Hello:
I have a C14(Fastar ready but no Fastar in the immediate future) that I would
like to use with a colour Mallincam- Meade f/3.3 focal reducer and no diagonal.
I would like to upgrade the stock finder scope and increase the magnification a
bit and in the future be able to use it as a guide scope if/when I go Fastar
with a CCD camera.
I have been looking at the SV F80M2- http://www.stellarvue.com/f80.html - any
other suggestions?
Mount is MI-250.
Thanks

This is not a specific suggestion for a scope but:

One thing you really need if you are going to use this as a guide scope is a
very good/rigid focuser. That means you can't use a really cheaply made guide
scope. And with a C14 you will also want to have a wider field scope for imaging
larger targets.

So, since you will have to pay for a solid, non-flexing guide scope  I'd suggest
choosing a scope that can do double duty as a wide field imaging scope as well.

There are lots of good, reasonably priced 80mm to 100mm refractors out there.
Just be sure the focuser is rock steady under the weight of your camera.

Drew S.

--- In sct-user@yahoogroups.com, "jamc2004" <jamc2004@...> wrote:
>
> Hello:
> I have a C14(Fastar ready but no Fastar in the immediate future) that I would
like to use with a colour Mallincam- Meade f/3.3 focal reducer and no diagonal.
> I would like to upgrade the stock finder scope and increase the magnification
a bit and in the future be able to use it as a guide scope if/when I go Fastar
with a CCD camera.
> I have been looking at the SV F80M2- http://www.stellarvue.com/f80.html - any
other suggestions?
> Mount is MI-250.
> Thanks
>

Hi All,

My 1980's Orange C8's Dec Tangent lock lever is
loose.

Can this be tighten up or is it a none issue?


Alan
Windy Ridge Observatory
Three Rivers, MI

Thanks for the suggestions. I see too where the SV F80M2 attaches to the OTA at
a single small dovetail at the OTA rear like the stock C14 finder which I am
guessing is not good for use as a guider vs a full OTA length dovetail and a
longer more substantial dovetail or multiple connections?
Thanks


--- In sct-user@yahoogroups.com, "ancient.sull" <ancient.sull@...> wrote:
>
> This is not a specific suggestion for a scope but:
>
> One thing you really need if you are going to use this as a guide scope is a
very good/rigid focuser. That means you can't use a really cheaply made guide
scope. And with a C14 you will also want to have a wider field scope for imaging
larger targets.
>
> So, since you will have to pay for a solid, non-flexing guide scope  I'd
suggest choosing a scope that can do double duty as a wide field imaging scope
as well.
>
> There are lots of good, reasonably priced 80mm to 100mm refractors out there.
Just be sure the focuser is rock steady under the weight of your camera.
>
> Drew S.
>
> --- In sct-user@yahoogroups.com, "jamc2004" <jamc2004@> wrote:
> >
> > Hello:
> > I have a C14(Fastar ready but no Fastar in the immediate future) that I
would like to use with a colour Mallincam- Meade f/3.3 focal reducer and no
diagonal.
> > I would like to upgrade the stock finder scope and increase the
magnification a bit and in the future be able to use it as a guide scope if/when
I go Fastar with a CCD camera.
> > I have been looking at the SV F80M2- http://www.stellarvue.com/f80.html -
any other suggestions?
> > Mount is MI-250.
> > Thanks
> >
>

Alan, Just hold the knob while you tighten the nut on the other end a half turn
or so with a wrench. You can adjust it this way and take up any slack that is
present.
It's pretty simple to adjust once you do it for the first time.
Best, Bob Piekiel

--- On Tue, 12/1/09, Alan <ottersonalan@...> wrote:

> From: Alan <ottersonalan@...>
> Subject: [sct-user] DEC Tangent Arm Lock Is Loose
> To: sct-user@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 1:52 PM
> Hi All,
>
> My 1980's Orange C8's Dec Tangent lock lever is
> loose.
>
> Can this be tighten up or is it a none issue?
>
>
> Alan
> Windy Ridge Observatory
> Three Rivers, MI
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Visit the sct-user home page at:
>
>
>
> http://skywatch.brainiac.com/SCThpYahoo!
> Groups Links
>
>
>     sct-user-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>

Yes, I would definitely put a top dovetail on the C14 and mount the guide
scope/alternate imaging scope with solid rings.

