Telescope Reviews: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more!

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tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more!
#5416194 - 09/11/12 09:26 PM Attachment (76 downloads)

Saw the ad for a 12.5" and a 6" Cave on LA Craigslist over the weekend, so emailed the guy. Took until today to get time when we were both available, to go take a look. Drove the VW pickup, "just in case."

What with the Bardou last week and the 2 Caves this, I'm averaging 1.5 telescope purchases a week! "hopefully" the trend will not be maintained, though!

Here's a few pics. 6" Model A Deluxe with 1.5" shafts. This poor li'l guy sat outside for a time, but I don't know how long. Both scopes appear complete, though neither had any eyepieces.

Post Extras:

Da Bear
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/21/06

Loc: Kali-Forn-Ya

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416200 - 09/11/12 09:29 PM

Congrats...I wrote the guy, no reply... should be a whole lotta fun to restore 'em!

Da Bear

Post Extras:

madeline
sage

Reged: 07/30/10

Loc: Bloomington, MN

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416203 - 09/11/12 09:30 PM

"hopefully" the trend will not be maintained, though!"

Come on, you can do it, just keep it up with finds like that. Nice purchases.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416204 - 09/11/12 09:30 PM Attachment (73 downloads)

The 12.5" is in better shape, less dirty and with chrome shafts that aren't rusty. It had been kept in the garage the past bunch of years (don't know how long, though), and was only moved outdoors in preparation for this sale. It's got the Observatory mount with the 2.5" shafts (what a MONSTER!), but it's on a rolling pier and was easy as cake to move around!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416209 - 09/11/12 09:32 PM Attachment (44 downloads)

Looking down the bore of the 12.5". Must be either an f/7 or f/8. The tube is about 7.5 ft long and the focuser is about 6 inches in from the end. Yeah, prolly an f/7.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416219 - 09/11/12 09:35 PM Attachment (28 downloads)

Sky end of the 6".

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416220 - 09/11/12 09:37 PM Attachment (33 downloads)

The 12.5" has a 2" Sky Micro Giant focuser and a Criterion 3-eyepiece turret. Paint's peeling off in sheets from the focuser. Funny that nobody in those days seemed to prime their aluminum parts, LOL. I'm going to make this thing PURTY!

Post Extras:

CHASLX200
Post Laureate

Reged: 09/29/07

Loc: Tampa area Florida

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416224 - 09/11/12 09:38 PM

That 2.5" mount is a back breaker. I had one a few years back. I would love to find another, but they never seem to be around in Florida.

Chas

Post Extras:

JohnRW
member

Reged: 09/02/12

Loc: Oakland, California

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: CHASLX200]
#5416263 - 09/11/12 09:59 PM

Looks like a great purchase. Man, that 12.5" is monster. I have slight aperture envy

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416264 - 09/11/12 10:00 PM Attachment (34 downloads)

Both primaries have Panchro stickers still on them, so I doubt they've ever been recoated. The 6 inch's mirror is really filthy. The 12.5" is "only" very dirty!

I'm hoping they'll clean up well, but I might have to recoat at least the 6".

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416267 - 09/11/12 10:03 PM Attachment (43 downloads)

That 12.5" is TALL!

Edited by tim53 (09/12/12 02:19 AM)

Post Extras:

actionhac
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/09/08

Loc: WA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416276 - 09/11/12 10:06 PM

Oh what a find! lucky you. Both are a fantastic find but the 12.5" is absolutely awesome!
Can't wait to hear what's scribed on the mirrors.

Robert

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416278 - 09/11/12 10:07 PM

Quote:

That 12.5" is TALL!

It's wide, too!

Bloody Apple Preview!

-Tim.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416279 - 09/11/12 10:10 PM Attachment (39 downloads)

From this side, it looks ready to roll!

Edited by tim53 (09/12/12 02:20 AM)

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416281 - 09/11/12 10:11 PM

And at that angle, it's going to roll fast!

I upgraded to OS 10.8, so the Gimp doesn't work until I download X11 again, for some silly reason.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

Datapanic
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 10/17/09

Loc: Tucson, Arizona

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416284 - 09/11/12 10:15 PM

Nice find! Looks like the 12.5" is ready for first light as is. I'd say f/7 as well.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416287 - 09/11/12 10:16 PM Attachment (27 downloads)

The mount looks like it's all there. One of the covers on the RA light is missing and the bulb is broken or gone, but all the electronics are intact and there's a hand paddle. Even that funky differential with 2 synchron motor drives is there and intact.

This scope mostly needs a good cleaning, but I will take all easily removable parts off for repainting. I think I'll leave the mount assembled, though, and just mask for painting when it's time. Everything moves pretty smoothly, including the rotating rings.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416301 - 09/11/12 10:22 PM

Both scopes for $1K

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tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416306 - 09/11/12 10:26 PM Attachment (30 downloads)

I was really concerned that loading up that 12.5" was going to be a nightmare with broken backs and stretched arms!

But I was surprised. It was actually really easy to load it into my truck. But my truck is no ordinary truck! The bed is at loading dock height and all three sides fold down. The seller and I rolled the scope up alongside the truck and turned it so the OTA was resting against the bed. Then we took the counterweight off and undid the two knurled nuts and washers that hold the whole OTA to the saddle. Didn't have to lift anything:

Post Extras:

desertrefugee
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 08/06/07

Loc: Arizona

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416307 - 09/11/12 10:26 PM

You're gonna need a bigger house...

Great acquisitions!

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tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416313 - 09/11/12 10:29 PM Attachment (30 downloads)

Then we rolled the mount around to the other side, took off the pier cap bolts and gently lifted it up and set it on the bed. Wasn't that heavy, I was surprised to find. But with the help and the fact that I didn't have to lift it much, I think is what saved the ol' fuselage wear and tear!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416317 - 09/11/12 10:31 PM Attachment (32 downloads)

The pier, and the whole 6" were a cinch to load. Here everything is, ready to go!

Edited by tim53 (09/12/12 02:18 AM)

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416318 - 09/11/12 10:31 PM

bloody Preview! LOL

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sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416336 - 09/11/12 10:42 PM

Nice find!

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vvalmiki
member

Reged: 06/22/12

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5416342 - 09/11/12 10:47 PM

That is a pretty massive mount!! Size envy anyone?

Post Extras:

Bill Griffith
sage

Reged: 08/12/09

Loc: Ca.

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: vvalmiki]
#5416401 - 09/11/12 11:29 PM

Yes, quite envious! Those Caves are really nice as well.

