----- Original Message -----

From: Matt Taylor

To: William-Optics@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 9:35 AM

Subject: Re: [William Optics] Re: FLT 132 f/7 APO Refractor

Hi,

 

I noticed on CN that one FLT 132 owner already has a Moonlite focuser installed on his FLT 132, so I think Moonlite probably already has a flange to fit the scope and sending yours in would not be required. I'm considering getting a Moonlite for my FLT 132 but I hate to give up the camera angle adjuster which the Moonlite unit does not have.

 

Matt

 

----- Original Message -----

From: lazhow@comcast.net

To: William-Optics@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 8:33 AM

Subject: Re: [William Optics] Re: FLT 132 f/7 APO Refractor

Stephen;

Many thanks for the info.....I to have problems with the focuser on the 110MM TMB...it has that jerky touch on occassion and can not retract or hold well anything over 3-4lbs. I have been playing with the tension screw adjustment on the bottom but is certainly is not as smooth  as Starlite tech. that I once had on a SCT.

I just do not wish to alter the look of the scope and I do not like the idea of sending in the scope to Moonlite or Starlite for a fitting....you may have the same thoughts. BTW I to would give the 110MM TMB thumbs up except for the focuser which I would like to be smoother and hold the weight better!

 

 

-------------- Original message --------------
From: "gille6565" <gille6565@yahoo.com.au>

Howard

Have a look at this thread on CN, which itself links to earlier review
threads:

http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/2149289/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/1

Generally I would give my FLT132 10/10 for optical quality, 10/10 for
general build quality and 8/10 for the focuser - I marked down the
focuser because while its very good it's not quite as good as say a
Moonlight or Feathertouch, it can slip under heavy loads and I think
there is a bit too much play in the fine focus. I'm still
experimenting with adjusting the focuser though so I might be able to
get it even better.

