BarabinoSr
sage
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 328
Loc: Slidell La
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Guys!A Tasco 11TE LUNAGROSSO sold for only $11.50 on the bay!No I did'nt get it,but my buddy Mel Dawson was showing interest and I hope he jumped on it.We both read Uncle Rod's article on this instrument,and it seems to have decent optics.This one needs a little work and cleaning of the optics mount tray everything however.I hope that the optics are not damaged in any way.I have the 11TR that looks exactly like the 11TE but is red and no aluminum focusing knobs,and I also was fortunate enough to grab it for the very expensive price of $.99 plus shipping.The scope bears the Circle T (TOWA)symbol on the little ID tag mounted on the tube.Is the 11TE also a TOWA product?Gary
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12"GSO f/5.3" Newtonian Reflector 10" Meade LX-50 Fork Mounted Schmidt-Cassegrain
8" Hardin f/6 Newtonian reflector
6" Konus f/8 Refractor,Yulin 5"f/9 refractor,
4.5"TASCO Luminova f/9 Newtonian Reflector 4.5"TASCO 11TR(Lunagrosso) Red reflector
90mm Meade f/11 refractor,Tasco 10TE 76mm 1200mm f/l Refractor
60mm TASCO 7TE-5 1000mm f/16.7 Refractor 60mm TASCO 9TE 700mm f/l refractor
60mm TASCO 9TE-0 710mm f/l Refractor 50mm-TASCO 6TE-5 600mm f/l Refractor
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dawsonian2000
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 568
Loc: Riverview, FL, USA
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Well, I was fortunate in snagging the old 11TE-5 on eBay tonight! Cost me $11.50, but I will have to wait for the cost of shipping. Yes, this scope is going to need some work. If the optics are in good shape, I see no problem of restoring it to near its former glory. Wish me luck on the condition of the optics! Here is an image of it.
Mel
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Clear Skies, Forever!
The Vega Sky Center
10" (254mm) F/5.65 Home Built Fork Mounted Newtonian Reflector
5" (127mm) F/9.4 Home Built Refractor (under construction)
3.5" (90mm) F/11.1 "Vixen-Spec Modified" Konus Refractor
3.1" (80mm) F/6 Scopos ED APO Refractor
4.5" (114mm) F/8 Tasco 11te-5 Newtonian (under restoration)
2.4" (60mm) F/16.7 Tasco 7te-5 Refractor
2.4" (60mm) F/15 Jason Discoverer 313 Refractor
http://www.vega-sky-center.com
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David E
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/25/06
Posts: 3020
Loc: North Carolina
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I have a Tasco 11TE that came on a clunky altaz mount. Mine has a helical focuser that I had to repair, twice, the second time after I knocked the optical tube over on the floor and broke the pin that rides in the helical groove.  Mine still needs some work on the optics: cleaning and collimating. I purchased a set of rings from Telescope-Warehouse so I can use it on a better mount. Your new Tasco should have a nice mirror in it. I also have a Helinon brand with the same Towa optics that's really nice.
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David E
If you keep a stack of old Orion catalogs in your bathroom, you might be an astro-redneck.
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Dr Morbius
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/06/07
Posts: 1721
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Is that a 4.5" diameter scope? I'm not familiar with it. 
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Meade ETX-125
NightFire 6" f/8 Refractor with Moonlite focuser
Meade 14" LX200 S/C
D&G 10" f/15 Refractor with Parallax Mount
Little Giant 11x70mm Binos
I'm afraid of dying, but I've learned to live with it. ......Steve Perry
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Dr Morbius
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/06/07
Posts: 1721
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Never mind, I just googled it. I was right - 4.5". 
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Meade ETX-125
NightFire 6" f/8 Refractor with Moonlite focuser
Meade 14" LX200 S/C
D&G 10" f/15 Refractor with Parallax Mount
Little Giant 11x70mm Binos
I'm afraid of dying, but I've learned to live with it. ......Steve Perry
Edited by Dr Morbius (06/24/09 11:10 PM)
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dawsonian2000
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 568
Loc: Riverview, FL, USA
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Great looking scope you have there, David! It's quite interesting how these 11TE's evolved. I have never seen one like yours. Do you know when your telescope was produced? It appears to be from the 1950's or early 60's.
