825 replies to this topic

[YAOG]

Just received AT130 yesterday, looks fantastic can't wait to get out under clear skies.  Question the AT FF/FR on back order, I have a WO 6AIII x .8 FF/FR that is a perfect fit.  Anyone use with this scope before?  I adjusted and took only a few brief images last night.  Could not wait to get scope out so did a quick build adding ASI EAF, ASIAir Pro, and Uni Guide scope.  Will get handle next week.  Will post results of using FF/FR.  Any info. appreciated.

Probably will work at least okay if not perfectly if you can find the right backspacing amount. Just adjust the backspacing to see if you can improve on the edge star shape and find that happy point. Chances are good it will be fine if not perfect if there is enough adjustment in the thread and it coincides with the back spacing for the 130mm scope. Some experimentation will obviously be needed and you may not be able to get enough in travel to get the best results but you can play and learn while you wait for the BO'd AT part. You could also order their nice 130mm f/7 apo 0.8x reducer flattener TSREDM63-130 from TS Optics in Germany. Maybe $275 delivered - in stock with fast delivery. IDK wht threads you need on the focuser drawtube but this has M63, they also have an adapter if you need an M68 thread.   

Edited by YAOG, 25 March 2022 - 07:00 PM.

[YAOG]

I've posted images of the bespoke Parallax/Astro-Tech 130mm f/6 SDT apo before but this is a new thread so I'll post more recent images. This telescope consists of an Astro-Tech 130mm f/6 FPL-53 triplet lens cell with a 3.7" focuser from an Astro-Tech 152mm f/8 EDT and fabricated by Parallax Instruments - Thanks Joe! - into the substantial instrument you see here. 

 

This is my main imaging system made up of the following: ZWO ASIAIR +, Starizona Apex ED "L" 0.65x reducer/flattener, ASI290MM mini in the helical focuser of a ZWO OAG, ZWO EFW-8 with a black filter, Astronomik CLS CCD for Luminance, new ZWO RGB & new ZWO 7nm NB SHO filters, ZWO EAF 5V, ASI183MM-Pro primary camera. Parallax hinged rings on Losmandy  dovetails, GL.iNET Beryl AC1300 mini router, Losmandy G11G mount with Gemini 2-mini controller on Losmandy LWT tripod with a rare original Losmandy tripod shelf on modified Wheelie Bar, DIY triple voltage power pack sitting on the Wheelie Bar. This is how it sits in the garage waiting for starlight. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by YAOG, 25 March 2022 - 11:28 PM.

[midwestastronomer]

I'm currently considering an AT130EDT, but I need a recommendation on a mount.   I don't want go-to, I'd prefer something manual.   I was looking at the Stellarvue M2C with some sort of pier and a weight rated tripod.   Any suggestions would be appreciated.  I have an AT72EDii, which I mount on a AT Voyager.   That's a nice GNG set up, but I'd like the deeper reach of the 5 inch aperture and don't want to go back to an SCT.  Love the SCT, but its just...for me, anyway...so much work to set up and take down.

Visual or AP? 

 

Visual: Losmandy AZ-8. I have one and love it. That one will ride an AT 130 all day. 

 

AP- There are a bunch of options, but you're going to need a mount at least at a 40 lb weight capacity, like a CGEM II/EQ-6/Orion Atlas(or higher end mounts)

 

I'm doing AP, which is why I ended up going with the 115 over the 130. Total cost was like $1500 for difference in scope+mount combo for only 15mm of extra aperture. Not worth it. 

Edited by midwestastronomer, 28 March 2022 - 02:10 PM.

[YAOG]

I'm currently considering an AT130EDT, but I need a recommendation on a mount.   I don't want go-to, I'd prefer something manual.   I was looking at the Stellarvue M2C with some sort of pier and a weight rated tripod.   Any suggestions would be appreciated.  I have an AT72EDii, which I mount on a AT Voyager.   That's a nice GNG set up, but I'd like the deeper reach of the 5 inch aperture and don't want to go back to an SCT.  Love the SCT, but its just...for me, anyway...so much work to set up and take down.

Hi Craven,

 

If you are comfortable with an EQ mount I suggest looking for a new or used Losmandy GM8 with the classic Digital Drive system. The Losmandy mounts use a Porter slip-clutch which once the scope is balanced in the saddle and counterweighted correctly allows you to push the scope around the sky using two fingers freely and once you let go the mount just tracks without intervention on your part.

