mustgobigger
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/12/07
Posts: 2420
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hi all,
sense this is such a rare bird i figured it deserved its own thread.
there is a unitron 131-c 75mm x 1200mm on the big auction site and i was wondering if anyone had comments on this scope.
i seem to recall that the optics in these were sub-par
because they loose a lot of light gathering ability
due to folded design.
looks to me like this also should have had the
tripod with the wood tray instead of the spreader bar.
he does not show pictures of optics or ota box.
Hmmm!
bluebook shows this at around $1100.00
any comments from users and owners would be welcome.
buy the way this seller has several vintage scopes
including 4" unitron up for auction right now.
unitron 131-c
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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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rmollise
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/06/07
Posts: 4561
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Quote:
hi all,
sense this is such a rare bird i figured it deserved its own thread.
there is a unitron 131-c 75mm x 1200mm on the big auction site
I'd never spend this kind of money on one...but I've always wondered about this scope...NEVER seen one in person. Unitron certainly advertised it heavily for a while.
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Uncle Rod
Rod's New Book:
Choosing and Using a New CAT
Available now!
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donnw
super member
Reged: 08/03/08
Posts: 166
Loc: Maryland
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Hi All:
I did get a peek at this one in person today - in quite nice shape. I don't recall what accessories were with it, other than the Unihex, as the outright sale price ($1700) was too rich for my blood. Sure does look interesting though - and I do bet it would draw crowds at any star party ;-) Cheers...
--------------------
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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Preston Smith
Military Observer
Reged: 04/24/05
Posts: 3435
Loc: Eureka, Pa
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hmmm,
handtohand, Damascus Maryland,
It's got to be Gary Hand from HandsonOptics.....
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Preston
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26
SV115T,NHII,SV70,SV50 and Tele Vue Ranger
Vintage Refractors: Asahi-Pentax, Edmund Scientific, Tasco, Unitron
60mm Telescope Club
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astrodon
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 1804
Loc: Hillsboro, OR, USA
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He's a jolly good fellow.
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Putting Tasco Refractors back on their mounts one scope at a time!
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akman1955
sage
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
Loc: Alaska, USA
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Hi all, yes the unitron 131c is suppose too have wood tray. I have one and can be seen on unitron group site under pictures.I also bought and owned for 30 years the 4" compact refracter with all case's but sold a few years age.  I think they have very good optics because the 4" was outstanding too look thru the few times I used it.  They are weard looking but neat 
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astrodon
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/07/05
Posts: 1804
Loc: Hillsboro, OR, USA
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Somehow that mount looks newer? Or is it just smaller and different?
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Putting Tasco Refractors back on their mounts one scope at a time!
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mustgobigger
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/12/07
Posts: 2420
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it has the crinkle paint finish.
unitron made a few mounts like this.
i think i have one somewhere.
it does look pretty nice.
i also notice the long mount rods are missing
or just not in picture.
his ad says if its not in picture or in text assume
its not there.
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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
Edited by mustgobigger (09/09/09 12:03 AM)
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Trever
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/18/03
Posts: 2978
Loc: North Alabama
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He also has the standard 4 inch there for sale too. Sure would be nice to see one in person.
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Trever
Explore Scientific 152mm F/6.5 Achromat
Celestron CGEM 11 XLT SCT
Lunt LS60THaDS50 B1200 w/pressure tuner
Nikon 8x42 Trailblazer Binos
Stellarvue M1 mount
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akman1955
sage
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
Loc: Alaska, USA
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 The 3" compact that I have is on a 3" eq mount with one larger wieght. It also has 2 short rods in picture and 2 long rods. The 4" compact (I think model number was 132c) that I bought from unitron came with 4" eq mount with 2 wieghts. Very heavy mounts for both. The one on bay looks like a 2" eq mount by looking at base where legs attach. Still with unihex/right angle finder/box should be nice scope. Also mine has unitron stickers and spec's on side. Wish there was picture of box and lense tho.
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akman1955
sage
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
Loc: Alaska, USA
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My 4" compact refractor cost me $1100.00 back in 1980 on eq mount /3 box's. shipped too fairbanks for extra $100.00. if I could only go back in time 
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mustgobigger
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/12/07
Posts: 2420
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i agree akman,
several things about this mount
including smaller tripod legs and spreader
has me thinking its a 128 mount.
also look at smaller distance between cradle bolts.
does anyone know when unitron started producing these.
my 1967 unitron 160 has stripes on focuser knobs
like this one has at base of focuser.
here is a picture of stripes like in picture 1 and 2
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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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akman1955
sage
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
Loc: Alaska, USA
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Hi mustgobigger, yes i agree too on mount as i have owned originals but as all manufactures do over time is cheapin stuff too cut cost or the mount is not original one that came with it. That is not too say wether you like this scope or not it is still a rare unitron and eq mount. I was told by someone when i sold my 4" compact that only 25 were made and 100 made of the 3" models.  I would have never sold if i knew that in advance the 4" was only used a few times and stored most of its life in basement.I only used it when it was new.It was Unique work of art in design and fit in living room. Wish I had kept pictures from bay auction.  I remember it weight around 80lb total. If anyone remembers that auction or has pictures let me know.  thanks,john
Edited by akman1955 (09/13/09 03:44 PM)
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akman1955
sage
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
Loc: Alaska, USA
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Quote:
i agree akman,
several things about this mount
including smaller tripod legs and spreader
has me thinking its a 128 mount.
