asaint
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/25/03
Posts: 2089
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Astro-Tech 102ED
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Scott Beith
SRF
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 37129
Loc: Frederick, MD
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One of the best refractor reviews I have read. Very well done! 
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   SLAP Observer (TMB130SS, SV102V, SV80ED)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not determined by what he accomplishes for himself, but by what he accomplishes for others.” -- Some Bald Guy
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ScottAz
Fleet Navigator
Reged: 02/06/05
Posts: 1151
Loc: Millington, TN
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Jon, you and Monks Monkulus make a great team!  Excellent review! I really enjoyed it!
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Scott Azmus
SV80BV, C6S XLT, NexStar 11, & 18" Obsession 
Many Views Yield Truth
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ik507racer
super member
Reged: 01/15/08
Posts: 147
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mmmm good review.
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John Kocijanski
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 08/22/03
Posts: 1662
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Great review. Is this the same as the Orion version?
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Deep Space Observer 10 * SPC-8 * C102 HD f/10 * XT 4.5 * Orion/Moonlite 80ED * PST *
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ik507racer
super member
Reged: 01/15/08
Posts: 147
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Would be nice toget a review about the 111mm Astro tech triplet.
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jrcrilly
Refractor wienie no more
Reged: 04/30/03
Posts: 25187
Loc: NE Ohio
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Great work, Jon! Very thorough and informative.
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John C
Urban Observatory
A&M/Astreya 76mm F/6 APO
TMB/LOMO 80mm F/7.5 APO
Tak FSQ-106N F/5 APO
Meade 178ED F/9 "APO"
Meade ETX-125AT
C14
Teeter 20" F/3.8 truss Newt w/ServoCat
CI-700, NJP, GPDX/SS2KPC, CG5-GT
ST-10XME, DSI Pro
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Tom Trusock
Reged: 02/26/02
Posts: 29948
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Very Nicely Done Jon. 
T
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Hyperbole - undoubtedly the best thing ever.
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Phil Frederick
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 12/19/05
Posts: 844
Loc: Seattle, WA & La Paz MX
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Excellent review John
My experience with the SV102ED mirrors virtually everything you said. And the comparison with the 80mm scope clearly helps answer often-asked questions of 80mm vs. 102mm.
I've concluded, as did you, that the 102mm is the scope to grab (over the 80mm) because it'll definitely show more yet it is still very portable. But I'm still keeping my SV80ED!
Good job!
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Phil
Intes M500 MCT (Teton Mods)
Stellarvue SV115EDT
Stellarvue SVR70ED Raptor
Orion ST80 f/5 w/Crayford
SV F50 Sparrowhawk
SV F60 Biggerhawk
Tak Teeguls, SV MG, SV Stablelock tripod, TV Gibraltar tripod, a rebuilt TV Gibraltar tripod with fixed Walnut/Oak legs, M1 on Bogen475
... Naglers, Panoptics, Stratus'
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runner
super member
Reged: 11/26/07
Posts: 178
Loc: Nova Scotia, Canada
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Wonderfull review Jon, this this has put my search for a new refractor to rest......excellent!
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CollinofAlabama
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/24/03
Posts: 1176
Loc: Lubbock, Texas, USA
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Jon,
A very timely review the community needed. I'm about to pull the trigger myself on Orion's, which looks to be the same. I have two requests for you. First, could you possibly post some jpegs of the 80mm in its case and the 102 in its case? I realize this can be inferred by your photo of the tubes, but its nice to see how much bigger the package you'll actually put in the car is, size-wise.
Also, you mention you used the EQ-3 for this review. How did the EQ-3 handle this big, bad boy? It's a lot more scope than an 80mm. I own the AT80ED and its on an Orion AstroView, too, and would like to know how you feel the EQ-3 fares driving so much more scope.
Keep up the good work and thanks, again,
CDS
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Coelum Serendum
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Jon Isaacs
Postmaster
Reged: 06/16/04
Posts: 12070
Loc: San Diego, California
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Hello and thank you all for your kind words. I had fun doing this review and as time went on I began to trust the scope more and more and now the reality is that in the last month I haven't used the 80mm Megrez II FD, it stays in it's case.
Answers to a few questions and make a few comments..
- I believe the optics are the same as the Orion scope though the focuser may be different.
- I may be getting the opportunity to test the AT-111EDT.
