Jump to content

  •  

CNers have asked about a donation box for Cloudy Nights over the years, so here you go. Donation is not required by any means, so please enjoy your stay.

Photo

MEADE 70mm Quad APO - User Group - All things about the 6000 70mm Quad

Astrophotography Equipment Imaging Meade Optics
  • Please log in to reply
42 replies to this topic

#1 Dr. Frankenkeim

Dr. Frankenkeim

    Explorer 1

  • -----
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 63
  • Joined: 21 Aug 2019
  • Loc: West Hills, CA

Posted 16 March 2021 - 10:36 AM

Aloha Everybody!

 

I thought I would start a user group for all things related to the Meade 6000 Series 70mm Quadruplet APO Refractor.

 

I bought this scope in mid-February of 2021 and my first impression is positive. However, it seems as if I can't find many other users (or posts in general) for this scope so I though I would give it a try here.

 

If you are using this scope it would be great to connect and exchange feedback or post questions here. 

 

I will start with one: what I did not fully realize is how short the back focus is (mine sits at just above 5mm). This seems to essentially eliminate the ability use a mono camera with a filter wheel, or an OAG? 

 

CS

Frank



#2 MFC52

MFC52

    Lift Off

  • -----
  • Posts: 3
  • Joined: 19 Jun 2020

Posted 17 March 2021 - 12:11 PM

I'm glad to know there are others with this telescope.  I bought my Meade 70mm for my first telescope for astrophotography in the fall of 2019 and have really enjoyed learning with it.  I started out with a DSRL but ended up with a ZWO 1600mm pro and the filter wheel for the last year. Back focus has not been a problem.  I have added the ZWO autofocuser.  I started with the Mead LX-85 mount but upgraded to the EQ6-R Pro after losing about 10% of my subs due to tracking issues.  I have not looked into an OAG.  I am using the Orion Starshoot set up for guiding.  

 

Robert



#3 astrohound24

astrohound24

    Surveyor 1

  • *****
  • Posts: 1,612
  • Joined: 11 Feb 2010
  • Loc: Western Kentucky

Posted 17 March 2021 - 12:44 PM

I just bought one of these a couple weeks ago. Haven’t got to use it yet due to rain. I have an EQ6R-Pro to mount it on or my Star Adventurer.

#4 Dr. Frankenkeim

Dr. Frankenkeim

    Explorer 1

  • -----
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 63
  • Joined: 21 Aug 2019
  • Loc: West Hills, CA

Posted 17 March 2021 - 02:27 PM

Hi guys! It's great to know that there are actually other (at least 2) owners out there.

 

I have mine sitting on an iOptron SkyGuider Pro. In general I struggle a bit to get decent guiding out of this mount, and with the 350mm focal length I often max out at 30 seconds. The weight should be ok but I think the SGP is very sensitive to balancing. Polar Alignment should be ok since it came with the iPolar PA.

 

Hey Robert: it's good to hear that you got a filter wheel on your Meade. Do you by chance recall what your back focus was for your DSLR vs your ZWO? I might be thinking about this incorrectly, but if I am in focus with "6mm" on the focuser, how can I add a filter wheel when they usually start at 10mm+? Did you ZWO ended up with a longer back focus?



#5 dhalgren

dhalgren

    Sputnik

  • -----
  • Posts: 48
  • Joined: 07 Jun 2018
  • Loc: New Jersey, USA

Posted 18 March 2021 - 07:35 AM

Hi All,

I've had the 70mm for about 10 months now. I have used it with both my Canon SL2 DSLR and my (just acquired) QHY 183M.

The Petzval design is forgiving of a particular back focus, but the Meade has only about 75mm (estimate based on my equipment) of total focus range. The equipment below has about 65mm from 48 to 42 adapter to the 183 sensor. I need to pick up the QHY adapter that replaces the ones on the front of the camera and back of the FW in order to get it to work with my other scope with reducer. It has a strict 55mm back focus.

