Telescope Reviews: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150

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Locoman
professor emeritus

Reged: 03/09/09

Loc: Abilene, Kansas

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: cordite33]
#5717715 - 03/07/13 04:31 AM Attachment (39 downloads)

The Orion VersaGo ll is what I use.

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KerryR
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/05/07

Loc: SW Michigan

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 [Re: Locoman]
#5717979 - 03/07/13 09:30 AM

Do you have any interference issues on that Versago?

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BoldAxis1967
member

Reged: 10/11/12

Loc: Kentucky

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: Joe Bergeron]
#5718227 - 03/07/13 11:37 AM

Mr. Bergeron,

The main reason I bought the Omni XLT 150 last May (2012) as my first scope was because of your review. It was excellent! As a matter of fact I still refer to it.

I did update the mount to a GPD2 in part in anticipation of buying a larger OTA.

My only real complaint of the scope is the slop in the focuser, which has become more apparent with the GPD2.

So, now I formally thank you for your informative and well written review!

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Locoman
professor emeritus

Reged: 03/09/09

Loc: Abilene, Kansas

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: KerryR]
#5718239 - 03/07/13 11:43 AM

Quote:

Do you have any interference issues on that Versago?

It cannot go 90 degrees, maybe 80 degrees if my memory serves me well. It is like a dob on a tripod and with degree circles. Very smooth, light, transportable and easy to use.

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Locoman
professor emeritus

Reged: 03/09/09

Loc: Abilene, Kansas

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: BoldAxis1967]
#5718260 - 03/07/13 11:51 AM

Quote:

Mr. Bergeron,

The main reason I bought the Omni XLT 150 last May (2012) as my first scope was because of your review. It was excellent! As a matter of fact I still refer to it.

I did update the mount to a GPD2 in part in anticipation of buying a larger OTA.

My only real complaint of the scope is the slop in the focuser, which has become more apparent with the GPD2.

So, now I formally thank you for your informative and well written review!

I did this to the focuser on my C6-N and it is very smooth with no slop. I added two strips of teflon to the upper draw tube directly opposite of the ones on the bottom and the focuser is now light years from what it was!

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BoldAxis1967
member

Reged: 10/11/12

Loc: Kentucky

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: Locoman]
#5718310 - 03/07/13 12:11 PM

Thanks Locoman!

I just did quick scan of the link you included. Will certainly investigate this option further. Could be just what the doctor ordered

.

Thanks again.

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Starman81
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 03/06/08

Loc: Metro Detroit, MI, USA

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: cordite33]
#5718383 - 03/07/13 12:54 PM

Quote:

Interesting! This looks like it would be a great grab and go scope. I don't have any mount for it.

What would be a good but simple mount for this scope? Something like the mount in the op photo? What is that one?

The mount is the Astro-Tech Voyager as seen with the extension pier accessory. With this configuration, I can see up to the zenith without any issues. With the tripod legs fully extended, the eyepiece height is quite high, which I like since I am 6'2" and can standing up without having to bend at all. You do have to be careful that you don't accidently bump the setup, especially at certain angles as it can tip over due to the uneven weight distribution. Overall though, great mount and a nice setup so far. The problem is that the mount (and extension) are tough to get new. Astronomics had them on backorder most of last year, now both items are on a wait list. Best bet is the used market.

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Sarkikos
Postmaster

Reged: 12/18/07

Loc: Suburban Maryland, USA

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: Starman81]
#5718445 - 03/07/13 01:32 PM

I have the AT Voyager mount and extension. The extension is useful - maybe necessary - for some longish telescopes that might hit the mount when pointing toward zenith. But the extension adds appreciably to the weight and cumbersomeness of the Voyager mount. That's not good for optimal grab-n-go. I'd rather leave the extension off if I can.

One way to get around needing the extension, is to mount the OTA higher up on the dovetail saddle. Then the bottom end of the OTA will clear the mount when the scope is pointed toward zenith. I was able to do this for my 5" f/5 Newt OTA, but I had to add some weight toward the bottom end of the OTA as a counterbalance. Hopefully I'll be able to do the same for my 6" f/5 OTA.

By the way, I like to sit when I'm observing. I was able to do that with my 5" f/5 scope.

Mike

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KerryR
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/05/07

Loc: SW Michigan

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: Locoman]
#5718640 - 03/07/13 03:10 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Do you have any interference issues on that Versago?

It cannot go 90 degrees, maybe 80 degrees if my memory serves me well. It is like a dob on a tripod and with degree circles. Very smooth, light, transportable and easy to use.

Got it. Thanks.

Tube interference is something I find difficult to resolve with 6" scopes on grab and go type alt-az heads and tripods.

I have a Unistar on a heavy duty surveyor tripod that works perfectly with my 6" f5, but not with my 6" f6. On the f6, the tube hits the mount near zenith, and the ep is just out of standing height (tall tripod, even compressed, for refractors). Funny how much difference f5 vs. f6 can make...

