click here to go back to top of page) |
| What about P25? Will Acorn's radios work with other brands or on other systems? Yes! Acorn is committed to representing manufacturers that build to the P25 standard and is well prepared to answer difficult interoperability questions. Equipment and systems are being deployed in our region today that will demonstrate undeniably that P25 compliance coupled with manufacturer cooperation means interoperability for you. We are committed to giving you choices as you evaluate vendors. We will carefully represent products capabilities accurately and continue to push towards true cross-platform communication. Again, products are being deployed now that answer these questions definitively. We are eager for you to examine the results for yourself! (click here to go back to top of page) |
| Does Acorn service residential customers? Can Acorn handle jobs for large organizations? A substantial portion of our PC business comes from residential customers; we're happy to work on those PCs on site or in our shop. For larger organizations, we are well staffed to handle major rollouts, on-going maintenance relationships, and emergency services and have partnered with other organizations to assist with coverage issues given the significant distances across Montana and Wyoming. Additionally, commercial customers that want to consider enhanced service relationships will want to consider a "Block of Hours" or "Regular Maintenance Services" contract; the rates are significantly discounted and the services offered are truly outstanding. (click here to go back to top of page) |
| Does Acorn provide Warranty services (Part 1)? New equipment purchased through Acorn will always carry a manufacturer's warranty; each warranty will be worded differently and different warranty levels are available. Usually manufacturers offer extended warranty opportunities for small extra compensation. An Acorn employee will assist with any warranty questions and in many cases provide the warranty service as the authorized representative of the equipment manufacturer. (click here to go back to top of page) |
| Does Acorn provide Warranty services (Part 2)? When Acorn is the manufacturer or builder, we provide a basic warranty including parts and replacement labor. Additionally, we'll offer extended and enhanced warranty service for any Acorn branded PC. Of course, we'll help any customer with warranty issues and in many cases provide the warranty services as the authorized representative of the original equipment manufacturer. (click here to go back to top of page) |
| How much does service cost? Services costs vary but Acorn has used two pricing schedules for years. Where possible, services will be billed on a cost-per-task basis (flat fee). Where flat fees are not applicable, a Services Rates schedule is available illustrating the current cost per hour for field and for shop repairs. Acorn technicians are available for emergency (non-business hours and holidays) for a small surcharge. Where the cost to repair exceeds the value of the item, the Acorn technician will advise you before proceeding. Please refer to our posted Services Rates Schedule. (click here to go back to top of page) |
| How long does a typical service request take? All services are different in scope and difficulty. Generally, all services are performed on a "first come - first-served" basis (Contract customers always jump to the "front of the line"). While most procedures take less than an hour it is not uncommon for a repair to require multiple procedures. Here's a few things we know for sure. Our average shop service order takes between 2 and 4 days to complete. An average parts request is fulfilled (shipped to us) within 7 days. The average field service order call is closed within 24 hours (these are always scheduled with our dispatcher). (click here to go back to top of page) |