Phillip Creed
Idiot Seeking Village
Reged: 07/25/06
Posts: 1033
Loc: NE Ohio
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Quote:
Hey Phil,
I had a thought about your focuser. I don't know if your focuser is stiff, but mine is. Well, at least it was, anyway. I finally took it apart and cleaned the rack and pinion and put a very light coating of silicone lubricant on it. It moves much easier now, but there is also a bit of play in it.
I'm not telling you how you should spend your money or anything, but if you're going to hang onto your 120 for a while, you might want to consider upgrading the focuser. It's a shame that Orion doesn't make an after-market focuser for their refractors.
Another thing you might want to upgrade is the viewfinder. The FOV of the stock viewfinder is too narrow. I'm going to get a Rigel Quickfinder as a replacement.
Yeah, that focuser will get fixed. I'm just focused (no pun intended) on getting the 2"-dielectric first. I can't use any 2"-EPs without it, and I bought the 120ST in large part to get rich-field capabilities with the option of higher power (~100x) viewing.
Of course, there's the issue of the mount; the AstroTech Voyager mount I ordered is back-ordered; so I might not have the 120ST in operation by time BFSP rolls around. I'm getting pretty geeked; it's just two weeks out!
I'm selling the 6x30 stock finder (or, at least, hoping to), and I'm giving some thought to forgoing a finder scope altogether. My 23mm Axiom LX eyepiece gives me ~3.2-deg TFOV as is, and that's more than the 2.4-deg TFOV in my current "RFT", a set of 25x100 Oberwerks. There's no finderscope on those, and they've worked alright, but a 120ST in tow makes them extraneous for rich-field viewing (hint! hint!)
The focuser will get updated in due time. I'll wait in the weeds for some deals on aftermarket GSO focusers and see what happens at that point.
Clear Skies,
Phil
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"Why suffer from insanity when you can revel in it?"
Wilderness Center Astronomy Club member since 1995
ICQ Comet Observer Code: CRE01
*****
16" f/4.5 Truss Dobsonian (FOR SALE!!)
Orion 120mm ST Refractor
23mm Axiom LX
13mm Nagler Type 6
9mm Nagler Type 6
1.75X Siebert Barlow
*****
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desertrefugee
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/06/07
Posts: 529
Loc: Arizona
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Quote:
I'm selling the 6x30 stock finder (or, at least, hoping to), and I'm giving some thought to forgoing a finder scope altogether.
Yeah, the 6x30 was one of the first things I ditched, too. It's currently serving ETX-125 duty. I'm using a 9x50 straight through on the 120ST and it works pretty well. Plus, you're right about one thing Phil, With a widefield EP and f5 yielding 3 or 4 degrees, who the heck needs a finder anyway?
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"Look now upon the River of Heaven, Sky-Road of the Immortals, White with the star-frost of a billion years".
+++
-Darrell
Reflectors (114, 150, 254mm), Refractors (60, 76.2, 80, 120), MCT (125), way too many Binoculars
Cave Creek/Carefree, AZ
Edited by desertrefugee (08/23/08 07:40 PM)
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JonM
member
Reged: 07/25/08
Posts: 11
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The Dielectric coated mirrors are supposed to be far more durable. I have a WO 2" dielectric for my 120ED and it is great. Very well made. The mirror is hard set and can not be collimated. Some other diagonals do allow for collimation but, WO says that if it can be collimated, it will probably need it. They say theirs will never need it. Go figure.
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Jon
Orion 120ED
C102-HD
CG-4
CG-5 Advanced GT
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DoctorNoodle
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/14/07
Posts: 664
Loc: Lawn Guyland, NY
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The 120ST is a great scope with a few upgrades. Here's mine with a GSO 2-speed Crayford focuser, an EZ-Finder and an Orion 2" Dielectric diagonal. A WO VR-1 minus-violet filter really improves the image, too.
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“Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!” - Homer Simpson
Alanoodle's Model Portfolio
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KWB
Postmaster
Reged: 09/30/06
Posts: 7635
Loc: Westminster,Co Elev.1646Meters
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A very nice,cost effective setup,Alan. Widefield delight. I like it.
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Kenny
"When dealing with a mystery,choose the most unlikely of the likely possibilities"-Sherlock Holmes
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Talstarone
Vendor (Inner Planetary Products)
Reged: 09/12/06
Posts: 7597
Loc: Benson, North Carolina
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I have to say the accessories you have added to your 120 look Great.But I would imagine They Make the 120 Perform Much Better Then It Even Looks.
Nice Mount Also.
Looks as if could qualify for a Grab and Go set-up.
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Todd C.
