1607 replies to this topic

[GUS.K]

In cold weather -- as many others have found -- my '77 C8's dust cap always became very loose. I gave it to a friend a few years ago, and I now use an AstroZap cover... but my cap looked exactly like the one in your other thread's photo... and mine never had a central knob, like some of the later ones did. Perhaps yours never did, either.

 

That's what I thought, mine doesn't show any indications that there was a central knob. If it had broken off and someone tried to file the remaining stub off it, I should be able to see some indication off it, It does have some scuff marks around that area, but looks nothing more than just wear from years of placing the cap face down on a surface.

 

See  this image from an older thread, same dust cap as mine.

[leichilu]

 

Hi everyone, just purchased a vintage C8 in good condition at an estate sale in LA last weekend.  I took it to Celestron in Torrance, CA and am having it serviced at the factory.  Looking forward to picking it up next week.  In the mean time, can someone tell me the manufacture date for my scope serial # 2380 8?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

--C

 

Edited by leichilu, 25 November 2021 - 03:41 PM.

[RSX11M+]

 

 

Hi everyone, just purchased a vintage C8 in good condition at an estate sale in LA last weekend.  I took it to Celestron in Torrance, CA and am having it serviced at the factory.  Looking forward to picking it up next week.  In the mean time, can someone tell me the manufacture date for my scope serial # 2380 8?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

--C

 

With additional photos, I could be more certain, but by SN it would be Q2 1978.

 

A confirmation would be found in nearby motor dates (probably late 1977) and the fact that the power chord is 3-prong type and plugs into the bottom of the base, not 2-prong and in the side.

 

Nice to hear Celestron is servicing these. I'd like to hear what services they offered? - and can they still perform a 1/20th wave tuneup?

 

Either way - Good Luck and drop us a note to know how it turned out.

 

Your scope was not previously in the Registry, thank you for posting it.

[leichilu]

Many thx for your reply.  I will take additional photos when I pick up my scope next week.  FYI, Celestron has a flat $150 clean/lube/collimate service for vintage C8s - freight is extra.  As I'm currently in So Cal for Thanksgiving, I purchased the scope locally and was able to drop it off at Celestron thus saving on freight charges.  Don't know about the 1/20th wave tune-up - will ask them after they open for business next week.

 

A few more questions:

1.  I note in the beginning of this thread the serial # format explanation.  Is there another serial # besides the one that I took a picture of?  Mine is only 4 digits + 1 digit.    Also, mine shows Celestron Pacific instead of Celestron International.

2.  I live in WA state and need to get this scope back home.  Is it safe to check-in the scope in the original padded case for my flight home?  It seems too big for carry-on luggage.  Any ideas on safe transport on a commercial airline?

 

3.  The original tripod (labeled Orion) that came with the scope does not collapse.  Does it need to be taken apart (unbolting the base) to package and ship.

 

Appreciate any and all suggestions....

[RSX11M+]

...A few more questions:
1.  I note in the beginning of this thread the serial # format explanation.  Is there another serial # besides the one that I took a picture of?  Mine is only 4 digits + 1 digit.    Also, mine shows Celestron Pacific instead of Celestron International.

Celestron changed Serial Number formats several times in the evolution of the company. Some of the formats marked changes in management and philosophy, some because the numbering scheme simply ran out. These days it's entirely different and no "scheme" is discernible.

Initially simple sequential numbers were assigned. These are generally 3 digits or less and began with "1". All axial focus models and the majority of Tricolor ones had numbers like this. Then, in 1972 near the end of Tricolor production, the QnnnY scheme was introduced. At first, these were 5 digits, which quickly progressed to six. (QnnnnY) Sometimes these are given as a continuous string, sometimes with space added in places.

In late 1978, a shakeup took place in which numbers seemed to "start over" again with 5 digits. Frankly, the assignments sometimes seem erratic in this period. We reassure ourselves of correct identification of scopes in this epoch by an 8 or 9 suffix and by physical characteristics. (i.e. - Die-cast vs Sand-Cast components)

In 1980, the Qn...nY format was discontinued entirely, and numbers began at 800001 increasing sequentially with each scope produced. The highest SN of this type in the registry is 958267 sold some time after 2001. We believe that reckons to the 158267th of the type before the Edge HD series. (give or take a few thousand)

These serial numbers represent all the 8" SCT scopes Celestron made including Polaris, Celestar, Ultima, NexStar and other minor variants - prior to Edge HD.