Drew S.

--- In sct-user@yahoogroups.com, "jamc2004" <jamc2004@...> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> Thanks for the suggestions. I see too where the SV F80M2 attaches to the OTA
at a single small dovetail at the OTA rear like the stock C14 finder which I am
guessing is not good for use as a guider vs a full OTA length dovetail and a
longer more substantial dovetail or multiple connections?
> Thanks
>
>
> --- In sct-user@yahoogroups.com, "ancient.sull" <ancient.sull@> wrote:
> >
> > This is not a specific suggestion for a scope but:
> >
> > One thing you really need if you are going to use this as a guide scope is a
very good/rigid focuser. That means you can't use a really cheaply made guide
scope. And with a C14 you will also want to have a wider field scope for imaging
larger targets.
> >
> > So, since you will have to pay for a solid, non-flexing guide scope  I'd
suggest choosing a scope that can do double duty as a wide field imaging scope
as well.
> >
> > There are lots of good, reasonably priced 80mm to 100mm refractors out
there. Just be sure the focuser is rock steady under the weight of your camera.
> >
> > Drew S.
> >
> > --- In sct-user@yahoogroups.com, "jamc2004" <jamc2004@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hello:
> > > I have a C14(Fastar ready but no Fastar in the immediate future) that I
would like to use with a colour Mallincam- Meade f/3.3 focal reducer and no
diagonal.
> > > I would like to upgrade the stock finder scope and increase the
magnification a bit and in the future be able to use it as a guide scope if/when
I go Fastar with a CCD camera.
> > > I have been looking at the SV F80M2- http://www.stellarvue.com/f80.html -
any other suggestions?
> > > Mount is MI-250.
> > > Thanks
> > >
> >
>

Those finder`s looked so nifty too! Do you think my C9.25 would be
sufficiently wide-field to cope with objects like say M 42 with a
Meade f3.3 FR (which I have but am yet to test it in practise)? Not
that I can afford one of these SV F80M2`s at present et al...Just
thought they might make an interesting experiment to use as a guide
scope (along with my OAG) eventually..

Mark.
On 02/12/2009, at 6:53 AM, ancient.sull wrote:

> Yes, I would definitely put a top dovetail on the C14 and mount the
> guide scope/alternate imaging scope with solid rings.
>
> Drew S.
>
> --- In sct-user@yahoogroups.com, "jamc2004" <jamc2004@...> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks for the suggestions. I see too where the SV F80M2 attaches
> to the OTA at a single small dovetail at the OTA rear like the stock
> C14 finder which I am guessing is not good for use as a guider vs a
> full OTA length dovetail and a longer more substantial dovetail or
> multiple connections?
> > Thanks
> >
> >
> > --- In sct-user@yahoogroups.com, "ancient.sull" <ancient.sull@>
> wrote:
> > >
> > > This is not a specific suggestion for a scope but:
> > >
> > > One thing you really need if you are going to use this as a
> guide scope is a very good/rigid focuser. That means you can't use a
> really cheaply made guide scope. And with a C14 you will also want
> to have a wider field scope for imaging larger targets.
> > >
> > > So, since you will have to pay for a solid, non-flexing guide
> scope I'd suggest choosing a scope that can do double duty as a wide
> field imaging scope as well.
> > >
> > > There are lots of good, reasonably priced 80mm to 100mm
> refractors out there. Just be sure the focuser is rock steady under
> the weight of your camera.
> > >
> > > Drew S.
> > >
> > > --- In sct-user@yahoogroups.com, "jamc2004" <jamc2004@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hello:
> > > > I have a C14(Fastar ready but no Fastar in the immediate
> future) that I would like to use with a colour Mallincam- Meade f/
> 3.3 focal reducer and no diagonal.
> > > > I would like to upgrade the stock finder scope and increase
> the magnification a bit and in the future be able to use it as a
> guide scope if/when I go Fastar with a CCD camera.
> > > > I have been looking at the SV F80M2- http://www.stellarvue.com/f80.html
>  - any other suggestions?
> > > > Mount is MI-250.
> > > > Thanks
> > > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

