74 replies to this topic

[KeplerKrater]

Based on the above reading; it appears the telescope was built in 1963, and has a 1987 ‘instruction book’. The tube has the moon map, with the celestial dew cap. It also has the screw on 40 & 80x eyepieces.

By the way; can I remove this model’s eyepiece holder to utilize a Tele Vue adapter?

[JamesMStephens]

Based on the above reading; it appears the telescope was built in 1963, and has a 1987 ‘instruction book’. The tube has the moon map, with the celestial dew cap. It also has the screw on 40 & 80x eyepieces.

By the way; can I remove this model’s eyepiece holder to utilize a Tele Vue adapter?

Yes, you can use a TeleVue adapter, but a better option is to buy a modern Questar adapter.  The current version accepts standard 1-1/4" eyepieces as well as Questar threaded Brandons.

 

Jim

[Gregory Gross]

A Questar with S/N #3-1625 would certainly have been built in 1963.

 

Just curious: what does the side arm logo badge look like? The very latest example I'm aware of with the early "*Questar" logo (the "*" being a star) is #3-1623, just two production numbers before yours. See this Astromart listing for photos of that example.

 

At some stage in 1963, Questar transitioned to all-caps "QUESTAR" side arm logo badges. Those earlier badges are highly desirable among early Questar aficionados like me.

[KeplerKrater]

Hi Gregory. Thanks for the info. My model has all ‘caps’ w/o the ‘star’.

The original existing main eyepiece holder (w/ female threads) appears to be seized to the control box. I was thinking of keeping a threaded eyepiece in and using a soft wrap wrench. I don’t want to use WD-40, or like, for fear of some liquid getting into the control box. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, Kepler T.

[Toddeo]

Try gentle heat-from a hair dryer.

[Gregory Gross]

Check out this posting of mine (#91) from March 2021.

 

I would follow what your gut is telling you and definitely *not* use WD-40 or any other kind of lubricant or penetrating oil.

[Retired Ipswich]

My Q3.5 has #4-5826, so 1974 I guess.

 

It is always much admired when I take it to local astronomical society events.

 

However I do not currently have an instruction book, maybe I should invest?

 

 

 

 

Edited by Retired Ipswich, 29 August 2022 - 01:34 AM.

[RMay]

However I do not currently have an instruction book, maybe I should invest?

If you call Questar, they may be able to simply send you an instruction booklet. Worth a try…

Ron

[Gregory Gross]

Along with other literature, you'll find what may be a complete selection of Questar instruction booklet PDFs in the files section of the Questar User Group. Membership is required but is free and very much worth it. Once you join, click on "Files" followed by "Questar Literature." There, you'll find a folder entitled "Instruction Booklets."

[pbealo]

Did Questar offer Powerguide upgrades to older scopes?

 

I'm looking at 0-7909-BB with Powerguide. Battery is in the telescope base.

 

The 0-7909 indicates made in 1980, but Powerguide didn't come out until 1990.

 

Peter

 

[RMay]

Did Questar offer Powerguide upgrades to older scopes?

Peter

Yes, and I believe this retrofitting service is still available. (Others will correct me if I’m wrong…).

Ron

[bmwscopeguy]

Hi guys,

 

Well, I'm back again. 

 

I keep getting them, want to move on, so sell them, miss them terribly, so buy another..... I think it's a disease....

 

I have incoming a Questar Standard s/n #3QTZ-1697, which, if I parse all the various serial number discussions means this Q is a 1963-1964 with Qtz mirror option. It has the original English leather case. I does not have the solar filter for the finder....I checked with Jim at Questar and they want $195 for one of these !!!! I think I'll try making one first...

 

This one looks like a museum piece. I Bought it from a young lady in Edmonton (Canada) who said it was handed down to her by a deceased relative. She never used it. From the look of it, neither did the deceased relative. We'll see how faithful the ad photo's were to the real deal once I get it.....

 

So begins an excruciating 1 week wait..

 

Cheers

Malcolm

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[98105dude]

Some things are well worth the wait. 

[98105dude]

But be safe and buy the $200 solar filter.

[truckerfromaustin]

My latest, miracle find is a Duplex 3.5 inch purchased off Seattle craigslist. It's serial number 1-DP-10066. Am I correct in thinking it was made in 1996? 

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[RMay]

My latest, miracle find

If you bought that for the asking price, it >was< a miracle!!

Ron

[truckerfromaustin]

If you bought that for the asking price, it >was< a miracle!!

Ron

I gave the seller an extra $40 for holding on to it for a day, so I could check it out in person. It was all the cash I had with me. Total purchase price including catching a lyft to get there and back to the truck stop was around $1,400. I know I could sell it for a profit, but it's definitely a keeper for me.

Clear Skies

[98105dude]

1991

[Winks]

I gave the seller an extra $40 for holding on to it for a day, so I could check it out in person. It was all the cash I had with me. Total purchase price including catching a lyft to get there and back to the truck stop was around $1,400. I know I could sell it for a profit, but it's definitely a keeper for me.

Clear Skies

Congrats. You hit the bullseye.

[photoswanson]

I just purchased this model (Questar catadioptric 3.5”) from the estate of James Burke https://en.m.wikiped...(space_engineer) and I am trying to date it.

Serial number is #3-QTZ-1892

Anyone know? The documentation newsletter that came with it says 1959

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Edited by photoswanson, 31 March 2024 - 04:51 PM.

[Toddeo]

I think it might have been made in 1963 with a quartz mirror substrate.

[98105dude]

Definitely. Attractive.

[gstrumol]

What's in the square pouch on the left? Isn't that the solar filter?

[truckerfromaustin]

What's in the square pouch on the left? Isn't that the solar filter?

You are correct. It holds the solar filter with enough room for a small paper notepad that I use to keep my observation logs.

Clear Skies

[Toddeo]

Along with the "step down aperture mask"(diaphragm).