I am aware of variations in labeling like Celestron, Celestron Pacific and Celestron International, but am not familiar with genesis or meaning of those terms. I invite others to inform us and comment.

 

2.  I live in WA state and need to get this scope back home.  Is it safe to check-in the scope in the original padded case for my flight home?  It seems too big for carry-on luggage.  Any ideas on safe transport on a commercial airline?

This is best a question for Celestron when you pickup the scope. They may be able to add extra packing knowing your need, or at least advise you. I wouldn't be surprised if they had you focus the main mirror to the end of travel against the rear cell, and provided extra support for the secondary holder underneath the front cover. A modern case may also be applicable.
 

3.  The original tripod (labeled Orion) that came with the scope does not collapse.  Does it need to be taken apart (unbolting the base) to package and ship.

Not having seen it, I am sure disassembly is the only thing that makes sense.

[Kasmos]

In 1980, the Qn...nY format was discontinued entirely, and numbers began at 800001 increasing sequentially with each scope produced. 

 

I think you forgot that based on the registery, the 800001 numbering system started in early 1979 as there are no examples of the previous system afterwards. 

 

There appears to be only one C8 using the previous system ending in a 9 (serial# 1 444 9 ). It has an unknown assembly or purchase date other than it's motors (2/79), so that probably means it was one of the last numbered that way. Incidently my March 1979 C8 also has motors dated 2/79.

[RSX11M+]

I think you forgot that based on the registery, the 800001 numbering system started in early 1979 as there are no examples of the previous system afterwards. 

 

There appears to be only one C8 using the previous system ending in a 9 (serial# 1 444 9 ). It has an unknown assembly or purchase date other than it's motors (2/79), so that probably means it was one of the last numbered that way. Incidently my March 1979 C8 also has motors dated 2/79.

I agree, my statement was badly worded.

 

The registry seems to indicate a transition period where by late 1978 it may be that scopes were concurrently produced under both numbering systems. (Does this perhaps imply two manufacturing locations?)

 

 

When saying the later series began at 800001 (likely, though it hasn't been found) I meant only that and not to imply that date was 1980. However, the QnnnnY format had been extincted by 1980.

 

Put another way, the registry has only a single instance of Qnnnn9, and so it is also fair to say no scopes were produced in the QnnnnY format after 1979.

 

Thank you for the correction.

[CCD-Freak]

I agree, my statement was badly worded.

 

The registry seems to indicate a transition period where by late 1978 it may be that scopes were concurrently produced under both numbering systems. (Does this perhaps imply two manufacturing locations?)

 

 

When saying the later series began at 800001 (likely, though it hasn't been found) I meant only that and not to imply that date was 1980. However, the QnnnnY format had been extincted by 1980.

 

Put another way, the registry has only a single instance of Qnnnn9, and so it is also fair to say no scopes were produced in the QnnnnY format after 1979.

 

Thank you for the correction.

I have C8 sn 1 444 9 and  I have always been a bit curious about it.  It seems that the older scheme was used into the 1st quarter of 1979 since the motors are dated 2-79 (Feb) 

 

 

I got it from my best friend when he passed a few years ago and I believe he bought it used from someone in the Houston, TX area.  I have no paperwork to show any more info.

 

Maybe eventually another example of the old scheme in early 1979 will show up in the registry.

[Kasmos]

I have C8 sn 1 444 9 and  I have always been a bit curious about it.  It seems that the older scheme was used into the 1st quarter of 1979 since the motors are dated 2-79 (Feb) 

 

C8-sn14449.JPG

 

I got it from my best friend when he passed a few years ago and I believe he bought it used from someone in the Houston, TX area.  I have no paperwork to show any more info.

 

Maybe eventually another example of the old scheme in early 1979 will show up in the registry.

