asaint
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| (Carpal Tunnel) |
| 02/01/08 05:59 AM |
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Astro-Tech 102ED
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Astro-Tech 102ED
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Scott Beith
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| (SRF) |
| 02/01/08 07:26 AM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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One of the best refractor reviews I have read. Very well done!
| ScottAz |
| (Fleet Navigator) |
| 02/01/08 08:31 AM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Jon, you and Monks Monkulus make a great team!
Excellent review! I really enjoyed it!
| ik507racer |
| (super member) |
| 02/01/08 08:37 AM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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mmmm good review.
| John Kocijanski |
| (Carpal Tunnel) |
| 02/01/08 08:38 AM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Great review. Is this the same as the Orion version?
| ik507racer |
| (super member) |
| 02/01/08 08:40 AM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Would be nice toget a review about the 111mm Astro tech triplet.
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jrcrilly
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| (Refractor wienie no more) |
| 02/01/08 09:32 AM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Great work, Jon! Very thorough and informative.
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Tom Trusock
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| () |
| 02/01/08 11:17 AM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Very Nicely Done Jon.
T
| Phil Frederick |
| (scholastic sledgehammer) |
| 02/01/08 12:55 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Excellent review John
My experience with the SV102ED mirrors virtually everything you said. And the comparison with the 80mm scope clearly helps answer often-asked questions of 80mm vs. 102mm.
I've concluded, as did you, that the 102mm is the scope to grab (over the 80mm) because it'll definitely show more yet it is still very portable. But I'm still keeping my SV80ED!
Good job!
| runner |
| (super member) |
| 02/01/08 02:01 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Wonderfull review Jon, this this has put my search for a new refractor to rest......excellent!
| CollinofAlabama |
| (Pooh-Bah) |
| 02/01/08 02:23 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Jon,
A very timely review the community needed. I'm about to pull the trigger myself on Orion's, which looks to be the same. I have two requests for you. First, could you possibly post some jpegs of the 80mm in its case and the 102 in its case? I realize this can be inferred by your photo of the tubes, but its nice to see how much bigger the package you'll actually put in the car is, size-wise.
Also, you mention you used the EQ-3 for this review. How did the EQ-3 handle this big, bad boy? It's a lot more scope than an 80mm. I own the AT80ED and its on an Orion AstroView, too, and would like to know how you feel the EQ-3 fares driving so much more scope.
Keep up the good work and thanks, again,
CDS
| Jon Isaacs |
| (Postmaster) |
| 02/01/08 03:43 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Hello and thank you all for your kind words. I had fun doing this review and as time went on I began to trust the scope more and more and now the reality is that in the last month I haven't used the 80mm Megrez II FD, it stays in it's case.
Answers to a few questions and make a few comments..
- I believe the optics are the same as the Orion scope though the focuser may be different.
- I may be getting the opportunity to test the AT-111EDT.
- Tom
- Phil: I did see you write up in the refractors section of the SV-102ED and your experiences seemed like we were working with essentially the same scope...
- CDS: My Astro-View EQ-3 is plenty solid for visual though it does sit on a Vixen Super Polaris wooden tripod.
As far as the photo of the two cases, I think it would be somewhat misleading. The WO 80mm Megrez II FD is a 555mm focal length scope but it is built into a 480mm FL OTA and then a extender tube on the focser is used to add that extra length. I don't like that aspect, it puts the focuser too far forward and it risks vignetting but it does make for a shorter scope. I think my case would be smaller than your 80mm.
I like the fact that the AT-102ED uses a full length tube rather than the extender tube but it makes for a longer scope. The AT-102ED case is a full sized case designed for the scope plus a 2 inch diagonal so it is much larger. Since you would not be getting a case with the Orion scope, the photo are probably a better judge of the relative size.
Make no mistake though, this is a considerably bigger scope but it is still a very reasonable size, when I went out this morning with my wife and house guest to look at Jupiter and Venus, this was the one.
Clear skies ahead...
Jon
| CollinofAlabama |
| (Pooh-Bah) |
| 02/01/08 05:29 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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I won't?