also look at smaller distance between cradle bolts.
does anyone know when unitron started producing these.
my 1967 unitron 160 has stripes on focuser knobs
like this one has at base of focuser.
here is a picture of stripes like in picture 1 and 2
Yes at base off focuser on 3" compact is same stripes as your 1967 unitron. I do not know when unitron compacts were first introduced. I think mid "70's" too early "80's". You either love them or hate them and i like them. After all cassegrains and maks are folded are they not  Anyhow (brian) mustgobigger you have a very nice "4" unitron and wish i had as nice of one. mine is alt/az 1958 model with super focuser.
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JWW
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/12/05
Posts: 1107
Loc: Arizona or Mexico hard to tell
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Here's another ...
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JWW
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/12/05
Posts: 1107
Loc: Arizona or Mexico hard to tell
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and the box ...
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mustgobigger
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/12/07
Posts: 2420
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thanks akman,
i see the one on ebay is GONE.
hi jww,
that one looks sweet and complete.
do you know when that one was made.
from the looks of yours and the other they must
have came on the 128 mount?
do you have a gallery set of photos on this one.
you have a great collection JWW.
Brian
--------------------
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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dougspeterson
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/01/04
Posts: 1041
Loc: Murrieta, CA
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I had one of the last made in the early 90s. It was cute and cool, and the box great. The #128 mount paint was smooth not pebbled.
The shortcoming was the mirrors were very thin and backed with bubble wrap, IIRC a ring screwed down to hold the mirror in place. Once I backed off the over-clamped mirror, the horrible astigmatism went away. The mirror coatings did not appear all that bright either.
--------------------
18" Dob
12" SCT
8" TMB F6 + Chromacor
6" F6 APM/LZOS Fluorite triplet, 32", 32lbs
2ea. 6mm singlets, one blind
"--Granted, that's a worse case scenario. The destruction might in fact be ... limited to our own galaxy."
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akman1955
sage
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
Loc: Alaska, USA
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THANKS!! JWW I appreciate the pictures of box and mount. I will attempt too build box from your picture. Can you give me outside dimensions . All of you are a great bunch of people and glad I joined cloudy nights group some of you i think i have delt with over the years. as i must be only person from alaska in this group? i wish too say thanks for all the years of knowledge and intertainment i have recieved from reading all of your endever's  Like shulze on hogans heroes would say( veeery interesting!)  Also my name is John ...thanks again!
Edited by akman1955 (09/13/09 03:56 PM)
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akman1955
sage
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
Loc: Alaska, USA
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Quote:
I had one of the last made in the early 90s. It was cute and cool, and the box great. The #128 mount paint was smooth not pebbled.
The shortcoming was the mirrors were very thin and backed with bubble wrap, IIRC a ring screwed down to hold the mirror in place. Once I backed off the over-clamped mirror, the horrible astigmatism went away. The mirror coatings did not appear all that bright either.
Thanks Doug , I didn't know that the mirror system were the flaw in compact refractor. But is the lense the same as one on regular lengh refractor and are they interchangable Thanks again doug
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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:
thanks akman,
... do you have a gallery set of photos on this one.
you have a great collection ...
Hi Brian,
Thanks. Nothing in the gallery, maybe someday. It's in storage. Getting rid of most of my Tasco and Sear's stuff. BTW, I did you see these? BTW, I spoke with HOO and the 131 is sold.
Tasco 76.2mm refractor F/15.7
Tasco 76.2mm refractor F/15.7 (220v Motor Drive)
On another note, would you happend to know what this one is? It says Mayflower on the box and had the model 816 manual in the wooden box.
Mayflower
-JWW:
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mustgobigger
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/12/07
Posts: 2420
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hi jww,
i saw those tascos on AM last week.
that circle k mayflower looks sweet.
that mount looks like its well made.
if you ever want to part with the folded
unitron PM me.
every time i see your gallery i am amazed and spend a hour looking through it.
Nikon, Cave, Goto, Unitron, C14, Byers, sweet and Clean looking stuff.
how long have you been collecting these.
Brian
--------------------
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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JWW
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/12/05
Posts: 1107
Loc: Arizona or Mexico hard to tell
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Brian,
Collection wise ... long time. Did you notice the Mayflower isn't 1200? Have you seen a catalog with a 900 yet? If so, please give me a link.
Regards,
-JWW:
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dougspeterson
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/01/04
Posts: 1041
Loc: Murrieta, CA
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Quote:
But is the lense the same as one on regular lengh refractor and are they interchangable
I understood from talking with Unitron at the time the objective lens glass is identical, just a different housing to match the different tube.
--------------------
18" Dob
12" SCT
8" TMB F6 + Chromacor
6" F6 APM/LZOS Fluorite triplet, 32", 32lbs
2ea. 6mm singlets, one blind
"--Granted, that's a worse case scenario. The destruction might in fact be ... limited to our own galaxy."
