82 replies to this topic

[doctordub]

I am curious, so I thought I would start another survey thread. If you presently own or formerly owned a Takahashi FS 152 list the five data points and any others of interest. Post a picture if you have one.

 

1. Model year

2. Normal or short version

3. Focuser  2.7" or 4"

4. kept standard, added micropinion, or replaced focuser.

5. Present or Former owner

 

I will start this off:

 

1. 2004

2. new short version

3. 2.7" focuser

4. FT 2 speed microfocuser

5. Present owner

 

CS

Jonathan

 

 

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[BCNGreyCat]

Here is mine.

 

TAK FS-152 manufactured in 1999

Standard length tube

4" focuser

Tak 10:1 MEF

Present owner (2nd)

 

The Tak 10:1 MEF slipps when using heavy eyepiece. For example a 2" diagonal plus Ethos, it almost always cannot move the focuser forward using the fine focusing knob. I have to use the coarse knob to move forward passing the focal plane, then use the fine knob to move backward to adjust focus.

 

By exam the MEF mechanical construction, I found that basically it uses about 4 to 5 metal balls surrounding a thin metal shaft. When you turn the fine focusing knob, it rotates the metal balls that then twist the metal shaft by friction. It almost guarantees slippery with heavy load. Thus, I am thinking replacing the whole focuser, which is nearly a grand!!!

 

Nontherless, its optics is fantastic.

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[Erik Bakker]

Beautiful scopes guys   

[Daniel Mounsey]

I'll try to get back with some info on mine.

[t.r.]

Hey Jonathan...how do you use your setup, what is your technique for locating DSO's? Does the tablet app get you close to the object you are after then you search around for it, or does it guide you right into the fov of an eyepiece? What app (SkySafari)? I have considered the alt/az route with a refractor, but always thought I needed DSC's to find objects...apparently you do it with just the tablet?!?! Interesting...

Edited by t.r., 28 January 2016 - 07:54 AM.

[doctordub]

Hi t.r.,

I use SkySafari Plus on an Android tablet. The Astro Devices BETI, a bluetooth connected to the Discmounts encoders gives dead on accuracy with two star alignment. The DM6 is so smooth that I have tracked Jupiter at over 300X by nudging it with the bridge of my nose!.

CS

Jonathan

[doctordub]

BNCGreyCat that is a beautiful setup, and thanks Erik.

CS

Jonathan

[t.r.]

Ah, so you do use encoders...thought you might not be.

[doctordub]

Dr D, hope to see you at NEAF this year!

CS

Jonathan

[doctordub]

t.r.,

The encoders in the DM6 are internal.

CS

Jonathan

[BRCoz]

Wish I had one. 

[Allan Wade]

Jonathan, do you like your Starlight MPA? I am thinking of getting one for my Tak.

[doctordub]

Hi Allan,

I really like the Starlight MPA, it allows you to adjust the exact "feel" of the focuser.

CS

Jonathan

[Scott in NC]

Sorry if this is a little OT, but I put a full FeatherTouch (the FTF3035, 3" R&P version) on both my FS-102 and FS-128.  If I had a FS-152, I'd probably put a FT 3545 (3.5" R&P) on it.  Not to demean the FT MPAs, as they're very nice, but that's just how much I like the full FT focusers.  Plus it's a testimony to how much I like the optics in Tak's FS series.  If I didn't think so highly of their optics, I wouldn't think of installing such nice focusers on them.

[Markab]

Sorry if this is a little OT, but I put a full FeatherTouch (the FTF3035, 3" R&P version) on both my FS-102 and FS-128.  If I had a FS-152, I'd probably put a FT 3545 (3.5" R&P) on it.  Not to demean the FT MPAs, as they're very nice, but that's just how much I like the full FT focusers.  Plus it's a testimony to how much I like the optics in Tak's FS series.  If I didn't think so highly of their optics, I wouldn't think of installing such nice focusers on them.

 

Indeed. Having owned a couple of FS-128s and FC/FS-100/102s, it makes perfect sense why you'd want a top-of-the-line focuser on these. I really miss my old Taks and wish I would have had the opportunity to purchase a 152.

Edited by Markab, 29 January 2016 - 05:32 PM.

[doctordub]

I know there are more than three FS 152 out there, where is 20+ members that have this Tak recently?​

CS

Jonathan

[Allan Wade]

Sorry if this is a little OT, but I put a full FeatherTouch (the FTF3035, 3" R&P version) on both my FS-102 and FS-128.  If I had a FS-152, I'd probably put a FT 3545 (3.5" R&P) on it.  Not to demean the FT MPAs, as they're very nice, but that's just how much I like the full FT focusers.  Plus it's a testimony to how much I like the optics in Tak's FS series.  If I didn't think so highly of their optics, I wouldn't think of installing such nice focusers on them.

I was considering the full blown FT focuser, but then I saw a photo of one on a TOA130. The all black focuser kinda spoiled the look of the TOA, the Tak green focuser looks a million bucks on that scope. I've seen the FT on other Tak scopes where it suits it better. All personal opinions I guess.

[doctordub]

Don't tell me nobody else has a picture of their Tak FS 152

CS

Jonathan

[Peter Besenbruch]

Don't tell me nobody else has a picture of their Tak FS 152

 

​I lost mine. I know I put it somewhere. I've looked everywhere, in the car port, under my sofa cushions; I just can't find it.

[doctordub]

[doctordub]

I have seen alot of new FS-152 purchases lets see some pics and stats.

CS

Jonathan

[cwright]

1. 2005

2. SV

3. 4" focuser

4. standard/original focuser

5. Present owner

 

 

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[SteveG]

1. 2005

2. SV

3. 4" focuser

4. standard/original focuser

5. Present owner

I see you're single.....    Just kidding!

[cwright]

 

1. 2005

2. SV

3. 4" focuser

4. standard/original focuser

5. Present owner

I see you're single.....    Just kidding!

 

Nope, I just have an awesome wife who is extremely tolerant of me :-)

[crazyqban]

I just saw this, had not noticed it before.

 

1. 2004

2. Short version

3. 4" Focuser

4. Replaced with a FT 3545 (love it!!!)

5. Present owner

 

 

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