Would You Spend $100 On This Telescope?
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Would You Spend $100 On This Telescope?
I could not find used prices for this telescope with GoTo on the world wide web. Before buying I will test the GoTo out in the evening. I feel if the GoTo works it is worth the 100 bucks. How would you do a quick test of the GoTo ? Click the image.
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Re: Would You Spend $100 On This Telescope?
Wow.
If thegoto works I would give $100 for sure.
That mount looks similar to the SLT mount. I would put it throught a quick alignment routine under your dark sky. I think it should only take a few minutes if it is like the SLT mount.
If the
That mount looks similar to the SLT mount. I would put it throught a quick alignment routine under your dark sky. I think it should only take a few minutes if it is like the SLT mount.
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Re: Would You Spend $100 On This Telescope?
Make sure the electronics work, direction buttons and screen lights up.
If the electronics seem to be alright then thegoto should be fine.
You may have to adjust the backlash settings once home though.
Check in the menu for hand control version as some of these could not be updated.
www.nexstarsite.com has all the various SLT/ GT versions listed.
Listen to the gears as well. These can be moved by hand in altitude only, tryng to move in azimuth can break the nylon gears.
If it is dark enough try to align it but if everything else is alright it should be good.
If the electronics seem to be alright then the
You may have to adjust the backlash settings once home though.
Check in the menu for hand control version as some of these could not be updated.
www.nexstarsite.com has all the various SLT/ GT versions listed.
Listen to the gears as well. These can be moved by hand in altitude only, tryng to move in azimuth can break the nylon gears.
If it is dark enough try to align it but if everything else is alright it should be good.
Gabrielle
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See Far Sticks: Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser 127/1200 BV, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS 100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, SXP2, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II, Stellarvue M2C, Argo Navis encoders on both
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
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Re: Would You Spend $100 On This Telescope?
I would not hesitate to recommend SLT or Nexstar, but I don't have any experience with GT version of Celestron GoTos.
If you want to tryGoTo out, that's not a bad option. If the stability and accuracy of GoTo suffers with included scope, you can always swap for your ST80.
To testGoTo turn it on and use manual arrows to confirm that you can move the mount on both axes. Then try to find a target in handset database (i.e. M101). If the scope and handset respond to your input you should be fine.
If you want to try
To test
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Re: Would You Spend $100 On This Telescope?
If the goto is fried, you might be able to get $100 resale (*ahem*) if you part the thing out - OTA , tripod, hand controller.
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Re: Would You Spend $100 On This Telescope?
I paid $50 for essentially the same technology. I'm pretty sure the only difference between the Celestron and Meade entry level GoTo mounts is cosmetic. They very likely come from the same factory.
Discussion thread here viewtopic.php?f=12&p=157424#p157424
Definitely test it and if possible see if it actually stays on target for any length of time. Watch for slippage when the motor is trying to slew to the target butOTA is not actually moving. That might indicate excessive wear or other damage to the drive train.
Because the tripod is specific to this style ofGoTo mount, it doesn't have a lot of value to other users. The prices on EBay for these is all over the place.
I got all my scopes used but I'm a patient shopper and not afraid to drill holes in things when needed.
Good luck! Have fun.
Discussion thread here viewtopic.php?f=12&p=157424#p157424
Definitely test it and if possible see if it actually stays on target for any length of time. Watch for slippage when the motor is trying to slew to the target but
Because the tripod is specific to this style of
I got all my scopes used but I'm a patient shopper and not afraid to drill holes in things when needed.
Good luck! Have fun.
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Re: Would You Spend $100 On This Telescope?
I have that same scope. If it works, yes, well worth $100. The easiest way to test would probably be to take it out and do a lunar align, and see if it tracks. Bear in mind, these mounts are well known for failing star alignments if you're using the AA battery pack. If you elect to buy, your first purchase should be a rechargeable solution with decent capacity and it will prove more reliable. I use something like this: THISRefractordude wrote: ↑Tue Jun 22, 2021 9:19 pm I could not find used prices for this telescope with GoTo on the world wide web. Before buying I will test the GoTo out in the evening. I feel if the GoTo works it is worth the 100 bucks. How would you do a quick test of the GoTo? Click the image.
