103 replies to this topic

[jrazz]

Vixen: 3.6 kg per OTA ~=> with cradle/EMS 8.2kg (18lbs) 

Tak: 2.8 kg per OTA ~=> with cradle/EMS 6.6kg (14.5lbs)

 

TOA with diagonal: 12.5kg (27.5 lbs)

 

Both would be substantially lighter

[Mark9473]

I'm seeing the Vixen SD115S on multiple European dealer sites specified as 6.2 kg for the OTA.

[jrazz]

https://global.vixen...post/230605a-1/

 

Size and weight L:810mm, OD:115mm, 5.5kg(Body 3.6kg

 

I think they specify weight with rings and diagonal.

Edited by jrazz, 20 September 2024 - 06:39 PM.

[Mark9473]

OK, I went to the source: Vixen Japan: https://www.vixen.co...roduct/26087_4/

Weight 6.3kg (main body 4.4kg), so presumably the difference is the rings, finder and flip mirror ??

[Mark9473]

Remarkable that we were on the same site at the same time ;-)

Anyway, you quoted the 103 it seems.

[jrazz]

Thank you!

I must have missed that.

 

Now I also see that back focus might be an issue as well....

 

How much do I want to chop up a Vixen...

[alvin58]

I have a question. I too have an FC100 DC. I tried removing the green extension tube between the tube and focuser. It would not budge. It's like the interior paint was applied right at the joint. I can remove the focuser unit from the extension tube easily, but no way will that extension tube unthread. Any thoughts on how todo this successfully?

Allen

[PatientObserver]

Welp, it finally happened.

Kyoei cancelled my order because they don't ship to the US. We screwed it up everyone. We talked about it and Takahashi closed the loophole.

Sigh.


Now what to do. Swallow my pride and buy at the exorbitant rate from TOA or scour the classifides? Anyone have a DC they want to sell?

Looks like this was recently changed:

Latest Information

It would take longer than usual to ship oversea since we suspend our automation system for export to remove the inappropriate shipping manually. US customers should not add the Takahashi items into their carts. @ Sep 16, 2024

Please know that we do not ship Takahashi items to the US at the Takahashi's request. US customers should not add the Takahashi items into their carts.

[jrazz]

I have a question. I too have an FC100 DC. I tried removing the green extension tube between the tube and focuser. It would not budge. It's like the interior paint was applied right at the joint. I can remove the focuser unit from the extension tube easily, but no way will that extension tube unthread. Any thoughts on how todo this successfully?

Allen

It was fairly easy on my telescope... Firm hand pressure was all that was needed.

I hesitate to suggest it but maybe trying with a strap wrench? 

 

Also, and I know it sounds silly, please make sure you are twisting in the right direction. If it's not moving maybe try the other way?

[alvin58]

jrazz,

 

Thanks for the reminder. I will check again on the direction. Definitely could be the other thread direction.

Allen

[Highburymark]

I had a ED115 and compared it many times to my Tak100D(F). The Vixen had an identical star-test to the Tak and while it was better at planetary, the difference was not enough to keep both for very long. The OP already had a Toa 130 which I'm quite sure showed much more of a difference if the sky cooperated. Two Tak 100's gather more light per eye and must be the ultimate binocular with low- and high power easily achieved. For me it's the SM 125ED with binoviewer which does show an improvement even vs. my excellent Vixen Ed115 with SV focuser. CS Pete

Good idea - a SM125ED binoscope!

[RAKing]

I have a question. I too have an FC100 DC. I tried removing the green extension tube between the tube and focuser. It would not budge. It's like the interior paint was applied right at the joint. I can remove the focuser unit from the extension tube easily, but no way will that extension tube unthread. Any thoughts on how todo this successfully?

Allen

Two strap wrenches will safely do the job.  It’s still “lefty loosie!”

 

Ron

Edited by RAKing, 21 September 2024 - 09:03 AM.

[alvin58]

That’s what I thought. I didn’t want to ruin anything- it’s my favorite scope! Thanks Ron.

[25585]

Welp, it finally happened. 

 

Kyoei cancelled my order because they don't ship to the US. We screwed it up everyone. We talked about it and Takahashi closed the loophole.

 

Sigh.

 

 

Now what to do. Swallow my pride and buy at the exorbitant rate from TOA or scour the classifides? Anyone have a DC they want to sell?

https://www.firstlig...-refractor.html  You will not be charged VAT. 

[Lookitup]

https://www.firstlig...-refractor.html  You will not be charged VAT. 

But US taxes which are much lower plus same import fee. 

[jrazz]

I think it’s less expensive from TNR.

Anyway, thank you but I think I’m sorted.

[cahanc]

Thinking about upgrading the focuser... I recently sold the TOA (very happy about that) but now I want to make the DC the best telescope for me.

 

I am completely lost with the options in the Feather Touch lineup. Any recommendations? I want to keep the optical path short to allow a possible future EMS binoscope.