Stephen

--- In William-Optics@yahoogroups.com, lazhow@... wrote:
>
gt; Hi Stephen;
> I am on the wait list for the WO FLT 132 MM scope and would really
like to hear your thoughts and opinion on the scope. I cannot find any
reviews and would appreciate your input.
> Thanks
> Howard
> WO 110MM TMB
> DM4
> DSC
> M7E---ordered
> TSL5 Tripod---ordered
>
> -------------- Original message --------------
> From: "gille6565" <gille6565@...>
> This is a good option. The size and weight of refractors (OTA plus
> mount) goes up dramatically with aperature.
>
> For example - my WO Megrez 90 is mounted on a camera alt-az mount and
> I can carry the entire unit outside in one hand.
>
> But my FLT132 on EQ-6 can barely be lifted as one unit, and even then
> you risk rupturing your back, and needs to be broken down into several
> parts and assembled/dissembled each time you use it.
>
> Stephen
>
> --- In William-Optics@yahoogroups.com, lazhow@ wrote:
> >
> > Rich;
> > I did not see that you considered the FLT 110MM TMB scope. Now at a
> a focal 770MM you can get excellent magnification but more importantly
> wonderful resolution. No it is not a 132MM but it weighs onlt 12 lbs
> and a mount that can handle 20lbs would work very well....think it
> over...check reviews .... Also you now have widened you choice of
> mount and for less cash outlay.
> > Howard
> > FLT 110MM TMB
> > DM4 mount
> > Space Commander DSC
> >
> > -------------- Original message --------------
> > From: "doublestarguy" <richardjepeal@>
> > Thanks Jeffrey for your input. I guess weight will be the concern for
> > I cannot use a spacebuggy. I would have to carry the tele scope down
> > 7 back steps. Sooooo. I guess the FLT 132 is not my dream scope.
> > Thanks again.
> >
> > Rich
> >
> > -- In William-Optics@yahoogroups.com, "Jeffrey Rhinesmith"
> > <jeffreyrhinesmith@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Rich,
> > >
> > > If you opt for the FLT 132, I think that the Orion Sirius EQ-G may
> > > prove to be "significantly less" of a mount than you'll need...
> > >
> > > Starting with an FLT 132 at 9 kg or about 20 pounds, you'll need
> > to
> > > add in the weight of tube rings, a dovetail plate, a finder scope
> > of
> > > some sort along with its associated mounting hardware...and at
> > least
> > > a couple of more pounds of diagonal and eyepiece...not to mention,
&g t; > > several pounds of counterweights to achieve balance...
> > >
> > > It's going to add up, real quick...
> > >
> > > Additively, I think that you're going to exceed the advertised 30
> > lb
> > > payload of the Sirius without question. Probably, the Orion Atlas
> > EQ-
> > > G with an advertised payload cability of 40 lbs would be "the
> > minimum
> > > mount" that you'd need for an FLT 132. You may be able to push
> > the
> > > payload limit on these Synta EQ mounts if you have a more compact
> > OTA
> > > like an SCT, but the significantly longer moment arms of a medium
> > > aperture refractor are less stable when you get to the upper
> > limit...
> > >
> > > I don't have any direct hands-on experience with the Celestron
> > CGE,
> > > o ther than a general impression from others that it's fairly
> > stable,
> > > robust, but comparatively over-priced for what you get. If you're
> > > getting up to the $3000 and plus range for an EQ mount, I'd
> > probably
> > > look more at something like a Losmandy G-11 which carries 60 lbs
> > and
> > > even with the optional Gemini GO TO system, it's still in the same
> > > ballpark at $3195.00 USD, straight retail...
> > >
> > > And...you could probably do considerably better than that on the
> > used
> > > market...
> > >
> > > As far as your weight concern, if you get "enough mount" to handle
> > an
> > > FLT 132, you're probably not going to be able to comfortably lift
> > and
> > > manhandle it, unless it's in pieces. JMI and few other vendors
> > make
> > > a number of variants of "scope buggies" which I use to avoid the
> > wear
> > > and tear on my back. Of course, this type of scopebuggy
> > arrangement
> > > usually requires you to leave it set up, so you'll have to
> > negotiate
> > > the new addition to the living room furniture with your
> > significant
> > > other...
> > >
> > > Good luck...:)...
> > >
> > > My bottom line advice is "don't under buy a mount" for any
> > scope...it
> > > will prove to be an exercise in frustration...as well as, a waste
> > of
> > > money...
> > >
> > > Other opinions will undoubtedly vary...
> > >
> > > Clear Skies...
> > >
> > > JR
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In William-Optics@yahoogroups.com, "doublestarguy"
> > > <richardjepeal@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Toying with the idea of buying a refractor. I have looked at
> > > Orion's
> > > > 120mm with Sirius GoTo Mount.
> > > >
> > > > Question is would a 132FLT be a good fit with that mount? Mount
> > > only
> > > > weighs 43 lbs.
> > > >
> > > > Also would a Celestron CGE GoTo mount be at good fit? Or is
> > this
> > > > overkill, since this scope is $3,000 compared to the cheaper
> > price
> > > > Sirius? Does anyone know the weigh of this mount? Weight is a
> > > > concern due to my "advancing" age.
> > > >
> > > > Do I need to buy any "special mounting" to attach the 132FLT to
> > > either
> > > > mount?
> > > >
> > > > I am stickly a visual observer, mainly sketching double stars,
> > star
> > > > cluster, planets, globulars and making variable star
> > estimations. I
> > > > live in a urban setting. No interest in
> > > > galaxies and such dim smugly bodies.
> > > >
> > > > Thank you
> > > >
> > > > Rich
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Does anyone know what is the tube diameter of the 110MM TMB...I need
the measurement for a Strlight focuser that I am looking into!!!
Thanks
Howard

well, "eyeballing it" with a ruler, I estimate it to
be 125mm.  But this says, 115?

http://www.williamoptics.com/accessories/mounting115_features.php

Kurt


--- howardlazarus58 <howardlazarus58@...> wrote:

> Does anyone know what is the tube diameter of the
> 110MM TMB...I need
> the measurement for a Strlight focuser that I am
> looking into!!!
> Thanks
> Howard
>
>



      
________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. 
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Hi gang,

I just wanted to pass along this interesting offering from WO for
those who don't already know and can benefit. I had an older
(non-dielectric) WO diagonal, about 5 or 6 years old, with a mirror
that was marred by a "too long" Barlow about 4 years ago. Since then
it has been relegated to being a back up diagonal but then I ran
across this:

http://www.williamoptics.com/wo_shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=147

I ordered one and replaced the marred mirror. It took all of about 2
minutes and the way the WO is designed it is next to impossible to
have the mirror be out of alignment. So now I have a new 2" dielectric
diagonal for only $58! Most excellent :-)

Just thought this was an interesting and potentially useful offering
by WO.

Bill

Hi Howard
I went down this road 6 weeks back. The 3545 is too big buy Werner is
planning to make adapters for the 2.7" model. I've seen the engineering
drawings - it will work fine.

If it helps, the ring ID is 116mm ID when the scope is clamped.

Clearest
Bruce, Toronto.

Bill, these mirrors can be use by ATM'ers too - could you measure the
distance between the flats of your old mirror please?
Clearest
Bruce, Toronto

--- In William-Optics@yahoogroups.com, "Bruce D" <noisejammer@...> wrote:
>
> Bill, these mirrors can be use by ATM'ers too - could you measure the
> distance between the flats of your old mirror please?
> Clearest
> Bruce, Toronto
>

Bruce,

The mirror is 715mm x 511mm x 100mm thick. This may be off 1mm + or -
but that's what I measure.

Bill

I was finally able to mount the Megrez 90 on my Vixen Polaris EQ mount
by utilizing a modified Losmandy APP adapter plate.  I used a tunsten
carbide drill bit to drill out the 1/4-20 Losmandy holes and then
afixed the Losmandy plate to the EQ saddle with one bolt and some
heavy duty tape.  This permitted me to use the Losmandy plate as a
guide to drill another hole through the Vixen EQ saddle.  I now have
the best of both worlds, because I have the tracking accuracy of the
Vixen mount with the convenience of using the WO heavy duty rings for
grab 'n go.  Have to admit, I was flummoxed for a while on this solution.

Last night I took it outside for first light.  Overall I would rate
the seeing at a 7 out of 10.  I eagerly turned the scope towards Mars,
using a 9mm TMB Planetary EP for @69X.  I was horrified to see a
shimmering orange tinted blob that looked like it belonged in a
kaleidescope than a high-quality APO.  It was only after about ten
minutes passed that I remembered the scope had been sitting in a 71
degree living room all day and the observing temperature was approx.
33 degrees, so what I was seeing was thermal distortion (Mars being
very near the zenith).  Once the scope achieved equilibrium, Mars was
a sigh to behold.  A small, tight round light orange ball.  I then
turned the scope to the Pleiades using a 20mm EP for 31X.  They looked
like blue-ish white diamonds set on jeweler's velvet.  Next, I turned
the Megrez to the showpiece of the evening, Saturn, rising up with the
Sickle in Leo over the Atlantic Ocean.  Wow!!! At both 69X and then
155X with a 4mm TMB Planetary, the disc and rings were in beautiful,
stark relief.  I was even able to discern banding on the planet disc.
   The view was VERY sharp and my wife really enjoyed her first ever
view of a planet through a scope (Saturn definitely provides the 'wow'
factor).  Finally, I turned the M90 to Sirius for star testing.  Even
given the moderately good seeing, the scope displayed a textbook star
test.  I could not discern any CA inside or outside of focus.

The Megrez 90 APO had definitely met my expectations for optical
performance.  Combined with the Vixen Polaris (a truly classic,
venerable mount), it is for me the epitome of a great grab 'n go scope.

Clear skies to all.

Rob

Nice report, always nice to see someone actually using
and enjoying a scope.  Have to admit, I was flummoxed
for a while as to what flummoxed meant!