As for mine. I just hope it is optically sound. The picture I posted was taken from the eBay ad. Judging from its orientation, I could have some issues to work on with this instrument. Nevertheless, I think I got a great deal.
Mel
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Clear Skies, Forever!
The Vega Sky Center
10" (254mm) F/5.65 Home Built Fork Mounted Newtonian Reflector
5" (127mm) F/9.4 Home Built Refractor (under construction)
3.5" (90mm) F/11.1 "Vixen-Spec Modified" Konus Refractor
3.1" (80mm) F/6 Scopos ED APO Refractor
4.5" (114mm) F/8 Tasco 11te-5 Newtonian (under restoration)
2.4" (60mm) F/16.7 Tasco 7te-5 Refractor
2.4" (60mm) F/15 Jason Discoverer 313 Refractor
http://www.vega-sky-center.com
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David E
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/25/06
Posts: 3020
Loc: North Carolina
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Quote:
Never mind, I just googled it. I was right - 4.5".
Yep! 
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David E
If you keep a stack of old Orion catalogs in your bathroom, you might be an astro-redneck.
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David E
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/25/06
Posts: 3020
Loc: North Carolina
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Quote:
Great looking scope you have there, David! It's quite interesting how these 11TE's evolved. I have never seen one like yours. Do you know when your telescope was produced? It appears to be from the 1950's or early 60's.
As for mine. I just hope it is optically sound. The picture I posted was taken from the eBay ad. Judging from its orientation, I could have some issues to work on with this instrument. Nevertheless, I think I got a great deal.
Mel
Thanks Mel, and I think you did indeed get a good deal. I bought mine on EBay from a registered charity, and they were not the original owner. When it arrived, it was a real basket case, but cleaned up nicely. There were some original receipts, not for the scope unfortunately, but for some accessories dated 1961. I'm thinking the scope was bought that year.
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David E
If you keep a stack of old Orion catalogs in your bathroom, you might be an astro-redneck.
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BarabinoSr
sage
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 328
Loc: Slidell La
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Hi All! I was excited when I found out that my friend Mel got the TASCO 11TE.I told him that we will be able to use them for some joint observing sessions from our locations,weather permitting,at Slidell LA and Riverview FL.We conduct these sessions sometimes in coodination with info provided by our clear sky clocks and when there are clear skies at both our locales.On last evening Mel told me that his scope is on the way,and he will get it into shape when it arrives.He and I share a couple of telescopes of like kind-TASCOs 7TE-5,6TE-5,Jason#313 Discovery,Jason#311,which is great.We also like to coordinate lunar or solar eclipse events in this way and the reports of the session are made into a report for the Vega Sky Center's ASTRONOMICAL JOURNAL.Clear Skies! GarySr 
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12"GSO f/5.3" Newtonian Reflector 10" Meade LX-50 Fork Mounted Schmidt-Cassegrain
8" Hardin f/6 Newtonian reflector
6" Konus f/8 Refractor,Yulin 5"f/9 refractor,
4.5"TASCO Luminova f/9 Newtonian Reflector 4.5"TASCO 11TR(Lunagrosso) Red reflector
90mm Meade f/11 refractor,Tasco 10TE 76mm 1200mm f/l Refractor
60mm TASCO 7TE-5 1000mm f/16.7 Refractor 60mm TASCO 9TE 700mm f/l refractor
60mm TASCO 9TE-0 710mm f/l Refractor 50mm-TASCO 6TE-5 600mm f/l Refractor
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dawsonian2000
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 568
Loc: Riverview, FL, USA
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Quote:
Thanks Mel, and I think you did indeed get a good deal. I bought mine on EBay from a registered charity, and they were not the original owner. When it arrived, it was a real basket case, but cleaned up nicely. There were some original receipts, not for the scope unfortunately, but for some accessories dated 1961. I'm thinking the scope was bought that year.
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David E
The one I purchased was inherited. So, I am hoping it will arrive much like yours in only needing to be cleaned up. As I am sure you understand, my main concern is the optics. If they are in great shape, I should be in for a treat.
Mel
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Clear Skies, Forever!
