Discuss your 'Cats' here.
OTA Humidity
Replies: 7
by
Graeme1858 »
Sat Feb 20, 2021 9:03 pm
First post
My corrector plate has been misting up on the inside in use! I keep the telescope in a Celestron case in the garage and put it away after a session...
Last post
blow the tube for a few mins an hair dryer ? maybe tape some desiccant capsules inside the tube ? ota heater ?
7 Replies
162 Views
Last post by yobbo89
Sun Feb 21, 2021 6:32 am
A VMC200L
Replies: 20
by
notFritzArgelander »
Mon May 11, 2020 4:16 am
First post
I have troubles with astigmatism and field curvature for visual use in SCT and RC designs. The field always looks gauzy or hazy to me. I discovered...
Last post
US Hwy 491 between Monticello (Southeast) Utah and Cortez (Southwest) Colorado is one of the darkest roads in the country. I have driven it many...
20 Replies
7785 Views
Last post by JayTee
Tue Dec 29, 2020 10:08 pm
8" Celestron 8SE or Orion SkyQuest XT10i IntelliScope?
Replies: 7
by
Power Ranger »
Sun Oct 25, 2020 6:19 pm
First post
After 20 years, I sold my Celestron Nexstar 5i. Now shopping for a new scope, I've narrowed it down to either the Nexstar 8SE or a 10 Orion SkyQuest...
Last post
You are in or near Toronto so you do not have pristine skies. The larger faster optic may let you detect more.
I had an 8se for 8 years in a climate...
7 Replies
1360 Views
Last post by aae0130
Sun Nov 08, 2020 5:43 pm
Dust and dew accumulation in a closed tube OTA
Replies: 3
by
DEnc »
Sun Oct 25, 2020 12:05 am
First post
I’m considering an 11” EdgeHD for astrophotography. Right now I often image in the California desert with a 4” achromat, where dust and dew are in...
Last post
I am a visual observer, but I would never use fans to blow stuff inside my 9.25 Edge. I would rather let it sit for a few hours to acclimate.
The...
3 Replies
387 Views
Last post by Bigzmey
Mon Nov 02, 2020 2:14 am
New to 10-inch Meade SCT
Replies: 15
by
mikemarotta »
Mon May 25, 2020 1:48 pm
First post
I borrowed one from my local club. I read the user manual before I set the telescope on the dining room table to work with it. Aside from everything,...
Last post
I had the 8 /203mm and liked it but traded for the 10 and it is a lot to handle. Would like a more permanent setup but a bit concerned about the...
15 Replies
1976 Views
Last post by quigly7777
Fri Oct 16, 2020 6:25 pm
Collimation problem on SCT
Replies: 10
by
Piet Le Roux »
Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:45 am
First post
I wonder if anybody has had the same problem with their SCT : I have a 8” Meade LX90ACF of which the collimation differs from one side of focus to...
Last post
you'll have to translate to english if it dosn't automaticly do it . he runs a laser collimater up in the baffle from the rear end to check its...
10 Replies
921 Views
Last post by yobbo89
Fri Oct 09, 2020 11:58 am
Issue with my Celestron Astro Fi 5 SCT
Replies: 11
by
Oxous »
Sat May 16, 2020 5:46 pm
First post
Greeting everyone,
I'm an astronomy enthusiast from Valparaíso, Chile, and recently bought myself a Celestron Astro Fi 5 SCT telescope. The first...
Last post
With the electronics of these mounts they tend to operate better on 12V DC than using a AC to DC converter as you can get voltage spikes from the...
11 Replies
1799 Views
Last post by Lady Fraktor
Sat Sep 26, 2020 8:00 pm
Improving balance of Mak on my Alt/Az mount.
Replies: 2
by
John Baars »
Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:16 pm
First post
This is what my GnG Maksutov scope looked like.
IMG_1445 (638x850).jpg
I still found a little disadvantageous that the powerful viewfinder was...
Last post
Good modification John and should contribute to ease of use.
2 Replies
610 Views
Last post by helicon
Sat Sep 12, 2020 4:00 pm
new scope for the farm
Replies: 15
by
yobbo89 »
Tue Sep 01, 2020 4:06 pm
First post
my boss kindly gave me his meade etx 90 that he has had in storage for probably about 10-15 years. i think the model is from 2005.
he isn't into...