Kurt

--- robmarroaxp <robmarroaxp@...> wrote:

> I was finally able to mount the Megrez 90 on my
> Vixen Polaris EQ mount
> by utilizing a modified Losmandy APP adapter plate.
> I used a tunsten
> carbide drill bit to drill out the 1/4-20 Losmandy
> holes and then
> afixed the Losmandy plate to the EQ saddle with one
> bolt and some
> heavy duty tape.  This permitted me to use the
> Losmandy plate as a
> guide to drill another hole through the Vixen EQ
> saddle.  I now have
> the best of both worlds, because I have the tracking
> accuracy of the
> Vixen mount with the convenience of using the WO
> heavy duty rings for
> grab 'n go.  Have to admit, I was flummoxed for a
> while on this solution.
>
> Last night I took it outside for first light.
> Overall I would rate
> the seeing at a 7 out of 10.  I eagerly turned the
> scope towards Mars,
> using a 9mm TMB Planetary EP for @69X.  I was
> horrified to see a
> shimmering orange tinted blob that looked like it
> belonged in a
> kaleidescope than a high-quality APO.  It was only
> after about ten
> minutes passed that I remembered the scope had been
> sitting in a 71
> degree living room all day and the observing
> temperature was approx.
> 33 degrees, so what I was seeing was thermal
> distortion (Mars being
> very near the zenith).  Once the scope achieved
> equilibrium, Mars was
> a sigh to behold.  A small, tight round light orange
> ball.  I then
> turned the scope to the Pleiades using a 20mm EP for
> 31X.  They looked
> like blue-ish white diamonds set on jeweler's
> velvet.  Next, I turned
> the Megrez to the showpiece of the evening, Saturn,
> rising up with the
> Sickle in Leo over the Atlantic Ocean.  Wow!!! At
> both 69X and then
> 155X with a 4mm TMB Planetary, the disc and rings
> were in beautiful,
> stark relief.  I was even able to discern banding on
> the planet disc.
>   The view was VERY sharp and my wife really enjoyed
> her first ever
> view of a planet through a scope (Saturn definitely
> provides the 'wow'
> factor).  Finally, I turned the M90 to Sirius for
> star testing.  Even
> given the moderately good seeing, the scope
> displayed a textbook star
> test.  I could not discern any CA inside or outside
> of focus.
>
> The Megrez 90 APO had definitely met my expectations
> for optical
> performance.  Combined with the Vixen Polaris (a
> truly classic,
> venerable mount), it is for me the epitome of a
> great grab 'n go scope.
>
> Clear skies to all.
>
> Rob
>
>



      
________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Never miss a thing.  Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

Dears Friends, i like to share with you "SELENOLOGY TODAY",
available online the #9 issue

Selenology Today is a new online journal devoted to the study of the
Moon. It is a free, international journal welcoming contributions
from professional and serious amateur scientists.
Also preceding issues (1-8) are present in the website.

http://digilander.libero.it/glrgroup/

Raffaello Lena

glr group
www.glrgroup.org

Thanks Bill - much obliged
Bruce

Hi Rob

Thanks for sharing your impression.
I can only second your view.
The Megrez 90 is a excellent small scope.

Here is an image of Saturn that I shot on the 2nd of February:
http://aida.astroinfo.org/displayimage.php?pos=-3809

CS
Chris

Hello,

I have for sale a William Optics 0.8x Reducer / Field Flattener,
purchased new from Anacortes in July 2007. This item has never been
used in the field and is in excellent condition with original packing
and box. Cost new $148.00. I am selling this item for $85 if anyone is
interested.

mark.a.solomon@...