The Vega Sky Center
10" (254mm) F/5.65 Home Built Fork Mounted Newtonian Reflector
5" (127mm) F/9.4 Home Built Refractor (under construction)
3.5" (90mm) F/11.1 "Vixen-Spec Modified" Konus Refractor
3.1" (80mm) F/6 Scopos ED APO Refractor
4.5" (114mm) F/8 Tasco 11te-5 Newtonian (under restoration)
2.4" (60mm) F/16.7 Tasco 7te-5 Refractor
2.4" (60mm) F/15 Jason Discoverer 313 Refractor
http://www.vega-sky-center.com
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dawsonian2000
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 568
Loc: Riverview, FL, USA
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To add to Gary's entry, we also periodically post our noteworthy observations of our joint sessions using similar scopes on our webhub for other amateurs to ponder. So, I foresee one being conducted and uploaded after I receive and get the Lunagrosso in prime working order.
Mel
--------------------
Clear Skies, Forever!
The Vega Sky Center
10" (254mm) F/5.65 Home Built Fork Mounted Newtonian Reflector
5" (127mm) F/9.4 Home Built Refractor (under construction)
3.5" (90mm) F/11.1 "Vixen-Spec Modified" Konus Refractor
3.1" (80mm) F/6 Scopos ED APO Refractor
4.5" (114mm) F/8 Tasco 11te-5 Newtonian (under restoration)
2.4" (60mm) F/16.7 Tasco 7te-5 Refractor
2.4" (60mm) F/15 Jason Discoverer 313 Refractor
http://www.vega-sky-center.com
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TimD
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/16/05
Posts: 906
Loc: CA USA
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I got one of these new a way way long time ago! I was always pleased with the optics. The eyepieces were another story!
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Takahashi TSC 225
WO Megrez 102
Meade ETX 90, ETX 125
Meade LX90
Classic Orange tube C14, C90, C5+
Etc,Etc,Etc!!
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dawsonian2000
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 568
Loc: Riverview, FL, USA
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Hi TimD,
I recently received the 11TE-5 only to find a number of issues with it. Here is a list:
1) Multiple dents on the tube. Especially in the area of the focuser and finder bracket. I will replace the tube.
2) The secondary's aluminization appears to be deteriorating. Will attempt a proper cleaning before making a determination on whether to replace or have re-aluminized.
3) The primary has a good coating, but there is a small spot where it looks like someone had rubbed it too hard. Another concern, I have read that the primary mirrors for these instruments were made from Pyrex. Well, the primary in this scope has a greenish-blue color indicative of plate glass. ****QUESTION**** Can anyone tell me the color and material of the original primary?
4) During shipping, the bottom half of cradle ring connected to the EQ head was broken cleanly. I will try to use a liquid weld type adhesive to put it back together.
5) Missing flex-cable.
Other than the above mentioned issues (which are quite a few), the scope is in good enough shape to restore. I will post some images when time permits. The equatorial head, end rings, focuser, finder & bracket, and legs are all in great shape. For a total of $37.00 (cost+shipping), I can not complain.
Mel
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Clear Skies, Forever!
The Vega Sky Center
10" (254mm) F/5.65 Home Built Fork Mounted Newtonian Reflector
5" (127mm) F/9.4 Home Built Refractor (under construction)
3.5" (90mm) F/11.1 "Vixen-Spec Modified" Konus Refractor
3.1" (80mm) F/6 Scopos ED APO Refractor
4.5" (114mm) F/8 Tasco 11te-5 Newtonian (under restoration)
2.4" (60mm) F/16.7 Tasco 7te-5 Refractor
2.4" (60mm) F/15 Jason Discoverer 313 Refractor
http://www.vega-sky-center.com
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dawsonian2000
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 568
Loc: Riverview, FL, USA
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Just recently got the optics for the Tasco 11te-5 recoated by Spectrum Coatings. Turned out well. Now, I will need to either remove the dents from the existing tube, or purchase a new one. I will post before and after shots.
Mel
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Clear Skies, Forever!
The Vega Sky Center
10" (254mm) F/5.65 Home Built Fork Mounted Newtonian Reflector
5" (127mm) F/9.4 Home Built Refractor (under construction)
3.5" (90mm) F/11.1 "Vixen-Spec Modified" Konus Refractor
3.1" (80mm) F/6 Scopos ED APO Refractor
4.5" (114mm) F/8 Tasco 11te-5 Newtonian (under restoration)
2.4" (60mm) F/16.7 Tasco 7te-5 Refractor
2.4" (60mm) F/15 Jason Discoverer 313 Refractor
http://www.vega-sky-center.com
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dawsonian2000
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 568
Loc: Riverview, FL, USA
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Here is a picture of the primary before recoating by Spectrum Coatings. Pretty darn nasty!
