657 replies to this topic

[John Rogers]

I bumped into a few old photos, I completely forgot about these two odd Edmund items.

Top photo is the primary mirror cell from my 1961 Deluxe Space Conqueror.

Look at the extra long studs, and it looks factory, although I've never seen this done before on any Edmund scope.

I haven't whipped out a tape and started measuring everything but I have a feeling, it could be for photography. For

making the focal plane more accessible for a camera. I have a 'normal' cell below it for comparison.

Bottom photo the normal cell, notice how thick the primary is. This is the thickness found on late versions of this

telescope about the time Edmund primaries were advertised as 1/8 wave. And no clips. Edmund decided to stick

the mirror to the steel cell with double stick foam feeling the two have near the same co-efficient. The clips do 

create diffraction, I'm not sure if this was on their mind too.

Robert

 

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That is interesting Robert.  I have seen examples of ones with the longer studs, but they were attached using the black endcap that is common with this model.  I have not located any documentation explaining the differences.

 

Your cells appear to be the ones that were mounted internally to the kraft tube.  It didn't make sense to me until I saw Terra's post about her f6 rich field that she constructed from parts.  Digging through the old 1965 catalog, I saw where the mirrors and cells were sold separately.  The listed mirror cell indicated that "spacers not included" suggesting that they were intended to be internal to the tube.

 

Another thing that stood out is that your mirrors are thicker than the one from my 1965 telescope, purchased new.  The mirror is made from 3/8"  plate glass and both of yours appear to be pyrex.

[clamchip]

Hi John, 

It's a 4-1/4" Deluxe Space Conqueror, I think you have it confused with the 3 inch Space Conqueror?

 

Robert

[John Rogers]

Thanks Robert.  You are correct!  For some reason in the back of my mind I've always identified the 4-1/4" inch scope as their Palomar model.  I see the distinction in the catalog now.

 

When they first introduced the 3" telescope in 1955, it was a kit that "even a 9-year old can assemble".  The cell in the kit was similar to yours.  A few years later, they started selling them as assembled units with the black end cap.

[apfever]

A little freaky but when I first saw Robert's post I thought "Wait, how did he get those?".

 

I happen to have two DSC, and one of each type cell also, and that just doesn't happen, and they all look the same. Heh heh, so how did I get mine Robert?  Maybe you better check to see if you still have yours.

 

I don't think these were ever intended to have the back plate mounted over the end of a tube. It could be done by reversing the back plate and dropping the tangs over the outside of a smaller tube but there are consequences. The stock configuration is a very tight fit between tube and mirror . Dropping the cell tangs over the outside of a smaller tube would have the tube and mirror almost touching. Mirror clip screws might even hit the tube. It would also be an awkward configuration having the back plate and all collimation hardware hanging out past the end of the tube.  These are almost always protected by recessing a cell into tubes as shown.  One commercial exception is the Criterion 4" Dynascope but they made up for it by getting really really artsy fartsy and pretty with the back plate. 

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[apfever]

Here are the back plates of the Criterion 4" which go over the outside of the tube. It's not a common approach for good reason but Criterion did make it shine. Criterion and Edmund were fierce competitors so no offense meant to the Edmund string. The entry fits....and it's pretty...and upside down sheesh. Small photo so adding a flip. 

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Edited by apfever, 24 March 2025 - 02:02 PM.

[apfever]

Closing with Edmund. Here is the restored 4".  This is an early version with original cloth strap, thick setting circles, and symmetrical pier cap. The only thing missing is the plug end. I rarely use anything electronic. The drive works great if powered up.

 

These were also called the Palomar series. The 4" is the Palomar Jr. as printed on the original end cap. I don't know when the name change took place. Edmund had a ton of changes over the life of the run.  I went for earliest things on this one but I might have crossed something noticeable from a later edition.  Please let me know if you see anything that stands out from a later production. I might have the right earlier part here to swap.  

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Edited by apfever, 24 March 2025 - 02:32 PM.

[apfever]

Thanks Robert.  You are correct!  For some reason in the back of my mind I've always identified the 4-1/4" inch scope as their Palomar model.  I see the distinction in the catalog now.

 

When they first introduced the 3" telescope in 1955, it was a kit that "even a 9-year old can assemble".  The cell in the kit was similar to yours.  A few years later, they started selling them as assembled units with the black end cap.

The 4.25" was the Palomar Jr.  The 6" was the Palomar.  The monster 8" was always called the 8", never given a special name.  I don't know if there was a grey pier series 3" during the "Palomar" days or what it was called if it existed.  

 

? = Space Conqueror = 3"

Palomar Jr. = Deluxe Space Conqueror = 4.25"

Palomar = Super Space Conqueror = 6"

8" = 8" always. 

Edited by apfever, 24 March 2025 - 03:52 PM.

[deSitter]

The 4.25" was the Palomar Jr.  The 6" was the Palomar.  The monster 8" was always called the 8", never given a special name.  I don't know if there was a grey pier series 3" during the "Palomar" days or what it was called if it existed.  

 

? = Space Conqueror = 3"

Palomar Jr. = Deluxe Space Conqueror = 4.25"

Palomar = Super Space Conqueror = 6"

8" = 8" always. 

Here's a flea market find that was in ROUGH shape - gave it a complete restore down to the metal. Has the same symmetrical pier cap and the very rare CD and pier skirt for eyepieces.

 

-drl

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Edited by deSitter, 25 March 2025 - 09:25 AM.