129 replies to this topic

[Sarkikos]

Can't the Mewlon be collimated well enough on a star at night, or by sighting on an artificial star during the day?  I have an old Hubble artificial star that I could use.  I mount it on top of a tripod extended to maximum height.

 

Mike

Edited by Sarkikos, 11 July 2025 - 11:52 AM.

[vkhastro1]

Takahashi Mewlon 180B front end cover update (should work for the newer 180C = same outside diameter):

 

The 8.5” diameter plastic pole cap just arrived via Amazon.ca = 3 day delivery from the USA !

It is slightly out of round but a little adjustment corrected it to basically circular.

I used Velcro “fuzzy part” 2” width.

3 small length sections were used to complete the internal circumference (way to difficult complete using one piece).

Trimmed off the excess along the pole cap’s edge with super sharp surgical scissors - awesome result.

 

Fits perfectly !
Nice snug but not too tight fit.

If I want it tighter can add a few smaller pieces to the inside of the existing Velcro.

 

This simple front end “fix” needs to be brought to Takahashi’s attention !

Definitely a worthy upgrade for the Takahashi Mewlon 180 !

Edited by vkhastro1, 11 July 2025 - 05:42 PM.

[lwbehney]

Can't the Mewlon be collimated well enough on a star at night, or by sighting on an artificial star during the day?  I have an old Hubble artificial star that I could use.  I mount it on top of a tripod extended to maximum height.

 

Mike

I found that my 210 Mewlon was best collimated by not using a diagonal. I used Polaris and raised my tripod to the stops to comfortably view Polaris straight through at high power. 

[Sarkikos]

Maybe a circle of some kind of stiff material could be fitted inside the Mewlon cap to make it protective against more than just dust and bugs?  It would have to be a secure fit inside the cap.  I wouldn't want the circle to fall into the OTA.  The diagonal should stop it, but still, it ought to be secure.

 

Mike

[m2k]

Takahashi Mewlon 180B front end cover update (should work for the newer 180C = same outside diameter):

 

The 8.5” diameter plastic pole cap just arrived via Amazon.ca = 3 day delivery from the USA !

It is slightly out of round but a little adjustment corrected it to basically circular.

I used Velcro “fuzzy part” 2” width.

3 small length sections were used to complete the internal circumference (way to difficult complete using one piece).

Trimmed off the excess along the pole cap’s edge with super sharp surgical scissors - awesome result.

 

Fits perfectly !
Nice snug but not too tight fit.

If I want it tighter can add a few smaller pieces to the inside of the existing Velcro.

 

This simple front end “fix” needs to be brought to Takahashi’s attention !

Definitely a worthy upgrade for the Takahashi Mewlon 180 !

I went ahead and ordered one of these caps from Amazon, should have it Tuesday. I happen to have a roll of two-part HD Velcro and will do as 

 

you have and hope for a similar result...thank you!