Telescopes: 10" SkyLine Dobsonian, 6" Apertura F5 Newt, Celestron Nextar GT90, Meade Infinity 80
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Binocs: 15x70 Celestron Skymaster, 10x50 Levenhuk Karma Pro, 10x42 Bushnell, 8x42 Sans & Streiffe
Mounts: Meade LX70 with dual axis motors, Celestron GT, More miscellaneous tripods than a Martian invasion.
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Re: Would You Spend $100 On This Telescope?
Yes as mentioned make sure it powers up , chances are there are a few bolts loose, and the firmware is out dated , but they are good mounts (for the price) I have purchased many and none could not be fixed , quite robust unlike the meade that break the motor mounts , but if people move them by hand then they break in the AZ axis mostly as the alt has a clutch which allows for a bit of slip but if tighten hard then perhaps there too
100 is cheap and worth it
I tried breaking a SLT mount (same gears as the GT) In the AZ mount by moving it manually , it needs a lot of power and then the gear slipped a tooth with no damage , I stopped testing then but obviously if someone carries on then damage will occur
100 is cheap and worth it
I tried breaking a SLT mount (same gears as the GT) In the AZ mount by moving it manually , it needs a lot of power and then the gear slipped a tooth with no damage , I stopped testing then but obviously if someone carries on then damage will occur
Reflectors GSO 200 Dobs
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SCT C5 on a SLT mount
Mak 150 Bosma on a EQ5
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SCT C5 on a SLT mount
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Re: Would You Spend $100 On This Telescope?
I have a GT that looks a lot like this. If it works well and the scope is well balanced in the holder then that will be a nice 100 to spend. Going to be interesting to see how that turns out.Bigzmey wrote: ↑Tue Jun 22, 2021 10:15 pm I would not hesitate to recommend SLT or Nexstar, but I don't have any experience with GT version of Celestron GoTos.
If you want to try GoTo out, that's not a bad option. If the stability and accuracy of GoTo suffers with included scope, you can always swap for your ST80.
To test GoTo turn it on and use manual arrows to confirm that you can move the mount on both axes. Then try to find a target in handset database (i.e. M101). If the scope and handset respond to your input you should be fine.
Astro-Tech AT 152EDT Ioptron GEM 45 Mount AKA FracZilla
Celestron C11 Carbon Fiber CGEM II Mount AKA Cloudzilla
Sky Watcher Mak Cas 180 Ioptron IEQ 30 AKA MoonZilla
AT 92 on IEQ 30 Pro AKA ClusterZilla
Home Made 8 inch Newtonian Reflector on Rocker Box AKA Scopezilla
Celestron 4 1/2 114 mm Newtonian Telescope 910 F/L GT Mount AKA Frankenscope.
David
Celestron C11 Carbon Fiber CGEM II Mount AKA Cloudzilla
Sky Watcher Mak Cas 180 Ioptron IEQ 30 AKA MoonZilla
AT 92 on IEQ 30 Pro AKA ClusterZilla
Home Made 8 inch Newtonian Reflector on Rocker Box AKA Scopezilla
Celestron 4 1/2 114 mm Newtonian Telescope 910 F/L GT Mount AKA Frankenscope.
David
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Re: Would You Spend $100 On This Telescope?
Those Talent cells are great and that is exactly what I have on my GT as it did not ever have a Battery pack or even a place to put one.Don Alvarez wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 1:17 pmI have that same scope. If it works, yes, well worth $100. The easiest way to test would probably be to take it out and do a lunar align, and see if it tracks. Bear in mind, these mounts are well known for failing star alignments if you're using the AA battery pack. If you elect to buy, your first purchase should be a rechargeable solution with decent capacity and it will prove more reliable. I use something like this: THISRefractordude wrote: ↑Tue Jun 22, 2021 9:19 pm I could not find used prices for this telescope with GoTo on the world wide web. Before buying I will test the GoTo out in the evening. I feel if the GoTo works it is worth the 100 bucks. How would you do a quick test of the GoTo? Click the image.
Astro-Tech AT 152EDT Ioptron GEM 45 Mount AKA FracZilla
Celestron C11 Carbon Fiber CGEM II Mount AKA Cloudzilla
Sky Watcher Mak Cas 180 Ioptron IEQ 30 AKA MoonZilla
AT 92 on IEQ 30 Pro AKA ClusterZilla
Home Made 8 inch Newtonian Reflector on Rocker Box AKA Scopezilla
Celestron 4 1/2 114 mm Newtonian Telescope 910 F/L GT Mount AKA Frankenscope.