Last post
Nice boss. Congrats on the pick-up Rob.
15 Replies
1168 Views
Last post by helicon
Wed Sep 02, 2020 3:17 pm
Optimizing a small Maksutov.
Replies: 5
by
John Baars »
Sat Aug 08, 2020 10:36 am
First post
There are several ways to improve the performance of a small Maksutov. The first two that I suggest make the biggest difference. There is no need to...
Last post
Nice mods John! If we can do it, why they can't incorporate better stray light control into manufacturing process.
5 Replies
1003 Views
Last post by Bigzmey
Wed Aug 12, 2020 7:03 pm
102/127mm Mak O rings
Replies: 7
by
Ylem »
Sun Apr 12, 2020 8:47 pm
First post
My 127mm Mak, of 12 years O ring has rotted out. Any ideas for replacement?
Has this happened to anyone else?
I am now starting to think this is a...
Last post
If you do want to replace the o-ring you may be able to find a o-ring making kit at a automotive shop.
I have replaced the 4mm thick o-rings in one...
7 Replies
1185 Views
Last post by Lady Fraktor
Sat Aug 08, 2020 2:06 pm
Mewlon 210 for visual use?
Replies: 7
by
AntennaGuy »
Mon Jul 13, 2020 2:40 am
First post
Hi All. I've been extending and updating my list of OTA options (the non-updated list is at ) for visual astronomy, and have begun to seriously...
Last post
Hmm. Interestingly, the Vixen VMC260L boasts the largest aperture area/weight ratio among any of the OTAs I've considered:
(and yes, sorry, I know...
7 Replies
995 Views
Last post by notFritzArgelander
Wed Jul 15, 2020 12:06 am
C90. Bought another one!
Replies: 6
by
Ylem »
Mon Jul 06, 2020 11:13 pm
First post
I sold my C90 not long ago, good God I missed it!!!
Had to buy another!
Such a great light weight scope, goes on my photo tripod and kicks butt!...
Last post
I never had one of the originals :(
I see a bunch on fleabay, maybe, just maybe ;)
6 Replies
1026 Views
Last post by Ylem
Mon Jul 13, 2020 11:53 pm
2" EPs with an 8" SCT?
Replies: 14
by
Ylem »
Fri Jun 26, 2020 12:17 am
First post
I use a FR/C and have been doing so for decades.
I have never tried 2 EPs nor do I own any.
So I was curious if others here have.
My other...
Last post
Sounds logical.
So back to my C8, I think I may go shopping for a 2 er :)
It has a 37mm baffle tube, I should be able to find something to work...
14 Replies
1626 Views
Last post by Bigzmey
Mon Jun 29, 2020 5:06 pm
Maksutov + widefield telescope in one grab.
Replies: 7
by
John Baars »
Mon May 04, 2020 12:25 pm
First post
If you use a 102 mm Maksutov as a grab and go telescope you will have some issues.
1. Cooling down. It generally takes a long time before a Maksutov...
Last post
Great tips on improving and making a small MAK more user-friendly, John! Great pics of the moon, too!
7 Replies
1281 Views
Last post by StarBru
Sat Jun 06, 2020 4:03 pm
Help plz :) Geting an eye shaped airy disc not circular.
Replies: 14
by
TheButcher »
Sun May 17, 2020 5:35 am
First post
Hey all,
I just installed Bobs knobs on my secondary and when I went out tonight, I kept getting this shape when I go out of focus to see if it is...
Last post
Nice, I think I might build one of these Dunkin masks. I agree that the Bob's knobs screw was tilting your secondary drastically, I honestly haven't...
14 Replies
1630 Views
Last post by jbelden
Thu May 28, 2020 4:37 am
Request pleasant discussion of med/large CATs for visual use.
Replies: 40
by
AntennaGuy »
Sat May 02, 2020 3:49 am
First post
Hi All. I'd appreciate more input about the relative merits of commercially available Cats & Casses for visual use , emphases on DSOs but also...