- Tom
- Phil: I did see you write up in the refractors section of the SV-102ED and your experiences seemed like we were working with essentially the same scope...
- CDS: My Astro-View EQ-3 is plenty solid for visual though it does sit on a Vixen Super Polaris wooden tripod.
As far as the photo of the two cases, I think it would be somewhat misleading. The WO 80mm Megrez II FD is a 555mm focal length scope but it is built into a 480mm FL OTA and then a extender tube on the focser is used to add that extra length. I don't like that aspect, it puts the focuser too far forward and it risks vignetting but it does make for a shorter scope. I think my case would be smaller than your 80mm.
I like the fact that the AT-102ED uses a full length tube rather than the extender tube but it makes for a longer scope. The AT-102ED case is a full sized case designed for the scope plus a 2 inch diagonal so it is much larger. Since you would not be getting a case with the Orion scope, the photo are probably a better judge of the relative size.
Make no mistake though, this is a considerably bigger scope but it is still a very reasonable size, when I went out this morning with my wife and house guest to look at Jupiter and Venus, this was the one.
Clear skies ahead...
Jon
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CollinofAlabama
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/24/03
Posts: 1176
Loc: Lubbock, Texas, USA
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I won't?
Orion 102ED case 
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Coelum Serendum
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mattz
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/03/06
Posts: 608
Loc: Where is Rescue CA?
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Nice job, Jon. Very well written.
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Matt
Orion XT10i with Feather Touch and Paracorr
26T5 17T4
9, 7, & 5T6
Either 12T4 or 13T6, we'll see after the death match.
One homeless SV80S
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Jon Isaacs
Postmaster
Reged: 06/16/04
Posts: 12070
Loc: San Diego, California
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Quote:
I won't?
Orion 102ED case
I'll try to get a photo to you well before the May 3rd "expectedship date..." (for the case) 
Jon
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Pasquale
Encrypted
Reged: 10/12/05
Posts: 2219
Loc: Olympia, Washington
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Well done, and thanks, Jon... The 102ED has turned into my grab 'n go scope as well... I love looking through it! My 80 stays in the case since getting the 102...
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Pasquale
Go Seahawks!
NexStar 9.25 GPS / SkyAlign
Stellarvue SV102ED
WO ZS80FD Anniversary
WO ZS66ED Triplet
Vixen Sphinx SXW
Canon EOS XT/350D, Meade DSI, NexImager
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Phil Frederick
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 12/19/05
Posts: 844
Loc: Seattle, WA & La Paz MX
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Quote:
My 80 stays in the case since getting the 102...
Yah Pasquale, but what to do with the beautiful NHNG??????  I can't give it up! Of course, with this pathetic PNW weather, we may as well pack all of 'em up---or sell 'em. No never!..... 
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Phil
Intes M500 MCT (Teton Mods)
Stellarvue SV115EDT
Stellarvue SVR70ED Raptor
Orion ST80 f/5 w/Crayford
SV F50 Sparrowhawk
SV F60 Biggerhawk
Tak Teeguls, SV MG, SV Stablelock tripod, TV Gibraltar tripod, a rebuilt TV Gibraltar tripod with fixed Walnut/Oak legs, M1 on Bogen475
... Naglers, Panoptics, Stratus'
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Jon Isaacs
Postmaster
Reged: 06/16/04
Posts: 12070
Loc: San Diego, California
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Quote:
Quote:
My 80 stays in the case since getting the 102...
Yah Pasquale, but what to do with the beautiful NHNG?????? I can't give it up! Of course, with this pathetic PNW weather, we may as well pack all of 'em up---or sell 'em. No never!.....
That is a good question. I have a 80mm William Optics Megrez II FD with the FPL-53 objective sitting in it's case. I figure it's a birding/imaging scope. It's a better size for digiscoping than the 102ED's. For astronomy, with an 80mm I am always a bit hungry, with the 102mm I am satisfied.
It's a light meal compared to those big round mirrors that wait in the garage but it's enough.
Jon
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Pasquale
Encrypted
Reged: 10/12/05
Posts: 2219
Loc: Olympia, Washington
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How true! The 102 is just enough to quell the appetite... I am really tired of this weather, Phil; and Arizona looks more and more inviting as another NW winter rolls along...
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Pasquale
Go Seahawks!