As an extra question along with my previous post...How far offset are
the guide cam`s FOV`s usually  from the object being imaged when using
a guide scope? I know when using an OAG these offsets have to be taken
into account. Also how essential is fine focusing with a guide camera?
As far as the finder being discussed on the other thread ( an SV F80M2
I believe) my mount may be limited in it`s attachment by weight
considerations, being a CG-5..?

Mark.

It just occurred to me if it`s being used as a finder it must be
looking at the same thing as what`s in the main scope, the object
being imaged or something near is this right?

Mark.
On 02/12/2009, at 7:52 AM, Mark Gaffney wrote:

> As an extra question along with my previous post...How far offset are
> the guide cam`s FOV`s usually from the object being imaged when using
> a guide scope? I know when using an OAG these offsets have to be taken
> into account. Also how essential is fine focusing with a guide camera?
> As far as the finder being discussed on the other thread ( an SV F80M2
> I believe) my mount may be limited in it`s attachment by weight
> considerations, being a CG-5..?
>
> Mark.
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks Bob,

It's the Lever on top of the tangent arm that wiggles sideways left to
right,
as you look at it in the photo in my Alans C8 album.

I noticed that the is a tiny nut on top inside the tangnet arm can that
be tighten up?


Thanks again,


Alan

--- In sct-user@yahoogroups.com, Robert Piekiel <piekielrl@...> wrote:
>
> Alan, Just hold the knob while you tighten the nut on the other end a
half turn or so with a wrench. You can adjust it this way and take up
any slack that is present.
> It's pretty simple to adjust once you do it for the first time.
> Best, Bob Piekiel
>
> --- On Tue, 12/1/09, Alan ottersonalan@... wrote:
>
> > From: Alan ottersonalan@...
> > Subject: [sct-user] DEC Tangent Arm Lock Is Loose
> > To: sct-user@yahoogroups.com
> > Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 1:52 PM
> > Hi All,
> >
> > My 1980's Orange C8's Dec Tangent lock lever is
> > loose.
> >
> > Can this be tighten up or is it a none issue?
> >
> >
> > Alan
> > Windy Ridge Observatory
> > Three Rivers, MI
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Visit the sct-user home page at:
> >
> >
> >
> > http://skywatch.brainiac.com/SCThpYahoo!
> > Groups Links
> >
> >
> >     sct-user-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
> >
> >
> >
>

Yes, but it the nut is on the INSIDE of the split sections, loosen it and then
twist the lever CW (so as to tighten it) perhaps 1/2 turn. Then re-snug the nut
to lock it. Older C8s had the nut on the outside of the split arms, that's what
I spoke of in the first letter.
Best,
Bob

--- On Tue, 12/1/09, Alan <ottersonalan@...> wrote:

> From: Alan <ottersonalan@...>
> Subject: [sct-user] Re: DEC Tangent Arm Lock Is Loose
> To: sct-user@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 4:22 PM
> Thanks Bob,
>
> It's the Lever on top of the tangent arm that wiggles
> sideways left to
> right,
> as you look at it in the photo in my Alans C8 album.
>
> I noticed that the is a tiny nut on top inside the tangnet
> arm can that
> be tighten up?
>
>
> Thanks again,
>
>
> Alan
>
> --- In sct-user@yahoogroups.com,
> Robert Piekiel <piekielrl@...> wrote:
> >
> > Alan, Just hold the knob while you tighten the nut on
> the other end a
> half turn or so with a wrench. You can adjust it this way
> and take up
> any slack that is present.
> > It's pretty simple to adjust once you do it for the
> first time.
> > Best, Bob Piekiel
> >
> > --- On Tue, 12/1/09, Alan ottersonalan@... wrote:
> >
> > > From: Alan ottersonalan@...
> > > Subject: [sct-user] DEC Tangent Arm Lock Is
> Loose
> > > To: sct-user@yahoogroups.com
> > > Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 1:52 PM
> > > Hi All,
> > >
> > > My 1980's Orange C8's Dec Tangent lock lever is
> > > loose.
> > >
> > > Can this be tighten up or is it a none issue?
> > >
> > >
> > > Alan
> > > Windy Ridge Observatory
> > > Three Rivers, MI
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ------------------------------------
> > >
> > > Visit the sct-user home page at:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > http://skywatch.brainiac.com/SCThpYahoo!
> > > Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >     sct-user-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Visit the sct-user home page at:
>
>
>
> http://skywatch.brainiac.com/SCThpYahoo!
> Groups Links
>
>
>     sct-user-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>