(Edit:) The 183 has 17.5mm back focus. I think it would be tough to fit a filter wheel and OAG with a DSLR. I use my DSLR with a clip-in filter, mount the 70mm piggy-back on an 80mm, and guide through the 80mm.

Attached Thumbnails

  • Meade70mmSmall.jpg

Edited by dhalgren, 18 March 2021 - 07:52 AM.


#6 dhalgren

dhalgren

    Sputnik

  • -----
  • Posts: 48
  • Joined: 07 Jun 2018
  • Loc: New Jersey, USA

Posted 18 March 2021 - 07:41 AM

This is the first image with the new gear. Full size and older DSLR images are on my astrobin. https://www.astrobin...users/dhalgren/

 

Attached Thumbnails

  • M81M82_640x360psp.jpg

  • Dr. Frankenkeim and Reece like this

#7 MFC52

MFC52

    Lift Off

  • -----
  • Posts: 3
  • Joined: 19 Jun 2020

Posted 18 March 2021 - 03:06 PM

Hey Robert: it's good to hear that you got a filter wheel on your Meade. Do you by chance recall what your back focus was for your DSLR vs your ZWO? I might be thinking about this incorrectly, but if I am in focus with "6mm" on the focuser, how can I add a filter wheel when they usually start at 10mm+? Did you ZWO ended up with a longer back focus?

The backfocus of the telescope is the same with both the DSLR and the ZWO. That is, the distance from the back of the telescope to where the camera sensor is.  In my DSLR, I had about 6mm also on the focus tube showing.  The sensor is in the back of the camera, so the backfocus or the distance from the scope to its sensor is 55mm.  The ZWO camera has its sensor up front on the camera, but it still needs to be 55mm from the end of the telescope.  I had to set the focus tube at 25mm and use a 16.5mm spacer followed by the filter wheel of 10mm and then the camera.   



#8 Dr. Frankenkeim

Dr. Frankenkeim

    Explorer 1

  • -----
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 63
  • Joined: 21 Aug 2019
  • Loc: West Hills, CA

Posted 20 March 2021 - 12:55 PM

Hi All,

I've had the 70mm for about 10 months now. I have used it with both my Canon SL2 DSLR and my (just acquired) QHY 183M.

The Petzval design is forgiving of a particular back focus, but the Meade has only about 75mm (estimate based on my equipment) of total focus range. The equipment below has about 65mm from 48 to 42 adapter to the 183 sensor. I need to pick up the QHY adapter that replaces the ones on the front of the camera and back of the FW in order to get it to work with my other scope with reducer. It has a strict 55mm back focus.

(Edit:) The 183 has 17.5mm back focus. I think it would be tough to fit a filter wheel and OAG with a DSLR. I use my DSLR with a clip-in filter, mount the 70mm piggy-back on an 80mm, and guide through the 80mm.

 

 

The backfocus of the telescope is the same with both the DSLR and the ZWO. That is, the distance from the back of the telescope to where the camera sensor is.  In my DSLR, I had about 6mm also on the focus tube showing.  The sensor is in the back of the camera, so the backfocus or the distance from the scope to its sensor is 55mm.  The ZWO camera has its sensor up front on the camera, but it still needs to be 55mm from the end of the telescope.  I had to set the focus tube at 25mm and use a 16.5mm spacer followed by the filter wheel of 10mm and then the camera.   

Thanks guys - this makes total sense. I forgot to account for the sensor placement on the DSLR vs on a dedicated Astrocamera. So no filter wheel for the DSLR (only 6mm of focus left) but definitely and option for a dedicated camera. 