Orion 102ED case
| mattz |
| (professor emeritus) |
| 02/01/08 08:22 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Nice job, Jon. Very well written.
| Jon Isaacs |
| (Postmaster) |
| 02/01/08 09:04 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Quote:
I won't?
Orion 102ED case
I'll try to get a photo to you well before the May 3rd "expectedship date..." (for the case)
Jon
| Pasquale |
| (Encrypted) |
| 02/01/08 11:12 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Well done, and thanks, Jon... The 102ED has turned into my grab 'n go scope as well... I love looking through it! My 80 stays in the case since getting the 102...
| Phil Frederick |
| (scholastic sledgehammer) |
| 02/01/08 11:41 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Quote:
My 80 stays in the case since getting the 102...
Yah Pasquale, but what to do with the beautiful NHNG??????
I can't give it up! Of course, with this pathetic PNW weather, we may as well pack all of 'em up---or sell 'em. No never!..... 
| Jon Isaacs |
| (Postmaster) |
| 02/01/08 11:52 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Quote:
Quote:
My 80 stays in the case since getting the 102...
Yah Pasquale, but what to do with the beautiful NHNG??????
That is a good question. I have a 80mm William Optics Megrez II FD with the FPL-53 objective sitting in it's case. I figure it's a birding/imaging scope. It's a better size for digiscoping than the 102ED's. For astronomy, with an 80mm I am always a bit hungry, with the 102mm I am satisfied.
It's a light meal compared to those big round mirrors that wait in the garage but it's enough.
Jon
| Pasquale |
| (Encrypted) |
| 02/01/08 11:58 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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How true! The 102 is just enough to quell the appetite... I am really tired of this weather, Phil; and Arizona looks more and more inviting as another NW winter rolls along...
| doctordub |
| (Pooh-Bah) |
| 02/02/08 09:30 AM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Excellent article Jon! At 23" this Looks like the Ideal travel scope for me. Your article covered all of my questions, now its time to save my money!
| Houdini |
| (professor emeritus) |
| 02/02/08 12:30 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Thanks for the review!
I guess a lot of people would also be interested in a shoot-out between the 102ED and the WO Megrez 110. They're about the same size, same weight, same price...
Robert
| CollinofAlabama |
| (Pooh-Bah) |
| 02/02/08 03:14 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Okay, you've got 4 months to post the pictures! Did some measuring and think I have my answers. The AstroTech 80ED comes in a fairly large case with eyepiece/diagonal extra cut-outs. It's 13"x22.5"x8" The Orion 102ED's case (theoretically since, yep, it is vaporware) supposedly comes in at 9"x31"x9" -- that's not much difference in actual displacement in the ole car. It's a much longer case, but really not much more in terms of space utilized. Just for grins, what are the dimensions of the AstroTech's case? Folks might wanna know what they'll have to pack into the car for trips.
I got my AT80ED from Astronomics in the early Fall of 2006 and I LOVE this scope. I'd just as soon get the AstroTech 102, but made a foolish purchase over Christmas -- the Mak 127 with SVP from Orion. I find the SVP simply NOT grab 'n go. This mount doesn't fit in my car well and is very heavy and unwieldy to me, so it went back to Orion. I now have a LOT of credit with them, so their 102ED makes sense for me. Waiting on the case till May does NOT make me happy
On top of that, getting this scope in December is a painful reminder of how LONG it takes for a 5" Mak to cool down. Let's just say it ain't NOTHING like the AT80ED 
Though I'm sure the 102 doublet takes a little longer to reach equilibrium than the 80, I imagine it can be measured in some minute increments, not hour ones.Oh well, I suppose I learn the hard way. Your review is making everyone water at the mouth, Jon. You're serving up a tasty meal alright, and one folks are ready for! Thanks again,
CDS
| Jon Isaacs |
| (Postmaster) |
| 02/02/08 03:46 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Quote:
Okay, you've got 4 months to post the pictures! Did some measuring and think I have my answers. The AstroTech 80ED comes in a fairly large case with eyepiece/diagonal extra cut-outs. It's 13"x22.5"x8" The Orion 102ED's case (theoretically since, yep, it is vaporware) supposedly comes in at 9"x31"x9" -- that's not much difference in actual displacement in the ole car. It's a much longer case, but really not much more in terms of space utilized. Just for grins, what are the dimensions of the AstroTech's case? Folks might wanna know what they'll have to pack into the car for trips.