OK, Thanks Bob,

I'll check it out.

Thanks again,


Alan

--- In sct-user@yahoogroups.com, Robert Piekiel <piekielrl@...> wrote:
>
> Yes, but it the nut is on the INSIDE of the split sections, loosen it and then
twist the lever CW (so as to tighten it) perhaps 1/2 turn. Then re-snug the nut
to lock it. Older C8s had the nut on the outside of the split arms, that's what
I spoke of in the first letter.
> Best,
> Bob
>
> --- On Tue, 12/1/09, Alan <ottersonalan@...> wrote:
>
> > From: Alan <ottersonalan@...>
> > Subject: [sct-user] Re: DEC Tangent Arm Lock Is Loose
> > To: sct-user@yahoogroups.com
> > Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 4:22 PM
> > Thanks Bob,
> >
> > It's the Lever on top of the tangent arm that wiggles
> > sideways left to
> > right,
> > as you look at it in the photo in my Alans C8 album.
> >
> > I noticed that the is a tiny nut on top inside the tangnet
> > arm can that
> > be tighten up?
> >
> >
> > Thanks again,
> >
> >
> > Alan
> >
> > --- In sct-user@yahoogroups.com,
> > Robert Piekiel <piekielrl@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Alan, Just hold the knob while you tighten the nut on
> > the other end a
> > half turn or so with a wrench. You can adjust it this way
> > and take up
> > any slack that is present.
> > > It's pretty simple to adjust once you do it for the
> > first time.
> > > Best, Bob Piekiel
> > >
> > > --- On Tue, 12/1/09, Alan ottersonalan@ wrote:
> > >
> > > > From: Alan ottersonalan@
> > > > Subject: [sct-user] DEC Tangent Arm Lock Is
> > Loose
> > > > To: sct-user@yahoogroups.com
> > > > Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 1:52 PM
> > > > Hi All,
> > > >
> > > > My 1980's Orange C8's Dec Tangent lock lever is
> > > > loose.
> > > >
> > > > Can this be tighten up or is it a none issue?
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Alan
> > > > Windy Ridge Observatory
> > > > Three Rivers, MI
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ------------------------------------
> > > >
> > > > Visit the sct-user home page at:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > http://skywatch.brainiac.com/SCThpYahoo!
> > > > Groups Links
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >     sct-user-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Visit the sct-user home page at:
> >
> >
> >
> > http://skywatch.brainiac.com/SCThpYahoo!
> > Groups Links
> >
> >
> >     sct-user-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
> >
> >
> >
>

Alan,

On my black tube C8, all I had to do was unlock the lever and then twist the
lever CW a half turn or
possibly a full turn.

Don

----- Original Message -----
From: "Alan" <ottersonalan@...>
To: <sct-user@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 4:22 PM
Subject: [sct-user] Re: DEC Tangent Arm Lock Is Loose


> Thanks Bob,
>
> It's the Lever on top of the tangent arm that wiggles sideways left to
> right,
> as you look at it in the photo in my Alans C8 album.
>
> I noticed that the is a tiny nut on top inside the tangnet arm can that
> be tighten up?
>
>
> Thanks again,
>
>
> Alan

I have my guidescope coaxial with the main OTA. The guider FOV is several
times larger than the imager FOV, so I can guide on anything in the imager
FOV, and as far away from the imager FOV as about one degree.

