JamesE
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/22/07
Posts: 1117
Loc: Westbank, BC, Canada
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Dear All,
I finally got this scope on Thursday but have been too busy to post. I would like to share some pics of this rare find. Please chime in on your thoughts and experiences as I hope over the next year I can call upon folks here to help me with the restoration. It is going to be a big task for me.
There is a whole bunch of first impressions I got when I first set up this scope. Way to many to post here. Everything from excitement to disappointment, to amazement to confusion. Anyways, here we go.....
First up, the label says it all
The Full Monty. I can't star test because of smoke from the forest fires.
Tons of issues. Where do I start?
But with all the rust, the objective is good. And I could easily see Newtons rings.
Box is in great shape as is the accessories. It even came with a wrench and the manual.
All the lens caps are present
Check out the Latitude adjustment knob! The motor makes noise but I haven't had a chance to see if actually runs.
A cool feature. A cover for the Dec gearing
Last shot.
The OTA is much heavier than my 1966 10TE.
Anyways folks. I am not sure where to start. I feel a bit overwhelmed and humbled. Thanks though to those behind the scenes encouraging me and supporting me to get this. Thanks to the knowledge base on CN. I truly appreciate it. Hopefully I can do this justice.
Sincerest Regards,
--------------------
James
(Thanks to Attilla for the Clear Sky charts)
Current Projects : Tasco 15TEA - 3 inch pier mounted planetary scope
Priorities : Wife, Kids
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mikey cee
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/18/07
Posts: 3531
Loc: bellevue ne.
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James...  Where do I start? Hey mine looked worse but I just didn't have quite that much rust. But you've got something to work with here. Plus it's rarity will give you added incentive to toil away and the more you plow ahead the more satisfaction begins to grow!  Mike
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7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.
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JWW
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/12/05
Posts: 1107
Loc: Arizona or Mexico hard to tell
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James,
Looke fine to me, just needs some cosmetic work. If you don't want it send it my way. <smile ... just kidding> How is the objective, that's the most imporant part, at least to me. Everything else can be restored (based on your excellent images).
Congrats,
-JWW:
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mustgobigger
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/12/07
Posts: 2421
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great score james,
you will have that restored in no time.
a little paint and polishing and it will be good as new.
thats a rare one.
be sure to post lots of pictures.
Brian
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RV-6
Meade 826
Meade 880 Deluxe
Unitron's 114,128,140,142,150,152,155,160
4" Jaegertron
4.5" A.E f/14 Refractor
4" f/15 Edmund's Refractor
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woodsman
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/12/08
Posts: 1079
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
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Way cool James! That scope is definitely quite useable in its current condition. I love the wraparound rings for the guidescope. Can't wait to see it all restored. You did get quite a find there. Sure is nice to have all the lens caps. That scope will be a great showpiece.   Congrats. Rich
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artisticwoods
C-14 Orange Tube, C-8, C-5, C-90 Astro Model, C8 Schmidt Camera 8" f1.5, C5.5 Schmidt Camera f1.65, SPI 42mm f/19 Refractor, Sears 90mm f/15.56 Ref, Sears 80mm f/15 Ref, Swift 77mm f/13 Model 831, Scope 60mm f/11.7, Sears 50mm f/12
Unitron Model 140 75mm/1200mm, Unitron model 128 60mm/900mm
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astrodon
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 1804
Loc: Hillsboro, OR, USA
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Great find! Looking forward to restoration photos!  
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Putting Tasco Refractors back on their mounts one scope at a time!
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mikesemmler
member
Reged: 06/01/09
Posts: 29
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Hello James!
Congratulation - a fine old scope.
Michael
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RLTYS
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/18/04
Posts: 2159
Loc: New York (Long Island)
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James
A beautiful, most impressive scope.
Good Luck
Rich (RLTYS)
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10" F4.8 Refl.
4" F5 Refr. (Genesis)
3" F4 Celestron FirstScope
50mm F12 Refr. (Tasco #6TE-5)
12x63 and 10x50 Binoculars.
"I want to do more then just look."
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Doug76
Postmaster
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 5574
Loc: SE Louisiana, future Texan
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Really really nice.
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Doug
Truckstop Astronomer
The Universe, the light of God, in all it's majesty
6 achro refractors, 50mm-150mm
1 apo refractor, 90mm
1 SCT, 8 inch
UO Abbe Volcano Tops
Faworski Ortho's
Panoptic 24mm
Carton 100mm f/13 under construction
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BHunt
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/31/06
Posts: 1384
Loc: NJ and PA
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Wow Jim,
What a great find. I am sure you will do this scope justice in the restoration. You can do it!