In this case(pun intended), the measurements are better than a picture I think.
The case for the 80mm WO Mergez II FD is 6.5x 11 x 18, quite a bit smaller than the AT-80ED case. But in reality it is too small because there is no room for the 5 or 6 eyepieces one wants so an added case for the eyepieces is necessary.
The AT-102ED is slightly smaller than the Orion Case, its 9x10x29in, pretty big, not airline portable but as you say, reasonable in a car.
Jon
| runner |
| (super member) |
| 02/02/08 04:07 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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I cannot seem to find a Canadian dealer..If anyone can help,please do..If not somewhere close to the Northeast,I'm in Nova Scotia..Thanks on advance..
| Jon Isaacs |
| (Postmaster) |
| 02/02/08 05:08 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Quote:
I cannot seem to find a Canadian dealer..If anyone can help,please do..If not somewhere close to the Northeast,I'm in Nova Scotia..Thanks on advance..
Astronomics carries the AT-102ED and ships to Canada.
Jon
| Talstarone |
| (Vendor (Inner Planetary Products)) |
| 02/02/08 06:47 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Great Review on the scope,Jon. I am thrilled it offers so much at a good price for the aperature.
If you think its a keeper,then I know it must be a very good performer.
| gripweed44 |
| (scholastic sledgehammer) |
| 02/02/08 08:32 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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No Airline??
Case to big?
| Duncan Rosie |
| (super member) |
| 02/03/08 02:31 AM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Thanks for the great review Jon!
I'm envious of the 102/Portamount combination - my ETX only takes about 10 minutes to set up but I'm so lazy these days that the thought of that 10 minutes of calibrate motors, training drives and aligning often prevents me from carrying the scope outside.
The options are a new setup like yours, or to get off my butt, guess I'll try the latter for now!
| Jon Isaacs |
| (Postmaster) |
| 02/03/08 07:01 AM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Quote:
Thanks for the great review Jon!
I'm envious of the 102/Portamount combination - my ETX only takes about 10 minutes to set up but I'm so lazy these days that the thought of that 10 minutes of calibrate motors, training drives and aligning often prevents me from carrying the scope outside.
The options are a new setup like yours, or to get off my butt, guess I'll try the latter for now!
Duncan: I am basically a refractor/Newtonian guy. The AT-102ED is a nice companion for a larger scope like a 12.5 inch Newtonian. The AT-102ED on a ALT-AZ mount is sweet. The wide field of view is nice, it is capable of a 3.7 degree True Field of view so it does not need a finder, it's a 102mm Superfinder for Starhopping.
Still... your Etx-125, do you need to calibrate the motors everytime, with the one I had, it was only necessary to do that once. And while it doesn't enjoy the generous field of view that the AT-102ED does, you could use it without setting up the goto... Just a thought...
But yeah, a 4 inch refractor on an ALT-AZ mount: pick up scope and mount, open the door, walk though door to backyard, set scope down. You're done...
Jon
| Chris Schroeder |
| (Postmaster) |
| 02/03/08 12:44 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Excellent review Jon and pretty matches my experience comparing my M102ED and Z80FD both mounted on my EZ-Touch mount. I’ve had no issue with my focuser, WO said that they correct all focusers as needed before shipping them out, my sample is better then the focuser on my ZS. I did have the same issue with the dew shield but as you said, it’s a simple fix. IMHO these 102EDs are the great value of the year!
| David Pavlich |
| (Postmaster) |
| 02/03/08 03:36 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Very nice report, Jon. An enjoyable read.