Chris

*****************************************
Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com


----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Gaffney" <markgaffney@...>
To: <sct-user@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 1:52 PM
Subject: [sct-user] guide scopes...


> As an extra question along with my previous post...How far offset are
> the guide cam`s FOV`s usually  from the object being imaged when using
> a guide scope? I know when using an OAG these offsets have to be taken
> into account. Also how essential is fine focusing with a guide camera?
> As far as the finder being discussed on the other thread ( an SV F80M2
> I believe) my mount may be limited in it`s attachment by weight
> considerations, being a CG-5..?

That`s interesting Chris! It gives me more of a perspective of what
you`re talking about in your posts. I was interested a couple of
months ago to find a link to your website & some of your shots!

Mark.
On 02/12/2009, at 9:34 AM, Chris Peterson wrote:

> I have my guidescope coaxial with the main OTA. The guider FOV is
> several
> times larger than the imager FOV, so I can guide on anything in the
> imager
> FOV, and as far away from the imager FOV as about one degree.
>
> Chris
>
> *****************************************
> Chris L Peterson
> Cloudbait Observatory
> http://www.cloudbait.com
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mark Gaffney" <markgaffney@...>
> To: <sct-user@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 1:52 PM
> Subject: [sct-user] guide scopes...
>
> > As an extra question along with my previous post...How far offset
> are
> > the guide cam`s FOV`s usually from the object being imaged when
> using
> > a guide scope? I know when using an OAG these offsets have to be
> taken
> > into account. Also how essential is fine focusing with a guide
> camera?
> > As far as the finder being discussed on the other thread ( an SV
> F80M2
> > I believe) my mount may be limited in it`s attachment by weight
> > considerations, being a CG-5..?
>
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks Don,

I'll look at it tomorrow.

Alan

--- In sct-user@yahoogroups.com, "Don D'Egidio" <djd521@...> wrote:
>
> Alan,
>
> On my black tube C8, all I had to do was unlock the lever and then twist the
lever CW a half turn or
> possibly a full turn.
>
> Don
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Alan" <ottersonalan@...>
> To: <sct-user@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 4:22 PM
> Subject: [sct-user] Re: DEC Tangent Arm Lock Is Loose
>
>
> > Thanks Bob,
> >
> > It's the Lever on top of the tangent arm that wiggles sideways left to
> > right,
> > as you look at it in the photo in my Alans C8 album.
> >
> > I noticed that the is a tiny nut on top inside the tangnet arm can that
> > be tighten up?
> >
> >
> > Thanks again,
> >
> >
> > Alan
>

I am trying to get a U2K machine to do a proper align and am needing some help
to troubleshoot the problem. If there are any U2K owners here that are willing
to help please let me know.

Thanks,

Fred

Hi All, I've been getting quite a few emails asking me if I've seen Celestron's
ad in the Jan 2010 issue of S&T, celebrating their 50th anniversary, and asking
if I noticed the photos near the top of of the ad showing some of their old
scopes.

The answer is YES, in fact, all the photos across the top are all taken from my
"Celestron The Early Years" ebook, and the photo at the top right is of some of
my own scopes. This photo is actually from a few years back when I still had my
C22 mounted on a trailer. I have since re-mounted it on the factory (stationary)
mount. The trailer mount in the photo I actually sold to a fellow from Michigan
who had a C22 OTA with no mount to put it on.

So if you're intrigued by these old scopes and want to know more, just contact
me...
Best, Bob Piekiel

My Meade 8 inch SCT came with a LXD55 mount.  I no longer use the mount, but I
want to use the SCT for observing asteroid occultations.   I need to regrease
the scope.  Which is better, Take off the front or take off the back?  Does
anyone know if Meade used glue on these scopes in addition to screwing them
together?

Has anyone tried using a tool for going up the baffel tube to do the regrease
rather than disassembling the scope?  I am thinking of a tool with a hook on it
with a pad on the end of the hook carrying the grease.  You would insert the
tool up the baffel tube then pull it back a bit so that the pad with the grease
on it contacts the outside of the baffle tube.