Congratulations Tim!!

Can;t wait to see some of your planet images through your 12.5,

What a mount!

Your pickup is awesome it's perfect for Cave haulin!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: Bill Griffith]
#5416451 - 09/12/12 12:11 AM

Okay, so curiosity got the better of me. I've moved the 6" OTA around to my shop for storage, but stopped in the kitchen on the way, took out the mirror, and cleaned it.

Well, I was going to show pics, but my email application won't load. Anywho, the mirror was grody as all get out. I cleaned it, and now? It's grody as all get out. Translucent as well. Going to need a recoat, for sure!

F/8, 47 1/16"
M694513
August 18, 1969

So, it's a real Cave mirror!

It's after dark and so I don't want to try removing the 12.5" in the dark. Besides, I have to go to Mars in an hour or so.

-Tim

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416474 - 09/12/12 12:30 AM

Seller was a really good guy, too. I was trying to hurry since he had to leave at 5pm. So I paypal'd the money to him, but he got 3% less show up in his account. I gave him the two $20s I had in my wallet. He didn't have any change, so he went and got a telephoto lens out of the garage that he asked if it went with the scopes. It's a "Lentar" 500mm f/8 mirror lens with a nice tripod mount and looks like T-threads on the back. Cool.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

john gabriel
sage

Reged: 12/13/11

Loc: Southern California

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416553 - 09/12/12 01:41 AM

Tim, those are great finds - real beauties! I can only dream about a classic long newt like that 12.5". It's much too large for my space, so I'm glad it has a good home. The thing needs it's own house! (aka observatory!)

Post Extras:

clintwhitman
Caveman

Reged: 01/01/07

Loc: CALI SoEasyACavemanCanSlewIt

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5416644 - 09/12/12 04:07 AM

Great Job Tim, I have been avoiding these and it took all I had not to go get them last week when the add first listed. I have reached my limit with astro projects and need to live and work on the ones I have. I don't want the hoarders show to start sniffing around star oak ranch.

Post Extras:

CHASLX200
Post Laureate

Reged: 09/29/07

Loc: Tampa area Florida

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: clintwhitman]
#5416705 - 09/12/12 06:22 AM

I would 5K for that 12.5" Observatory without batting a eye.

I would have to have it housed as just trying to mount the OTA to it's mount would be a back breaker.

Chas

Post Extras:

RLTYS
Post Laureate

Reged: 12/18/04

Loc: New York (Long Island)

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: CHASLX200]
#5416713 - 09/12/12 06:36 AM

Tim, beautiful scopes and true classics. I liked the three eyepiece turret, had one of them many years ago.

Rich (RLTYS)

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: clintwhitman]
#5417484 - 09/12/12 03:10 PM

Quote:

Great Job Tim, I have been avoiding these and it took all I had not to go get them last week when the add first listed. I have reached my limit with astro projects and need to live and work on the ones I have. I don't want the hoarders show to start sniffing around star oak ranch.

LOL! Just don't tell them where *I* live either!!

I very seriously almost passed on them myself. I'm going to have to get creative with my garage space to squeeze the Cave in front of the Model A and not run into it when I roll the scope in and out. What really clinched the deal for me was just how easily the scope moves around on those big industrial casters it's riding on. That, and the ease with which it fit in the VW truck. I might even haul it up to Pinos next summer, though I might need to rebuild the engine in the truck first! Those old VW trucks don't get enough respect - unless you're a VW Transporter enthusiast! The bed is workbench height, the sides fold down, and it's 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 feet! VW still makes them, but because of the "Chicken Tax" (funny story, look it up), they haven't imported them since ~1974.

This would be ideal for the really big classics out there! Transporter flatbed

-Tim.

Post Extras:

Jon Isaacs
Postmaster

Reged: 06/16/04

Loc: San Diego and Boulevard, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: RLTYS]
#5417502 - 09/12/12 03:21 PM

Quote:

Tim, beautiful scopes and true classics. I liked the three eyepiece turret, had one of them many years ago.

Rich (RLTYS)

Real Beauties... The 12.5 inch would make a great Dob...

Jon

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: Jon Isaacs]
#5417513 - 09/12/12 03:29 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Tim, beautiful scopes and true classics. I liked the three eyepiece turret, had one of them many years ago.

Rich (RLTYS)

Real Beauties... The 12.5 inch would make a great Dob...

Jon

OUCH!

Some ideas just need to be illegal!

-Tim.

Post Extras:

amicus sidera
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 10/14/11

Loc: East of the Sun, West of the M...

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: Jon Isaacs]
#5417551 - 09/12/12 03:49 PM

Quote:

Real Beauties... The 12.5 inch would make a great Dob...

Jon

Dob? What is this Dob of which you speak? Perhaps you meant alt-azimuth, and mis-typed it...

If so, even considering placing a Cave OTA on anything other than an equatorial mount must be some form of transgression!

Tim, great 'scopes, and they're now in excellent hands!

Post Extras:

Bonco
Post Laureate

Reged: 04/17/06

Loc: Florida

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: amicus sidera]
#5417558 - 09/12/12 03:52 PM

Nice Caves but do you wanna sell the truck??
Bill

Post Extras:

Jon Isaacs
Postmaster

Reged: 06/16/04

Loc: San Diego and Boulevard, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5417633 - 09/12/12 04:37 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Real Beauties... The 12.5 inch would make a great Dob..

Some ideas just need to be illegal!

Very true. It was a bad idea... It would be too tall...

Jon

Post Extras:

Datapanic
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 10/17/09

Loc: Tucson, Arizona

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5417891 - 09/12/12 07:01 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Great Job Tim, I have been avoiding these and it took all I had not to go get them last week when the add first listed. I have reached my limit with astro projects and need to live and work on the ones I have. I don't want the hoarders show to start sniffing around star oak ranch.

LOL! Just don't tell them where *I* live either!!

I very seriously almost passed on them myself. I'm going to have to get creative with my garage space to squeeze the Cave in front of the Model A and not run into it when I roll the scope in and out. What really clinched the deal for me was just how easily the scope moves around on those big industrial casters it's riding on. That, and the ease with which it fit in the VW truck. I might even haul it up to Pinos next summer, though I might need to rebuild the engine in the truck first! Those old VW trucks don't get enough respect - unless you're a VW Transporter enthusiast! The bed is workbench height, the sides fold down, and it's 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 feet! VW still makes them, but because of the "Chicken Tax" (funny story, look it up), they haven't imported them since ~1974.