You certainly have one of the last Celestron Pacific labeled scopes from the old system. Since mine (#800783) has the new system of numbers and was picked up from Celestron on March17-18, 1979, is it reasonable that 783 were made between sometime in Feb. and mid March? 

 

In post 1066 C8# 802167 has a Oct. 22, 1979 dated invoice and that's less then twice as many (1,384) after mine, but it came from a retail shop so we don't know how much earlier it was actually produced.

[JoshKnight]

A week or two ago, I got an e-mail from our local amateur astronomers' club:  a science teacher at a local high school had (re)discovered an old Celestron C8 telescope that someone had donated to the school and she wondered if anyone could help her assess whether or not they could use it.  Since I own an old (1975) C8, the club reached out to me and I met with her Wednesday (2021-12-01).  Warning!  No Pictures!   The serial number on the school's C8 is 811620, on the secondary holder.  I do not know how long the telescope was in storage. When  I opened the (apparently original) case, I found a very well preserved C8 with lots of things (visual back, star diagonal, image inverter for terrestrial viewing, mounting bolts and tools original Celestron eyepieces (25mm and 40mm), barlow lens and two higher power (shorter focal length) eyepieces and power cord) stuffed in nooks and crannies around the telescope in the foam padding.  I advised her that these should probably be stored separately.  The yellow rear cap was in the case but not on the telescope.  The front cap had a knob in the middle and fit loosely on the telescope, but was held in place when the scope was in the stowed position in the fork mount by the knob on the cover.  The power cord was 3 prong (ours is two prong) and plugged in the bottom of the fork mount. We put the 40mm eyepiece in and could see some things through the only window in the classroom, so we know "it works".  The mirror and corrector plate were very clean and the scope itself had no signs of wear. The tripod looked almost new, but the equatorial wedge was missing. The tools and extra eyepieces made it clear that the scope had been used, but no telling how long it had been in storage.   While we were talking, another science teacher came in and he found (amongst the documentation that I had not examined) an inventory which indicated that the equatorial wedge had indeed been included with the telescope when it was donated to the school so hopefully that will turn up.  I allowed as how we could use my wedge (and portable power supply) to use the scope on the (well lit) school grounds to look at Jupiter but have not heard back.  I remembered that I had posted the serial number of our 1975 C8 here and used the C8 Registery to estimate that their scope was 1979-80ish.  Hopefully we will be in further contact and I can find out more about their scope and take some pictures.  My scope is #613 on this thread, serial number 1 3101 5.  We decided to purchase it in early 1975 and certainly took possession before September 1975 and are the original owners.  Not positive now, but it may be have been in stock at a local dealer in the San Jose, CA area.  We lived in Menlo Park, CA from 1972 until 1981. https://www.cloudyni...stry/?p=9671070

Edited by JoshKnight, 03 December 2021 - 05:15 PM.

[RSX11M+]

A week or two ago, I got an e-mail from our local amateur astronomers' club:  a science teacher at a local high school had (re)discovered an old Celestron C8 telescope that someone had donated to the school and she wondered if anyone could help her assess whether or not they could use it.  Since I own an old (1975) C8, the club reached out to me and I met with her Wednesday (2021-12-01).  Warning!  No Pictures!   The serial number on the school's C8 is 811620, on the secondary holder.  I do not know how long the telescope was in storage. When  I opened the (apparently original) case, I found a very well preserved C8 with lots of things (visual back, star diagonal, image inverter for terrestrial viewing, mounting bolts and tools original Celestron eyepieces (25mm and 40mm), barlow lens and two higher power (shorter focal length) eyepieces and power cord) stuffed in nooks and crannies around the telescope in the foam padding.  I advised her that these should probably be stored separately.  The yellow rear cap was in the case but not on the telescope.  The front cap had a knob in the middle and fit loosely on the telescope, but was held in place when the scope was in the stowed position in the fork mount by the knob on the cover.  The power cord was 3 prong (ours is two prong) and plugged in the bottom of the fork mount. We put the 40mm eyepiece in and could see some things through the only window in the classroom, so we know "it works".  The mirror and corrector plate were very clean and the scope itself had no signs of wear. The tripod looked almost new, but the equatorial wedge was missing. The tools and extra eyepieces made it clear that the scope had been used, but no telling how long it had been in storage.   While we were talking, another science teacher came in and he found (amongst the documentation that I had not examined) an inventory which indicated that the equatorial wedge had indeed been included with the telescope when it was donated to the school so hopefully that will turn up.  I allowed as how we could use my wedge (and portable power supply) to use the scope on the (well lit) school grounds to look at Jupiter but have not heard back.  I remembered that I had posted the serial number of our 1975 C8 here and used the C8 Registery to estimate that their scope was 1979-80ish.  Hopefully we will be in further contact and I can find out more about their scope and take some pictures.  My scope is #613 on this thread, serial number 1 3101 5.  We decided to purchase it in early 1975 and certainly took possession before September 1975 and are the original owners.  Not positive now, but it may be have been in stock at a local dealer in the San Jose, CA area.  We lived in Menlo Park, CA from 1972 until 1981. https://www.cloudyni...stry/?p=9671070