Mel
--------------------
Clear Skies, Forever!
The Vega Sky Center
10" (254mm) F/5.65 Home Built Fork Mounted Newtonian Reflector
5" (127mm) F/9.4 Home Built Refractor (under construction)
3.5" (90mm) F/11.1 "Vixen-Spec Modified" Konus Refractor
3.1" (80mm) F/6 Scopos ED APO Refractor
4.5" (114mm) F/8 Tasco 11te-5 Newtonian (under restoration)
2.4" (60mm) F/16.7 Tasco 7te-5 Refractor
2.4" (60mm) F/15 Jason Discoverer 313 Refractor
http://www.vega-sky-center.com
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dawsonian2000
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 568
Loc: Riverview, FL, USA
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The is a photo of the optics once they returned from Spectrum.
Mel
--------------------
Clear Skies, Forever!
The Vega Sky Center
10" (254mm) F/5.65 Home Built Fork Mounted Newtonian Reflector
5" (127mm) F/9.4 Home Built Refractor (under construction)
3.5" (90mm) F/11.1 "Vixen-Spec Modified" Konus Refractor
3.1" (80mm) F/6 Scopos ED APO Refractor
4.5" (114mm) F/8 Tasco 11te-5 Newtonian (under restoration)
2.4" (60mm) F/16.7 Tasco 7te-5 Refractor
2.4" (60mm) F/15 Jason Discoverer 313 Refractor
http://www.vega-sky-center.com
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dawsonian2000
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 568
Loc: Riverview, FL, USA
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This shot is of the rear of the primary with the Spectrum sticker.
Mel
--------------------
Clear Skies, Forever!
The Vega Sky Center
10" (254mm) F/5.65 Home Built Fork Mounted Newtonian Reflector
5" (127mm) F/9.4 Home Built Refractor (under construction)
3.5" (90mm) F/11.1 "Vixen-Spec Modified" Konus Refractor
3.1" (80mm) F/6 Scopos ED APO Refractor
4.5" (114mm) F/8 Tasco 11te-5 Newtonian (under restoration)
2.4" (60mm) F/16.7 Tasco 7te-5 Refractor
2.4" (60mm) F/15 Jason Discoverer 313 Refractor
http://www.vega-sky-center.com
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astrowolf67
member
Reged: 12/15/07
Posts: 94
Loc: Western Kentucky
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What was the charge for recoating?
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David
"Seek the Spirit of the Wolf, for He holds the Secret of Life."
Edmund Astroscan/Meade DS 2000 tripod
Meade ETX 60
Tasco 60mm EQ
Meade 114 NT/LXD75
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dawsonian2000
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/26/06
Posts: 568
Loc: Riverview, FL, USA
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Quote:
What was the charge for recoating?
Hi David,
The total cost to me was $90.00. This included shipping to and from Spectrum ($20.00), and the cost for the EAL coatings of $70.00.  I know it is a stretch to pay this much to have a mirror of the size and make to be recoated, but I really wanted to retain authentic components to restore this instrument. I could have also gone with the cheaper PAL coating for $50.00 plus shipping, but I wanted the EAL instead. As for the Max-R coating, I left that option alone. 
Actually, I have a 4.5" mirror from a Grampus Cosmos 114mm f/8 reflector that I could have used. Just keeping it real. 
Mel
--------------------
Clear Skies, Forever!
The Vega Sky Center
10" (254mm) F/5.65 Home Built Fork Mounted Newtonian Reflector
5" (127mm) F/9.4 Home Built Refractor (under construction)
3.5" (90mm) F/11.1 "Vixen-Spec Modified" Konus Refractor
3.1" (80mm) F/6 Scopos ED APO Refractor
4.5" (114mm) F/8 Tasco 11te-5 Newtonian (under restoration)
2.4" (60mm) F/16.7 Tasco 7te-5 Refractor
2.4" (60mm) F/15 Jason Discoverer 313 Refractor
http://www.vega-sky-center.com
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