For Sale---28MM UWAN 82 degree EP. Never used...in orginal box/package.
Well reviewed and rated.Large EP weighs about 2 LBS.
Contact for price ...will pay shipping
Howard
lazhow@...

http://www.williamoptics.com/wo_shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=266

Flattener/Reducer 0.8x reducer/ff v. II

hope that helps :)

cheers,

mark

Rob...I can send you a picture of my setup for a WO 80ED and Polaris
mount.  It uses a home made 3/4"x1'x6"L aluminum bar that is drilled
to fit Polaris mounting holes and a Losmandy GM-8 SP Saddle Plate.
Two rings are attached to a standard Losmandy GM-8 Dovetail Plate and
the scope installed.  One only has to loosen the saddle on the
Polaris and slide in the scope.  Send me your email address and I
will send a detailed picture of the setup...Dave Vosgien


--- In William-Optics@yahoogroups.com, "robmarroaxp"
<robmarroaxp@...> wrote:
>
> My wife got me a new Megrez 90 for Christmas and I have been having
> a hard time mounting it.  Using the integrated mounting bracket and
> one heavy duty mounting ring on my Vixen Polaris means that the
> scope must remain attached to the mount all the time.  With my bad
> back, this solution is a complete non-starter if I have to carry
the
> whole rig outside.  Fumbling with Allen wrenches, screws and spacer
> washers on a cold night in the dark ain't much fun.
>
> I've tried the Vixen Polaris APP adapter from Losmandy, but there
> are 2 problems with this:  1) the mounting holes do not line up on
> the APP adapter plate and the Polaris mount (and I do not have
> access to a machine shop), and 2) the mounting holes in the
Losmandy
> APP adapter plate are drilled for standard US 1/4-20 screws, while
> the WO heavy duty mounting rings are drilled for a metric screw. To
> make it more confusing, the integral mounting plate on the Megrez
90
> is drilled for 1/4-20 English measurement screws.
>
> I want to be able to carry the EQ mount outside and then
> just quickly bolt on the Megrez 90 via the rings.  Any
suggestions?
> I wish to GOD that WO had made this excellent scope WITHOUT the
> mounting bracket.  It's a real spoiler for grab n go with an EQ
> mount.  I'd rate this scope a perfect 10 for mechanical and optical
> excellence, but have to take points off for the darned mounting
> bracket.
>

Quick question.

Do they have the same optics... ???

Thanks

Hi Group just to notify of some photo uploads taken recently with my
ZenithStar 80II. A great refractor it is. :)

1.Rosette Neb. seven panel mosaic at 765x510 each and 50-60 min of Ha.

2.Comet Tuttle/M33 Comet at it's closest to the triangulum.

3.Asteroid 2007/TU24 as it passed by here in Puerto Rico.

Located under the Photo section under the directory named (Jaicoa)

yes for the current versions. There were early
versions of the FLT that had TEC optics.

Kurt
--- renaudvl <renaudvl@...> wrote:

> Quick question.
>
> Do they have the same optics... ???
>
> Thanks
>
>



      
________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. 
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

Hi,

I just wanted to wish the folks at WO in Taiwan, and China a Happy
Chinese New Year

Timm

If you are interested in this holiday, here is a nice link

http://www.123chinesenewyear.com/

Hi,
I hope to fit a Robofocus to my FLT110 (it's one of the new model type)
Can anyone confirm what the course focuser diameter is? I measure it at
0.250" however Robofocus think it might be 7mm Has anyone purchased one
recently?

Regards

Ian

Hi Ian

I bought one 2 weeks ago for my FLT132. The only info the guys at
RoboFocus needed was the model of the scope as they are familiar with
the WO specs.

Gary T

--- In William-Optics@yahoogroups.com, "ianras2001" <ian.mart1n@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi,
> I hope to fit a Robofocus to my FLT110 (it's one of the new model type)
> Can anyone confirm what the course focuser diameter is? I measure it at
> 0.250" however Robofocus think it might be 7mm Has anyone purchased one
> recently?
>
> Regards
>
> Ian
>

Thanks Kurt

--- In William-Optics@yahoogroups.com, Kurt Friedrich
<kurt_friedrich@...> wrote:
>
> yes for the current versions. There were early
> versions of the FLT that had TEC optics.
>
> Kurt
> --- renaudvl <renaudvl@...> wrote:
>
> > Quick question.
> >
> > Do they have the same optics... ???
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
______________________________________________________________________
______________
> Looking for last minute shopping deals?
> Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping
>

Happy New Year to all the folks at William Optics!!