Bill
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apollo13
member
Reged: 08/05/09
Posts: 47
Loc: Texas
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What a wonderful scope. Great snag!!!!!! Can't wait to see more pics/progress reports.
Robert
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NIKON 10x70 IF HP WP
Steiner 7X50's M22
Bushnell 7X26 Custom Compact (birding)
Unitron Satellite 6X-50mm
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Awesomelenny
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/02/04
Posts: 2807
Loc: Long: 81.42 W Lat: 41.21 N
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Wow James did you get a dandy! Man would I love restoring that scope too! For sure, I would use JWW's recommendation for electro-rust removal. With 6 volts, you can really get rid of the rust. Right JW?
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Len
Meade 178 ED APO
127mm Astro_Tech ED APO
4" f/15 Model 166 Unitron with UNIWITT Pier
Televue Genesis SDF 101mm f/5.4
W.O. Zenithstar 66
2.4" f/15 Model 128C Unitron
Coronado Solarmax 90 DS Telescope
Losmandy Titan; G-11; all w/Gemini
All in a "Backyard Observatory"
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."
Psalm 19:1
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rathbaster
professor emeritus
Reged: 03/21/08
Posts: 545
Loc: East Bridgewater, MA
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Very cool scope 
I've seen Newton's rings several times in my own 15TE, remarkable optics.
-Joe
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Bridgewater State College Observatory
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JWW
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/12/05
Posts: 1107
Loc: Arizona or Mexico hard to tell
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Quote:
For sure, I would use JWW's recommendation for electro-rust removal. With 6 volts, you can really get rid of the rust. Right JW?
Yep'er,
-JWW:
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rmollise
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/06/07
Posts: 4598
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Heck of a score! _Almost_ makes me want to get in the refractor biz! 
I think when you are done you will have an amazing looking and performing telescope.
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Uncle Rod
Rod's New Book:
Choosing and Using a New CAT
Available now!
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strdst
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/23/08
Posts: 834
Loc: Oregon USA
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Quote:
Wow James did you get a dandy! Man would I love restoring that scope too! For sure, I would use JWW's recommendation for electro-rust removal. With 6 volts, you can really get rid of the rust. Right JW?
Hi James,
How are those squigglies? By the looks of what you found, I'd guess worth a little anxiety! What a great project, and you know we're all here, behind you... learning. Even if you can't star test with the smoke, I hope you are enjoying the colorful moon/sun rises and sets.
Here is my brand new 10te. The focus tube/draw tube are the only really rough parts on mine. Compared to my photo, yours is looking downright pristine! See one less squigglie! I'm gonna need one of those electro-shock deals in the 12volt model! Where does the chrome plating go exactly?
other keith
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donnw
super member
Reged: 08/03/08
Posts: 166
Loc: Maryland
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Quote:
Quote:
For sure, I would use JWW's recommendation for electro-rust removal. With 6 volts, you can really get rid of the rust. Right JW?
Yep'er,
-JWW:
Hi James:
Did you post some specifics previously on how to remove rust with a 6 volt source? I searched the classics forum a bit, but couldn't find it. Could you please point me in the right direction on how to do this?  Many thanks...
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Peace & Blessings,
Donn Williams
Member - AAVSO
----------------------------------
Celestron EdgeHD 11 on CGE in SkyShed POD GL5
Meade Lightbridge 12", SN10, LX200 Classic 8", AR5, 314 Brass & ETX125PE
Lunt LS60T/DS, Stellarvue SV102ED, SV80BV, SV80/9D, SV NH2
Cave Astrolla 8", Zeiss Telementor II, Unitron 114, 128, 142
Towa 339, Royal Astro 76/1200, Pentax J80, Borg 100, AT 102-F/11
Goto 105, Various Sears/Tasco/Selsi/Towa 60-80mm's
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Venetia2004
sage
Reged: 08/27/05
Posts: 260
Loc: Lynnwood, WA
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Great scope James! As long as its optics is in good shape you can restore the scope...Lots of fun!
Vic
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JamesE
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/22/07
Posts: 1117
Loc: Westbank, BC, Canada
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Thanks all, I appreciate your praise and comments. Yes, Rich, it is usable at this point. I need though to tweak a few things so nothing gets busted.
Yes, Don, I am slowly weeding through the plethora of posts for resources on recondition/restoring that I can find. Let's see if I can find the 6v method of de-rusting. As well, there was a product people were suggesting for removal of some of those bolts that are in the mount. I don't think I can deep six the entire mount just to get the rust off a few screws.