Celestron NexStar 4SE(102mm F/13)Maksutov-Cass
Meade ETX-80AT(80mm F/5)Achro Refractor
Meade ETX-60BB(60mm F/5.8)Achro Refractor
www.innerplanetaryproducts.com
Meteorites and More....
"Outer Space at Down to Earth Prices"
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DoctorNoodle
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/14/07
Posts: 664
Loc: Lawn Guyland, NY
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Thanks, Kenny and Todd. The little add-ons are definitely an improvement. The VR-1 filter, especially with an 80mm stop-down mask actually makes the scope perform well on planets. The mount however, is another story. It's Orion's stock Astroview which is just enough to handle the weight of the scope. A pair of Orion anti-vibration pads do help but the scope could use something sturdier.
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“Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!” - Homer Simpson
Alanoodle's Model Portfolio
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cygnus72
super member
Reged: 06/13/07
Posts: 160
Loc: State College, PA
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Hey guys,
Doctor Noodle, I can't seem to find the load capacity for the AstroView mount. Would you happen to know what it is? Also, where did you get your focuser from?
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We have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.
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DoctorNoodle
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/14/07
Posts: 664
Loc: Lawn Guyland, NY
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Y'know I can't find the capacity of the Astroview anywhere, either. With all the goodies I've added onto my scope, including a new 8x50 finder, the scope probably weighs about 10 or 11 pounds. As for the focuser, Agena Astro has them at a great price with free shipping.
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“Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!” - Homer Simpson
Alanoodle's Model Portfolio
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watcher
super member
Reged: 11/21/07
Posts: 118
Loc: NJ
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Hey Phil. I have an A.T. dielectric for my f/8.3 120. There's a noticeable difference in brightness over the stock 1.25, but I really don't think you'd notice the difference between dielectric and enhanced.I went with the dielectric because the coatings won't slowly degrade over the years. I think quartz is just a gimmick, and you reach the point of diminishing returns with anything more than a name brand dielectric.
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1986 Celestron c-8 (retired)
Celestron Omni XLT 120
Meade 16x50 binoculars
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GardnerPacificCA
sage
Reged: 07/26/07
Posts: 204
Loc: California, USA
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I'm planning to Moonlite my 120ST very soon. I put my 2" Meade Diagonal on it last night to try some 2" eyepieces and it wobbled all over. The stock focuser just can't handle it. So in my opinion the focuser must be upgraded before adding a 2" Diagonal.
Question for Darrell....which drawtube did you get for your 120ST...2.5"?....and also...did you get compression rings with the Low position or standard?...thanks in advance.
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All the best,
Gardner
Meade LX200R 10" UHTC GPS
Orion Astroview 120ST EQ "Moonlite Focuser"
Canon 10x42L IS WP Binoculars
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TexBiker
super member
Reged: 12/18/07
Posts: 130
Loc: North Texas
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Quote:
Y'know I can't find the capacity of the Astroview anywhere, either. With all the goodies I've added onto my scope, including a new 8x50 finder, the scope probably weighs about 10 or 11 pounds. As for the focuser, Agena Astro has them at a great price with free shipping.
According to the Orion website (download the PDF manual), the capacity of the Astroview is "approx 12lbs."
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Michael
Dallas, TX
Orion 127mm Mak-Cass
Orion 10" Dob
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desertrefugee
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/06/07
Posts: 529
Loc: Arizona
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Quote:
Question for Darrell....which drawtube did you get for your 120ST...2.5"?....and also...did you get compression rings with the Low position or standard?...thanks in advance.
Hi Gardner,
I ordered the standard Synta mount CF model Moonlite. It is configured with a 4.5" drawtube. I did not specify a particular compression ring format - I got whatever the stock CF is built with. I would not recommend going with a custom, shorter length drawtube. You might not be able to bring longer f/l EP's into focus.
If you haven't already, visit Moonlite's web site for more information:
Moonlite Refractor Page
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"Look now upon the River of Heaven, Sky-Road of the Immortals, White with the star-frost of a billion years".
+++
-Darrell
Reflectors (114, 150, 254mm), Refractors (60, 76.2, 80, 120), MCT (125), way too many Binoculars
Cave Creek/Carefree, AZ
Edited by desertrefugee (08/29/08 09:01 AM)
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RussL
Music Maker
Reged: 03/18/08
Posts: 1609
Loc: Cayce, SC
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Phil, I read that the Astro Tech diagonal was one of Sky and Telescope's new product of the year, or hot new product, (something like that) last year, I think it was. The price is good, the features are good, and the build looks good to me. That's what I want for Christmas. 