NexStar 9.25 GPS / SkyAlign
Stellarvue SV102ED
WO ZS80FD Anniversary
WO ZS66ED Triplet
Vixen Sphinx SXW
Canon EOS XT/350D, Meade DSI, NexImager
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doctordub
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/11/06
Posts: 1024
Loc: New Rochelle, New York
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Excellent article Jon! At 23" this Looks like the Ideal travel scope for me. Your article covered all of my questions, now its time to save my money!
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Jonathan
TeleVue TV102 on a Vixen Sphinx SXW mount
Meade LX200 10" SCT EMC on LXD55 with Pier
Jason Monolux 60mm F11 Achromat
Canon 15x50 IS
Minox BD 15X58 ED BR
Celestron Regal 8X42 LX
Olympus E-510, Zuiko 14-42, & 40-150
Meade DSI, LPI, Eep Orion color Eep
TeleVue Binovue, barlow,filters, & eps
Siebert Power Mag wheel
ASUS Eee PC
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Houdini
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/13/07
Posts: 523
Loc: Europe
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Thanks for the review!
I guess a lot of people would also be interested in a shoot-out between the 102ED and the WO Megrez 110. They're about the same size, same weight, same price...
Robert
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16" f/4.9 motorized alt-az, 25" f/5 Dobson, 43" f/4 alt-az under construction
Mirror Edge Support Calculator
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CollinofAlabama
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/24/03
Posts: 1176
Loc: Lubbock, Texas, USA
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Okay, you've got 4 months to post the pictures! Did some measuring and think I have my answers. The AstroTech 80ED comes in a fairly large case with eyepiece/diagonal extra cut-outs. It's 13"x22.5"x8" The Orion 102ED's case (theoretically since, yep, it is vaporware) supposedly comes in at 9"x31"x9" -- that's not much difference in actual displacement in the ole car. It's a much longer case, but really not much more in terms of space utilized. Just for grins, what are the dimensions of the AstroTech's case? Folks might wanna know what they'll have to pack into the car for trips.
I got my AT80ED from Astronomics in the early Fall of 2006 and I LOVE this scope. I'd just as soon get the AstroTech 102, but made a foolish purchase over Christmas -- the Mak 127 with SVP from Orion. I find the SVP simply NOT grab 'n go. This mount doesn't fit in my car well and is very heavy and unwieldy to me, so it went back to Orion. I now have a LOT of credit with them, so their 102ED makes sense for me. Waiting on the case till May does NOT make me happy On top of that, getting this scope in December is a painful reminder of how LONG it takes for a 5" Mak to cool down. Let's just say it ain't NOTHING like the AT80ED  Though I'm sure the 102 doublet takes a little longer to reach equilibrium than the 80, I imagine it can be measured in some minute increments, not hour ones.
Oh well, I suppose I learn the hard way. Your review is making everyone water at the mouth, Jon. You're serving up a tasty meal alright, and one folks are ready for! Thanks again,
CDS
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Coelum Serendum
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Jon Isaacs
Postmaster
Reged: 06/16/04
Posts: 12070
Loc: San Diego, California
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Quote:
Okay, you've got 4 months to post the pictures! Did some measuring and think I have my answers. The AstroTech 80ED comes in a fairly large case with eyepiece/diagonal extra cut-outs. It's 13"x22.5"x8" The Orion 102ED's case (theoretically since, yep, it is vaporware) supposedly comes in at 9"x31"x9" -- that's not much difference in actual displacement in the ole car. It's a much longer case, but really not much more in terms of space utilized. Just for grins, what are the dimensions of the AstroTech's case? Folks might wanna know what they'll have to pack into the car for trips.
In this case(pun intended), the measurements are better than a picture I think.
The case for the 80mm WO Mergez II FD is 6.5x 11 x 18, quite a bit smaller than the AT-80ED case. But in reality it is too small because there is no room for the 5 or 6 eyepieces one wants so an added case for the eyepieces is necessary.
The AT-102ED is slightly smaller than the Orion Case, its 9x10x29in, pretty big, not airline portable but as you say, reasonable in a car.
Jon
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runner
super member
Reged: 11/26/07
Posts: 178
Loc: Nova Scotia, Canada
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I cannot seem to find a Canadian dealer..If anyone can help,please do..If not somewhere close to the Northeast,I'm in Nova Scotia..Thanks on advance..