This would be ideal for the really big classics out there! Transporter flatbed

-Tim.

I use the tailgate on my F250 to hold the tube of the Horsetrail Cave if I need to do some work on it. The 12.5" Transportable is just as transportable as the 6" - just bigger, heavier and the center of gravity is a little higher - watch out for that tipping point!

Post Extras:

gelkin
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 09/22/10

Loc: Western, MD.

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5417963 - 09/12/12 07:46 PM

Wow Tim.

They are both fantastic, but the 12" is really special. Must be a late model judging by the pier. Beautiful !

Post Extras:

PiSigma
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/14/09

Loc: North Carolina

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5418089 - 09/12/12 08:56 PM

Holy Cow! Fantastic haul (and hauler!).

I've been keeping my eye out for a Model A Deluxe, I'd really like to add one to my collection someday. The Model D is a monster.

I've got the 6" added to the registry. Pics of both when you get a chance!

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: PiSigma]
#5418097 - 09/12/12 09:03 PM

Wonder how many classic eyepieces you can fit on that truck...

Post Extras:

Bob Myler
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 05/18/06

Loc: St Louis, MO

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: sgorton99]
#5418211 - 09/12/12 10:06 PM

What a wonderful find. Congratulations!

Post Extras:

albert1
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/01/07

Loc: Southern New Jersey

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: Bob Myler]
#5418405 - 09/13/12 12:13 AM

Tim, your ride sure beats my Honda for picking up giant Caves - what a truck!

Those legs on the 12.5 are my favorite of the Cave designs. Man, a 2-1/2" shaft mount that rolls. It's time for an addition on the garage. Great buy - enjoy!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: albert1]
#5420197 - 09/13/12 11:14 PM Attachment (9 downloads)

So here's the pix of the 6" mirror that I had trouble uploading the other night:

Mirror in cell, before cleaning

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5420198 - 09/13/12 11:15 PM Attachment (8 downloads)

And here it is, cleaned and held up to the light!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5420205 - 09/13/12 11:18 PM Attachment (14 downloads)

I also got the 12.5" out of the truck and put together. I've made room in the garage by moving my thickness planer and turning the band saw by 90 degrees so the Model A would to forward about another 2 feet in the garage. I haven't put the scope in yet, but I think it will fit!

I worked alone, so I wasn't going to futz around trying to lift anything heavy by myself. I waited until just before sunset, which was probably unnecessary because it's still hot and I still wound up a mass of sweat. Plus it got dark really quick once the sun went down!

Here I am getting ready to unload the mount:

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5420208 - 09/13/12 11:19 PM Attachment (15 downloads)

Mount head hanging over pier

Edited by tim53 (09/13/12 11:26 PM)

Post Extras:

Datapanic
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 10/17/09

Loc: Tucson, Arizona

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5420209 - 09/13/12 11:21 PM

Nice use of an engine lift!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: Datapanic]
#5420216 - 09/13/12 11:28 PM Attachment (11 downloads)

Yep! works great!

Here's the head lowered onto the pier

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5420217 - 09/13/12 11:29 PM Attachment (9 downloads)

Mount all ready to go

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5420219 - 09/13/12 11:30 PM Attachment (8 downloads)

Next, I had to line the saddle hole sup with the studs on the tube rings. This was a little tricky since it was starting to get dark.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5420221 - 09/13/12 11:31 PM Attachment (11 downloads)

attaching the tube with the knurled nuts

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5420222 - 09/13/12 11:32 PM Attachment (6 downloads)

Then, it was just a matter of putting the counterwieght on, followed by the safety collar. Not hard since I could hold it comfortably at just about chest height with my arms braced against my torso.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5420225 - 09/13/12 11:35 PM

In the dark, the mirror doesn't look all that dirty, but I think I'll take it out and clean it anyway. Still don't know the date it was made, and would like to.

There's no date on either of the RA Bristol motors or the Hurst dec motor.

Does anybody know when they put the RA circle south of the clock cover on the Observatory mount? The 1974 manual shows it north of the north RA bearing between the RA and Dec castings. Was this earlier than that, or later?

-Tim.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5420245 - 09/13/12 11:50 PM Attachment (12 downloads)

Anybody ever try this before? For some big newts, this will work for planets near the celestial equator. I thought it might be nice if I could get at Jupiter later on without needing a ladder. But I think the saddle will hit the pier cap at higher elevations. Oh well, it was worth a try!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5420246 - 09/13/12 11:51 PM Attachment (11 downloads)

Final think I had to check before I do anything else. So now it's all together and it's pretty obviously a big white-tube telescope. I needed to make sure I could put it away without taking it apart again! And it fits!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5420249 - 09/13/12 11:53 PM

So maybe now I'll see about taking that mirror out for a cleaning...

Or... Do I dare plug it in and try an eyepiece in it?

Nah, clean the mirror and find out when it was made!

-Tim.

Post Extras:

Datapanic
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 10/17/09

Loc: Tucson, Arizona

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5420259 - 09/14/12 12:00 AM

Looks like my garage! When taking the mirror out, I have some shelves on the side of the garage that are just the right height where I can lay the eyepiece end of the tube on it with the tube horizontal and then take the mirror and cell out while the tube rests on the shelf.

The 12.5" is kinda hurky, but really fun to use

Post Extras:

Datapanic
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 10/17/09

Loc: Tucson, Arizona

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: Datapanic]
#5420263 - 09/14/12 12:04 AM

You will definitely need to rig up a cooling fan for it, btw

Post Extras:

The Planetman
sage

Reged: 01/27/06

Loc: Western KY

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: Datapanic]
#5420278 - 09/14/12 12:18 AM

Man, you California guy's get all the good stuff!

Nice find!!!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: The Planetman]
#5420283 - 09/14/12 12:25 AM Attachment (17 downloads)

Here's the mirror, dirty:

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5420285 - 09/14/12 12:25 AM Attachment (21 downloads)

And clean:

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5420290 - 09/14/12 12:27 AM

It's not perfect, by any stretch, but it doesn't warrant a recoat any time soon!

Stats:

12.5" f/7, 88" FL
M727336, April 17, 1972

A youngster compared to the 6"!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5420293 - 09/14/12 12:28 AM

Now keep your fingers crossed while I put it back in the tube!

Post Extras:

Datapanic
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 10/17/09

Loc: Tucson, Arizona

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5420298 - 09/14/12 12:44 AM

Quote:

And clean:

Much better - you can even see the rabbit ears antenna in the background! Rabbit Ears?