I put the FTF2025 focuser on my FC100DC and it works great. 

[Lookitup]

I'm seeing the Vixen SD115S on multiple European dealer sites specified as 6.2 kg for the OTA.

6.2kg (Net 4.4kg) seems to be correct.

[Fiske]

I was considering a StarLight Instruments MPA-TAK2.5 focuser for my 100DC, and sent an email asking about backorder status for it on Friday, October 4. Even though the business hours are listed as Mon-Thursday, within 30 minutes I had a reply from Dena Joseph saying she had one left in inventory and could ship it to me that day. I hopped on it. 

 

BUT, the TAK2.5 was too large. The Tak focuser housing on the DC is 68mm in diameter, and the Tak2.5 is designed to fit a larger focuser housing, which I guess must vary between the FC-100 telescopes. Anyway, I reached out to Dena about the issue, and got excellent and prompt customer service -- I sent images of the MPA mounted on my telescope, and the StarLight tech suggested trying the MPA-TAK-FS60/76. The TAK-FS60/76 was shipped on Thursday, October 10 and arrived at my home Saturday morning.

 

It fit perfectly and the focus motion is amazing -- a substantial improvement over the original Tak focuser, which is adequate for low to moderate magnification but frustrating at higher magnifications. My one gripe about the otherwise outstanding Takahashi FC-100DC. The MPA coordinates with the Tak aesthetic beautifully. I'm delighted with the update.

 

I was not aware that the founder of StarLight Instruments, Jon Joseph, passed away unexpectedly in 2021 when he was only 56. His wife Dena, a stay-at-home mother of four, took over the business and kept it running. Fortunately, she has a degree in accounting, excellent customer skills, and from what I have seen not a small amount of gumption. I am one of many, many customers happy that FeatherTouch focusers are still available to the astronomy community.

 

Thank you Dena! 

 

Here are some pictures of the MPA-TAK-FS60/76 on the 100DC.

 

 

 

Edited by Fiske, 14 October 2024 - 12:37 PM.

[mountain monk]

Way to go, Fiske! Useful information!

 

Dark skies.

 

Jack

[Scott99]

and the StarLight tech suggested trying the MPA-TAK-FS60/76.

These are nice - I had one on my FS102.  They add a little weight to the back end but are mechanical perfection

 

These days I'm happy with MEF-3 and I learned how to adjust Tak and Vixen focusers (very similar).  IMO the Tak factory usually sets the tension too tight on new ones - i.e. the pinion is screwed too tightly onto the rack, making the knob hard to turn.

 

It's easy to adjust, you take the cover off and loosen the screws until there's backlash, then gradually tighten them just enough to eliminate the backlash.

Edited by Scott99, 14 October 2024 - 12:27 PM.

[Bill Barlow]

I did the same upgrade with my Tak FC 76 DCU, except I got a silver fine focus knob instead of the gold.  Really enhances the performance of the scope.  

 

Bill

[John Huntley]

Nice upgrade !

 

I put the FT micro pinion 2.5" on my Tak FC100-DL and it fitted like a glove 

 

Real quality engineering from Starlight Instruments 

[Fiske]

Dena told me they now realize the FC100 models have at least two different focuser housing designs. I'm guessing that the diameter of the focuser housing on your 100DL is significantly wider than 68mm (the diameter of the 100DC housing).

 

Here is an image of the MPA-TAK2.5 on my 100DC. You can see how much wider the Tak2.5 radius is compared with the 100DC focuser housing.

 

 

The Tak2.5 was actually functional and the focus action was excellent. The leveler balls were nearly fully extended out of the MPA body.  Also, the coarse focus knob could not be attached because the pinion shaft wasn't long enough.

 

Attaching and removing the MPA multiple times helped me understand how the leveler ball extension versus machine screw tension (the screws attaching the MPA to the focuser housing) precisely adjust the focus tension. 

 

It's an ingenious design. 

Edited by Fiske, 15 October 2024 - 09:43 PM.

[Souldrop]

Dena told me they now realize the FC100 models have at least two different focuser housing designs. I'm guessing that the diameter of the focuser housing on your 100DL is significantly wider than 68mm (the diameter of the 100DC housing).

Here is an image of the MPA-TAK2.5 on my 100DC. You can see how much wider the Tak2.5 radius is compared with the 100DC focuser housing.



The Tak2.5 was actually functional and the focus action was excellent. The leveler balls were nearly fully extended out of the MPA body. Also, the coarse focus knob could not be attached because the pinion shaft wasn't long enough.

Attaching and removing the MPA multiple times helped me understand how the leveler ball extension versus machine screw tension (the screws attaching the MPA to the focuser housing) precisely adjust the focus tension.

It's an ingenious design.

It definitely is a great design. I really think it’s a great way to upgrade a Tak focuser while maintaining Tak aesthetics! I picked up the MPA used from a member here for a TSA120 and after using it I have no regrets. A truly nice piece of kit.