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Jon Isaacs
Postmaster
Reged: 06/16/04
Posts: 12070
Loc: San Diego, California
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Quote:
I cannot seem to find a Canadian dealer..If anyone can help,please do..If not somewhere close to the Northeast,I'm in Nova Scotia..Thanks on advance..
Astronomics carries the AT-102ED and ships to Canada.
Jon
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Talstarone
Vendor (Inner Planetary Products)
Reged: 09/12/06
Posts: 7905
Loc: Benson, North Carolina
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Great Review on the scope,Jon. I am thrilled it offers so much at a good price for the aperature.
If you think its a keeper,then I know it must be a very good performer.
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Todd C.
Celestron NexStar 4SE(102mm F/13)Maksutov-Cass
www.innerplanetaryproducts.com
Meteorites and More....
"Outer Space at Down to Earth Prices"
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gripweed44
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/12/05
Posts: 952
Loc: PDX
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No Airline??
Case to big?
--------------------
John
Omega Centauri is the finest Globular I have seen with my own eyes.
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Duncan Rosie
super member
Reged: 02/14/04
Posts: 135
Loc: South Africa
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Thanks for the great review Jon!
I'm envious of the 102/Portamount combination - my ETX only takes about 10 minutes to set up but I'm so lazy these days that the thought of that 10 minutes of calibrate motors, training drives and aligning often prevents me from carrying the scope outside.
The options are a new setup like yours, or to get off my butt, guess I'll try the latter for now!
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Duncan Rosie
ETX-125
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Jon Isaacs
Postmaster
Reged: 06/16/04
Posts: 12070
Loc: San Diego, California
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Quote:
Thanks for the great review Jon!
I'm envious of the 102/Portamount combination - my ETX only takes about 10 minutes to set up but I'm so lazy these days that the thought of that 10 minutes of calibrate motors, training drives and aligning often prevents me from carrying the scope outside.
The options are a new setup like yours, or to get off my butt, guess I'll try the latter for now!
Duncan: I am basically a refractor/Newtonian guy. The AT-102ED is a nice companion for a larger scope like a 12.5 inch Newtonian. The AT-102ED on a ALT-AZ mount is sweet. The wide field of view is nice, it is capable of a 3.7 degree True Field of view so it does not need a finder, it's a 102mm Superfinder for Starhopping.
Still... your Etx-125, do you need to calibrate the motors everytime, with the one I had, it was only necessary to do that once. And while it doesn't enjoy the generous field of view that the AT-102ED does, you could use it without setting up the goto... Just a thought...
But yeah, a 4 inch refractor on an ALT-AZ mount: pick up scope and mount, open the door, walk though door to backyard, set scope down. You're done...
Jon
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 6552
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
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Excellent review Jon and pretty matches my experience comparing my M102ED and Z80FD both mounted on my EZ-Touch mount. I’ve had no issue with my focuser, WO said that they correct all focusers as needed before shipping them out, my sample is better then the focuser on my ZS. I did have the same issue with the dew shield but as you said, it’s a simple fix. IMHO these 102EDs are the great value of the year!
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Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M110 Doublet ED, AT 102Achro, ZS80FD 10th Anniv, ZS66SD, PST
CG5-AGT, EZ-Touch, Voyager
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com
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David Pavlich
Postmaster
Reged: 05/18/05
Posts: 8652
Loc: Mandeville, LA USA 30.22 X 90....
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Very nice report, Jon. An enjoyable read.
David
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Proud Member; PAS NOLA,
"If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn't be called research..."
A. Einstein
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Duncan Rosie
super member
Reged: 02/14/04
Posts: 135
Loc: South Africa
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Hi Jon,
With the ETX running on an external 12V that does duty elsewhere as well, the Calibrate Motors and Train Drives before every session does improve GOTO accuracy markedly.
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Duncan Rosie
ETX-125
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Clive Gibbons
Mostly Harmless
Reged: 05/26/05
Posts: 13421
Loc: Oort Cloud
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Very objective and informative review, Jon! 
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A few telescopes of dubious value.
Understanding wife, two curious cats and one sadly departed.
"Semper ubi sub ubi"
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ckwastro
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 11/23/05
Posts: 802
Loc: AZ
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Great review Jon - very well done!! Thanks!
