Telescope Reviews: Edmund model 4004 CL scope

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Equipment Discussions >> Classic Telescopes

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actionhac
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/09/08

Loc: WA

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new

[Re: starman876]
#5621536 - 01/13/13 07:57 PM

I've always thought those were the coolest looking scopes.
Very expensive in their day.
Can't wait for your report on the spider Brian. Probably not much in the way of diffraction spikes as thin as those vanes are.
How does the foucuser work? does it rotate or split the light cone?

Robert

Post Extras:

mustgobigger
Post Laureate

Reged: 06/12/07

Loc: Michigan

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new

[Re: actionhac]
#5621581 - 01/13/13 08:22 PM

Focuser is definetely factory
ins talled...4 bolts but very nice fit.
focuser does rotate and also
2 prisms inside....this model has all
The bells and whistles.
well built ...im going to find a ring
To fit tube for rotating.

Post Extras:

mustgobigger
Post Laureate

Reged: 06/12/07

Loc: Michigan

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new

[Re: mustgobigger]
#5621589 - 01/13/13 08:26 PM

Also the primary looks exceptional.
Covers did their job

Post Extras:

mustgobigger
Post Laureate

Reged: 06/12/07

Loc: Michigan

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new

[Re: mustgobigger]
#5621593 - 01/13/13 08:28 PM

Hard to believe this is technology
From 35 years ago.

Post Extras:

apfever
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 05/13/08

Loc: Colorado

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new

[Re: mustgobigger]
#5621640 - 01/13/13 08:45 PM

You got a great deal on this scope. The condition is admirable. I think these are unique looking scopes that really sepperate from the standard mold. One thing about them is the foot print. They have a HUGE spread over floor space.

Check the 8 pads (4 on each ring) that directly contact the OTA to hold it in the cradle. These might be bare cork. Felt, in good condition, on each pad can let the tube rotate by backing off the tension screws. The screws push on a metal bar that has pads attached. Check the lower fixed pads to make sure they hold the OTA off the metal cradle. These are built up with cork 'blocks' and rest down into a groove on the cradle end rig. Its easy to grind the OTA into the rings at this location if you rotate the tube.

Nice find. Glad you got it.

Post Extras:

mustgobigger
Post Laureate

Reged: 06/12/07

Loc: Michigan

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new

[Re: apfever]
#5621677 - 01/13/13 09:02 PM

I did notice on the lower cradle it looks
like 2 more screws might have solved
the tube from dragging ...looks like
Former owner was careful with it.
Maybe some felt there to be safe.
There is another 8" near me
But seller is asking 1550.00
For it....way to much if you ask
Me.

Post Extras:

mustgobigger
Post Laureate

Reged: 06/12/07

Loc: Michigan

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new

[Re: starman876]
#5621708 - 01/13/13 09:19 PM

Quote:

what Unitron in the background. Please, let's see a picture of that also. I hope it is one of those folded refractors. They are great.

forth picture from the top ...;-)

Post Extras:

starman876
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/28/08

Loc: VA

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new

[Re: mustgobigger]
#5621863 - 01/13/13 10:45 PM

That looks like a 131C. Excellent scope. Very rare. Is that the one you are trying to sell?

Post Extras:

Bob Myler
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 05/18/06

Loc: St Louis, MO

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new

[Re: apfever]
#5621880 - 01/13/13 11:02 PM

Quote:

Brian,

I just checked 5 sets of legs (15 legs) and none have those levelers. I've nevr seen them before. My guess is that they are home spun. I have one set that has one leveler screw for fine alt adjusment, most sets have nothing, and one set has a full array of large swivel casters. That caster set is from an 8" that came directly from Joseph Cocozza's work, through his family, to me. These seem to get modified with custom levelers and casters. The end castings are well set up for that.