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mustgobigger
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/12/07
Posts: 2420
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jww,
if i see a catalog ill snatch it for you.
i did notice the FL and there is a vintage tasco on the bay
right now that's the same dia. and FL.
i would like to see a picture of the cell if its different
like Doug says.
is there a catalog with one of these in it.
i do not recall seeing one.
Brian
--------------------
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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akman1955
sage
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
Loc: Alaska, USA
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Quote:
and the box ...
Thanks again JWW for picture of the box. I managed too make a box this weekend at the woodworking shop I work at. I kinda guessed at measurements and turned out alittle larger. But looks and works fine. Can you measure or send drawings of dimensions of sun projection screens Thanks and i'll put pictures of unfinished box in shortly, john
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donnw
super member
Reged: 08/03/08
Posts: 166
Loc: Maryland
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Hi All:
I stopped by HOO this past Saturday in time to see the 131 and the 4" being dismantled for shipping. Seems that some lucky buyer bought both scopes outright! OK - fess up! Which one of you snuck into your savings account!? ;-) Man, that 4" was even more imposing setting loose as an OTA - huge! One of these days!
--------------------
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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akman1955
sage
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
Loc: Alaska, USA
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Okay i'll fess up too the 131c as they are hard too find. But I didn't get 4" unitron refractor. Some one else did.  It was hard decision too make and a disease I Have  . I just wonder why all the sunscreens are missing from these models . If anyone has the size too this particular model please give me drawings. Thanks and now too pay it off  Off too work i owe,i owe...
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donnw
super member
Reged: 08/03/08
Posts: 166
Loc: Maryland
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Glad to hear a CN Classics member got it! -- Congratulations - It is indeed a unique and rare beauty! Enjoy...
--------------------
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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akman1955
sage
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
Loc: Alaska, USA
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Thanks Donn, It should be in my posession today> I,am looking forward too it 
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Preston Smith
Military Observer
Reged: 04/24/05
Posts: 3435
Loc: Eureka, Pa
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Looking forward to your initial report, first light, and of course, pictures! 
--------------------
Preston
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26
SV115T,NHII,SV70,SV50 and Tele Vue Ranger
Vintage Refractors: Asahi-Pentax, Edmund Scientific, Tasco, Unitron
60mm Telescope Club
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akman1955
sage
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
Loc: Alaska, USA
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Quote:
Looking forward to your initial report, first light, and of course, pictures!
Thanks Preston, I recieved scope and very well packaged. The lense is immaculent as is scope.I still have too figure out how too make pictures smaller as they are all 200,000kb's. Also as you know winter is almost here (leaves are gold and almost gone) and getting below freezing at night starting next week. The forcast is for rain/clouds must be new scope curse The north star is almost straight up here and scope might not have short enough polar alighnment screw. Most of the telescopes were sold for lower latitude. pictures will be coming
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akman1955
sage
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
Loc: Alaska, USA
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Quote:
and the box ...
Hi JWW, Still do not know dimensions of solar screens . Can you pm me the size as you have them thanks,john
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akman1955
sage
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
Loc: Alaska, USA
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Hi all, after looking at the 3" compact I recieved from hands on optics I think the 3" came on the 2" eq mount with extra wieght and no tray. Also the 4" compact I had must have been on a 3" eq mount with extra wieght and tray. I actually found paperwork of my original ebay auction of the 4" compact I sold 5 years ago. The buyer answered his phone and agreed too send me pictures of it. we had a good conversation.. So neat! and will keep you posted when they arrive.
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akman1955
sage
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
Loc: Alaska, USA
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Hi ,here is first try at picture of box for compact I built. Hope this works
Edited by akman1955 (10/11/09 03:52 PM)
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akman1955
sage
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
Loc: Alaska, USA
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i got it
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akman1955
sage
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
Loc: Alaska, USA
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another
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Preston Smith
Military Observer
Reged: 04/24/05
Posts: 3435
Loc: Eureka, Pa
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Great!
Lwt us know how it works under the skies - but since you just got it I'm sure it's cloudy, right?
--------------------
Preston
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26
SV115T,NHII,SV70,SV50 and Tele Vue Ranger
Vintage Refractors: Asahi-Pentax, Edmund Scientific, Tasco, Unitron
60mm Telescope Club
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akman1955
sage
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
Loc: Alaska, USA
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Hey Brian, All parts were there on mount and it's nice!! pictures soon
Edited by akman1955 (10/21/09 06:48 PM)
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akman1955
sage
Reged: 09/07/09
Posts: 360
Loc: Alaska, USA
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Still haven't heard from the buyer of my original 4" compact about taking pictures for me. I will email him and ask again. Keep you posted, John Quote:
Hi all, after looking at the 3" compact I recieved from hands on optics I think the 3" came on the 2" eq mount with extra wieght and no tray. Also the 4" compact I had must have been on a 3" eq mount with extra wieght and tray. I actually found paperwork of my original ebay auction of the 4" compact I sold 5 years ago. The buyer answered his phone and agreed too send me pictures of it. we had a good conversation.. So neat! and will keep you posted when they arrive.
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