David
| Duncan Rosie |
| (super member) |
| 02/04/08 01:36 AM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Hi Jon,
With the ETX running on an external 12V that does duty elsewhere as well, the Calibrate Motors and Train Drives before every session does improve GOTO accuracy markedly.
| Clive Gibbons |
| (Mostly Harmless) |
| 02/04/08 01:18 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Very objective and informative review, Jon!
| ckwastro |
| (scholastic sledgehammer) |
| 02/04/08 02:53 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Great review Jon - very well done!! Thanks!
| vct |
| (newbie) |
| 03/04/08 10:22 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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I would say the review is right on the money
I have an at102ed.
| skymac |
| (member) |
| 07/31/08 09:20 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Jon,
I use a Porta Mount with my AT-80ED and find its marginal for handling even that 8 or 9 pound scope (including diagonal and heavy EP) Did you find that it still worked OK with the added wwight of the AT-102ED?
| BCB |
| (Undercover Saboteur) |
| 08/21/08 06:58 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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That article, as well as an in person inspection, is what sold me on mine..
VERY accurate article..
| CollinofAlabama |
| (Pooh-Bah) |
| 10/31/08 05:50 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Okay, Jon,
You've had this for more than 6 months now, what do you think? Is this scope better than your 130ST? How do they compare?
Inquiring minds want to know,
CDS
| Jack Huerkamp |
| (Vendor - Waning Moon) |
| 04/07/09 08:51 PM |
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Astro-Tech 102ED *DELETED*
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Post deleted by Jack Huerkamp
| neptuneblue |
| (member) |
| 04/07/09 09:30 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Very fine unit.
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Astronomics
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| (Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.) |
| 04/08/09 09:43 AM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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1. We agree on the cases. Never have liked them, but not much we can do about it. We figured it was better then sending them in a box with no case at all.
2. The lens is blown off and cleaned before shipment. Dust and paint flecks can fall on the lens in shipment. It is a natural occurence.
3. We state it is not an entire FT focuser, but a custom micro focuser for that particular unit. The bolts that hold the Micro to the body will adjust the tension and allow engagement. The knurled knob has a small black teflon peice that cradles the shaft. If you loosened the knob all the way then the saddle peice is now loose in your focuser. That is more then likely why the bolt will not give you drag on the focuser shaft.
Mike
| Jack Huerkamp |
| (Vendor - Waning Moon) |
| 04/08/09 12:47 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED *DELETED*
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Post deleted by Jack Huerkamp
| spaceydee |
| (Postmaster) |
| 04/08/09 02:30 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Folks, a reminder here that per the terms of service, vendors are supposed to only comment on products you manufacture or resell.
thanks.
| Jack Huerkamp |
| (Vendor - Waning Moon) |
| 04/08/09 05:04 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Dee,
Sorry for the posts. I didn't read the fine print. I have removed them.
However, I would like to know the procedure for disassembling the focuser to try to retrieve the part Michael mentiond should have been there.
Jack
|
Astronomics
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| (Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.) |
| 04/08/09 06:04 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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You will have to disassemble the focusing mechanism from the focuser body. There are 8 screws to take off. There are two allen heads on each side of the focuser cover by the focus knobs and the four underneath. Once the cover is taken off the body, the drawtube will come out and you can get to the saddle. It is black with a white interior.
Mike
| Jack Huerkamp |
| (Vendor - Waning Moon) |
| 04/08/09 06:14 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Mike,
Thanks. I will take it apart after dinner.
Jack
| Jack Huerkamp |
| (Vendor - Waning Moon) |
| 04/08/09 07:15 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED
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Mike,
Well, the focuser is fixed. There were actually 6 screws - two on each side by the focuser knobs and two on the bottom. Once I removed them and took off the single speed focuser knob, I could slide out the shart and lift the saddle off of the focuser. The black plastic Teflon rod that pushes against the focuser shaft was in the bottom of the focuser housing. After re-asembling the focuser, there is now pressure being applied against the focusing shaft and there is about 1/4" of travel left before it bottoms out. I did not see in the instructions that the Tension Adjust and Lock Knob should not be removed as doing so can result in the Teflon piece falling off into the focuser housing. This might be somethng to consider adding to assist others.
I now an anxiously awaiting first light.