Make sure it really needs to be regreased; likely it does not. Too much
grease will lead to focus drift. If you must, you remove the corrector. All
the usual cautions about orientation and shims apply.


Peace,
Rod Mollise
Rod's new book:
_Choosing and Using a New CAT_
Available Now!

<http://skywatch.brainiac.com/astroland>



-----Original Message-----
From: sct-user@yahoogroups.com [mailto:sct-user@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of steveb
Sent: Saturday, December 05, 2009 6:02 PM
To: sct-user@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [sct-user] Meade 8 inch SCT

My Meade 8 inch SCT came with a LXD55 mount.  I no longer use the mount, but
I want to use the SCT for observing asteroid occultations.   I need to
regrease the scope.  Which is better, Take off the front or take off the
back?  Does anyone know if Meade used glue on these scopes in addition to
screwing them together?

Has anyone tried using a tool for going up the baffel tube to do the
regrease rather than disassembling the scope?  I am thinking of a tool with
a hook on it with a pad on the end of the hook carrying the grease.  You
would insert the tool up the baffel tube then pull it back a bit so that the
pad with the grease on it contacts the outside of the baffle tube.



------------------------------------

Visit the sct-user home page at:



http://skywatch.brainiac.com/SCThpYahoo! Groups Links

And, there are lots of instructions in the old Mapug files. It isn't
too difficult if you must do it, but waving a greasy wand thru the
baffle tube would not be a good idea.... just a spec of grease on the
mirror will make your day more difficult... by a lot...

I agree with Rod here, it likely does not need re-greasing... run the
focuser up and back a few times first... I think you can release the
back of the focuser easily and just shove the mirror up and back...
again, check the Mapug files...

removing the back is the last operation in a total disassembly as I
recall, best not start there...

chuck k

On Dec 5, 2009, at 4:20 PM, Rod Mollise wrote:

> Make sure it really needs to be regreased; likely it does not. Too
> much
> grease will lead to focus drift. If you must, you remove the
> corrector. All
> the usual cautions about orientation and shims apply.
>
> Peace,
> Rod Mollise
> Rod's new book:
> _Choosing and Using a New CAT_
> Available Now!
>
> <http://skywatch.brainiac.com/astroland>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: sct-user@yahoogroups.com [mailto:sct-user@yahoogroups.com] On
> Behalf
> Of steveb
> Sent: Saturday, December 05, 2009 6:02 PM
> To: sct-user@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [sct-user] Meade 8 inch SCT
>
> My Meade 8 inch SCT came with a LXD55 mount. I no longer use the
> mount, but
> I want to use the SCT for observing asteroid occultations. I need to
> regrease the scope. Which is better, Take off the front or take off
> the
> back? Does anyone know if Meade used glue on these scopes in
> addition to
> screwing them together?
>
> Has anyone tried using a tool for going up the baffel tube to do the
> regrease rather than disassembling the scope? I am thinking of a
> tool with
> a hook on it with a pad on the end of the hook carrying the grease.
> You
> would insert the tool up the baffel tube then pull it back a bit so
> that the
> pad with the grease on it contacts the outside of the baffle tube.
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Visit the sct-user home page at:
>
> http://skywatch.brainiac.com/SCThpYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Mainly my purpose in doing this is to cut down on mirror flop.  Is there a
better way?

