13032 replies to this topic

[Scott in NC]

How did you attach it?

[denis0007dl]

I was finally able to get my TSA-120 outside for the first time this year, sporting its new FT3035 focuser.

 

I bought this scope at the height of the Covid pandemic in the fall of 2020.  Based on my discussions, it was the last 120 left, and it had been scheduled for an FT refit.  But due to Covid there were no FT focusers available, so I took delivery with a stock Tak focuser and the black serial number plate that belonged on the FT focuser.

 

TSA-120 Focuser.JPG

 

 

Then I was diagnosed with cancer and went through the ugly chemo and radiation treatments, so the scope sat around until I realized that I couldn't use it and let a friend buy it.  Fast forward a year, and I was feeling better and asked if I could have it back in 2023.  It's been here ever since, and I have enjoyed it a lot.  But I always wanted the FT focuser upgrade and finally ordered it late last year.

 

The "first light session" last night was incredible!  Of course the optics haven't changed, but the scope just seemed to be easier to focus and it works great.  Shortly after I took the glamour shot, I realized that I needed my TeleVue 2-inch extension to reach focus with my eyepieces.  The good news with that is it means that I should be able to easily use my binoviewers in the TSA - possibly without a GPC!

 

Slightly off-topic, but if you haven't tried a Docter 12.5mm eyepiece, you are missing something special.

 

So my scope is doing better, and I can only hope that my new upcoming battle with cancer will turn out okay, too. 

 

Cheers,

 

Ron

 

Tak TSA120 032125.jpg

Ron,

 

enjoy in your TSA 120, and I hope you are done with cancer of any kind, forever! 

 

All best 

Denis

[Highburymark]

I was finally able to get my TSA-120 outside for the first time this year, sporting its new FT3035 focuser.

I bought this scope at the height of the Covid pandemic in the fall of 2020. Based on my discussions, it was the last 120 left, and it had been scheduled for an FT refit. But due to Covid there were no FT focusers available, so I took delivery with a stock Tak focuser and the black serial number plate that belonged on the FT focuser.

TSA-120 Focuser.JPG


Then I was diagnosed with cancer and went through the ugly chemo and radiation treatments, so the scope sat around until I realized that I couldn't use it and let a friend buy it. Fast forward a year, and I was feeling better and asked if I could have it back in 2023. It's been here ever since, and I have enjoyed it a lot. But I always wanted the FT focuser upgrade and finally ordered it late last year.

The "first light session" last night was incredible! Of course the optics haven't changed, but the scope just seemed to be easier to focus and it works great. Shortly after I took the glamour shot, I realized that I needed my TeleVue 2-inch extension to reach focus with my eyepieces. The good news with that is it means that I should be able to easily use my binoviewers in the TSA - possibly without a GPC!

Slightly off-topic, but if you haven't tried a Docter 12.5mm eyepiece, you are missing something special.

So my scope is doing better, and I can only hope that my new upcoming battle with cancer will turn out okay, too.

Cheers,

Ron

Tak TSA120 032125.jpg

Urghh. Sorry to hear that you’re still fighting to get well Ron. The TSA is a good reason to keep fighting.

[payner]

 

So my scope is doing better, and I can only hope that my new upcoming battle with cancer will turn out okay, too. tongue2.gif

Ron, I’m really sorry to hear that. Keep your fighting spirit and get well!

[RAKing]

Scott,

 

The serial number plates are merely taped on with double sided tape.  After the plate fell off the stock focuser a number of times, my friend drilled a couple of small holes so we could bolt the plate back on.  I am now using "Gorilla Tape" to hold it onto the FT focuser, and I hope that holds it for a while!  

 

Ron

[RAKing]

Everyone,

 

This is the first time I have mentioned this in public, and I really appreciate the kind words of encouragement.  Those who have been through this know what a blow it is to receive that particular news.  Basically, your whole world stops.

 

I have been through it once before and successfully came out the other end.  I am still in touch with a couple of CN friends who have also gone through this nightmare.  I thought I was clear, but four years isn't enough, and I am once again in limbo.  You get the news, then you sit and wait until the biopsy comes back.  Then you sit and wait some more until treatment begins.

 

Because of other issues, I cannot go through the biopsy surgery for another couple of weeks.  But I am fairly certain what it's going to say, so I'll cross those bridges as I get to them.

 

Thanks for being the wonderful gang of Takahashi star-lovers that I have been happy to call my friends!  I have a feeling that when the doctor makes that incision, I will bleed "Sea Foam Green", just like the last time!  

 

Cheers,

 

Ron

Edited by RAKing, 22 March 2025 - 08:15 PM.

[PatientObserver]

I was finally able to get my TSA-120 outside for the first time this year, sporting its new FT3035 focuser.

I bought this scope at the height of the Covid pandemic in the fall of 2020. Based on my discussions, it was the last 120 left, and it had been scheduled for an FT refit. But due to Covid there were no FT focusers available, so I took delivery with a stock Tak focuser and the black serial number plate that belonged on the FT focuser.

TSA-120 Focuser.JPG


Then I was diagnosed with cancer and went through the ugly chemo and radiation treatments, so the scope sat around until I realized that I couldn't use it and let a friend buy it. Fast forward a year, and I was feeling better and asked if I could have it back in 2023. It's been here ever since, and I have enjoyed it a lot. But I always wanted the FT focuser upgrade and finally ordered it late last year.