Post Extras:

Nave
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 02/23/10

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: Datapanic]
#5420824 - 09/14/12 12:12 PM

Quote:

Quote:

And clean:

Much better - you can even see the rabbit ears antenna in the background! Rabbit Ears?

Vintage, baby!
Seen his truck?!

Post Extras:

GeneT
Ely Kid

Reged: 11/07/08

Loc: South Texas

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421175 - 09/14/12 04:00 PM

Congratulations. These telescopes were too expensive for me when I was a kid--but I read all the ads each month in Sky and Telescope at the Ely Nevada City library.

Post Extras:

GeneT
Ely Kid

Reged: 11/07/08

Loc: South Texas

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421182 - 09/14/12 04:03 PM

This mirror looks great!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: GeneT]
#5421183 - 09/14/12 04:03 PM

Hi Gene:

I've been to that library! I read my first sky and telescopes as a kid in the Fountain Valley public library in the mid 60s.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

Jim Curry
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/29/07

Loc: STL

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421458 - 09/14/12 07:34 PM

Wow, you know an amateur astronomer is out of control when he needs a crane to move his scope around. Very cool.

Jim

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: Jim Curry]
#5421531 - 09/14/12 08:17 PM

One of these would be perfect for that truck!

Pickup crane

Only I'd mount it on the right side behind the cab, since the side gate can fold out of the way.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421533 - 09/14/12 08:19 PM

...though I might tip that poor VW over loading something really heavy from the side! So, back corner of the bed would work, too.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

gelkin
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 09/22/10

Loc: Western, MD.

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421534 - 09/14/12 08:19 PM

Tim that 12" and 2" mount is so sweet. The envy is overwhelming.

Can't wait to see the Jupiter images you squeeze out of it soon. Congrats, what a deal!!

Post Extras:

jwaldo
Smart Mime

Reged: 04/26/04

Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: gelkin]
#5421542 - 09/14/12 08:23 PM

Dangit, I must be browsing some sort of awful parallel-universe L.A. Craigslist, I never see any of this stuff show up

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: gelkin]
#5421543 - 09/14/12 08:23 PM

I'm going to go clean the secondary next.

I'm slightly bummed, though. With all that gyrating loding it, unloading it, and putting the OTA on, I managed to pull the wire apart that goes to the dec slow motion. It's happened before, too, as there's some black electrical tape where a splice was made at some point.

The RA light is missing, not broken. As is the little cover over it. And one of the wire's solder joints is broken. So, I've got some solering to do anyway. I'll try to get to that today after I clean the secondary up.

I have to localize Curiosity tonight, but was planning to take the "day" off for the most part, since I've been working pretty steady with only 3 days off since we landed. But since I'm finally getting into the swing of Mars time, I'll be up all night anyway, so it'll be a good opportunity to take the 12.5" out for a spin.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421547 - 09/14/12 08:26 PM

Oh yeah, better figure out which ladder I'm going to need for the thing and put it in the garage next to the scope so I don't wake up the fam getting out of the basement!

-Tim.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421656 - 09/14/12 10:00 PM Attachment (15 downloads)

So I took the secondary out and cleaned it. While I was taking it out, the mirror end was pointed out into the light...

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421658 - 09/14/12 10:01 PM

That's the mirror cell and the great outdoors viewed through the mirror, in addition to the reflection (such as it is) of the sky end of the tube and the secondary.

Oh well, it'll need a recoat after all at some point!

-Tim.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421660 - 09/14/12 10:02 PM Attachment (11 downloads)

I was thinking I need to take the clock cover off and adjust the clutch, since the scope moves a bit too easily in RA.

The RA circle is on backwards, LOL

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421664 - 09/14/12 10:04 PM

What's nice, though is it appears to be a driven circle. The pointers are attached to the polar shaft and turn with it, whereas the circle does not. So hopefully it's on a hub attached to the worm gear so it turns with the gear. Like Optical Craftsmen did with their mounts.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421666 - 09/14/12 10:05 PM Attachment (18 downloads)

I soldered the broken wires to the dec motor. And plugged the power cord in.

Drive works, but slow motions don't.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421669 - 09/14/12 10:08 PM

Okay, sun went down. Going to go indoors for a few hours, though I might come out and put an eyepiece in the 6".

I still need to scare up a ladder for the 12.5". The "easiest" one to get to is one of those origami things that folds in all sorts of directions so it has really uncomfortable rungs. I've also got a 10' aluminum ladder, but that's a bit too big. I'm thinking a good 6 footer, maybe even a good 4' step ladder with the handrail on it will work. Loaned the 6' I have to my daughter a couple years ago. Haven't seen it since!

-Tim.

Post Extras:

Datapanic
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 10/17/09

Loc: Tucson, Arizona

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421675 - 09/14/12 10:14 PM

Quote:

Okay, sun went down. Going to go indoors for a few hours, though I might come out and put an eyepiece in the 6".

I still need to scare up a ladder for the 12.5". The "easiest" one to get to is one of those origami things that folds in all sorts of directions so it has really uncomfortable rungs. I've also got a 10' aluminum ladder, but that's a bit too big. I'm thinking a good 6 footer, maybe even a good 4' step ladder with the handrail on it will work. Loaned the 6' I have to my daughter a couple years ago. Haven't seen it since!

-Tim.

I usually use a 6' and a smaller 2-step ladder with the 12.5" One of these days, I'm going to make a stand as it's a lot safer and easier than using a ladder in the dark.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: Datapanic]
#5421920 - 09/15/12 05:54 AM Attachment (26 downloads)

Okay, so first night out under the sky! Jupiter is VERY nice in this thing, and it's only been outside for about an hour, so it hasn't likely equillibrated completely. It's hot at 3am, and I'm a pool of sweat.

Drive is running, but the clutch is too loose. I took the clock cover off to adjust it, and found this massive boston (prolly) ring gear:

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421921 - 09/15/12 05:56 AM

Those 4 bolts are NOT the clutch adjustment though. It appears to be a clamp on the other side of the gear that squeezes the hub onto the shaft on that side. The hub on the north side appears to be brass and has slots in it so it can be squoze. Oddest clutch I think I've ever seen.

The RA circle does indeed mount to the protruding hub you see here, so it is driven with the gear, and the pointers are mounted on the shaft. So the RA circle doesn't need to be set more than once an evening.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421938 - 09/15/12 07:00 AM Attachment (21 downloads)

Oh wow!