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Kerry
- AP 92mm Stowaway (f/7 version.....actually f/6.57)
- Takahashi Mewlon 210
- Giro 3 Twin View
- 10x42 Audubon Equinox
- Bogen 3221 tripod / 3047 3-Way Head
- Denk Std BV
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vct
newbie
Reged: 03/04/08
Posts: 2
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I would say the review is right on the money
I have an at102ed.
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skymac
member
Reged: 11/07/05
Posts: 34
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Jon,
I use a Porta Mount with my AT-80ED and find its marginal for handling even that 8 or 9 pound scope (including diagonal and heavy EP) Did you find that it still worked OK with the added wwight of the AT-102ED?
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BCB
Undercover Saboteur
Reged: 11/24/03
Posts: 5196
Loc: Look over your shoulder
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That article, as well as an in person inspection, is what sold me on mine..
VERY accurate article..
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Mark
Lost in thought. Please send search party!!!
Astro-Tech 111EDT
Orion 8" F5 Newt w/Moonlight CR-2 focuser
SVP mount w/Meade 497 Autostar GOTO mod
Treeline Observatory
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CollinofAlabama
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/24/03
Posts: 1176
Loc: Lubbock, Texas, USA
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Okay, Jon,
You've had this for more than 6 months now, what do you think? Is this scope better than your 130ST? How do they compare?
Inquiring minds want to know,
CDS
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Coelum Serendum
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Jack Huerkamp
Vendor - Waning Moon
Reged: 10/13/05
Posts: 648
Loc: Louisiana
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Post deleted by Jack Huerkamp
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Orion ED80
Astro-Tech 102EDF
Coulter CT-100
Celestron 6" f/8 Refractor
8" Newtonian/Cassegrain on Byers 812 Mount
Classic C-8
Celestron 11" CPC 100 with HyperStar
17.5" AstroSystems TeleKit
Life Member and ALCOR - PAS New Orleans
 Waning Moon II Observatory
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neptuneblue
member
Reged: 04/04/09
Posts: 34
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Very fine unit.
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neptuneblue
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Astronomics
Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.
Reged: 06/07/04
Posts: 3066
Loc: Right Here
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1. We agree on the cases. Never have liked them, but not much we can do about it. We figured it was better then sending them in a box with no case at all.
2. The lens is blown off and cleaned before shipment. Dust and paint flecks can fall on the lens in shipment. It is a natural occurence.
3. We state it is not an entire FT focuser, but a custom micro focuser for that particular unit. The bolts that hold the Micro to the body will adjust the tension and allow engagement. The knurled knob has a small black teflon peice that cradles the shaft. If you loosened the knob all the way then the saddle peice is now loose in your focuser. That is more then likely why the bolt will not give you drag on the focuser shaft.
Mike
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Michael Bieler
I live vicariously through myself.
Father and Husband
Owner
www.astronomics.com
www.astronomytechnologies.com
www.cloudynights.com
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Jack Huerkamp
Vendor - Waning Moon
Reged: 10/13/05
Posts: 648
Loc: Louisiana
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Post deleted by Jack Huerkamp
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Orion ED80
Astro-Tech 102EDF
Coulter CT-100
Celestron 6" f/8 Refractor
8" Newtonian/Cassegrain on Byers 812 Mount
Classic C-8
Celestron 11" CPC 100 with HyperStar
17.5" AstroSystems TeleKit
Life Member and ALCOR - PAS New Orleans
Waning Moon II Observatory
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spaceydee
Postmaster
Reged: 04/16/04
Posts: 16119
Loc: Where the Kittens Are
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Folks, a reminder here that per the terms of service, vendors are supposed to only comment on products you manufacture or resell.
thanks.
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Dee
space-scientist
student violinist
Nexstar8i,SV80S,80/9D,FC100,94 Brandon,TMB92SS,GM8
8" f/7 Discovery,12.5" Portaball, PST
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Jack Huerkamp
Vendor - Waning Moon
Reged: 10/13/05
Posts: 648
Loc: Louisiana
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Dee,
Sorry for the posts. I didn't read the fine print. I have removed them.
However, I would like to know the procedure for disassembling the focuser to try to retrieve the part Michael mentiond should have been there.
