101 replies to this topic

[Jaspalchadha]

Hi all


I recently brought a SharpStar 20032PNT from 365 astronomy after deciding not to purchase a Takahashi E180.

I know people will he thinking Takahashi all the way, however owning three Taks telescope I believe the standards have slipped a little (focusers)

Anyway spending almost 5 grand on a telescope and imaging from urban London I can’t really justify it anymore

Specs on the Newtonian copy and pasted from website.

200mm Newtonian astrograph with super-fast f/3.2 optics and 55mm backfocus
Fully and rigorously tested on site for cosmetics, mechanical operation, and optical performance by a master optician to ensure excellent overall telescope operation and customer satisfaction (an Agena exclusive service)
Parabolic primary and 4-element corrector lens deliver sharp flat images over a large 44mm image circle
25” long carbon fiber tube and CNC machined aluminum fittings make for a durable yet lightweight instrument
3” rack and pinion focuser handles heavy loads without slipping; includes 1.25" holder for smaller cameras or eyepieces

I will be using a Atik 16200 mono setup so will be interesting to see how the 3 inch focuser handles the load.

I do have a leotech focuser that I can use also if all fails.



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[psandelle]

I await your review. I've been eyeing it as well.

 

Paul

[Jaspalchadha]

I await your review. I've been eyeing it as well.

Paul

Will do


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[TareqPhoto]

Sounds promising, not sure which kind of NB filters can be used with this one or any fast scope, faster than F4, waiting your reviews.

[psandelle]

Chroma's got some f3 filters these days, which I am looking into. Of course, there are the Baader f2 filters, but I'm not liking them, from what I've seen.

 

When I was waiting on the reducer on my RH200 to take it from f3 down to f2.4, I was rather enjoying the 600mm FL, so I think I'll like this one...provided it isn't too badly made.

 

Paul

[TareqPhoto]

I bought only one Chroma filter just recently [2 months ago] as 3nm to use it under my LP sky, only OIII for now and later will add SII 3nm from them, while i am still holding to use my Astrodon 5nm Ha, so i will see if those will work fine with F2.8-F3.5 optics i am having or even reducing scopes.

[psandelle]

I bought only one Chroma filter just recently [2 months ago] as 3nm to use it under my LP sky, only OIII for now and later will add SII 3nm from them, while i am still holding to use my Astrodon 5nm Ha, so i will see if those will work fine with F2.8-F3.5 optics i am having or even reducing scopes.

That’s the special f3 Chroma?

 

Paul

[TareqPhoto]

That’s the special f3 Chroma?

 

Paul

Not f3, it is 3nm filter, but i didn't test it yet to judge, the best test is my Canon lens which is stuck at F2.8, i think i can't find any better challenge than that for test.

[Jaspalchadha]

I’ve got 3nm chroma sets and 3nm astrodon sets


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[Jaspalchadha]

From Chroma

 

 
The LRGB filters are wide bands that are not compromised by large cone angles such as those that occur in a F3.2 beam—even our 5nm-wide narrow-bands are not altered in performance in an F/2 beam.  It is the 3nm filters that have diminished transmission at the important wavelengths.  For a F/3.2 beam, our HA 3 filter “optimized for F/3 will have higher transmission than the standard one—about 10% more.

[psandelle]

From Chroma

 

 
The LRGB filters are wide bands that are not compromised by large cone angles such as those that occur in a F3.2 beam—even our 5nm-wide narrow-bands are not altered in performance in an F/2 beam.  It is the 3nm filters that have diminished transmission at the important wavelengths.  For a F/3.2 beam, our HA 3 filter “optimized for F/3 will have higher transmission than the standard one—about 10% more.

Ah, of course! So I'd need to get my OIII (since I want 3nm for those) of the f3 type. Now I just have to find out what happens if one uses the f3 filter-types at f4.4? Also, do they have them in 50mm unmounted? (I only saw the 2" mounted.) I'll ask Chroma, now that I know this.

 

Thanks!

 

Paul

Edited by psandelle, 07 January 2020 - 10:24 AM.

[Jaspalchadha]

Ah, of course! So I'd need to get my OIII (since I want 3nm for those) of the f3 type. Now I just have to find out what happens if one uses the f3 filter-types at f4.4? Also, do they have them in 50mm unmounted? (I only saw the 2" mounted.) I'll ask Chroma, now that I know this.