 

Hello JoshKnight - Thank you for your previous registration of 1 3101 5. As you say 811620 was not previously in the registry and will be added. It likely dates to between 1979 and 1981, but it would be interesting to hear what that paperwork says.

 

811620 may resemble your older scope, but it's really a superficial resemblance. For example, you noted the two-prong power (side of the base) vs three-prong under it. Also, your forks have holes and are "Sand Cast" whereas this newer scope has "Diecast" forks without holes. Your secondary holder is un-numbered, metal with 4 screws vs this one's plastic construction with 3 and a number plaque - and so on.

 

It is not uncommon for institutions to be gifted with these instruments or even purchase them back in the day, only to have them fall into disuse over time. Your story is very fortunate in that all the items that are usually lost, were kept in the case with the scope. Consequently, I disagree with your conclusion those items should be stored separately. Had they been so by the previous caretaker, you would not have found them now or at best their condition would be very different.

 

Storing the OTA with the "Dust Caps" in place is a judgement call. If the scope was last used in a moist environment, leaving the OTA open would allow it to dry. Capping it might trap the moisture in, where it could cause issues with optics and mechanisms. Once dry, the caps should be installed to limit exposure to low level atmospheric contaminants like cigarette smoke and household chemicals. (another judgement call) I have rescued scopes with significant smoker residue inside and out, a cleaning which can be difficult and risky.

 

Finally, while misplacing the original wedge might be a collector value issue in the future, it really doesn't effect it today. Celestron still offers compatible wedges (superior actually) and tripods, although inventory is intermittent these days. (an accommodation for the power chord might be required)

 

 

It's encouraging this all started with a request by a teacher.

 

The most usual reason these fall into disuse is that they are not computerized and require more understanding to operate than newer models. As people who are qualified to teach astronomy age out of the school system, they are often replaced by people without these mechanical basics to operate the instrument, if they are replaced at all. Science teachers today are more trained in what they observe than the art of doing it. (Cosmology vs Astronomy?)

 

Whether such Science culture is praised and maintained or replaced by other concerns, is yet another problem.

 

 

I sense you may be running into some of that, given that your further offers to demonstrate operation with your wedge was not immediately accepted, perhaps leaving confusion on your part. It can be disheartening to witness neglect of the instrument, and it's science, with inability to do anything about it. It is one of the frustrations of outreach in these times of upheaval. 

 

Such institutions can be procedurally trapped into storing such things until seperated, subdivided, neglected and damaged they can be discarded as useless junk or auctioned off as "water tanks" by people who cannot recognize them. (that latter has happened BTW)

 

My advice is to keep touch with it's "caretakers", keep it together, stay involved and try to see it avoids that fate. Gentle participation or volunteering your own equipment in demonstrations may help foster the good will to aid you. 

 

A vintage scope's best ally is an enthusiast.

 

 

Thank you for registering, it should be interesting to compare these prognostications with photos and hear of further developents.

 

 

Best of luck to you and this foundling - Clear Skies

Edited by RSX11M+, 03 December 2021 - 11:16 PM.

