Shimadzu QP-5000 GC/MS Crap!
got $hit.... you do if you have Shimadzu!
The following observations was posted in the sci.techniques.mass-spec newsgroup at: http://groups.google.com on September 17, 2001:
"Recently we acquired a Shimadzu QP 5000 ver 2 benchtop GCMS [you have our condolences]. The extraction lens voltage has drifted gradually over 1 month with very little use from -1.1v to +1v [this is pretty typical for ALL $hitmadzu products]. Is this ok or does it indicate that the source needs cleaning? [it indicates that the whole system should be trashed!] I have posed the question on the Shimadzu website but had no response [NO surprises here!]. A previous enquiry asking what the limits of acceptability for each of the tuning parameters received a reply, but only to confirm that this data is not available in any of the literature supplied and would be gained through experience [consider yourself lucky that you even got a reply; no surpirse that the response was of NO help whatsoever!]. I have experience of HP 5970, 5971, 5972 and the HP MS Engine all of which have assigned limits which vary from instrument to instrument and are specified in the accompanying manuals at least to a greater degree than the Shimadzu (that's where you went wrong when you switched from HP to $hitmadzu.... Shimadzu equipment and manuals SUCK!] It would be nice to be able to monitor the deterioration in the source condition rather than wait until the instrument fails to tune [that's exactly what Shimadzu wants to happen.... then they can gouge you for an on-site service call]. Also why is there always such a large m/z 18 peak present in the tune? [cause you bought a piece of $hit! Remember.... when you buy $hit, then you'll have $hit!]"
Thanks,
Beverley Earl
Medical Toxicology Unit
Guys and St Thomas Hospital Trust
Lastly, please consider the candid comments of several researchers who have voiced
robust opinions about the Shimadzu GC and GC/MS systems. Many of these astute observations
have been posted in various usenet groups on the internet which can be accessed via the http://groups.google.com domain (search for
"Shimadzu GC/MS").
Some of the more notable comments include:
"I have heard a lot of second hand stories on the horrors of
using the Shimadzu [GC/MS]."
"....Shimadzu manufactures mass spectrometers of
questionable value"
n.b. Shimadzu will entice you with a cheap price for a benchtop GC/MS system. But
remember that you will ultimately get what you pay for and probably not even that! If you
make the wrong choice.... don't be surprised with the disappointment that's bound to
accompany your GC/MS purchase!
n.b. Integral to the operation of a Shimadzu QP-5000 is a GC-17A gas chromatograph.
Another user recommended the tossing of the Shimadzu GC-14A gas
chromatograph based on his experience. One should note that the Shimadzu GC-17A (which has
already appeared in three versions thus far) was the next commercial product introduction
by Shimadzu after the GC-14A. One has to wonder if it took three different versions before
Shimadzu finally got it right? UPDATE: Shimadzu has recently unveiled the
Shimadzu GC-2010.... are you ready to serve as a Beta tester for this product in your
workplace???
Shimadzu GC-2010.... The most advanced PO$ available from any manufacturer!
[PO$ = Piece of $hit]
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01/31/02