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rolandlinda3
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/24/06
Posts: 1612
Loc: Crozet VA 22932
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I recently managed to get a Vixen flip mirror after doing much research about something affordable but decent quality. We use MallinCAMs on a variety of scopes so a flip is very very helpful. I had an elcheapo 1.25 flip but wanted something better. Focus issues (enough "in" focus) is always an issue with astro video cams, so I was looking for a flip with short light travel.
In short, I recommend the Vixen flip with some adapters--to make the straight-in port focusable with a video cam. The flip has been reviewed before but here is a brief summary for anyone interested in its application relative to video camera application:
1. The Vixen flip is well machined and designed for the price ($80 brand new if you can find it; I had trouble finding it from vendors). The 2 inch end that fits in the scope of choice looks and fits like a standard 2 inch EP. The two 1.25 inch viewing ports are screwed into the main body; they are both T thread-connected and can be removed. The flip mirror is large -- very nice since my other flip mirror surface was too small and 'cut-off' part of the view with EPs over 15 mm or so. The flip mechanism is smooth except for a little click at the stop point when in position for the "upper port". When the mirror is rotated out of the light path, it's parked position is completely out of the light path so it does not interfere with the straight-in port view with an EP or a video cam.
2. Light travel length for the straight-in port is too long for the MallinCAM so I ordered an adapter from ScopeStuff that replaced one of the tubes. The net length reduced the original light path over an inch, which was fine for my MallinCAMs. The adapter is a little over $30.
3. I tried the flip with the SV102ED (the critical case) and the C8. I used a 32mm TV Plossl in one port and the MallinCAM ProDob straight-in the other port (with the adapter piece from scope stuff to get the light travel length reduced). The arrangement worked like a champ. EP viewing was pleasant so the mirror quality, position, and coatings are decent.
Roland
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 5096
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
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Thanks Roland, do you have links for where you got your Vixen flip-mirror and the for the adapter?
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Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M102ED S.V., ZS 80FD 10th Anniv, ZS 66SD, PST
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com
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rolandlinda3
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/24/06
Posts: 1612
Loc: Crozet VA 22932
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I wish I could give you a link to someone selling the Vixen flip; I would buy a second one. I bought mine from a private person who never used it. As for the adapter, I think it is http://www.scopestuff.com/ss_tadpt.htm for the t-thread adapters. Most of my friends have done business with ScopeStuff; Jim (owns the business) is great to deal with...and I will call him perchance he can get the Vixen flips.
My initial order for the flip was to a prominent vendor but they cancelled the order after 3 weeks saying the flip was no longer offered. Later, a Vixen owner said the cancellation did not make sense since Vixen scope buyers sometimes get the flip sent with their new scopes. Wish I could make more sense out of the situation, but cannot. In any case, if I hear of a vendor that has it, I will holler. Perhaps another CN member or vendor will be able to locate a vendor that has them.
Roland
Roland
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Bowmoreman
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/11/06
Posts: 2988
Loc: Bolton, MA
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One additional thing about the Vixen flip - which I've been using for 18 months... the axle/axis for the flip mechanism will come loose from the external knob... then the whole thing basically "comes apart" inside, and the knob moves the mirror NOT!
So, make sure the very tiny allen screw that connects the external knob to the shaft - is tight at all times!
(I had a broadcast session NOT happen because of this exact problem!)...
Especially if you get one of these used... It is decently made, but it isn't a Van Slyke Slider - that's for sure!
PS: mine is available - but only if you buy the ED100Sf and MoonLite with it! 
clear enough skies
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Dave
Ustream
YLive
XT10i, RTP, CGE, R200CF, TMB80SS
31T5, 22T4, 13Ethos, 8Ethos, TV 3-6 Zoom; Paracorr
MallincamColorHyperPlus,SBIG STV&237A;CanonRebel Xti
WilderSkiesObservatory(BYO #90)
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jw54
newbie
Reged: 11/22/05
Posts: 3
Loc: Southeast Nebraska
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Roland,
Thanks for the information on the adapter. I ordered and received a Vixen flip from Oceanside P & T just last week. I hope to have some time and clear skies to give it a try with my MCHP this week.
John
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NS11
LX10
10" Dob
Skywatcher 102 f5
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rolandlinda3
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/24/06
Posts: 1612
Loc: Crozet VA 22932
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John, what is Oceanside P and T or a link? I would like to check longer term availability of the flip. Roland
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mclewis1
Thread Killer
Reged: 02/25/06
Posts: 2451
Loc: Colorado
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That's OPT ... www.optcorp.com
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Mark
C11, C6, APM/TMB115, and AT80ED
Tandem mount CGE and CG-5A, WO EZ-Touch and AT Voyager
25x100s, 8x56s, T-Mount Light, and Mark 1 eyeballs
Modded 350D, SPC900, Mallincam
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rolandlinda3
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/24/06
Posts: 1612
Loc: Crozet VA 22932
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Yep...for readers of this thread...OPT does carry it in stock and can re-order it. The number is VX2680. It took some digging at OPT to find it. Roland
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