Look inside the OTA and see if there are only two holes for the bolts that hold that OAG focuser on. If there are only those bolt holes, and none other for a different focuser, then you have a rare factory original indeed. And I hate using the word 'rare'. I think it's overly abused.
Edit: Ahh yes, you have the earlier version OAG. I'm not sure how that one was mounted. The newer ones only had two bolts.

Those leveling feet are called "Terrapods" and they were offered commercially about 20 years ago - along with aluminum castings to build your own german equatorial mount.

For a time, Dobbins Instruments included them as an option with their GEM piers.

Post Extras:

Ducky62
professor emeritus

Reged: 10/31/10

Loc: The ATL

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new

[Re: Bob Myler]
#5621906 - 01/13/13 11:19 PM

Nice!

I love the look of that telescope. It would make a nice "display piece" in a 20th Century Modern home.It looks like a science fiction "space cannon".

Post Extras:

mustgobigger
Post Laureate

Reged: 06/12/07

Loc: Michigan

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new

[Re: Ducky62]
#5622145 - 01/14/13 05:34 AM

thanks for that info bob... did a search...can't find any pictures.
this will make a great display piece in my scope room..
have to find some nice pictures to hang on wall also.

Post Extras:

MawkHawk
sage

Reged: 08/23/09

Loc: SE Michigan, USA

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new

[Re: apfever]
#5622713 - 01/14/13 01:40 PM

Congrats on getting that beauty! I've been wondering if someone was going to grab that.

FYI, there is an Edmund 4001 for sale or trade down in Monroe at this very moment. A bizarre coincidence...

Post Extras:

mustgobigger
Post Laureate

Reged: 06/12/07

Loc: Michigan

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new

[Re: MawkHawk]
#5622736 - 01/14/13 01:56 PM

Seller wants $1550.00
For it....

Edited by mustgobigger (01/14/13 02:03 PM)

Post Extras:

mustgobigger
Post Laureate

Reged: 06/12/07

Loc: Michigan

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new

[Re: mustgobigger]
#5622754 - 01/14/13 02:08 PM

Offered him a trade for a newer
Telescope ...have not heard back.
a cn member wants one but not
At that price.
This scope would have to ship
In 4 boxes....that's where edmund
Lost money on these...shipping.

Post Extras:

terraclarke
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 05/29/12

Loc: Over the river and thru the wo...

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new

[Re: mustgobigger]
#5622956 - 01/14/13 04:03 PM

That is very cool Brian. It looks like something Will Robinson and Dr. Smith would have been looking through in the old Lost in Space TV show. Its so retro space age. Like I said, a very, very cool scope. BTW, how much does it weigh?

Post Extras:

mustgobigger
Post Laureate

Reged: 06/12/07

Loc: Michigan

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new

[Re: terraclarke]
#5623292 - 01/14/13 07:36 PM

just a guess terra i would say about 60lbs woth those
cool retro levelers.
i have loved the looks of these since i first saw a picture
a few years ago ...then reading posts here about them.
very well built and solid.
from what i am reading in other posts these have fairly good optics.
that will be a plus.
my other edmund was a refractor
and that had excellent optics.

Post Extras:

Jaimo!
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/11/07

Loc: Exit 135 / 40° North

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new

[Re: mustgobigger]
#5623661 - 01/14/13 11:52 PM

Thanks for the photos! You gotta love those old Edmunds, very quirky.

Jaimo!

Post Extras:

mustgobigger
Post Laureate

Reged: 06/12/07

Loc: Michigan

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new

[Re: Jaimo!]
#5624979 - 01/15/13 07:05 PM Attachment (8 downloads)

i sprayed the whole base down and cleaned all the nooks and crannies. also replaced bolts on terrapods..resprayed everything with liquid plastic...even inside of pods. also took wd40 and tinfoil to pod support rods....looks much nicer now

Post Extras:

mustgobigger
Post Laureate

Reged: 06/12/07

Loc: Michigan

Re: Edmund model 4004 CL scope new