Taking the rust off the chrome is something I have to figure out. And what pieces to start with.
JWW asked about the objective. It is in great shape actually. No clamshell chips or fungus. Coatings look good. The 6x30 finder is the only objective that has a bit of an issue. Looks like a bit of fungus. I will try to get a pic up of that later. The 12x40 finder is great shape other than a bit of cosmetic issues
I mounted the OTA on my 10TE tripod and got to look at Jupiter last night through boiling skies. The contrast was great. Even got to see the 4 main bands once in a while. Considering the altitude, smoke, moon and so forth, the views looked very promising. It looked like there is a bit of CA when I pointed to Vega. A bit of a violet halo at high powers but the stars were pinpoint and the background was nice and dark.
Anyways, just a quick update. I have a bunch of research to do now on restoring this. I am glad I made this purchase. It will be very satisfying to get this back up to speed.
Cheers,
--------------------
James
(Thanks to Attilla for the Clear Sky charts)
Current Projects : Tasco 15TEA - 3 inch pier mounted planetary scope
Priorities : Wife, Kids
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scopelover
member
Reged: 02/02/08
Posts: 81
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Awesome scope! Hurray! ... Rust or not, a beauty for sure!
Great SCORE!!
ps ...
RE Motor:
Anyone out there know where/what kind of motor I can get for the more common tripod-style of this EQ mounting?
I love my 76mm/1200mm ..... BUT really needs a drive + RA gear for the drive (the usual on these scopes)
Thanks all,
alexander
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desertrefugee
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 08/06/07
Posts: 1219
Loc: Arizona
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Now, James. Weren't you complaining a while back about never getting decent opportunities on nice, old classics way up there in your neck of the woods? Heck, you went and skunked all of us - with the possible exception of Mike C.
Congratulations. You will have fun during (and especially after) the restoration.
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"Illimitable ocean, without bound, Without dimension, where length, breadth, and height, And time, and place are lost." - Milton
-Darrell
Reflectors - 76 to 305mm (f4.7 to f9.2)
Refractors - 50 to 120mm (f5 to f16.7)
Binoculars - 6x15 to 22x100
N. Phoenix, AZ
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JamesE
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/22/07
Posts: 1117
Loc: Westbank, BC, Canada
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Quote:
Now, James. Weren't you complaining a while back about never getting decent opportunities on nice, old classics way up there in your neck of the woods? Heck, you went and skunked all of us - with the possible exception of Mike C.
Hi Darrell,
Yeh, that was me.  . I take back all of the complaining and self pitying that I ever did on this forum. I guess, just like star gazing I needed to have perseverance and patience. Please forgive me for I am not worthy
And as part of my punishment, I vow to continue my search for others here so they to can find rare and unique scopes. And I will not give up until everyone has a scope that is unique or special.
I figure that should take a few years but I think I can do it. 
In sincerity I really think I have been fortunate to come across the scopes I have. It has been amazing so far. I know I will not collect every scope out there but a few select pieces just might do me fine.
NOW eyepieces are another story.........
cheers
--------------------
James
(Thanks to Attilla for the Clear Sky charts)
Current Projects : Tasco 15TEA - 3 inch pier mounted planetary scope
Priorities : Wife, Kids
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AaronM
super member
Reged: 02/02/06
Posts: 342
Loc: NRW, Germany
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Fantastic James ! Congratulations to this fine telescope
CS Michael
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mikey cee
Post Laureate
Reged: 01/18/07
Posts: 3531
Loc: bellevue ne.
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James...Here is a link www.lockwatcher.com for electrolysis rust removal. Seems rather easy and straight forward. Most emphatically state that you in no way use SS in the fabrication because of chromium poisons! Good luck.Mike
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7x35 and 10x50 sears tower binocs, 3" f/10 edmunds reflector, 2.4" f/11.7 manon refractor, 6" f/8 jaegers refractor, "The 8 Ball" 8" f/13.3 brandt refractor, 3" f/15.8 sans&streiffe refractor, 3.1" f/15 selsi refractor(towa 339), 2.4" f/15 sears refractor, selsi 30x30mm spyglass, criterion 5-draw 25x45x75x spyglass(1957), 4.25" f/14.8 tasco 20te.
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JamesE
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/22/07
Posts: 1117
Loc: Westbank, BC, Canada
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Thanks Mike. That kicked me in the direction I needed to go.