[JoshKnight]

Hello JoshKnight - Thank you for your previous registration of 1 3101 5. As you say 811620 was not previously in the registry and will be added. It likely dates to between 1979 and 1981, but it would be interesting to hear what that paperwork says.

...

It is not uncommon for institutions to be gifted with these instruments or even purchase them back in the day, only to have them fall into disuse over time. Your story is very fortunate in that all the items that are usually lost, were kept in the case with the scope. Consequently, I disagree with your conclusion those items should be stored separately. Had they been so by the previous caretaker, you would not have found them now or at best their condition would be very different.

...

Thank you for registering, it should be interesting to compare these prognostications with photos and hear of further developents.

 

Best of luck to you and this foundling - Clear Skies

I thought about what you said about having the eyepieces, etc. in the case with the telescope.  Given the wedge is still missing (I heard back that a preliminary search did not discover it), that is an excellent point.  I will discuss storage options for the telescope and accessories with the teachers.  The teacher that reached out said that her training was in biology, so I am not completely sure what motivated her to reach out for help with the telescope, but hopefully I will find out more soon.
 

Edited by JoshKnight, 04 December 2021 - 07:25 PM.

[JoshKnight]

Not sure if this is of interest here ... but there is a picture of C8 base with S/N 257246 posted a little over a year ago.  Text says purchased in 1975, but serial number indicates manufactured in 2nd quarter 1976

 

https://stargazerslo...comment-3945591

 

And from almost 18 months ago, lots of pictures of a C8 with S/N 289097 purchased from the nephew of the original owner, no info on original purchase date.

 

https://theskysearch...php?f=13&t=9628

 

Neither of them in the registry when I checked just now

 

http://www.summers1....erialnumber.jpg

[RSX11M+]

Not sure if this is of interest here ... but there is a picture of C8 base with S/N 257246 posted a little over a year ago.  Text says purchased in 1975, but serial number indicates manufactured in 2nd quarter 1976
 
https://stargazerslo...comment-3945591
 
And from almost 18 months ago, lots of pictures of a C8 with S/N 289097 purchased from the nephew of the original owner, no info on original purchase date.
 
https://theskysearch...php?f=13&t=9628
 
Neither of them in the registry when I checked just now
 
http://www.summers1....erialnumber.jpg

 
Taking your information in reverse order, I took over maintenance of the Registries (C8, C5, and C90) from the OP Masvingo a while ago. The link you provided was to his last version (June 2020) upon which updates since have been based. (The current v2 Registries were hand re-entered from his information)
 
The "v2" Registry was last updated in May 2021 and is available in JPG and PDF.
 
A new issue will be forthcoming shortly, although one of the scopes you mention is in the current version. 

 

 

- The second scope 289097 dates to Q2 1977 manufacture. It's appearance and features are customary for that date. It is definitely a Diecast model, first shipped in 1976 when the  Sand cast models were phased out. This will be added to the Registry - Thank You.

 

- The first scope 254726 is a little more interesting and somewhat difficult to evaluate due to lack of photographs. However, it was previously registered to CN member ethansgram [1] as a Sand Cast model, in fact the LAST such model in the Registry. It was anecdotally noted in his post as having been 1975 or 1976 manufacture. Although we do know of several instances during the changeover to Diecast in which scopes of the period were remounted, I do not believe this is one and would tend to put this down as a misinterpretation of some sort. 

 

 

Thank you for your scrupulous attention to detail and observation. I truly appreciate everyone's effort to accurize the Registry. Please do not hesitate to continue in that spirit.

Edited by RSX11M+, 07 December 2021 - 01:32 PM.

[Kasmos]

I was going thru some files and stumble upon an note from a C8 I once saw on ebay. It was a diecast model that's fairly close in number and matched mine in features. The serial # was 800342 and the seller said it was purchased Jan. 1979. This seems to fit in fairly well with the registry, but it creates a bit of a problem for serial# 1 444 9 which has motors dated 2/79. I wish I had better reference than just the note.

