10 replies to this topic

[J_D_Metzger]

I'd like to adapt my older version Starbeam to accept a new StellarVue-type illuminator.  Here's a picture of a Starbeam that has a threaded insert/adapter that a StellarVue illuminator will fit.  I have been unable to find any reference to such an insert/adapter, or any model Starbeam that came with it.  Anyone know anything about this insert/adapter???

 

[Castor]

I'd like to adapt my older version Starbeam to accept a new StellarVue-type illuminator.  Here's a picture of a Starbeam that has a threaded insert/adapter that a StellarVue illuminator will fit.  I have been unable to find any reference to such an insert/adapter, or any model Starbeam that came with it.  Anyone know anything about this insert/adapter???

 

msg-262114-0-20754200-1669426987_thumb.jpg

 

Hi J.D.

 

I own multiple Starbeam finders, but all of them are from the older model with the chrome illuminator, I prefer them mostly for aesthetic reasons.  The threaded adapter that you are seeing in the picture that you posted is probably from one of the current Starbeam models, designed to accept the Rigel Systems PulsGuide Jr illuminator included when purchased new.  As far as I know, Tele Vue used to sell a PulsGuide Jr retrofit (that surely must include the adapter) so you can have the new illuminator on an old Starbeam.  Here’s an old post where it’s mentioned:

 

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/360980-starbeam-change/?p=4631435

 

 

 

Here´s the official word from the former Tele Vue representative:

 

https://www.cloudyni...ange/?p=4642776

 

 

P.S.  I always found the pictures of your TV scopes on the Vixen mounts very inspiring!  They served as motivational help when deciding whether to buy or not a TV-76 scope when I already owned a TV-85.  In the end I bought the TV-76 and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to own both scopes, thank you!  

Edited by Castor, 27 November 2022 - 01:46 PM.

[J_D_Metzger]

Hey Casper,

 

Thanks for the info, and I appreciate the feedback about buying the TV-76.  If I remember correctly, I have owned 3 or 4 TV-76s.  For some reason, I would sell them to buy something new, and regretted it every time.   My current one is a keeper - really!  

[Castor]

Hey Casper,

 

Thanks for the info, and I appreciate the feedback about buying the TV-76.  If I remember correctly, I have owned 3 or 4 TV-76s.  For some reason, I would sell them to buy something new, and regretted it every time.   My current one is a keeper - really!  

You are welcome J.D.!

 

Wow you have owned 3 or 4 TV-76’s!   And I was having a hard time deciding on the first one, he, he!   Mine is a keeper too!  I love their high performance combined with the small form factor and I really don’t know what I’d do if I was forced to choose between it and its slightly larger brother, the TV-85.  Perhaps I should pay attention to your broader experience:  Coming back to it again every time that you sell one. 

 

It’s been my pleasure to be able to thank you for the inspiration!

 

P.S. My user name is Castor after the close double star in Gemini!

Edited by Castor, 27 November 2022 - 10:32 PM.

[J_D_Metzger]

Castor,

 

I apologize about "Casper" -    It was a brain cramp.  Happens a lot these days....

 

Anyway, clear skies,

JD

[Castor]

Castor,

 

I apologize about "Casper" -    It was a brain cramp.  Happens a lot these days....

 

Anyway, clear skies,

JD

There’s nothing to apologize J.D., it’s a common slip.  I do it all the time and it’s very embarrassing when it happens with an actual name!

 

Thanks, clear skies to you too!

[J_D_Metzger]

I called Tele Vue and talked to David about the Starbeam.  The new illuminator comes with the adapter.  But the adapter isn't shown in the picture of the illuminator or in the instructions.  That's what confused me.  So I paid $60 plus $10 shipping for the new illuminator.  Unfortunately, they don't sell the adapter separately...

 

Clear skies!!

JD

Edited by J_D_Metzger, 28 November 2022 - 11:13 AM.

[Castor]

I called Tele Vue and talked to David about the Starbeam.  The new illuminator comes with the adapter.  But the adapter isn't shown in the picture of the illuminator or in the instructions.  That's what confused me.  So I paid $60 plus $10 shipping for the new illuminator.  Unfortunately, they don't sell the adapter separately...

 

Clear skies!!

JD

Thank you J.D. for sharing the results from your inquiry!

 

It’s good to know that a retrofit with new illuminator can be purchased directly from Tele Vue in case the old one quits working!  I’m sorry that you couldn’t buy just the adapter separately!

 

Clear skies!

[George N]

**next** question about the TV Starbeam -- Does that little mirror really work? -- for not having to bend down and look 'up' thru the thing? Can you really get an object in the eyepiece as well using the mirror as looking up thru it?

[tony_spina]

**next** question about the TV Starbeam -- Does that little mirror really work? -- for not having to bend down and look 'up' thru the thing? Can you really get an object in the eyepiece as well using the mirror as looking up thru it?

Yes. The mirror does work.  It may take you a few jumps to get the hang of it

[J_D_Metzger]

Tony is right, the mirror really works.  

 

I received the new black illuminator from Tele Vue.  Turns out the adapter is indeed on the illuminator, however, the threads on the adapter do not exactly match the threads on the StellarVue type illuminator!    You can screw it in a little ways, and then it sticks.  So I'm going to keep the Tele Vue illuminator and sell the StellarVue one.   End of story...