Jack Huerakmp
| Jack Huerkamp |
| (Vendor - Waning Moon) |
| 07/03/09 04:08 PM |
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Astro-Tech 102ED Finderscope Brightness
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Has anyone come up with a way to dim the finderscope on the AT102EDF? Even at the lowest brightness setting, it is too bright. The way it is constructed, adding anything to the circuitry to dim the LED looks daunting.
Suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jack Huerkamp
| 7331Peg |
| (professor emeritus) |
| 07/03/09 07:16 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED Finderscope Brightness
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Jack,
Haven't come up with a way to dim that finder, but the one sold by Stellarvue is identical and is ideal for night time use. I realize that probably doesn't help you, but it does indicate that there is a way. On the other hand, the Astronomics finder is great for day time use, while the Stellarvue model isn't.
John
| Jack Huerkamp |
| (Vendor - Waning Moon) |
| 07/03/09 07:37 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED Finderscope Brightness
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John,
Thanks for the quick response. I will look up the unit you suggested. There may even be some members in our local club who have one that I can try.
Jack
| DizzyGazer |
| (member) |
| 07/03/09 08:44 PM |
| Attachment |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED Finderscope Brightness
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Quote:
Has anyone come up with a way to dim the finderscope on the AT102EDF? Even at the lowest brightness setting, it is too bright. The way it is constructed, adding anything to the circuitry to dim the LED looks daunting.
Suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks, Jack Huerkamp
HI Jack,
I also have an At102ED (it's my only scope) and have really enjoyed it's quality. Also, I too had to do some re-work on the FT focuser, as there was a flaw in the inside of the casting that the focuser was rubbing against. A little work with a Dremel tool and I polished it out, reassembled and adjusted and now it is smooth as silk.
As for the AT reticule sight, yep, it's a bright sucker even at lowest power setting. My suggestion is to go to a garage sale (or the local 7-11) and get a pair of cheap, lightly-tinted sunglasses that have plastic lenses. Then, remove one of the plastic lenses and trim it to fit the backside of the sight window.
Now, that said I have to tell you that I have only tried this to test the theory but have not gone as far as customizing a sunglass lens to cover the area. It actually works pretty good though when I just hold the sunglass lens up to the back of the sight window and then view through it.
I also made a mount that allowed me to mount the reticule sight up on the front scope ring, so that way I wouldn't risk a trip to the chiropractor when trying to sight in on a target.
To be honest I have adapted a mount so that I could mount my Orion 9x50 RACI, which is my finderscope of choice. I do think that will dim the light enough to make it usable, however, and not cost an arm and a leg in re-engineering the whole thing.
Awesome scope in this rookies opinion, and all I'll ever need in a 102mm refractor.
Hope this is of some help.
Mike
| Jack Huerkamp |
| (Vendor - Waning Moon) |
| 07/12/09 08:09 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED Finderscope Brightness
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Mike,
Thanks for the reply. I have an Orion 9X50 Right Angle finderscope that I may try to adapt to the scope.
Jack
| Jack Huerkamp |
| (Vendor - Waning Moon) |
| 08/05/09 01:50 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED Finderscope Brightness
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I have the FeatherTouch MicroFocuser version of this scope and Monday night I had a problem with the fine adjuster. I noticed that turning the knob was not resulting in the draw tube moving. I used the coarse focus knob to achieve focus. If I loosened the friction adjusting screw on the draw tube, then the micro focusing knob would move it. But to keep the draw tube from sliding under the weight of the 1.25" diagonal and MallinCam, I needed to keep the tension knob fairly tight.
Is there a way to adjust the micro focusing mechanism to allow it to move the draw tube when the tension knob is engaged?
Jack Huerkamp
| Jack Huerkamp |
| (Vendor - Waning Moon) |
| 08/13/09 08:59 PM |
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Re: Astro-Tech 102ED Finderscope Brightness
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Problem resolved. In closer inspection, there was a missing Allen set screw that holds the stainless steeel gear reduction housing to the focuser to keep it from moving. I contacted Astronomics who contacted Starlight Instruments. Wayne from Starlight Instruments called and told me he would send me some replacement screws. They arrived today along with the correct Allen wrench; and after a quick install the focuser works perfectly. Great customer service.
Jack Huerkamp