I adjusted the clutch, and figured I'd try the drive corrector again, and everything works! The dec slow mo doesn't always engage, so it seems I've got crusty contacts in the hand paddle or something.

But check this out. Jupiter with my Pt Grey Flea2 color camera. No barlow, just f/7 prime focus! I enlarged the image 2x in processing and stacking, but not too bad for a first try.

Post Extras:

sgorton99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/30/08

Loc: Wisconsin, Madison

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421945 - 09/15/12 07:13 AM

Amazing!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421946 - 09/15/12 07:13 AM Attachment (21 downloads)

Okay, this time with the 2x shorty barlow, so still only shooting at f/14.

Seeing doesn't appear to be as good as I thought, so I'm going to give it a 4/10, with transparency a 5/5 (it's really clear!).

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421948 - 09/15/12 07:14 AM

But...

This scope is definitely a keeper! I don't think I even need to restore it, just clean it up and repaint stuff like the focuser where the paint's coming off.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421949 - 09/15/12 07:16 AM

haven't seen a single impact, though!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421951 - 09/15/12 07:24 AM Attachment (20 downloads)

I tweaked the focus, but I think the seeing is worse, because it doesn't look any better even though some of the frames seemed sharper while the video was running.

Post Extras:

RLTYS
Post Laureate

Reged: 12/18/04

Loc: New York (Long Island)

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421952 - 09/15/12 07:25 AM

Beautiful images, you're right that scope's a keeper. LOL

Rich (RLTYS)

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421954 - 09/15/12 07:29 AM Attachment (19 downloads)

Definitely some good moments coming around from time to time.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421955 - 09/15/12 07:30 AM

I keep fiddling with the gain and red/blue balance, hence the different colors!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421958 - 09/15/12 07:38 AM Attachment (16 downloads)

Oh my, seeing's getting better. So, I increased the exposures to 113ms, and got this!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421961 - 09/15/12 07:48 AM Attachment (13 downloads)

Got brave and doubled the image scale in stacking:

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421963 - 09/15/12 07:57 AM Attachment (9 downloads)

Man, I can't wait until I get a night of really good seeing!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421965 - 09/15/12 08:04 AM Attachment (19 downloads)

Now I'm just having too much damned fun!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421967 - 09/15/12 08:11 AM Attachment (13 downloads)

Still having fun!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5421978 - 09/15/12 08:21 AM

The one from two posts up is definitely my best tonight.

Seeing is getting worse and it's starting to breeze a bit.

I'll prolly pack it in shortly.

Post Extras:

CHASLX200
Post Laureate

Reged: 09/29/07

Loc: Tampa area Florida

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5422097 - 09/15/12 10:11 AM

I woudl kill to have that mount. Wished i never sold mine.
My 2.5" had a threaded shaft, not sure why Cave used both kinds of shafts.

Chas

Post Extras:

clintwhitman
Caveman

Reged: 01/01/07

Loc: CALI SoEasyACavemanCanSlewIt

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5422297 - 09/15/12 12:36 PM

Great Job Tim! Love seeing JUP!!

Post Extras:

Bill Griffith
sage

Reged: 08/12/09

Loc: Ca.

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5422360 - 09/15/12 01:27 PM

I'm certain I can confidently say from ALL...

Post Extras:

Datapanic
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 10/17/09

Loc: Tucson, Arizona

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: Bill Griffith]
#5422369 - 09/15/12 01:36 PM

Nice Images! For the Tangent Arm, take the motor off and check for binding. I had problems with it intermittently not moving in one direction and it was the cap on the other end of the tangent bolt thing not being centered. Not sure if it's the same design as yours but that's where to look.

Post Extras:

PiSigma
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/14/09

Loc: North Carolina

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5422442 - 09/15/12 02:28 PM

Wow, nice Jupiter shots. Imagine how good it will be with better seeing and recoated mirrors.

Tim, are the mirror engravings on these block letters or cursive?

And I'm confused on the 12.5" - I don't think I've ever seen an observatory mount on a transportable pier and legs nor do I see this in any catalog. What should I call it in the Registry? A Model D Transportable Observatory?

You can never have too many Caves!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: PiSigma]
#5422509 - 09/15/12 03:28 PM Attachment (12 downloads)

Hi Jon:

Both mirrors are engraved with cursive lettering.

I keep wondering the same thing about the 12.5". I asked the seller if it had a permanent pier originally, but he said that it didn't, or that there wasn't one in the back of the garage or anything. Also, those are Parks legs, and while I've seen them on a number of Caves over the years, all those were later models when Cave was getting parts from other suppliers (or so I imagine). But this scope is from 1972, when they were still going strong. Also, the hammertone gray on the pier matches that on the rest of the mount. So maybe the original owner (the seller's father in law, who moved to Idaho or some such place and took the eyepieces with him) ordered it that way. If so, I could kiss the dude! What a perfect combination! Only gripe is that the industrial casters and the legs raise the scope close to a foot higher than it would need to be on a permanent pier for the tube to clear. I was able to get by with a 2-step stepstool last night, though. A slightly taller one would get me to the eyepiece even at the zenith, I think. I only needed about another 10" or a foot or so. Of course, when I was imaging, I only needed to be able to reach the focuser!

Tonight I might try shooting RGB with a monochrome Scorpion camera. Frame rate is limited to 20fps, but the fidelity of the color that way is somewhat improved. Still, I like shooting with color cameras. A lot simpler to process.

Speaking of processing, I fiddled with that 2nd to last image sequence again this morning, and settled on this result:

Post Extras:

Mirzam
Post Laureate

Reged: 04/01/08

Loc: Lovettsville, VA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5422545 - 09/15/12 03:51 PM

If you get that mirror re-aluminized you can probably increase the frame rate.

Pretty great images for a coating in need of replacement!

JimC

Post Extras:

Masvingo
sage

Reged: 01/10/12

Loc: Ayrshire, Scotland

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5422550 - 09/15/12 03:56 PM

Beeyoootiful!

What a fantastic find.

I can remember drooling over the Cave ads (amongst others) in S&T as a kid in Zimbabwe (or Rhodesia as then was - with the sanctions imposed as a result of UDI drooling was all I could do - little chance of ever getting hold of one even if I could have afforded it).

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: Masvingo]
#5422553 - 09/15/12 03:57 PM

Yeah, in the 1974 catalog this puppy on the permanent pier is listed at $2200! I think my sister bought a new VW super beetle for not much more than that about that time.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5422568 - 09/15/12 04:09 PM

Quote:

What with the Bardou last week and the 2 Caves this, I'm averaging 1.5 telescope purchases a week! "hopefully" the trend will not be maintained, though!