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--Russell
"Akita mani yo." Observe everything as you walk. (--Lakota)
Celestron Celestar 8 Standard SCT, f10
Celestron 80mm Wide View ref., f5
Criterion RV-6 Dynascope, Newt., f8, (c. 1962)
Sears Discoverer 60mm ref., f7, (c. 1973)
Celestron Ultima DX 10x50, 6.5 TFOV
Tasco 7x35 wide
Several mediocre eyepieces
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csa/montana
Astro Ambassador
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 28654
Loc: montana
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I have an AT on my Vixen 80mm, & love it! The build & finish is beautiful. Very solidly built.
Can't go wrong there.
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
AstroTech 66ED / Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Tak LE 5mm B/TMB 3.2
7mm Pentax XL, 10mm Pentax XW
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
22mm Pan, 35mm Pan
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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Jim7728
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/10/05
Posts: 4009
Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
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Quote:
Quote:
Question for Darrell....which drawtube did you get for your 120ST...2.5"?....and also...did you get compression rings with the Low position or standard?...thanks in advance.
Hi Gardner,
I ordered the standard Synta mount CF model Moonlite. It is configured with a 4.5" drawtube. I did not specify a particular compression ring format - I got whatever the stock CF is built with. I would not recommend going with a custom, shorter length drawtube. You might not be able to bring longer f/l EP's into focus.
If you haven't already, visit Moonlite's web site for more information:
Moonlite Refractor Page
For me, I went with a 2.5" drawer tube with standard compression ring in my Moonlite/120ST. Since I use a 26mm Nagler, I wanted the entire field of view illuminated and not compromised with a longer drawer tube that may vignette the shallow light cone of a f/5 system. No problems focusing with 26mm Nagler or 13mm Ethos.
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Jim
TV-76 -40mmHa/5mm BF
Vixen NA-140
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GardnerPacificCA
sage
Reged: 07/26/07
Posts: 204
Loc: California, USA
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Special thanks to Darrell and Jim for advice on the Moonlite focuser for my Orion 120ST f/5. I just placed the order. Woohoo!!
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All the best,
Gardner
Meade LX200R 10" UHTC GPS
Orion Astroview 120ST EQ "Moonlite Focuser"
Canon 10x42L IS WP Binoculars
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GardnerPacificCA
sage
Reged: 07/26/07
Posts: 204
Loc: California, USA
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Way cool!! Today I received shipping notice from Moonlite...that was fast!!
Now I need to decide if I need to upgrade the 6X30 Straight-through finder...the Moonlite focuser I ordered for this Orion 120ST has a twin finder bracket...so I could add a green laser bracket and an Orion Ez-finder Deluxe reflex Sight or swap one of those for an Orion illuminated 9x50 finder...suggestions?....or as Darrell mentioned...with widefield eyepieces who needs a finder...this is going to be interesting...oh yeah!!
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All the best,
Gardner
Meade LX200R 10" UHTC GPS
Orion Astroview 120ST EQ "Moonlite Focuser"
Canon 10x42L IS WP Binoculars
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GardnerPacificCA
sage
Reged: 07/26/07
Posts: 204
Loc: California, USA
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hmmm....no suggestions on the finder options?.....
well...I have an update on the focuser...
I received the Moonlite focuser yesterday and installed it today. The original Phillips screws are now upgraded to Allen bolts...and I didn't have the Allen wrench at home yesterday. It is very nice...very smooth...EVERYTHING I hoped for. Much better than the original focuser. I upgraded this Orion 120ST because I really enjoy the views it has shown me and I felt it needed much more precision and smoothness in the focuser. I'm still undecided on finder options as I mentioned above. In summary...I had a short session tonight as the marine layer rolled in before I could get very much accomplished. I did verify that the focuser is a very nice addition to the scope...I may switch to Alt/Az next too...the GEM is just too much work for visual viewing...sorry to take this too far from Diagonal suggestions for the 120ST however this thread may end up containing many improvement options for this excellent wide-field deep sky Refracter. Clear skies!!
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All the best,
Gardner
Meade LX200R 10" UHTC GPS
Orion Astroview 120ST EQ "Moonlite Focuser"
Canon 10x42L IS WP Binoculars
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Jim7728
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/10/05
Posts: 4009
Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
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Quote:
hmmm....no suggestions on the finder options?.....
For me, I liked(used) the Rigel Quick finder mounted on the tube ring and also used a Telrad mounted on the dew shield. No need for a 6x30 finder if using scope at low mags.
Moonlite focuser is a worthwhile upgrade. It improves alignent at the focuser end which, in my case, resulted in tighter looking stars. 
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Jim
TV-76 -40mmHa/5mm BF
Vixen NA-140
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