#9 polslinux

polslinux

    Apollo

  • *****
  • Moderators
  • Posts: 1,008
  • Joined: 05 Jun 2020
  • Loc: Veneto, Italy

Posted 21 March 2021 - 02:14 PM

I bought a similar scope for Xmas, and I've used it once (well, 3 nights for 1 target) since then ;(

Mine is a TecnoSky AG70 F5, which is basically the same thing just rebranded :)

#10 Dr. Frankenkeim

Dr. Frankenkeim

    Explorer 1

  • -----
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 63
  • Joined: 21 Aug 2019
  • Loc: West Hills, CA

Posted 22 March 2021 - 04:29 PM

I bought a similar scope for Xmas, and I've used it once (well, 3 nights for 1 target) since then ;(

Mine is a TecnoSky AG70 F5, which is basically the same thing just rebranded smile.gif

That's interesting - I did not know about the rebranding. Let us know how you like it when you test the scope more. I would be interested in your experience. 


  • polslinux likes this

#11 polslinux

polslinux

    Apollo

  • *****
  • Moderators
  • Posts: 1,008
  • Joined: 05 Jun 2020
  • Loc: Veneto, Italy

Posted 22 March 2021 - 04:49 PM

That's interesting - I did not know about the rebranding. Let us know how you like it when you test the scope more. I would be interested in your experience.

Sure thing :)
BTW, there's also another rebranded version, this time from TS optics (called TSAPO71Q)
  • Dr. Frankenkeim likes this

#12 Dr. Frankenkeim

Dr. Frankenkeim

    Explorer 1

  • -----
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 63
  • Joined: 21 Aug 2019
  • Loc: West Hills, CA

Posted 23 March 2021 - 10:55 PM

Hey Guys,

 

Do you run into issues with the placement of the focus lock? It essentially prevents me from moving the dovetail bar back far enough to truly balance the scope. Turning the tube does not really work either since then the focus wheel is in the way. Are you using spacers for the scope rings or is this not an issue for you? My scope is pretty back heavy but I can't use a longer dovetail since the focus lock is in the way?

Attached Thumbnails

  • Screen Shot 2021-03-23 at 8.44.43 PM.jpg


#13 dhalgren

dhalgren

    Sputnik

  • -----
  • Posts: 48
  • Joined: 07 Jun 2018
  • Loc: New Jersey, USA

Posted 24 March 2021 - 06:33 AM

There are a few things you can do. When I have the 70mm piggy-backed on the 80 I flip it upside down. That's easiest as it requires no additional HW.

Risers, and/or dovetail counterweights are alternatives. You may need a longer dovetail to fit the counterweight. And, of course, what you want needs to be in stock somewhere.

I am using a DIY combination of riser and counterweight until the ADM one comes. It's ugly and doesn't provide as much clearance as I'd like, but it works.

A longer screw can also be a temporary fix. The QHY CFW3 comes with 60mm long thumbscrews that match the focuser lock screw in diameter and pitch, but it was a bit too long. I was afraid it would bend or snag, so I never actually used it.

 

My current 'solution'. All parts I had lying around. The weight is a boatload of fender washers on a 5/16" eyebolt. The riser is 1" square tube. The dovetail is what Orion calls 7" long (I seem to recall it's somewhat longer)

 

Attached Thumbnails

  • DIYriserCW640x480.jpg
  • DIYriserCWcloseup640x480.jpg

  • Dr. Frankenkeim likes this

#14 Dr. Frankenkeim

Dr. Frankenkeim

    Explorer 1

  • -----
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 63
  • Joined: 21 Aug 2019
  • Loc: West Hills, CA

Posted 26 March 2021 - 01:46 PM

I like your DIY setup - especially the cable solution. Looks neat!

 

I did try to turn the scope upside down, but I did not consider that the Red Dot Finder is now hitting the side of the tracker grin.gif so I think I need to go with the risers.

Attached Thumbnails

  • Finder.jpg


#15 dhalgren

dhalgren

    Sputnik

  • -----
  • Posts: 48
  • Joined: 07 Jun 2018
  • Loc: New Jersey, USA

Posted 27 March 2021 - 06:27 AM

I removed the finder dovetail early on in my search for clearance. I mount one on top of the rings when using it separately and use the main scope's when piggy-backing it.