--- In sct-user@yahoogroups.com, chuck kimball <artists@...> wrote:
>
> And, there are lots of instructions in the old Mapug files. It isn't
> too difficult if you must do it, but waving a greasy wand thru the
> baffle tube would not be a good idea.... just a spec of grease on the
> mirror will make your day more difficult... by a lot...
>
> I agree with Rod here, it likely does not need re-greasing... run the
> focuser up and back a few times first... I think you can release the
> back of the focuser easily and just shove the mirror up and back...
> again, check the Mapug files...
>
> removing the back is the last operation in a total disassembly as I
> recall, best not start there...
>
> chuck k
>
> On Dec 5, 2009, at 4:20 PM, Rod Mollise wrote:
>
> > Make sure it really needs to be regreased; likely it does not. Too
> > much
> > grease will lead to focus drift. If you must, you remove the
> > corrector. All
> > the usual cautions about orientation and shims apply.
> >
> > Peace,
> > Rod Mollise
> > Rod's new book:
> > _Choosing and Using a New CAT_
> > Available Now!
> >
> > <http://skywatch.brainiac.com/astroland>
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: sct-user@yahoogroups.com [mailto:sct-user@yahoogroups.com] On
> > Behalf
> > Of steveb
> > Sent: Saturday, December 05, 2009 6:02 PM
> > To: sct-user@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [sct-user] Meade 8 inch SCT
> >
> > My Meade 8 inch SCT came with a LXD55 mount. I no longer use the
> > mount, but
> > I want to use the SCT for observing asteroid occultations. I need to
> > regrease the scope. Which is better, Take off the front or take off
> > the
> > back? Does anyone know if Meade used glue on these scopes in
> > addition to
> > screwing them together?
> >
> > Has anyone tried using a tool for going up the baffel tube to do the
> > regrease rather than disassembling the scope? I am thinking of a
> > tool with
> > a hook on it with a pad on the end of the hook carrying the grease.
> > You
> > would insert the tool up the baffel tube then pull it back a bit so
> > that the
> > pad with the grease on it contacts the outside of the baffle tube.
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Visit the sct-user home page at:
> >
> > http://skywatch.brainiac.com/SCThpYahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

--- In sct-user@yahoogroups.com, "steveb" <bullfox55@...> wrote:
>
> Mainly my purpose in doing this is to cut down on mirror flop.  Is
> there a better way?

No, given your Meade 8" SCT came with an LXD-55 mount (meaning no
mirror lock as for the LX200 variants).

Running the mirror up and down the baffle tube four or five times will
help redistribute the existing grease for "better" resistance to the
mirror flop annoyance.

As discussed here last week (look in sct-user's message archives), if
one wishes to regrease the mirror sled and baffle tube with a better
product than Meade uses, use Dow Corning High Vacuum Grease after all
the existing grease has been removed.

If you're all-thumbs and not mechanically inclined, don't do it (and
tolerate the mirror slop/flop/drop/).

http://uncle-rods.blogspot.com/


Peace,
Rod Mollise
Rod's new book:
_Choosing and Using a New CAT_
Available Now!

<http://skywatch.brainiac.com/astroland>

Hi Fred

Click on  http://sctscopes.net/index.html, it could be useful for you.

Regards

--- In sct-user@yahoogroups.com, "Fred" <fred_howell2001@...> wrote:
>
> I am trying to get a U2K machine to do a proper align and am needing some help
to troubleshoot the problem. If there are any U2K owners here that are willing
to help please let me know.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Fred
>

Fred

I have a U2K myself, perhaps I could help?

What is the problem?

BTW, The link which was in the previous post appears to be bad, however, is
you use the following it still works.

http://sctscopes.net/

As I don't know the specifics of your problem, I will try and give some
basic help.

First and foremost, this scope MUST BE balanced in order for the alignment
or goto functions to work.

This scope has two slip clutches which must be adjausted properly as well,
too loose or too tight and it won't work either.

Here is a link to the manual for this scope

http://www.company7.com/library/celestron/ultima2k_man_0398.pdf

The current version of ASCOM does NOT work for this scope, Chris Rowland is
the developer, and I was unable to provide the necessary information he
required to incorporate the U2K into the latest version of ASCOM.

in sincerely

Bill Dittus

On Mon, Dec 7, 2009 at 9:56 AM, orlandovarela3 <orlandovarela3@...>wrote:

>
>
> Hi Fred
>
> Click on http://sctscopes.net/index.html, it could be useful for you.
>
> Regards
>
>
> --- In sct-user@yahoogroups.com <sct-user%40yahoogroups.com>, "Fred"
> <fred_howell2001@...> wrote:
> >
> > I am trying to get a U2K machine to do a proper align and am needing some
> help to troubleshoot the problem. If there are any U2K owners here that are
> willing to help please let me know.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Fred
> >
>
>
>



--
"Veritas vos liberabit"
The Truth Will Set You Free
Bill Dittus


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi,

My astronomy club currently has an old orange tube 14 inch Celestron SCT
in an observatory.  The mount is also very old, and it has reached the
point where if something else goes wrong with the mount, people are no
longer confident that they can fix it, or even get replacement parts
because it is so old.