Wife and daughter just called me from the Golden West swap meet in Huntington Beach. They found a 60x900 Kenko in a wooden box with styrafoam inserts for $45. So my average is currently 2 scopes/wk!

-Tim.

Post Extras:

Masvingo
sage

Reged: 01/10/12

Loc: Ayrshire, Scotland

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5422575 - 09/15/12 04:14 PM

When you're on a roll, you're on a roll!

Post Extras:

Steve_M_M
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 06/09/04

Loc: Moorpark, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5422580 - 09/15/12 04:17 PM

Tim,

These are great acquisitions. Those images are amazing! I hope to get something similar as I am now working on imaging with the classics and my Mallincam Xtreme. You should see the crazy images I am getting of M13 at 7 sec. exposure with my 60mm f20 from my backyard.

Tim, you are very lucky to have that detached garage for all your scopes. 2/week is crazy!! Did you see the Vixen/Celestron 4.5 on a Polaris mount this morning? Go get it!

Post Extras:

PiSigma
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/14/09

Loc: North Carolina

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5422682 - 09/15/12 05:41 PM Attachment (13 downloads)

Thanks for the mirror info Tim. It's time for me to post an update to the Registry.

And guess what? I went back through my library of S&T Cave ads. The Model D Transportable wasn't advertised much. A few times in mid 1960 and a few more times in mid 1976. The Observatory pier mount model was featured several times over the years.

But.....one time, in May of 1972 no less, they featured this (I hope the mods allow this for discussion purposes). Obviously a shorter focal length than yours. Ad mentions them down to f/5.5.

Post Extras:

PiSigma
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/14/09

Loc: North Carolina

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: PiSigma]
#5422691 - 09/15/12 05:48 PM

BTW, the version of the Cave "pink" cover catalog that I have, which can't be any newer than 1965 due to the Cave address and phone number format, shows the Model D with Parks legs (but not the observatory mount of course).

Post Extras:

desertrefugee
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 08/06/07

Loc: Arizona

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5422770 - 09/15/12 06:58 PM

Quote:

...I fiddled with that 2nd to last image sequence this morning, and settled on this result...

Tim,

Far be it from me to criticize the excellent images that "new" Cave is throwing up, but is collimation spot-on there? I ask because I'm seeing a softness on the left Jovian limb. Could be an artifact of the processing, but definitely softer on that side.

Having said that (dang I hate that phrase), I have only been able to match your results once or twice - out of more trial and tribulation than I care to admit.

To get that first night out just ain't fair...

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: PiSigma]
#5422899 - 09/15/12 08:29 PM

Quote:

Thanks for the mirror info Tim. It's time for me to post an update to the Registry.

And guess what? I went back through my library of S&T Cave ads. The Model D Transportable wasn't advertised much. A few times in mid 1960 and a few more times in mid 1976. The Observatory pier mount model was featured several times over the years.

But.....one time, in May of 1972 no less, they featured this (I hope the mods allow this for discussion purposes). Obviously a shorter focal length than yours. Ad mentions them down to f/5.5.

Extra cool!! One thing I've never figured out, though. How do the leveling screws work on these? don't they run into the casters? Or are they brakes? Mine has bolts in the inner set of holes (one is missing).

Another thing this reminds me of: Why is the pier so tall, especially for the f/5.5? Meade made the 12.5" Research Grade with a tall pier as well. Diebel said it looked right, and wouldn't listen when we pointed out that with a short pier you might not need a ladder at all for the f/6!

-Tim.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: desertrefugee]
#5422900 - 09/15/12 08:31 PM

Quote:

Quote:

...I fiddled with that 2nd to last image sequence this morning, and settled on this result...

Tim,

Far be it from me to criticize the excellent images that "new" Cave is throwing up, but is collimation spot-on there? I ask because I'm seeing a softness on the left Jovian limb. Could be an artifact of the processing, but definitely softer on that side.

Having said that (dang I hate that phrase), I have only been able to match your results once or twice - out of more trial and tribulation than I care to admit.

To get that first night out just ain't fair...

I'd have to check, but I think it's greater limb darkening on that side because it's so far before opposition.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

PiSigma
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/14/09

Loc: North Carolina

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5422926 - 09/15/12 08:51 PM Attachment (13 downloads)

Quote:

Extra cool!! One thing I've never figured out, though. How do the leveling screws work on these? don't they run into the casters? Or are they brakes? Mine has bolts in the inner set of holes (one is missing).

They run into the casters when the casters swivel. On the Cave legs the leveling screws are outboard of the casters. On those Parks legs they look to be to the inside but close enough so that they still run into the casters when they swivel to that side.

My driveway is very sloped so it is tough for me to roll my Caves from the right direction so that the casters end up away from the leveling screws. And I have to put a block under the lowest leg then wind the screws down and level the pier tube with a bubble level. Biggest pain is you have to wind them all the way up so the bottom point is at least even with the bottom of the leg so the casters can swivel again.

Post Extras:

desertrefugee
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 08/06/07

Loc: Arizona

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5422975 - 09/15/12 09:24 PM

I pondered that notion and you're probably right, but I've never seen it so pronounced.

Danged Caves. Looks like they live up to the legend.

For sure you didn't waste any time in getting use, enjoyment and satisfaction out of that one.

Good to see.

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

...I fiddled with that 2nd to last image sequence this morning, and settled on this result...

Tim,

Far be it from me to criticize the excellent images that "new" Cave is throwing up, but is collimation spot-on there? I ask because I'm seeing a softness on the left Jovian limb. Could be an artifact of the processing, but definitely softer on that side.

Having said that (dang I hate that phrase), I have only been able to match your results once or twice - out of more trial and tribulation than I care to admit.

To get that first night out just ain't fair...

I'd have to check, but I think it's greater limb darkening on that side because it's so far before opposition.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: desertrefugee]
#5423033 - 09/15/12 10:21 PM

It's weird, but I really dig this scope. It's absolutely quiet, which is probably why I didn't think the slo mos were working. And since the drive corrector is bolted to the mount, setup is really fast and simple!

I prefer to make my own scopes, but the truth is that this one is easier to set up than my 12.5" cass, and the images are superb. Yep, a keeper!

Post Extras:

mikey cee
Postmaster

Reged: 01/18/07

Loc: bellevue ne.