--------------------
James
(Thanks to Attilla for the Clear Sky charts)
Current Projects : Tasco 15TEA - 3 inch pier mounted planetary scope
Priorities : Wife, Kids
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JamesE
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/22/07
Posts: 1117
Loc: Westbank, BC, Canada
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Ok, after a couple of days of soaking with penetrating oil I got the following off with no striping of threads or heads. YEAH...
- Loosened and removed the set screws for the RA (2-3 days constant soaking)
- Loosened the front plate for the RA axis. (1 day soaking)
- Loosened Brass retaining ring for Dec axis housing. That was a bugger. The Aluminum had corroded lots so I had to use oil, then brute force, then oil and wait. Then Repeat. I made the guide holes on the brass ring a bite bigger but not too bad. Took three days with lots of waiting. But she threads smooth now. Here's the after pic.
Got the counter-weight off. That was a 4 day soak with various materials. This Piece is interesting and I think others might agree. The counter weight is held on by a finely machined (brass??) piece that is threaded into the counter weight and secured with 2 set screws. Then the CW bar slides through and a compression fitting is used to lock the weight into place.
When it was rusted shut I was unsure if it was tapped in or threaded in. After about 2 days of soaking I noticed the threading on the inside of the weight. But was unsure how I could apply the force needed to break the rust seal. In the end (cleaver me) I put back the CW bar, locked the compression fitting tight and turned the bar while striking the counterweight with a rubber mallet to loosen the grip. Did this a few times over the day and Viola...the seal broke and the brass piece turned itself out. Whew! No stripping!
A few pics......
Counter weight assembly in pieces....
Bottom of weight where the set screws secure in place.
I just think this is a fine piece of machining.
Well, I am slowly getting a game plan in my head about what I think I would like to do.
As I plan, I am pondering over the pier. The aluminum is painted with a WONDERFUL black velvet-y feel to it. The iron legs looks like it has the same paint but the feel is just not there. SOooooooo......I have to make a decision on weather to strip the pier or leave it as it with all the scratches. Part of my process is the corrosion and rust stains I am sure I will find.
So has anybody found a really nice black velvet feel paint that they have used before?
I won't post pics for the whole proces, just the topics I find interesting . I might do a comparison on the machining differences on the 2 mounts but I will have to see.
Anyways, just a small update. Lots to do. Have to plan.......
Cheers,
--------------------
James
(Thanks to Attilla for the Clear Sky charts)
Current Projects : Tasco 15TEA - 3 inch pier mounted planetary scope
Priorities : Wife, Kids
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KazJim
newbie
Reged: 08/30/09
Posts: 1
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Hey James, I just got one of these too !
I've sent you a PM, and will start my own thread soon, but hoping we can help each-other out on this !
you are a fair way ahead of me already, but i'm sure we'll both get there !!
Cheers
James in Oz
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woodsman
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/12/08
Posts: 1079
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
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Hello Kaz-Jim. First of all Welcome to Cloudy Nights. Great to see more newcomers here on the classics thread, as you will find that the regulars here can be extremely knowledgeable. If one adds up the experience of all those folks, there is more than 1 million years of shared experience here in telescopes. Clint Whitman is actually a Caveman. Now, that might sound impressive, but there are certain rules here that you should be aware of. If you have a classic scope like the 15TEA, it is adviseable that if you write about it without posting photos as soon as possible dire consequences may ensue. The lack of photos causes others here to sometimes begin sweating profusely. There have been reports of some on the classic forum having to seek medical attention. It is quite common for some here to begin hyperventilating when the news of another 15TE is reported. Some will even experience hand wringing, along with mild increases in blood pressure. Also it has been reported that a few on this forum have even begun convulsing on the floor, in anticipation of photos. One man even went into full cardiac arrest. Luckily he was able to stick his fingers into a nearby light socket to revive himself.
