I would call the first company and demand your money back. There is no excuse for that. Inform them of what their tech told you and then inform them of the ridiculously simple fix that the second company did. They were trying to screw you and get you to buy a brand new unit. That's crooked in my book. If they do not refund at least 1/2 of your money then I would inform them that you will report them to the better business bureau.