At a recent meeting, members were discussing getting the Celestron CGE
mount as a replacement.  Some one else also mentioned that there was a
sale on the CGE Pro where it was reduced to about $1500 more than the
regular CGE mount.  As long we can get the sale price, we think we
should go with the CGE Pro since it can handle a little more weight.
Can anyone who has any experience with either the CGE or CGE Pro let me
know what they think of their mount?

This telescope is mainly used for public outreach, but with the upgrade
we are expecting more club members to use the scope for
astrophotography, something that was not possible with the old mount.

Thanks,

-Mike Durkin

Just curious.  Where did you find the CGE Pro on sale??  I would like to
replace my CGE.

Quoting Mike Durkin <mike@...>:

> Hi,
>
> My astronomy club currently has an old orange tube 14 inch Celestron SCT
> in an observatory.  The mount is also very old, and it has reached the
> point where if something else goes wrong with the mount, people are no
> longer confident that they can fix it, or even get replacement parts
> because it is so old.
>
> At a recent meeting, members were discussing getting the Celestron CGE
> mount as a replacement.  Some one else also mentioned that there was a
> sale on the CGE Pro where it was reduced to about $1500 more than the
> regular CGE mount.  As long we can get the sale price, we think we
> should go with the CGE Pro since it can handle a little more weight.
> Can anyone who has any experience with either the CGE or CGE Pro let me
> know what they think of their mount?
>
> This telescope is mainly used for public outreach, but with the upgrade
> we are expecting more club members to use the scope for
> astrophotography, something that was not possible with the old mount.
>
> Thanks,
>
> -Mike Durkin
>
>
>

Sorry,  it looks like there was a misunderstanding about the "sale".
Somebody confused the line that said "savings" (about $3500) with the
actual price ($5000).

A vendor that we know has told us that the CGE has a "checkered" past
and some bugs needed to be worked out.  We are looking at the CGE Pro or
the Losmandy G11, although any other mounts that can hold at least 60
pounds would be considered.

-Mike Durkin

mford@... wrote:
> Just curious.  Where did you find the CGE Pro on sale??  I would like to
> replace my CGE.
>
> Quoting Mike Durkin <mike@...>:
>
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> My astronomy club currently has an old orange tube 14 inch Celestron SCT
>> in an observatory.  The mount is also very old, and it has reached the
>> point where if something else goes wrong with the mount, people are no
>> longer confident that they can fix it, or even get replacement parts
>> because it is so old.
>>
>> At a recent meeting, members were discussing getting the Celestron CGE
>> mount as a replacement.  Some one else also mentioned that there was a
>> sale on the CGE Pro where it was reduced to about $1500 more than the
>> regular CGE mount.  As long we can get the sale price, we think we
>> should go with the CGE Pro since it can handle a little more weight.
>> Can anyone who has any experience with either the CGE or CGE Pro let me
>> know what they think of their mount?
>>
>> This telescope is mainly used for public outreach, but with the upgrade
>> we are expecting more club members to use the scope for
>> astrophotography, something that was not possible with the old mount.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> -Mike Durkin
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>

> The current version of ASCOM does NOT work for this scope, Chris Rowland is
> the developer, and I was unable to provide the necessary information he
> required to incorporate the U2K into the latest version of ASCOM.

Other people say it does work.

All I need are some logs of the communication between the scope and the driver,
something that the current release of ASCOM with the 5.5 upgrade is designed to
provide easily.

All that's required is someone who can check a box on a menu, try to control the
U2K, then copy a file to an email.

I'm just the poor sap whose expected to fix it with no information.

Chris