#16 ASG_Astronomy

ASG_Astronomy

    Sputnik

  • *****
  • Vendors
  • Posts: 42
  • Joined: 27 Mar 2022
  • Loc: Oregon, US

Posted 29 March 2021 - 06:23 PM

 I just joined and have been using my 70mm quad with good results as well... I had to build a custom bar out of a piece of stock aluminum I had laying around, it also helped move it up so it could slide forward and the extra forward weight helped balance it perfectly as well...  Works good with the ASI cameras and filter wheels.

 

20210322_131537-397x705.jpg


  • Dr. Frankenkeim likes this

#17 georgian82

georgian82

    Apollo

  • *****
  • Posts: 1,398
  • Joined: 16 Jan 2016
  • Loc: Windsor, California

Posted 29 March 2021 - 07:58 PM

Hi guys, I have been using this scope for a while now paired with an ASI1600MM camera. For some time I had the worse tilt in only one side of the frame. I tried playing around with the tilt adjuster (which I find a pain to use) and got nowhere. I finally fixed most of it by tightening down the focuser draw tube which had some slop to it and was sagging with the weight of the camera and filter wheel. I also replaced the extension rings I was using for a 16.5 and 11mm so that I could be right at 55mm back focus. That being said, I don’t think this scope can fully correct a sensor bigger than micro four thirds based on my experience (but I could be wrong).

All and all, I think the scope is well corrected for CA and does the job. My only complain is the lack of support from Meade and I don’t find the scope as “sexy” as other offers like William optics for example.

Here are a few pics taken with it:

https://www.astrobin.../full/expvrk/0/

https://www.astrobin.../full/be0k3b/B/

https://www.astrobin...ghf3/F/?nc=user

Cheers,

Sebastian

Edited by georgian82, 29 March 2021 - 08:00 PM.

  • dhalgren and Dr. Frankenkeim like this

#18 Dr. Frankenkeim

Dr. Frankenkeim

    Explorer 1

  • -----
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 63
  • Joined: 21 Aug 2019
  • Loc: West Hills, CA

Posted 29 March 2021 - 09:08 PM

 I just joined and have been using my 70mm quad with good results as well... I had to build a custom bar out of a piece of stock aluminum I had laying around, it also helped move it up so it could slide forward and the extra forward weight helped balance it perfectly as well...  Works good with the ASI cameras and filter wheels.

 

20210322_131537-397x705.jpg

You mounted the original plate on top of another one. Good idea too. 



#19 Dr. Frankenkeim

Dr. Frankenkeim

    Explorer 1

  • -----
  • topic starter
  • Posts: 63
  • Joined: 21 Aug 2019
  • Loc: West Hills, CA

Posted 29 March 2021 - 09:12 PM

Hi guys, I have been using this scope for a while now paired with an ASI1600MM camera. For some time I had the worse tilt in only one side of the frame. I tried playing around with the tilt adjuster (which I find a pain to use) and got nowhere. I finally fixed most of it by tightening down the focuser draw tube which had some slop to it and was sagging with the weight of the camera and filter wheel. I also replaced the extension rings I was using for a 16.5 and 11mm so that I could be right at 55mm back focus. That being said, I don’t think this scope can fully correct a sensor bigger than micro four thirds based on my experience (but I could be wrong).

All and all, I think the scope is well corrected for CA and does the job. My only complain is the lack of support from Meade and I don’t find the scope as “sexy” as other offers like William optics for example.

Here are a few pics taken with it:

https://www.astrobin.../full/expvrk/0/

https://www.astrobin.../full/be0k3b/B/

https://www.astrobin...ghf3/F/?nc=user

Cheers,

Sebastian

Those pictures speak for themselves. Wow!!! Very very cool. 