 

I also recommend adding a Nexus DSC for Push-To operation for very fast accurate finding of dim objects with PUSH-TO operation. PUSH-TO and star hopping is the way these mounts were originally designed to operate long before GOTO even existed, it was only later that GOTO was added with the Gemini controller. If you want to operate in PUSH-TO mode this is the only game in town. I keep a GM8G with Nexus DSC just for visual use, nothing else can be operated with finger tip PUSH-TO and have the mount track automatically to maintain the object in the eyepiece. 

 

Used Losmandy GM8 with digital drive can be found for $800-$1,000 and new ones can be ordered for $1,700. 

 

Cheers/Chip

[SLarkin]

Just received AT130 yesterday, looks fantastic can't wait to get out under clear skies.  Question the AT FF/FR on back order, I have a WO 6AIII x .8 FF/FR that is a perfect fit.  Anyone use with this scope before?  I adjusted and took only a few brief images last night.  Could not wait to get scope out so did a quick build adding ASI EAF, ASIAir Pro, and Uni Guide scope.  Will get handle next week.  Will post results of using FF/FR.  Any info. appreciated.

When I received my AT130 Feb 10, the reducer-field flattener was on backorder. I asked if there was an alternative. They suggested the 0.8 reducer-flattener ATR 8 which was, and still is, in stock. It works with f5.5 to f7 scopes. It was less expensive, about $149. I ordered it, took some astro images and it seems fine. Actually I don't see unacceptable curvature without any ff/fr. This ATR 8 slides into the draw tube, not a screw-in, but it is remarkably stable. Less orthogonal error than expected. Anyone else using this?

Edited by SLarkin, 29 March 2022 - 04:26 PM.

[Slice1969]

I received my AT130EDT a couple of weeks ago.  I couldn't get it to focus without ordering an extension.

 

In the meantime, I used an astro-physics CCD67 telecompressor that I used with my 6" RC.  I was able to reach focus, but didn't do any imaging with it.

 

I have the ASI183MM Pro camera, and was hoping the small sensor would keep me in the flatter portion of the image field.

 

I installed the extension and threaded adapter so I could screw on the entire imaging train, and did my first night of imaging a couple of days ago.    The results were exactly what I was hoping for, with nice round stars out to the edge of the images.

 

Whenever the flattener/reducer is back in stock, I will probably still order one for when I do a camera upgrade. 

[BRCoz]

Hope to get the 152 out to Joshua Tree NP on the next new moon.  My wife is doing much better and I have the green light.

 

 

Attached Thumbnails

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[gordoabc]

I've posted this one before but now it is on a new mount with a new focuser

 

 

 

Edited by gordoabc, 17 April 2022 - 07:11 PM.

[peleuba]

Hope to get the 152 out to Joshua Tree NP on the next new moon.  My wife is doing much better and I have the green light.

 

 

Any impressions of the scope?  I'm casually looking for one to keep setup on a G11 on an outdoor pier undercover.    

[BRCoz]

Any impressions of the scope?  I'm casually looking for one to keep setup on a G11 on an outdoor pier undercover.    

I have only had it out two times.  The sky was not good for viewing the first time out.  I was able to view the moon at home and was very happy with the sharp view.  At the end of this month I'll be out at a dark site to give it a workout.  

[T~Stew]

Happy AT130EDT user here...

 

 

 

Also have the AT80EDT but haven't got it under the stars yet. Its and EDT as well so not sure if meant for this thread. One question I have is if I can use the .8x reducer from the 130 on the 80, typically it seems you need to add backspace using smaller focal length scopes, but not sure if this is too much of a change to work well. I also have TSFLAT25G2 flattener, it specs backfocus for refractors from 500mm to 800mm focal length, both scopes are slightly off each end of this but I have it working fairly well on the 130EDT and hoping it can still work also on the 80EDT. Would be nice not having to buy yet again another flattener or corrector.