Last post
If I understand you correctly , you think you can (more or less) model the optics in these subject telescopes, apparently based on published...
40 Replies
4839 Views
Last post by notFritzArgelander
Fri May 15, 2020 4:16 am
Recomendations for Dew Shield/Heater for C 11 SCT?
Replies: 13
by
TheButcher »
Tue May 05, 2020 8:30 am
First post
Hey all,
I was wondering what is the best dew solution for the Celestron 11 SCT XLT? WIth out going broke, but get something that is reliable.
I see...
Last post
I have switched to home made dew shields for all my scopes. I make them from crafting foam (3-5mm) and staple or duct tape to hold the shape. Here is...
13 Replies
1171 Views
Last post by Bigzmey
Thu May 07, 2020 8:22 pm
11" SCT buying advice?
Replies: 4
by
TheButcher »
Sun May 03, 2020 3:04 am
First post
Hey all,
I am at that stage now to get an Celestron 11 SCT. I will be mounting this on top of my Skywatcher EQ6-R (Mainly for Planetary and Lunar...
Last post
Unless it is a aplanatic version all of the standard SCTs will be the same quality.
Carbon fibre tends to expand/ contract less than aluminium and...
4 Replies
705 Views
Last post by Lady Fraktor
Sun May 03, 2020 4:50 pm
APM MAk Cass 275mm f14 17,900 eur
Replies: 2
by
notFritzArgelander »
Fri May 01, 2020 2:44 pm
First post
The ad is translator per:
APM Maksutov Cassegrain 275 mm f/14 Telescope; APM has 1 pc Telescopes Maksutov Cassegrain 275 mm f/14 with small C.O.,...
Last post
At first I thought this was Markus Intes Mak then realized it is a 10 , I wonder where he had this hidden!
Looks like a one off. US optical...
2 Replies
841 Views
Last post by notFritzArgelander
Fri May 01, 2020 4:50 pm
Bresser 152/1900
Replies: 11
by
Mack41 »
Thu Feb 20, 2020 9:10 pm
First post
Hi
Just pulled the trigger on a bresser 152/1900 mak
Got it ex display for £200 so steal really.
Anyone had any experience with bresser scopes ?
Last post
That's a right result for £200!
All you need now is a chainsaw to sort those trees out!
Regards
Graeme
11 Replies
2045 Views
Last post by Graeme1858
Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:32 am
C14
Replies: 12
by
Mandrew »
Mon Jan 20, 2020 6:27 am
First post
I have been using my 180mm Mak-Cass for Lunar photography, and want to go for the gusto. I am saving up foe a Celestron C14 Edge for serious work....
Last post
Great photos Avani - thanks for the share.
12 Replies
1526 Views
Last post by helicon
Thu Apr 09, 2020 2:29 pm
Temp equalization AKA cool down time for small Mak?
Replies: 9
by
pakarinen »
Tue Mar 17, 2020 12:44 pm
First post
Wondering if there's an average recommended cool down time for small Maks. I took out my new 90 this morning and without waiting I had a look at...
Last post
Hmm, question, how does insulating the OTA help with cool down?
Would not the insulation hold the heat in the scope?
What am I missing?
It reduces...
9 Replies
1452 Views
Last post by notFritzArgelander
Wed Apr 01, 2020 12:25 am
Rain is coming to Northern California - sorry.
Replies: 9
by
cmassa »
Sat Mar 14, 2020 3:57 am
First post
This telescope should be good for a fair amount of rain which we really need. I managed to get the last AG Optical 12.5 Convergent telescope. It's...
Last post
It's a beauty, congrats! I think we are getting the rain which supposed to go your way. :lol:
9 Replies
1328 Views
Last post by Bigzmey
Mon Mar 16, 2020 4:59 pm
SCT Tube Damage
Replies: 40
by
Graeme1858 »
Wed Feb 05, 2020 11:54 pm
First post
I noticed my STC had some strange marks on the inside of the tube and the corrector plate and mirror had dust. I had just fitted the mounting bar for...
Last post
Well... that's dismal news. Sorry to hear that folks are being non responsive.
40 Replies
4544 Views
Last post by notFritzArgelander
Sun Mar 15, 2020 6:32 pm
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