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5423052 - 09/15/12 10:39 PM

Timbo as much as I'm a dyed in the wool refractor nut I still think you did well! If I had the room and for the sake of collecting I'd probably done the same thing myself.

Mike

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: PiSigma]
#5423165 - 09/16/12 12:40 AM Attachment (33 downloads)

Had a couple pix on my phone from last night that I thought I'd post.

This first one is while the clock cover was off and I was trying to understand the clutch. That's it - the half-inch plate with the slot cut in it and the single allen bolt to tighten it - between the backplate and the RA gear.

I only gave the bolt about an eighth of a turn and that brought the RA tightness comparable to the dec. Moving the scope in either direction manually while at the eyepiece is surprisingly easy - something I was surprised to find with my 8" lightweight deluxe as well. Almost like you don't need a drive corrector to observe comfortably and periodically center objects (I wasn't very polar aligned).

It'll be interesting to measure the PE on this thing some day. It doesn't seem to be very big, and the backlash is minimal - it switches directions pretty quickly when you hit the RA slow motion buttons.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5423173 - 09/16/12 12:46 AM Attachment (33 downloads)

And here it is all rigged up for visual. I switched to the camera shortly after this. Clock cover is still off in the picture, but I put it back on.

Oh, and the RA circle wasn't on backwards. The numbers would have read backwards if it were reversed. So the pointer needs to extend across the circle to line up with the marks - OR they should have made a version of the RA circle with the index on the opposite edge.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

RLTYS
Post Laureate

Reged: 12/18/04

Loc: New York (Long Island)

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5423405 - 09/16/12 09:09 AM

Tim, congratulations you have a fantastic scope.

Rich (RLTYS)

Post Extras:

clintwhitman
Caveman

Reged: 01/01/07

Loc: CALI SoEasyACavemanCanSlewIt

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5423436 - 09/16/12 09:33 AM

Tim I have been messing with to many Byers gears as of late! The gear in that scope looks like a drive gear off a tractor!

As to the Cave "LEVELING SCREWS" They are nothing short of silly. By the time they hit the ground they are extended so far out the entire scope giggles around on them. For setting up the scope for short term use I never use them. What they are really great for is screwing up and getting in the way of the wheels when your trying to move the scope around!!
Clint

Post Extras:

gelkin
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 09/22/10

Loc: Western, MD.

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: clintwhitman]
#5423453 - 09/16/12 09:54 AM Attachment (25 downloads)

I like using the leveling screws. However i always remove the casters when i set up to keep the legs close to the ground. Thats easy for me to say with an 8" light wieght.

Post Extras:

clintwhitman
Caveman

Reged: 01/01/07

Loc: CALI SoEasyACavemanCanSlewIt

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: gelkin]
#5423474 - 09/16/12 10:06 AM

Gerald,
You better get busy and paint that nasty looking Unitron leg. O and get another coat of wax on the Cave casting, I cant quite make out the camera in the reflection

(aveman..

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: clintwhitman]
#5423992 - 09/16/12 03:57 PM Attachment (27 downloads)

That drive gear has so few teeth that the periodic error must be forever long! I was hitting the fast button most of last night, and the slow most of the night before!

Best Jupiter last night.

Post Extras:

actionhac
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/09/08

Loc: WA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5423994 - 09/16/12 03:58 PM

Wow that is nice.

Post Extras:

drollere
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 02/02/10

Loc: sebastopol, california

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: actionhac]
#5424032 - 09/16/12 04:20 PM

this thread needs to be on youtube!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: clintwhitman]
#5424134 - 09/16/12 05:42 PM

Quote:

Tim I have been messing with to many Byers gears as of late! The gear in that scope looks like a drive gear off a tractor!

Or a Model TT!

Quote:

As to the Cave "LEVELING SCREWS" They are nothing short of silly. By the time they hit the ground they are extended so far out the entire scope giggles around on them. For setting up the scope for short term use I never use them. What they are really great for is screwing up and getting in the way of the wheels when your trying to move the scope around!!
Clint

That's what I expected. And though it might be nice if these casters had brakes, I get by by putting the wheels in the groove between concrete slabs in my driveway. I'm lucky in that most transportable piers are pretty close to polar aligned when I put the north and east wheel in the groove.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: desertrefugee]
#5424272 - 09/16/12 07:34 PM

Quote:

Tim,

Far be it from me to criticize the excellent images that "new" Cave is throwing up, but is collimation spot-on there? I ask because I'm seeing a softness on the left Jovian limb. Could be an artifact of the processing, but definitely softer on that side.

Guess what? I checked, and it ain't! I thought I'd gotten it when i cleaned and put the mirrors back, but it's definitely not quite there.

Not sure I'll have time tonight to try again. Curiosity time is rolling around to the early morning, so I'd have to get up really early and do this before going to work. So far, I've just been staying up all night, but that's starting to wear out. In the days to come, it'll be easier to get up before going to work, though, for about a week or so.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

desertrefugee
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 08/06/07

Loc: Arizona

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5424538 - 09/16/12 10:32 PM

Great.

Your images are only going to get better.

That last one is truly excellent. About as good as it gets with that aperture...or maybe not!

Good show, old boy. Truly.

I'm more than a little jealous, truth be told.

Post Extras:

Da Bear
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/21/06

Loc: Kali-Forn-Ya

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: desertrefugee]
#5424789 - 09/17/12 02:30 AM

Tim,

WOW oh, WOW..just wondeful images....Congrats again, you have a real gem of a mirror and mount. When you get this rig dialed in, you can give a lot of high end refractors a run for their money.
There is nothing like the feeling of bringing a old scope back to life. Those photons were just waiting for you to point that mirror in the right direction.

Da Bear

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: Da Bear]
#5424903 - 09/17/12 06:43 AM

Thanks!

Well, as the rest of you so-Callers know, I'm not likely to get another chance to image Jupiter for a while. The good news is that our heat spell may be broken, though. But the bad news is that the Maroon Layer socked in not long after dark last night.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

droid
rocketman

Reged: 08/29/04

Loc: Conneaut, Ohio

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5426804 - 09/18/12 07:11 AM

Tim; wow......sweeet.
I used a similiar scope at Scott Horstmans one night on Jupiter, man all I can say is Jupiter was so awesome, that image will alwasy be burned into my brain cells.

Here in Ohio, you will never find scopes like this.For sale cheap.
To much light pollution, weather nasty most of the time.

Your Jupiter images are sweeeeet.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: droid]
#5434272 - 09/22/12 11:40 AM

I'm heading off to PATS this morning (I only live about 5 miles away, and can take the train).