Thanks!

Paul

Yes Paul I have 50 x 50 square 3nm also that have been given on load as I am testing out a qhy camera


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[psandelle]

Cool. Looks like I'll check with Chroma next, now that I know this is doable.

 

This scope is looking more-and-more likely. The 150mm f2.8 mm Shaprstar was my first thought, but it seems to be finicky, so I thought that this might be more settled and doable.

 

Thanks,

 

Paul

[Kriz1027]

I've also taken the plunge and have ordered the same scope and will pick it up next week in Shanghai while I'm there.  Looking forward to trying it out...my first Newtonian so it will be a learning experience.

[Jaspalchadha]

I've also taken the plunge and have ordered the same scope and will pick it up next week in Shanghai while I'm there. Looking forward to trying it out...my first Newtonian so it will be a learning experience.

l


Lovely mine comes tommrrow along with a auto focuser installed


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[Kriz1027]

Which Focuser did you have installed?  I’m going to use the Pegasus Focus Cube which I also use on my refractors.  I’m hoping it will mount without any issues.

[Jaspalchadha]

I used the ZWO EAF focuser. It easy to install and works a treat.

The scope arrived yesterday in a box in a box and protective case.


I can’t do much as I’ve hurt my neck and arm recently so the wife did all the setup (excellent job she did also)

as always several issues that needed addressing


I couldn’t achieve focus (using qsi 690 wsg) as I didn’t have the right back focus m. I used a temporary measure until I can sort the adapters out.

The telescope comes with installed rings, some crappy dovetail along with a carry handle.


I couldn’t install the scope on my ioptron 45 pro mount as the preinstalled dovetail on the telescope bar was several mm small (width) to fit in mount and the scope would just slide out.

I had to take the plate off and install a Losmandy style plate on the telescope. That meant adjusting the rings and losing the handle for good as it was designed for the preinstalled dovetail

The scope comes with no 12v power to work the built in fan, and the heat button, well you need to install your own heater for that to work which is not included.

My telescope came with dew scratches on the carbon body.

Once sorted the images were blurry and so I used a Svbony collimating tool, it showed the collimation was off, however I am not to sure **** is going on as the laser dot appeared oval and no pin point

You need two LR41 button batteries to power the hydrothermalgraph, which In my opinion is more for show and not accurate.






That’s it for now.


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Edited by Jaspalchadha, 16 January 2020 - 12:01 AM.

[Jaspalchadha]

Here is test shot on double cluster 1x120s


https://www.dropbox....-01-15.fit?dl=0


Please note this is out of collimation at the time of testing.


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Edited by Jaspalchadha, 15 January 2020 - 11:59 PM.

[Kriz1027]

From the pictures it looks like there is significant damage to the carbon fiber tube. If that is the case it could be causing the issues with collimating.

[Jaspalchadha]

From the pictures it looks like there is significant damage to the carbon fiber tube. If that is the case it could be causing the issues with collimating.

I am not sure scuff marks would cause this collimation issues. I don’t feel that the tube is dented. Either way I’ve sent an email to zoltan 365 astronomy. He has be patient with me and answer my questions at silly hours, so probably the best customer service around

To note when collimating you must remove the lens cell otherwise the laser will emit a oval shape.




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Edited by Jaspalchadha, 17 January 2020 - 05:58 AM.

[Kriz1027]

OK, it looked like more serious damage. Did you align the secondary with a collimating eyepiece before collimating the primary?

[Jaspalchadha]

OK, it looked like more serious damage. Did you align the secondary with a collimating eyepiece before collimating the primary?

Secondary first then primary with Collimating tool


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[Kriz1027]

Any luck with the collimating?

[Jaspalchadha]

Any luck with the collimating?

Noting it’s all packed ready to go back to Zoltan. Due to the cosmetic damage when purchased. Unfortunately it’s a little challenging in returning the item as we having to go through the “I didn’t do it, we didn’t do it” bit


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[Kriz1027]

Hopefully they can turn around a new one quickly. Mine arrive in perfect condition and am looking forward to testing it out when I get back from Shanghai later this week.