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BoldAxis1967
member

Reged: 10/11/12

Loc: Kentucky

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: Joe Bergeron]
#5718952 - 03/07/13 05:55 PM

I should have added to my above comments regarding your conclusion that “a diligent observer could occupy himself for years with this scope” is true, and that I have enjoyed this scope immensely.

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bherv
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 03/10/06

Loc: WMass

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: Pinbout]
#5719063 - 03/07/13 06:53 PM

I have the Skywatcher 130/650 that I picked up at NEAF for $50 a couple of years back. I recently upgraded to a 2-speed crayford focuser. I use it on a Vixen Portamount and an LXD 55. Great little scope.
Barry

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Locoman
professor emeritus

Reged: 03/09/09

Loc: Abilene, Kansas

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: BoldAxis1967]
#5719118 - 03/07/13 07:18 PM

Quote:

I should have added to my above comments regarding your conclusion that “a diligent observer could occupy himself for years with this scope” is true, and that I have enjoyed this scope immensely.

I have enjoyed my C6-N very much to. A 6" f/5 newt on a simple Alt Az mount is simply a joy to use! So I couldn't let the XLT 150 go especially since it has a 2" crayford focuser.

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Pinbout
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/22/10

Loc: Montclair

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: Locoman]
#5719235 - 03/07/13 08:06 PM Attachment (23 downloads)

Quote:

A 6" f/5 newt on a simple Alt Az mount is simply a joy to use!

Yes it is.

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BSJ
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 12/22/08

Loc: Grand Isle, VT

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: Astrojensen]
#5719241 - 03/07/13 08:08 PM

Quote:

130mm f/5 version with 2" 1:10 crayford also available:

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p3933_Skywatcher-Ex...

Clear skies!
Thomas, Denmark

Anybody know where I could get that crayford for my SW 130mm?

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Pinbout
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/22/10

Loc: Montclair

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: BSJ]
#5719274 - 03/07/13 08:24 PM

you can use any low profile focuser and make an adapter plate cause the SW has a 2.5in focuser which has a large foot print.

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BoldAxis1967
member

Reged: 10/11/12

Loc: Kentucky

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: Locoman]
#5719275 - 03/07/13 08:24 PM

My Omni 150 edition has the 1.25" focuser. I never considered upgrading to a two inch. The thought of cutting metal is not appealing. Future plans call for an 8 inch OTA from Orion and I will install a moonlite on it. But I will never part with the Omni 150; it is so easy to set-up. Plus, it is my first scope. I remember the first surfboard (new) I bought. After 3 years I sold it to get another and it was a terrible mistake, both from a technical and emotional aspect. None of my other boards, except for one my surfing buddy gave me, did I ever have such an emotional connection with.

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Starman81
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 03/06/08

Loc: Metro Detroit, MI, USA

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: waso29]
#5719713 - 03/08/13 12:28 AM

Quote:

Orion discontinued their 6in imaging newt.
It had 2in crayford with fine focuser and built-in extension tube.

Try using WO binoviewers with the newt.
Nice comet scanner.

I don't think I've ever binoviewed with my dob--would it be easier with this scope? For someone with not just 1 but 2 binoviewers I am pretty clueless about using them in a newt.

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waso29
sage

Reged: 05/12/10

Loc: Chi-Town, USA, mother earth

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: Starman81]
#5719740 - 03/08/13 12:50 AM

I am able to easily bring to focus WO binoviewers on Vixen 130mm f/5 and Orion 150mm f/5.
Note: these short newts needed an extension to focus "cyclops" style.

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Starman81
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 03/06/08

Loc: Metro Detroit, MI, USA

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: waso29]
#5719750 - 03/08/13 01:04 AM

Quote:

I am able to easily bring to focus WO binoviewers on Vixen 130mm f/5 and Orion 150mm f/5.
Note: these short newts needed an extension to focus "cyclops" style.

I'm definitely going to try that out. Might need to add a counterweight on the OTA with that setup, though.

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Sarkikos
Postmaster

Reged: 12/18/07

Loc: Suburban Maryland, USA

Re: Finally--a stock 6" f/5 w/2" focuser--Omni XLT 150 new

[Re: waso29]
#5719903 - 03/08/13 06:45 AM

Quote:

I am able to easily bring to focus WO binoviewers on Vixen 130mm f/5 and Orion 150mm f/5.
Note: these short newts needed an extension to focus "cyclops" style.

Usually, there is not enough inside focus to accommodate a binoviewer on Newts. That is how my 8" f/6 and 10" f/4.8 Dobs are. For them to come to focus with a binoviewer, I need to insert a Barlow or OCS.

So are you saying the 5" f/5 and 6" f/5 are able to come to focus with the binoviewer without a Barlow or OCS, and that they need an extension to come to focus without the binoviewer? I guess that's one way to keep the OTA short, though it means they should put in a larger secondary.

I'll check my little Newts out with my Burgess binoviewer and see for myself.

Mike

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