TheSkySearchers

Not sure if anyone has used one of these flip-mirror devices. I have grown somewhat attached to this unit since getting it (used) a couple years back. There is a lot of benefit to having this on the ED-102 refractor, at least where I am now as far as AP skills. And it is a full 2" (well, full T-thread width) versus the 1.25 versions that are commonly available.

The mirror itself has seen better days. There are marks on the mirror from an apparent 1.25" tube impact on the surface, and some decent size specs from ...well whatever over the years before I got it.

Q: By any chance, has anyone ever replaced the mirror on one of these? I am hoping for a relatively cheap fix.

There do not seem to be any good 2" devices available, without spending a bundle. The Baader unit with needed accessories sets one back a few hundred bucks. I was hoping that someone has done something clever. like using a large Newtonian secondary mirror (not square, but good quality), or dissecting some other accessory.

I did not even know Meade made a flip mirror!
The only ones I know of are the 1.25" Vixen and 2" Baader so not much help.
On the newtonian secondary, as long as the minor axis is equal or slightly larger than the clear aperture of the nosepiece it will work.
My 2" iStar dielectric uses a elliptical mirror and Takahashi does as well.

I don't think Meade has made these for a long-long time. But they are poking-around in the used forums.
I am sure some old-timers here have had one apart (well I am hoping). Places like Edmonds Scientific want close to $90 for a 50mm square mirror.

If the glass wasn't scarred, I would have it re-coated. It is a terribly handy thing in the 2" size.

If anybody can find it, it would be Bill Vorce down at Telescope Warehouse.
https://telescope-warehouse.com/

Cheers,

I have never seen this on a refractor , can you post a pick for us ignorant of this