David
Celestron C11 Carbon Fiber CGEM II Mount AKA Cloudzilla
Sky Watcher Mak Cas 180 Ioptron IEQ 30 AKA MoonZilla
AT 92 on IEQ 30 Pro AKA ClusterZilla
Home Made 8 inch Newtonian Reflector on Rocker Box AKA Scopezilla
Celestron 4 1/2 114 mm Newtonian Telescope 910 F/L GT Mount AKA Frankenscope.
David
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Re: Would You Spend $100 On This Telescope?
Not turning out good. I have sent the seller two messages, but no reply. Looks like it is sold, but still being advertised on Craigslist.dagadget wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 11:31 pmI have a GT that looks a lot like this. If it works well and the scope is well balanced in the holder then that will be a nice 100 to spend. Going to be interesting to see how that turns out.Bigzmey wrote: ↑Tue Jun 22, 2021 10:15 pm I would not hesitate to recommend SLT or Nexstar, but I don't have any experience with GT version of Celestron GoTos.
If you want to try GoTo out, that's not a bad option. If the stability and accuracy of GoTo suffers with included scope, you can always swap for your ST80.
To test GoTo turn it on and use manual arrows to confirm that you can move the mount on both axes. Then try to find a target in handset database (i.e. M101). If the scope and handset respond to your input you should be fine.
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Re: Would You Spend $100 On This Telescope?
Keep trying he might work a evening or night shift and not seen your messages.Refractordude wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 11:59 pmNot turning out good. I have sent the seller two messages, but no reply. Looks like it is sold, but still being advertised on Craigslist.dagadget wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 11:31 pmI have a GT that looks a lot like this. If it works well and the scope is well balanced in the holder then that will be a nice 100 to spend. Going to be interesting to see how that turns out.Bigzmey wrote: ↑Tue Jun 22, 2021 10:15 pm I would not hesitate to recommend SLT or Nexstar, but I don't have any experience with GT version of Celestron GoTos.
If you want to try GoTo out, that's not a bad option. If the stability and accuracy of GoTo suffers with included scope, you can always swap for your ST80.
To test GoTo turn it on and use manual arrows to confirm that you can move the mount on both axes. Then try to find a target in handset database (i.e. M101). If the scope and handset respond to your input you should be fine.
Astro-Tech AT 152EDT Ioptron GEM 45 Mount AKA FracZilla
Celestron C11 Carbon Fiber CGEM II Mount AKA Cloudzilla
Sky Watcher Mak Cas 180 Ioptron IEQ 30 AKA MoonZilla
AT 92 on IEQ 30 Pro AKA ClusterZilla
Home Made 8 inch Newtonian Reflector on Rocker Box AKA Scopezilla
Celestron 4 1/2 114 mm Newtonian Telescope 910 F/L GT Mount AKA Frankenscope.
David
Celestron C11 Carbon Fiber CGEM II Mount AKA Cloudzilla
Sky Watcher Mak Cas 180 Ioptron IEQ 30 AKA MoonZilla
AT 92 on IEQ 30 Pro AKA ClusterZilla
Home Made 8 inch Newtonian Reflector on Rocker Box AKA Scopezilla
Celestron 4 1/2 114 mm Newtonian Telescope 910 F/L GT Mount AKA Frankenscope.
David
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Re: Would You Spend $100 On This Telescope?
Well I am sure there will be others , at one stage people were selling these STL mount in RSA for nothing , the one I tested I purchased for R600 or 100us it was wobbling and the drive was all loose , but was just 2 loose bolts , this was a 130 newt that was probably not used for many years the mirrors were so dusty that there was 0 reflection ! , but it all cleaned up and worked perfect
I also once got the 114 yes the dreadedBJ scope for R300 or 50 US , the owner told me that its all fine and he saw the rings of Uranus with it! when I went to see it the spider was all bent and the secondary bracket was broken but not damaged , I fixed it but never saw what claimed , but what I am getting at is that these mounts seem to be almost bullet proof.
I also once got the 114 yes the dreaded
Reflectors GSO 200 Dobs
Refractors None
SCT C5 on a SLT mount
Mak 150 Bosma on a EQ5
Refractors None
SCT C5 on a SLT mount
Mak 150 Bosma on a EQ5
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