[RSX11M+]

I was going thru some files and stumble upon an note from a C8 I once saw on ebay. It was a diecast model that's fairly close in number and matched mine in features. The serial # was 800342 and the seller said it was purchased Jan. 1979. This seems to fit in fairly well with the registry, but it creates a bit of a problem for serial# 1 444 9 which has motors dated 2/79. I wish I had better reference than just the note.

This further reinforces a previous belief that both numbering systems were in concurrent use for a time. The distinction and meaning of that is uncertain, but I too have noted similar evidence. Celestron experienced and survived several calamities over it's time, including a debilitating flood, changes of ownership and management, loss of critical tooling and know-how. A timeline of those events contrasted with what progression the Registries display may be illuminating.

 

Thank you for taking time to research and contribute that information, which will be added.

[leichilu]

With additional photos, I could be more certain, but by SN it would be Q2 1978.

 

A confirmation would be found in nearby motor dates (probably late 1977) and the fact that the power chord is 3-prong type and plugs into the bottom of the base, not 2-prong and in the side.

 

Nice to hear Celestron is servicing these. I'd like to hear what services they offered? - and can they still perform a 1/20th wave tuneup?

 

Either way - Good Luck and drop us a note to know how it turned out.

 

Your scope was not previously in the Registry, thank you for posting it.

I got my scope back - unfortunately Celestron didn't package it correctly and broke the brace for the finder scope. I called them and they're sending me a replacement.  Does it look like it was sand cast? In the mean time, do you think the broken brace for the finder scope could be welded / epoxy'ed back together?  

 

At this time pls find attached a photo of the power plug for the motor - note the plug is on the base (not the side).  Does this help identify the manufacture date?

 

With that said, the scope itself is working just fine - was able to check out an eagle that always sits a top a power pole near my house ( too cold and cloudy to star gaze these days).

 

Last question - is there an eyepiece mount that would enable picture taking through the eye piece?

 

Thank you in advance for any / all replies.

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[Kasmos]

I got my scope back - unfortunately Celestron didn't package it correctly and broke the brace for the finder scope. I called them and they're sending me a replacement.  Does it look like it was sand cast? In the mean time, do you think the broken brace for the finder scope could be welded / epoxy'ed back together?  

 

At this time pls find attached a photo of the power plug for the motor - note the plug is on the base (not the side).  Does this help identify the manufacture date?

 

With that said, the scope itself is working just fine - was able to check out an eagle that always sits a top a power pole near my house ( too cold and cloudy to star gaze these days).

 

Last question - is there an eyepiece mount that would enable picture taking through the eye piece?

 

Thank you in advance for any / all replies.

That's diecast. Yes it could be welded by someone who welds aluminum.

Robert (clamchip), once glued one (I believe with superglue) and it worked.

I personally would use JB weld and make a reinforcing piece from aluminum on each side of the recess to strengthen it.

Small pieces from K&S Metals can be found at hobby and some hardware stores.

 

The serial number on the label will tell you the year.

The first number is the quarter it was made then a space, then the production number, another space, and the last number is the year.

Example 1 1234 8 would be the first quarter followed by the production number and the 8 would mean  '78

Sometimes the first or last number isn't spaced well from the others.

 

BTW, the plug on the bottom imediately IDs it as a diecast model.

Edited by Kasmos, 09 December 2021 - 04:18 PM.

[JoshKnight]

I got my scope back - unfortunately Celestron didn't package it correctly and broke the brace for the finder scope. I called them and they're sending me a replacement.  Does it look like it was sand cast? In the mean time, do you think the broken brace for the finder scope could be welded / epoxy'ed back together?  

 

After owning my C8 for more than 40 years and futzing with the finder scope, I finally wised up and bought a telrad.   For a year or so I had it "temporarily" attached to the tube with painters tape, but finally used the two sided tape it comes with to attach it "permanently" ... I hardly use the orange finder any more for astronomical objects:  put what you want to see in the center of the red bulls eye and it will be in the field of view for all but the highest magnification eyepieces.  If you look closely you can see it in my profile pic.  Also, when I look around on places like ebay for used C8's many, if not most, have telrad finder mounts attached. 

