395 replies to this topic

[Chuck Hards]

Here is what we have so-far.  I have added several since Chuck Faranda's last entry.  The breakdown currently is 8 - 838's, 14 - 839's, 19 - 831's, and two Tecnars, one of each.

 

Let me know if you see any errors or need to update something.

 

Thanks!

 

[Bomber Bob]

Chuck, could you send me a copy of the file?  I'd like to merge the data.  I have some Swift entries, but doubt I have all of them.

[Chuck Hards]

I'll try, JW, but last time I tried to attach a spreadsheet file on this old computer, it wouldn't do it.

[Chuck Hards]

Ok, it let me attach it this time.  Check your email.  It's a simplified version of Excel, but Excel should be able to open it.

 

There's already been one change from the posted version, above.

[Bomber Bob]

Got it!  Thanks Chuck!

Edited by Bomber Bob, 15 February 2016 - 09:33 PM.

[clamchip]

Hi Chuck,

I have a change and a addition to the registry:

 

My 838 #60259 is now owned by Frank (fjs).

 I spoke with him and he said its ok to change and enter his name.

 

I purchased a complete 831 #623063 from Craigs List in Aug 2014.

 I named it Ivar's Acres of Clams.

 

Robert

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Edited by actionhac, 15 February 2016 - 10:01 PM.

[Chuck Hards]

Thanks everyone, I've made the changes posted tonight.  Keep the data coming, don't forget about those little Tecnar satellite scopes.

 

"Ivar's Acres of Clams"!  I'm glad you have a light-hearted attitude toward life, Robert!

 

I have just been adding new entries to the bottom of the list, next update I will list by serial number in ascending order, as Chuck F. was doing.

 

[Vesper818]

Hi Chuck
A couple updates. 838# 615038 was originally from Marc Small.
Also,as you well know, I now am privileged to have a Tecnar Moonwatch scope,#unknown.

[Chuck Hards]

Thanks Carol, I'll update it tomorrow.   I'm already in bed with just the smartphone. 

 

I may expand the provenance column.   That can be the most interesting part of the spreadsheet. 

[Adam S]

Looks like the info for my Swift is accurate, thanks for taking this project on.

 

I do have the Swift cloth but no manual.

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[Chuck Hards]

Hi Chuck
A couple updates. 838# 615038 was originally from Marc Small.
Also,as you well know, I now am privileged to have a Tecnar Moonwatch scope,#unknown.

 

Carol, is Sheldon the current owner of 615038?  Did he get it directly from Marc Small, or did it pass through your ownership between them?

 

I've added your Tecnar model #816.

 

Thanks!

[Chuck Hards]

Adam, the Swift cloth is worth a hundred manuals!  

 

Thanks for verifying the notes on your entry.  Your thread on the scope was so touching that I felt it important to note that it came from your mother's generosity and love for her children.  I hope you don't mind that I noted it as a gift from her.

[Vesper818]

Hi Chuck
A couple updates. 838# 615038 was originally from Marc Small.
Also,as you well know, I now am privileged to have a Tecnar Moonwatch scope,#unknown.

Carol, is Sheldon the current owner of 615038? Did he get it directly from Marc Small, or did it pass through your ownership between them?

I've added your Tecnar model #816.

Thanks!

It came from Marc Small to me, went to PatrickO,, then, I believe, to Doug (Truckstopastronomer) to Sheldon.
C

[Chuck Hards]

Thanks Carol!

 

Here it is as of tonight.  Keep the data coming, thanks!

 

 

 

[roscoe]

Mine is an 831, s/n 643161, found on Boston Craigslist, relatively complete (no ep's), broken focuser shaft, somewhat battered.  repainted mount, revarnished legs.

Russ (Roscoe) , MA

[Chuck Hards]

Thanks Russ, I'll get you on there next update.

[Terra Nova]

Interesting numbers! Just as I thought, the 50mm seems to be the rarest. What I would not have expected is that the 77mm was more common than the 60mm! I am sure that the 60mm Unitron (model 114) was by far the most popular seller there, but that is just a gut feeling, I have no data what so ever to back it up.

[rcwolpert]

Chuck, regarding my 831, it's obviously complete. As far as I know, I'm the 3rd owner. I purchased it from Lee Hoglan of the San Jose Astronomical Association, Nov 2014.

 

- Bob

[Chuck Hards]

Thanks Bob, I'll add that data next update.

[Adam S]

Makes sense, the Unitron 114 was the category leader in this tier of refractors for years.  Why compete at this lower price against such a dominant competitor?  While I loved my 140/142 the Swift is notably more refined and could command a higher price which is easier to pursue in larger aperture than 60mm.

Interesting numbers! Just as I thought, the 50mm seems to be the rarest. What I would not have expected is that the 77mm was more common than the 60mm! I am sure that the 60mm Unitron (model 114) was by far the most popular seller there, but that is just a gut feeling, I have no data what so ever to back it up.

 

Edited by Adam S, 17 February 2016 - 03:07 PM.

[Chuck Hards]

I just picked up another 839, missing parts but a new Swift eyepiece that I didn't have previously.  Got a very good deal due to condition and the seller being a truly nice guy.  Should be here in about a week.

 

Imagine my surprise when I found it already on the registry, and the listed owner isn't the one I got it from- in fact the two are across the country from one another.  So I get to update the provenance for it.

 

It makes me wonder how dependable some of the older entries are.

[CharlieB]

The sn 60129 831 listed as being owned by gypsiegirlz was actually sold by her on eBay.  I contacted her about to whom she sold it, but she didn't remember. 

 

Charlie

[astro140]

 A 50mm Swift that I obtained about 3 years ago.  OTA only

 

Steve Pastor

New Mexico

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[Chuck Hards]

Thanks to everyone for your updates, additions, and corrections.  I've added them and re-arranged the entries in ascending order of serial number.  Please look it over and let me know if I missed something or need to make further corrections.

 

 

If you click on the spreadsheet, a new one will open with slightly better resolution.  A bit easier to read.

 

 

Thanks, fellow Swifties!

 

[Chuck Hards]

We have our first serial number added with the sad note "Parted out" associated with it.

 

 

I noted in another thread that the mount on the 831 is impossible to balance with the RA slow-motion cable installed.  Does anyone have a good idea for dealing with this?