The "first light session" last night was incredible! Of course the optics haven't changed, but the scope just seemed to be easier to focus and it works great. Shortly after I took the glamour shot, I realized that I needed my TeleVue 2-inch extension to reach focus with my eyepieces. The good news with that is it means that I should be able to easily use my binoviewers in the TSA - possibly without a GPC!

Slightly off-topic, but if you haven't tried a Docter 12.5mm eyepiece, you are missing something special.

So my scope is doing better, and I can only hope that my new upcoming battle with cancer will turn out okay, too.

Cheers,

Ron

Tak TSA120 032125.jpg

I was going to like this post and then I read the last sentence. It is hard to like reading a post containing this unfortunate news. I hope that you are able to overcome this round of cancer and enjoy many more sessions with your scopes.

PS: I will instead like the following post of yours.

[Lentini]

Nothing much you can do but follow the doctors’ orders and stay positive. Having astronomy as a hobby and being able to conjure visions of the heavens above hopefully helps with that. The universe is much bigger than us and we should all feel blessed to be closer to seeing that than most folks.

[Rick Runcie]

Ron,

May God bless you and heal your body totally and completely. You are in my prayers! Clear and steady skies my friend.

Best regards, Richard

[Bill Barlow]

Hi Ron,

 

Sorry to hear that you have another cancer battle ahead.  You’ve beaten it before and you will beat it again.  Stay positive and get out under the stars with your excellent telescopes when you can.  You will be in my thoughts.

 

Bill

[RAKing]

Thanks again to everyone! 

 

As I mentioned last week, I had to use my TeleVue 2-inch extension to bring some of my eyepieces into focus with the new FT3035 focuser.  Then I remembered the last time I had to do this - many years ago with my TMB130SS.  I changed the visual back and added an Astro-Physics extension, plus I used their nice visual back.  The only difference this time is I had to get an A-P-threaded end cap for the FT3035 focuser.  Starlight had it in stock, and I got everything switched over this week.

 

This is what it looks like now:

 

 

 

I have always loved this visual back because the big thumbscrews are easy to use (even with gloves) and hold the diagonal very well.

 

I had a good session last night and the new spacer / VB combo worked great.  I also measured the back focus I have left, and it looks like I might still have enough to use my BV with no GPC.  The backfocus still available with my eyepieces varies from 60 to 70mm.  The BBHS diagonal adds another 112mm to the light path, so without the big diagonal I should have at least 170mm available for the BV unit.  I'll carry it out next time and see how it works.

 

Meanwhile the TSA continues to show some wonderful views!

 

Cheers,

 

Ron

 

[Toshi1300]

I have used over 10 Takahashi telescopes so far.

 

My first Takahashi telescope was the MT130F (90S equatorial mount) that I purchased in 1986.

 

Since then,

 

FC76

FC60NZ

FCT100

FS60C(B)

SKY90

TSA120

FSQ106ED

TOA150B
FSQ85ED

TSA102N

FC100DF

 

I now only own the TOA150B and FC100DF, both of which are excellent telescopes.

[rerun]

Today a partial solar eclipse was visible in Europe and I put my telescope on the balcony and was lucky with the weather and was able to observe it. From left to right Mini Borg 50 , FOA 60, FC100DF and Borg 71FL

 

Edited by rerun, 29 March 2025 - 12:04 PM.

[Highburymark]

Nice line-up.
Didn’t use a Tak scope to observe the partial eclipse, but I did use a pair of TPL 12.5s in a binoviewer, and once again was reminded how sharp they are.

[Rasfahan]

I used my FS-60CB for the partial eclipse - unfortunately the clouds parted exactly 1s after the eclipse ended. I did get a very short glimpse half an hour before that. Used a 12mm Plössl.

[alceo]

In Madrid today was a perfect day for observing the eclipse. I took out the FOA60 with a Herchel for white light and a Lunt60 for H alpha in a park. It was a very fun day. Some people approached me to ask politely, and I invited them to look through the telescopes. Mobile phone photos.

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Edited by alceo, 29 March 2025 - 03:17 PM.

[alceo]

FOA 60, Vixen porta.

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[Bill Barlow]

Nice images of there eclipse.  What type of solar filter makes the sun turn green?

[alceo]

Nice images of there eclipse.  What type of solar filter makes the sun turn green?

Baader solar continuum 540nm.

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Edited by alceo, 29 March 2025 - 03:59 PM.

[Phil Jones]

Seeing BAKing's discussion about the FT focuser upgrade to his TSA-120 reminded me I just had first light with the FT upgrade on my TOA-150. Used it for imaging the lunar eclipse in semi-dark skies, then a week later had it out in very dark skies for first visual use. Am very pleased with the performance of the FT focuser. Now I'm thinking about doing the same thing to the TSA-102 & FSQ-85ED. I received the FT for my Mewlon 210, but haven't installed it yet.

 

 

 

 

[Eric Weder]

I had a FT focuser that came with my FSQ-85 but sold it as the stock focuser works great for me.

[25585]

I would be happy to buy a NFB focuser for my TOA-130NS, if less expensive than a FT. 

[Highburymark]

Baader solar continuum 540nm.

And it makes the Sun slightly sharper too. Best white light filter IMO - though I haven’t used the 7.5nm before. Mine’s the previous 10nm - shouldn’t make a difference for visual

[Scott in NC]

I would be happy to buy a NFB focuser for my TOA-130NS, if less expensive than a FT. 

Do you have a single-speed or dual-speed on your NS?

[ken30809]

I realize one of the legs is hidden from view by another, but that photo makes it look like the tripod only has two legs 

Takahashi works magic. You didn’t know?