TheSkySearchers

Hello all!
I inherited this vintage scope from my neighbor. Not having any knowledge about how it functions. I have always been curious about astronomy but just have not had the time to explore. I am looking for someone that could be considered a expert on this type of telescope.
Fast forward, I disassembled and tried cleaning. Unfortunately while doing this a small metal piece spring? Inside of the tube under the top eye viewer popped out. I can't figure out how this was in place. I've tried to locate any online detail manual, nothing shows me specifically how this goes back in place. Someone I hope can advise?
Help!...
Thanks.

Hi,
The term "top eye viewer" is not one that astronomers use. Do you mean finderscope?
It is difficult to know what you are talking about.
You are more likely to get help if you post some pictures.

The forum is set up that you need to make 5 text posts before you can post pictures.

I suggest that you go and comment on 5 other posts then you will be able to upload some photo's.

Joe

Hello Darkraider,
I would say at this moment please stop what you are doing before you break or lose parts.
These have been out of circulation for decades and parts will be minimal at best.

I have posted a basic picture identifying parts with the names, also I believe that the other image is the refractor you have.

Some close up photos would help to figure things out.
You may have to remove the finder scope to see where the spring was attached.

There were 2 members that have this refractor.
You could try emailing them for some assistance perhaps.
Not sure if you will get a response though.
viewtopic.php?t=2673

It could be a centering aid/tensioner in the finderscope housing. But I don't know if Tasco was doing this way back then?

I believe the finderscope works differently than the Jason or Meade refractors so not really sure.

Lady Fraktor wrote: ↑Tue Jan 16, 2024 10:52 am Some close up photos would help to figure things out.
You may have to remove the finder scope to see where the spring was attached.

There were 2 members that have this refractor.
You could try emailing them for some assistance perhaps.
Not sure if you will get a response though.
viewtopic.php?t=2673

Thank you Lady Fraktor for this information. Yes, the piece I am referring too is connected to the finder scope in side of the optical tube. I will try to connect with the other members you linked. Hopefully they can give me directions how to reinstall.
Dr.

Posting a few images would likely help figure things out.
I have come across some more old Tasco catalogs on a old hard drive so sometime today I will look through and see if I have a manual.
The 9F was/ is a nice visual refractor.

It's my understanding that I need to comment or reply to post multiple times before I can post pictures. I'll attempt to do that when I can. Looking forward to solving this problem.
Thanks for your help!
Dr.

You need to have 5 postings, if you reply here and perhaps make a introduction posting that would be your 5

Thank you for the info! hopefully I can soon send pictures of my inquiry.
Stay tuned...

727741310.jpg
Hello all,
This is the part I have been trying to identify from my scope. As noted in previous comments. I hope someone can instruct me how to re-install this piece?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanx
DR

That type of finderscope is very uncommon. I've think I've seen one decades ago but have never disassembled one.

Visually, it looks like a piece of spring steel as you suggested in your first post.

As far as I'm aware, those mid-tube finders have a flat mirror that lowers into the optical path. Is it loose? The spring might be part of a holding mechanism.

If you can't find anybody familiar with it, I would be willing to set up a live zoom session with you where you disassemble the finder assembly you previously disassembled and we try to work out where it goes. Although I haven't seen one of these, I've worked diagnosing and repairing all sorts of scientific instruments professionally for the past 40 years. No guarantees but I'm pretty good at working these things out.

Joe

Hi Joe,
Thanks for the offer to help me figure out where this piece fits into my scope. I have attempted to send out multiple messages to other members who appear to have experience with this type of scope. Nobody has responded. Looks like they don't view this forum much anymore. Currently, my scope is with a friend at his home in the Serria Nevada mountains. Approx 3 hrs. N/E of San Francisco where I am located. This is the spot we were planning to explore the skies. Much better altitude and more visual awareness to see stars away from city lights.

I would like to see if my friend would be willing to zoom with you and see if you both can resolve this problem.
Otherwise, I would have to arrange a time when plan to return to his home for a visit.

Thanks again for your help!
I will be in touch.

DR.

Hello DR,
I am happy to do that. Over the next 5-6 weeks, my time is a bit restricted. i'm teaching an astro course, online and in the field, going to an astronomy conference for 4 days and hosting different groups of friends on three extended weekends. Plenty of time to do this during coming weeks, we just have to navigate around my schedule. After mid-May, everything goes quiet again for a while and I have plenty of time. There is a bit of a lull in activity around April 15-20.

West Coast USA is 18hrs behind my time zone. Late afternoon to early evening your time is late morning to lunchtime here.

Joe

Best to look at CN many know that scope , I had one many Years ago and unfortunately was poor compared to the 10TE and 7TE I had then , so did not take it apart , just gave it away , I got it at a garage sale for 5 us , tube only