 

https://telradfinder.com/

 

Since Celestron is sending you a replacement, it seems to me that something like super glue should get you through until the replacement bracket (and/or your new telrad) arrives.

[pierce]

.... I finally wised up and bought a telrad.  ...   put what you want to see in the center of the red bulls eye and it will be in the field of view for all but the highest magnification eyepieces. ...

 

and for objects that aren't visible, use a finder chart with a telrad overlay, such as this...

 

 

or...

 

 

And, position the rings with the same geometrical relationship to the naked eye visible stars as shown on the chart...

 

For instance, for that printed chart, to find M1, you would orient the cart the same as Taurus is in the sky, and assuming thats as shown above, you'd place Zeta Tauri, the end star of the lower horn, at just about 8:30 on the 2 degree circle, and blam, M1 should be right in the field of view of a medium power eyepiece.

[GalaxyPiper]

I got my scope back - unfortunately Celestron didn't package it correctly and broke the brace for the finder scope. I called them and they're sending me a replacement.  Does it look like it was sand cast? In the mean time, do you think the broken brace for the finder scope could be welded / epoxy'ed back together?  

 

At this time pls find attached a photo of the power plug for the motor - note the plug is on the base (not the side).  Does this help identify the manufacture date?

 

With that said, the scope itself is working just fine - was able to check out an eagle that always sits a top a power pole near my house ( too cold and cloudy to star gaze these days).

 

Last question - is there an eyepiece mount that would enable picture taking through the eye piece?

 

Thank you in advance for any / all replies.

Ouch! No one likes to see that. And it depends on the type of metal it is. If is magnesium, then don't, it can't be "Welded", you would just start a fire you can't put out. If it is aluminum, and can be welded back to gether at a specially shop that uses argon as a shielding gas.

If it is pot metal, then it is just trash. it would not be worth the time or trouble to try and fix it.

You would have to ask or do research on what type of metal they used for that model and year. Keep in mind, Magnesium was used in a lot of castings of various things. Some of the early Type I and Type II air cooled Volkswagen engines were made of magnesium for their superior dissipation of heat and light weight and strength.

Ask Celestron first. They may just be sand cast aluminum, but I have no way of knowing. Everywhere I look it just says "sand cast", that is just a process, not a metal. Die cast is another process.

It may just be aluminum, and if so, then if can be welded back together by a pro in a jig, but you will lose that sand cast appearance.

[DouglasPaul]

I could find no serial number on mine, SPC8, 1986 according to the original owner who said he bought it for Halley's comet and then put it away. Also, if anyone has some tips on the use of the hand controller it would be appreciated.

 

 

[pierce]

I could find no serial number on mine, SPC8, 1986 according to the original owner who said he bought it for Halley's comet and then put it away. Also, if anyone has some tips on the use of the hand controller it would be appreciated.IMG_20211213_115717.jpgIMG_20211213_115914.jpg

 

 

I've never SEEN a hand controller like that.    could you post some pics of the whole scope, specifically its base and mount?   "SPC8", is that an C8  on a SuperPolaris EQ mount, or something?   The SP mounts I've seen came with a simple 4-axis slow motion controller, with a speed switch for slow/medium/fast (where 'fast' was like 4X siderial), but that panel looks like a early full GOTO system, it might be aftermarket, there were some kits to upgrade the SP motors to faster ones that could slew.

[pierce]

ok, googling, thats a early Vixen SkySensor (Vixen made the Super-Polaris mount you must have).   eeek, 12V 27 watts, thats over 2 amps just to run the controller, so a 5 hour session will drain half of a 20AH SLA battery.

[DouglasPaul]

ok, googling, thats a early Vixen SkySensor (Vixen made the Super-Polaris mount you must have).   eeek, 12V 27 watts, thats over 2 amps just to run the controller, so a 5 hour session will drain half of a 20AH SLA battery.

Ouch, that's going to hurt when I'm out boondocking. The manual controls will be ok though, so far that's all I've used anyway. It is a Super Polaris, like brand new with a polar scope and the OTA has the Starbright coatings which was apparently an option back then. I'm hoping there might be a place I don't know about with a serial number.