This is just for your awareness only. Please do not feel pressured in any way to post photos though, I just thought I'd let you know what COULD happen should those photos not show up in the next 10 seconds. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter...  Rich
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artisticwoods
C-14 Orange Tube, C-8, C-5, C-90 Astro Model, C8 Schmidt Camera 8" f1.5, C5.5 Schmidt Camera f1.65, SPI 42mm f/19 Refractor, Sears 90mm f/15.56 Ref, Sears 80mm f/15 Ref, Swift 77mm f/13 Model 831, Scope 60mm f/11.7, Sears 50mm f/12
Unitron Model 140 75mm/1200mm, Unitron model 128 60mm/900mm
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SATMAN
sage
Reged: 12/02/07
Posts: 278
Loc: NJ 39.7 lat., -74.3 long
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CELESTRON/VIXEN C102 GP REFRACTOR
CELESTRON SUPER C8 PLUS
VIXEN 90 CUSTOM REFRACTOR ALTAZ. MOUNT
QUESTAR 3.5 STANDARD POWER GUIDE II ON TRISTAND
CORONADO PST DOUBLE STACKED
BRANDON 94mm f/7 ON VIXEN POLARIS MOUNT
VIXEN PORTA MOUNT, QUARTER HALF HITCH MOUNT
BRANDON EYEPIECE SET (circa 1986) 8,12,16,24,32, 2.4X DAKIN BARLOW
VARIOUS NAGLERS 3-6 ZOOM,7,9,11,13,16,24PANOPTIC
ETHOS 6mm, 10mm
ZEISS 10X40B/GA T*P* BINOCULARS
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JamesE
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/22/07
Posts: 1117
Loc: Westbank, BC, Canada
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Hi James,
Sent you a PM back. Thanks. Looking forward to communicating with you.
Regarding Rich's statements............I would agree that photo's are essential here. Especially of a rare bird like yours.
Though I disagree with Rich's assessment of the reaction of some of CN's members. We are all civilized, cultured individuals here that hold the highest regard for antiquities and would never stoop to such frivolous behavior such as drooling or hyperventilating. Such nonsense.
We may on occasion give a solid 'jolly good' or 'pat on the back' to a fellow CN member. Or maybe once in while we might bark like a dog. But heart attacks....... never.
Sure, one or two of us may check the fine forums here on CN 3-4 times and hour for our daily update, but that doesn't mean we are obsessed or unrefined.
Sure we may get scolded by our significant other for spending way to much money on these things. Sure we may perspire a little when something COOL is up on Ebay for grabs. but.......
WHO CARES if one of us gets a 1960-ish scope for $20. WHO CARES. The Point is we are all here to support each other in this fine endeavor.
Ah who am I kidding.........What Rich Said.
Cheers,
--------------------
James
(Thanks to Attilla for the Clear Sky charts)
Current Projects : Tasco 15TEA - 3 inch pier mounted planetary scope
Priorities : Wife, Kids
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donnw
super member
Reged: 08/03/08
Posts: 166
Loc: Maryland
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Oh my - This is the 2nd (maybe 3rd ;-) time I've read this post. I want one! (No I don't - resist!) Yes I do! Oh my...
--------------------
Peace & Blessings,
Donn Williams
Member - AAVSO
----------------------------------
Celestron EdgeHD 11 on CGE in SkyShed POD GL5
Meade Lightbridge 12", SN10, LX200 Classic 8", AR5, 314 Brass & ETX125PE
Lunt LS60T/DS, Stellarvue SV102ED, SV80BV, SV80/9D, SV NH2
Cave Astrolla 8", Zeiss Telementor II, Unitron 114, 128, 142
Towa 339, Royal Astro 76/1200, Pentax J80, Borg 100, AT 102-F/11
Goto 105, Various Sears/Tasco/Selsi/Towa 60-80mm's
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AaronM
super member
Reged: 02/02/06
Posts: 342
Loc: NRW, Germany
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Hi James,
please keep us informed about your restoring process !
Kind regards Michael
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JamesE
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/22/07
Posts: 1117
Loc: Westbank, BC, Canada
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Hi Michael,
Will do!
Right now the restore is very slow due to other commitments. As my only free time is in the evenings, I have actually been trying to do more viewing than restoring. And we have had a lot of clear nights over the last month or so. I suspect in winter, I will be a bit more active in the restore end of things.
I have gotten a few things accomplished but nothing really to keep folks informed about.
Don't worry, when I get it going this will be the first place to post.
Thanks
--------------------
James
(Thanks to Attilla for the Clear Sky charts)
Current Projects : Tasco 15TEA - 3 inch pier mounted planetary scope
Priorities : Wife, Kids
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AaronM
super member
Reged: 02/02/06
Posts: 342
Loc: NRW, Germany
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Good luck and good views with this fantastic, beauty dream-refractor !
Kind regards Michael
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ukcanuck
Vendor (Skylight Telescopes)
Reged: 11/07/06
Posts: 738
Loc: London, UK
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This is a really cool looking scope James...I look forward to seeing it evolve.
Plane tickets to Vancouver are now booked, so perhaps I'll be able to see it in person...perhaps over a bottle of Great White North brew? 
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AaronM
super member
Reged: 02/02/06
Posts: 342
Loc: NRW, Germany
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..still waiting for new pics...
Kind regards, Michael
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