CS! Chris

--- In William-Optics@yahoogroups.com, "Timm Bottoni" <t.bottoni@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I just wanted to wish the folks at WO in Taiwan, and China a Happy
> Chinese New Year
>
> Timm
>
> If you are interested in this holiday, here is a nice link
>
> http://www.123chinesenewyear.com/
>

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR FROM WILLIAM OPTICS !

WISH EVERYONE A GOOD HEALTH AND HAPPY "RAT YEAR" 2008.

WO


--- In William-Optics@yahoogroups.com, "Chris Schroeder"
<chris_jsa@...> wrote:
>
> Happy New Year to all the folks at William Optics!!
>
> CS! Chris
>
> --- In William-Optics@yahoogroups.com, "Timm Bottoni" <t.bottoni@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hi,
> >
> > I just wanted to wish the folks at WO in Taiwan, and China a Happy
> > Chinese New Year
> >
> > Timm
> >
> > If you are interested in this holiday, here is a nice link
> >
> > http://www.123chinesenewyear.com/
> >
>

Hi, William and friends atWO

Just wondering, will the new year see the release of the beefed up
focusser for the Z110??

Cheers, William

Hi guys,

Does anyone know what the thread is on the 2" eyepiece holder on the
FLT110 (the f7 version)? This is the thread used to attach the 2"
eyepiece holder with the thumbscrew onto the back of the rotating
focuser - I was thinking about getting a custom photo adaptor made to
connect this to a T2 (The WO photo adaptor looks like a 2" push fit on
telescope side).

I have a small CCD that doesn't need the dedicated FLT reducer but
does need an extension, and I want to move away from a thumbscrew
holding several thousand pounds of camera from falling!!! :-0

Thanks,

Graeme

I know there are famous Astronomers and World Class Amatuers here in
this group.  My hat is off to you!  There must be a good reason your
here, and I'm glad you are.

This post however is for people like me that are still trying to figure
this out.  I bought the We-Flat II+III.  The Flat II works OK in my
ZS66, but neither work for me in the FD80.  I found a setup using a .63
Reducer for the Orion 80ED at KW Telescopes in Canada that works pretty
good.  Here is a picture of a starfield that I took last night.

http://tinyurl.com/375w3p

Clear Skies,
John

----- Original Message -----

From: John Wall III

To: William-Optics@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 6:05 PM

Subject: [William Optics] APOGrade FF/FR

I know there are famous Astronomers and World Class Amatuers here in
this group. My hat is off to you! There must be a good reason your
here, and I'm glad you are.

This post however is for people like me that are still trying to figure
this out. I bought the We-Flat II+III. The Flat II works OK in my
ZS66, but neither work for me in the FD80. I found a setup using a .63
Reducer for the Orion 80ED at KW Telescopes in Canada that works pretty
good. Here is a picture of a starfield that I took last night.

http://tinyurl.com/375w3p

Clear Skies,
John

I have just bought myself the WO megress 72 and EZ touch mount with
tripod. I just have a few simple questions about set-up as
instructions were not included. To assemble the mount I unscrewed the
collar on top of the tripod and placed the accompanying plate(disc)
which sits snuggly into position, the collar is then threaded back
tightly into postion to secure the plate within. The mount is sat on
top of the plate/ collar and a bolt is threaded and secured from
below. Is this correct so far? My Megress comes with an L-bracket do I
need to attach the L-bracket onto a vixen style plate before it is
attached to the mount or can the L-bracket and scope be directly
attached to the mount itself? I have tried the latter and the focuser
needs to be rotated back into a horizontal position. How is this
achieved? A lot of questions but as a newbie I need a lot of help!

Thanks.

Jack Yee.