Ain't taking the Cave though! But we so-Calers should think about doing a Classics booth there one of these years! I'd be willing to bring the 12.5" Cave and maybe the 8" Optical Craftsmen Connoisseur or Orange C-8 #135 (Tinky).

Anybody else?

-Tim.

Post Extras:

Bill Griffith
sage

Reged: 08/12/09

Loc: Ca.

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5434646 - 09/22/12 03:27 PM

Heck, You could fill a booth with just your collection! Or Clint's or Dan's or Robert's or Steve's or Lew's or DaBears!
That's not even half way through the list in your area on this forum.

L.A. area must be one of the most dense areas for classic scopes on the planet!

Off Topic: At PATS today Vixen will have their focus adapters p/n VX-3720 for purchase. These adapters are 36.4 mm to 1.250 adapters. These work on SYW, Monolux,Optical science company. I think Mayflower and many others.

Vixen sells out quickly and are on back order all the time. Consequently hard to keep in other retail stores that sell their product line.

I think it would be pretty cool to have a classic gathering at PATS Tim. Great idea!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: Bill Griffith]
#5434892 - 09/22/12 06:41 PM

Vixen via opt? I don't think I've seen a vixen booth. Will go check!

Post Extras:

jwaldo
Smart Mime

Reged: 04/26/04

Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5434927 - 09/22/12 06:58 PM

Man, I was all psyched up for PATS until I realized that I'm going to be eating nothing but top ramen all month if I don't go, and not even that if I do.

The things I do for science...

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5434955 - 09/22/12 07:14 PM

Neither opt or woodland hills has the adapter

Post Extras:

Bill Griffith
sage

Reged: 08/12/09

Loc: Ca.

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5435004 - 09/22/12 07:52 PM

Yeah,I've had one ordered through OPT for a month now.

I'll machine one someday but my old lathes only do USS or SAE threading. I'm able to single point thread a theoretical metric, but by the time I purchase stock and machine I could buy 2 or 3 for the same cost.

I checked with Vixen on Thurs. and they assured me that they would be in stock by that time and would bring them to PATS. Sorry!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: Bill Griffith]
#5646526 - 01/27/13 05:42 PM Attachment (15 downloads)

This is sad, but not too sad!

The 12.5", packed irretrievably behind a bunch of movie equipment in my garage... I didn't think ANYTHING could make that scope look "small"!

Post Extras:

PiSigma
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/14/09

Loc: North Carolina

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5646770 - 01/27/13 07:34 PM

Whatcha makin' a movie about Tim?

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: PiSigma]
#5646925 - 01/27/13 08:55 PM

Hi Jon:

It's not me. We're renting our house to a movie crew. We're in our guest house for 4 more weeks! I could use my other scopes from my shop on the weekends (we can't make noise during the week), but my wife and I have been going out of town to unwind on the weekends.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

Ducky62
professor emeritus

Reged: 10/31/10

Loc: The ATL

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5646989 - 01/27/13 09:32 PM

Will this be the third picture filmed at your house?

To keep this "classic telescope"-related are they using any of yours as props?

Post Extras:

Steve_M_M
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 06/09/04

Loc: Moorpark, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: Ducky62]
#5647036 - 01/27/13 10:01 PM

Quote:

Will this be the third picture filmed at your house?

To keep this "classic telescope"-related are they using any of yours as props?

How did you find that? Very cool.

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: Steve_M_M]
#5647178 - 01/27/13 11:31 PM Attachment (11 downloads)

No, there were others:

"H.O.T.S.", 1979 or 1980
"Coyote Ugly", 2000 (no filming at the house or pics of the house)
"Thecampushouse.com", 2001
"Dark Reel", 2008

We moved here in 1997. All the stuff since we moved in were single-day thingys, with the CE being a single photograph in the garden.

They moved most of our stuff out, but they did ask me to leave a bunch of my binoculars that I've been collecting from swap meets over the past few years. My wife just told me they're still in there, and filming starts tomorrow. They also wanted to leave my moon globe and a small Mars globe on the shelf.

Don't know if I'll be able to find them in the movie when it comes out. Here's one of the pairs of binoculars that ought to be recognizable if it's used:

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5647182 - 01/27/13 11:33 PM

Those are B&L 10x45s from about 1914 or 1917, can't remember off hand.

-Tim.

Post Extras:

Ducky62
professor emeritus

Reged: 10/31/10

Loc: The ATL

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5647220 - 01/28/13 12:09 AM

Tim:

H.O.T.S. was filmed there?

That makes 3 that I've seen. Spider Baby is a good flick and The Silent Scream has the incomparable Barbara Steele in it even if it is one of her lesser works.

I'll look for the binos and the globes if I see whatever the new movie is.

Post Extras:

GeneT
Ely Kid

Reged: 11/07/08

Loc: South Texas

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5648637 - 01/28/13 04:31 PM

Quote:

What with the Bardou last week and the 2 Caves this, I'm averaging 1.5 telescope purchases a week! "hopefully" the trend will not be maintained, though!

Thanks for helping the economy!

Post Extras:

tim53
Postmaster

Reged: 12/17/04

Loc: Highland Park, CA

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: GeneT]
#5648774 - 01/28/13 05:27 PM

I'm slackin'!

Haven't bought another telescope since at least Septober!

-Tim.

Post Extras:

dgreyson
sage

Reged: 11/06/12

Loc: South Carolina

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5649328 - 01/28/13 09:49 PM

Quote:

I'm slackin'!

Haven't bought another telescope since at least Septober!

-Tim.

There is a movie that covers this situation Tim: "Cheaper by the Dozen"

Post Extras:

Mike W
member

Reged: 04/30/06

Loc: Upstate NY

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: tim53]
#5650930 - 01/29/13 06:49 PM Attachment (6 downloads)

Anybody know where I can get missing parts for my 12.5" mount? (1.5" shafts and Obs. base) It's missing the motor assemby though the back plate is there,R/A setting circle and tangent arm & clamp?

Post Extras:

Mike W
member

Reged: 04/30/06

Loc: Upstate NY

Re: Only had 2 Caves, so bought 2 more! new

[Re: Mike W]
#5650934 - 01/29/13 06:50 PM Attachment (5 downloads)

Quote:

Anybody know where I can get missing parts for my 12.5" mount? (1.5" shafts and Obs. base) It's missing the motor assemby though the back plate is there,R/A setting circle and tangent arm & clamp?

Post Extras:

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