#20 georgian82

georgian82

    Apollo

  • *****
  • Posts: 1,398
  • Joined: 16 Jan 2016
  • Loc: Windsor, California

Posted 29 March 2021 - 10:07 PM

Those pictures speak for themselves. Wow!!! Very very cool.


Thanks! I really like the focal length of this scope. 350mm is perfect for a lot of wide field nebulae targets.

#21 dhalgren

dhalgren

    Sputnik

  • -----
  • Posts: 48
  • Joined: 07 Jun 2018
  • Loc: New Jersey, USA

Posted 30 March 2021 - 03:25 PM

We actually had 4 consecutive clear nights for the first time in, well ever, that I can remember. Shot the Leo triplet and M101, yet to process M101. Here is a mini version of the triplets, full size on my astrobin.

 

Attached Thumbnails

  • LeoTripCropResize640x360.png

  • Dr. Frankenkeim likes this

#22 dhalgren

dhalgren

    Sputnik

  • -----
  • Posts: 48
  • Joined: 07 Jun 2018
  • Loc: New Jersey, USA

Posted 30 March 2021 - 03:30 PM

Hi guys, I have been using this scope for a while now paired with an ASI1600MM camera. For some time I had the worse tilt in only one side of the frame. I tried playing around with the tilt adjuster (which I find a pain to use) and got nowhere. I finally fixed most of it by tightening down the focuser draw tube which had some slop to it and was sagging with the weight of the camera and filter wheel. I also replaced the extension rings I was using for a 16.5 and 11mm so that I could be right at 55mm back focus. That being said, I don’t think this scope can fully correct a sensor bigger than micro four thirds based on my experience (but I could be wrong).

All and all, I think the scope is well corrected for CA and does the job. My only complain is the lack of support from Meade and I don’t find the scope as “sexy” as other offers like William optics for example.

Here are a few pics taken with it:

https://www.astrobin.../full/expvrk/0/

https://www.astrobin.../full/be0k3b/B/

https://www.astrobin...ghf3/F/?nc=user

Cheers,

Sebastian

Good stuff! I especially like the Heart, you managed to get a lot of detail without burning out the bright areas (something I have an ongoing problem with).



#23 decep

decep

    Apollo

  • *****
  • Posts: 1,370
  • Joined: 19 Aug 2018
  • Loc: Alabama, US

Posted 30 March 2021 - 08:53 PM

Hey Guys,

 

Do you run into issues with the placement of the focus lock? It essentially prevents me from moving the dovetail bar back far enough to truly balance the scope. Turning the tube does not really work either since then the focus wheel is in the way. Are you using spacers for the scope rings or is this not an issue for you? My scope is pretty back heavy but I can't use a longer dovetail since the focus lock is in the way?

I added a ZWO EAF to my setup and it actually makes the bottom dovetail bar placement worse.  I added a longer top dovetail bar and mounted the scope upside down.  My finderscope attaches to the bottom dovetail bar now (I removed the vixen finder shoes).



#24 dhalgren

dhalgren

    Sputnik

  • -----
  • Posts: 48
  • Joined: 07 Jun 2018
  • Loc: New Jersey, USA

Posted 30 March 2021 - 09:42 PM

decep,

which focuser holes did you use? Were the supplied screws used, or did you need to get others? Thanks!



#25 decep

decep

    Apollo

  • *****
  • Posts: 1,370
  • Joined: 19 Aug 2018
  • Loc: Alabama, US

Posted 31 March 2021 - 09:31 AM

decep,

which focuser holes did you use? Were the supplied screws used, or did you need to get others? Thanks!

I had to procure my own bolts and washers.  I believe the rail bolts on the rings are M6.  I used 14mm bolts with a flat washer and lock washer.




CNers have asked about a donation box for Cloudy Nights over the years, so here you go. Donation is not required by any means, so please enjoy your stay.


Recent Topics





Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: Astrophotography, Equipment, Imaging, Meade, Optics



Cloudy Nights LLC
Cloudy Nights Sponsor: Astronomics