Jack
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Orion ED80
Astro-Tech 102EDF
Coulter CT-100
Celestron 6" f/8 Refractor
8" Newtonian/Cassegrain on Byers 812 Mount
Classic C-8
Celestron 11" CPC 100 with HyperStar
17.5" AstroSystems TeleKit
Life Member and ALCOR - PAS New Orleans
Waning Moon II Observatory
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Astronomics
Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.
Reged: 06/07/04
Posts: 3066
Loc: Right Here
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You will have to disassemble the focusing mechanism from the focuser body. There are 8 screws to take off. There are two allen heads on each side of the focuser cover by the focus knobs and the four underneath. Once the cover is taken off the body, the drawtube will come out and you can get to the saddle. It is black with a white interior.
Mike
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Michael Bieler
I live vicariously through myself.
Father and Husband
Owner
www.astronomics.com
www.astronomytechnologies.com
www.cloudynights.com
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Jack Huerkamp
Vendor - Waning Moon
Reged: 10/13/05
Posts: 648
Loc: Louisiana
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Mike,
Thanks. I will take it apart after dinner.
Jack
--------------------
Orion ED80
Astro-Tech 102EDF
Coulter CT-100
Celestron 6" f/8 Refractor
8" Newtonian/Cassegrain on Byers 812 Mount
Classic C-8
Celestron 11" CPC 100 with HyperStar
17.5" AstroSystems TeleKit
Life Member and ALCOR - PAS New Orleans
Waning Moon II Observatory
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Jack Huerkamp
Vendor - Waning Moon
Reged: 10/13/05
Posts: 648
Loc: Louisiana
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Mike,
Well, the focuser is fixed. There were actually 6 screws - two on each side by the focuser knobs and two on the bottom. Once I removed them and took off the single speed focuser knob, I could slide out the shart and lift the saddle off of the focuser. The black plastic Teflon rod that pushes against the focuser shaft was in the bottom of the focuser housing. After re-asembling the focuser, there is now pressure being applied against the focusing shaft and there is about 1/4" of travel left before it bottoms out. I did not see in the instructions that the Tension Adjust and Lock Knob should not be removed as doing so can result in the Teflon piece falling off into the focuser housing. This might be somethng to consider adding to assist others.
I now an anxiously awaiting first light.
Jack Huerakmp
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Orion ED80
Astro-Tech 102EDF
Coulter CT-100
Celestron 6" f/8 Refractor
8" Newtonian/Cassegrain on Byers 812 Mount
Classic C-8
Celestron 11" CPC 100 with HyperStar
17.5" AstroSystems TeleKit
Life Member and ALCOR - PAS New Orleans
Waning Moon II Observatory
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Jack Huerkamp
Vendor - Waning Moon
Reged: 10/13/05
Posts: 648
Loc: Louisiana
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Has anyone come up with a way to dim the finderscope on the AT102EDF? Even at the lowest brightness setting, it is too bright. The way it is constructed, adding anything to the circuitry to dim the LED looks daunting.
Suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jack Huerkamp
--------------------
Orion ED80
Astro-Tech 102EDF
Coulter CT-100
Celestron 6" f/8 Refractor
8" Newtonian/Cassegrain on Byers 812 Mount
Classic C-8
Celestron 11" CPC 100 with HyperStar
17.5" AstroSystems TeleKit
Life Member and ALCOR - PAS New Orleans
Waning Moon II Observatory
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7331Peg
professor emeritus
Reged: 09/01/08
Posts: 718
Loc: North coast of Oregon
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Jack,
Haven't come up with a way to dim that finder, but the one sold by Stellarvue is identical and is ideal for night time use. I realize that probably doesn't help you, but it does indicate that there is a way. On the other hand, the Astronomics finder is great for day time use, while the Stellarvue model isn't.
John
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Jack Huerkamp
Vendor - Waning Moon
Reged: 10/13/05
Posts: 648
Loc: Louisiana
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John,
Thanks for the quick response. I will look up the unit you suggested. There may even be some members in our local club who have one that I can try.
Jack
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Orion ED80
Astro-Tech 102EDF
Coulter CT-100
Celestron 6" f/8 Refractor
8" Newtonian/Cassegrain on Byers 812 Mount
Classic C-8
Celestron 11" CPC 100 with HyperStar
17.5" AstroSystems TeleKit
Life Member and ALCOR - PAS New Orleans
Waning Moon II Observatory
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DizzyGazer
member
Reged: 01/14/09
Posts: 40
Loc: Concrete, WA. USA
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Quote:
Has anyone come up with a way to dim the finderscope on the AT102EDF? Even at the lowest brightness setting, it is too bright. The way it is constructed, adding anything to the circuitry to dim the LED looks daunting.
Suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks, Jack Huerkamp
HI Jack,
I also have an At102ED (it's my only scope) and have really enjoyed it's quality. Also, I too had to do some re-work on the FT focuser, as there was a flaw in the inside of the casting that the focuser was rubbing against. A little work with a Dremel tool and I polished it out, reassembled and adjusted and now it is smooth as silk. 
As for the AT reticule sight, yep, it's a bright sucker even at lowest power setting. My suggestion is to go to a garage sale (or the local 7-11) and get a pair of cheap, lightly-tinted sunglasses that have plastic lenses. Then, remove one of the plastic lenses and trim it to fit the backside of the sight window.
Now, that said I have to tell you that I have only tried this to test the theory but have not gone as far as customizing a sunglass lens to cover the area. It actually works pretty good though when I just hold the sunglass lens up to the back of the sight window and then view through it.
I also made a mount that allowed me to mount the reticule sight up on the front scope ring, so that way I wouldn't risk a trip to the chiropractor when trying to sight in on a target. 
To be honest I have adapted a mount so that I could mount my Orion 9x50 RACI, which is my finderscope of choice. I do think that will dim the light enough to make it usable, however, and not cost an arm and a leg in re-engineering the whole thing.
Awesome scope in this rookies opinion, and all I'll ever need in a 102mm refractor.
Hope this is of some help.
Mike
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Astro-Tech AT102ED
Orion Sirius EQ-G
Edge-On and Stratus EP's
"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." Calvin Coolidge
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Jack Huerkamp
Vendor - Waning Moon
Reged: 10/13/05
Posts: 648
Loc: Louisiana
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Mike,
Thanks for the reply. I have an Orion 9X50 Right Angle finderscope that I may try to adapt to the scope.
Jack
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Orion ED80
Astro-Tech 102EDF
Coulter CT-100
Celestron 6" f/8 Refractor
8" Newtonian/Cassegrain on Byers 812 Mount
Classic C-8
Celestron 11" CPC 100 with HyperStar
17.5" AstroSystems TeleKit
Life Member and ALCOR - PAS New Orleans
Waning Moon II Observatory
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Jack Huerkamp
Vendor - Waning Moon
Reged: 10/13/05
Posts: 648
Loc: Louisiana
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I have the FeatherTouch MicroFocuser version of this scope and Monday night I had a problem with the fine adjuster. I noticed that turning the knob was not resulting in the draw tube moving. I used the coarse focus knob to achieve focus. If I loosened the friction adjusting screw on the draw tube, then the micro focusing knob would move it. But to keep the draw tube from sliding under the weight of the 1.25" diagonal and MallinCam, I needed to keep the tension knob fairly tight.
Is there a way to adjust the micro focusing mechanism to allow it to move the draw tube when the tension knob is engaged?
Jack Huerkamp
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Orion ED80
Astro-Tech 102EDF
Coulter CT-100
Celestron 6" f/8 Refractor
8" Newtonian/Cassegrain on Byers 812 Mount
Classic C-8
Celestron 11" CPC 100 with HyperStar
17.5" AstroSystems TeleKit
Life Member and ALCOR - PAS New Orleans
Waning Moon II Observatory
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Jack Huerkamp
Vendor - Waning Moon
Reged: 10/13/05
Posts: 648
Loc: Louisiana
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Problem resolved. In closer inspection, there was a missing Allen set screw that holds the stainless steeel gear reduction housing to the focuser to keep it from moving. I contacted Astronomics who contacted Starlight Instruments. Wayne from Starlight Instruments called and told me he would send me some replacement screws. They arrived today along with the correct Allen wrench; and after a quick install the focuser works perfectly. Great customer service.
Jack Huerkamp
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Orion ED80
Astro-Tech 102EDF
Coulter CT-100
Celestron 6" f/8 Refractor
8" Newtonian/Cassegrain on Byers 812 Mount
Classic C-8
Celestron 11" CPC 100 with HyperStar
17.5" AstroSystems TeleKit
Life Member and ALCOR - PAS New Orleans
Waning Moon II Observatory
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