[HagglePig420]

I use the .8 reducer from my AT102EDL on my 130EDT, and it seems to work just fine, though both scopes are f7. I really like my 130, I use it for both visual and Astrophotography on my Ioptron GEM45, but honestly I have to say, I think my EDL doublet with FCD100 and lanthanum has slightly better color correction than my EDT.. not sure why.. I definitely see an improvement after the EDT cools down, but it's still just something that bothers me a bit, I'll have to get them both out for a direct comparison. I know they aren't a Takahashi or anything, but still something I ponder.

[T~Stew]

I posted in the other AT thread but thought I'd include this here too. Since the 80 is an EDT to (but not in the thread title)??

 

Does anyone know if there is a better solution that allows focus with CAA? I can't seem to focus with it, I end up bottoming out the focuser, thats using the TS 1x flattener (TSFLAT25G2). Without it the camera is upside down and about 30 angle, it looks horrible lol. I was able to rotate the tube, got it mostly balanced with the focuser knob sticking up, but might not work for different framing. Anyhow looks like a solid scope so far, just had it out one night for its first light and my first image though short on integrated time turned out well and I just guessed on the backspacing...

 

 

and first light with the rig (mount too) with M106:

 

Not really meant for galaxies, but if double or triple the frames I bet it'd make a pretty good image of M106, pleased how it turned out so far. Mainly as a replacement for my 400mm Canon lens, at least it shoots with much less aberration in the stars.

[midwestastronomer]

Here is my setup

 

I also have an AT 80 EDT. 

Edited by midwestastronomer, 05 June 2022 - 04:57 PM.

[Jaimo!]

I have posted this photo in the Astro Techitis thread but I have no problem adding it to this post.  

 

Below is my AT115EDT with the AT60GS on top, riding on a Losmandy GM8, kitted out with all of the ZWO options (ASIAir Pro, ASI294MC Pro, ASI290MM guide scope, ASI mini filter wheel, ASI auto focuser).  Love this rig.

 

[KJKlock]

I just got a new AT115EDT and I have a few questions.  I've heard that the newest models are supposed to include a flange to allow the objective lens to be collimated.  I don't see that on mine.  Perhaps I need to remove the dew shield to access it?  Which brings me to my second question: how do you remove the dew shield?  I've removed the three set screws from the flange at the back of the retractable dew shield, but that seems to have made no difference to being able to disassemble anything.

 

Thank you.

Edited by KJKlock, 05 June 2022 - 11:54 AM.

[Cbaxter]

I just got a new AT115EDT and I have a few questions. I've heard that the newest models are supposed to include a flange to allow the objective lens to be collimated. I don't see that on mine. Perhaps I need to remove the dew shield to access it? Which brings me to my second question: how do you remove the dew shield? I've removed the three set screws from the flange at the back of the retractable dew shield, but that seems to have made no difference to being able to disassemble anything.

Thank you.

Does the dew shield not just unscrew? I have the TS variant of this which should be mechanically the same as the AT115 and the dew shield just unscrews from the sliding retaining ring.

Edited by Cbaxter, 05 June 2022 - 04:10 PM.

[hfsarber]

It does.  It's just that it usually takes two people with rubber gloves or a strap wrench to get enough grip to convince it to unscrew.

[hfsarber]

Here ya go.  I replaced one of the setscrews with a matching screw.  While my wife held the dew shield I used a punch to tap the ring loose.  From that point I simply unscrewed it and slid it off.

 

 

[KJKlock]

I see.  Thanks so much for that! 

 

So, what do the set screws actually do if they are not holding the dew shield on?

Edited by KJKlock, 05 June 2022 - 06:56 PM.

[hfsarber]

The set screws are used to adjust the tension of the dew shield.  However, I have found that even if they are removed, the dew shield doesn't sag.  That plastic (delrin?) ring fits fairly snugly and the felt and foam hold the dew shield in place without sagging.  I only tighten the set screws until they stop.

[midwestastronomer]

This is not a question for right now, but later........do you guys think it would be worth it to upgrade from a 115 to a 130? 

[YAOG]

This is not a question for right now, but later........do you guys think it would be worth it to upgrade from a 115 to a 130? 

Upgrade to what end? Imaging? Visual? 

[midwestastronomer]

Upgrade to what end? Imaging? Visual? 

Yes. 

[rkaufmann87]

The question remains un-answered, to what end? We have no idea what you are attempting to achieve by upgrading to a 130 mm refractor.