Selling all my gear (except my dob). Reading what I have bought and paid for - I see that I have really gone quite overboard this year. I think that getting a full time pay-check again after my long hiatus to study made me think I am richer that an astronaut (to paraphrase Homer Simpson).
To be honest, seeing all this stuff everytime I walk downstairs makes me feel a bit of a dill so it has to go. Everything has been very well taken care of and any marks or whatever are noted below. Photos are coming and I am happy to upload more or email as required.
I have put pick up on most of these as I would like a prospective purchasor to have a look before they buy to make sure they don't make the same mistake I made (i.e. get something you don't really want). There is a big difference between researching gear on the internet and feeling something in your hand.
While I will split packages, I will only do so once acceptable offers have been made on all components each package.
Megrez 90 and Saxon Alt Az (Portamount Clone) with Argo Navis fitted.
Asking $2300 - In the vicinity of $3300 new.
The OTA and mount were purchased mid last year with an unexpected windfall and the Argo Navis about three months ago. Both very well looked after and put away immediately after use. Minor external dulling of the paint, or possibly just needs a good clean (I'm not game to clean optics stuff).
I am including the OTA hard case and a set of synta mounting rings as well as the dovetail for mounting it to the portamount. Also including the Williams Optics 2" diagonal (aluminium sides) with 1.25-2" adapter in this price.
Pick up preferred as I am not sure how to package the mount head with the Argo gears fitted.
Everything in very good condition, pre-sale inspections welcome.
Black Diamond 6" Maksutov OTA and (non goto) HEQ5 mount
Asking $1500 - Don't really know how much new. Between $1850 - $2200 depending on where you go.
This is essentially new except for a scratch on the south knob on the tripod (the one the mount pushes/pulls against for alignment) at 2 weeks old. Includes everything it ordinarily comes with - finderscope, spare short dovetail, 28mm SP eyepiece. The only difference between this and a new package is basically that I looked at it first.
The first OTA had an issue with image shift, so it was exchanged for a new one by the owner of Star Optics who personally checked the second one. This one is unused.
Nothing wrong with it just that it is not my thing - I like widefield low power with the occasional planet. Having said that, m42 frames extremely well in a Meade 24mm SWA with a UHC fitted.
All original packaging (exterior mount box has some minor water damage) and I will ship if required, but again, I would prefer pick-up.
Also, while I would prefer to sell as a package, I will split should I get offers for the OTA and mount that total the above.
Zenithstar 66SD and TR188 Tripod
Asking $750 - Around $1050 new.
This was purchased in February as a spur of the moment decision.
Comes with a hard case, 2" diagonal (inc 1.25 - 2" adapter) with SCT fitting and the soft bag for the mount. I'll throw in a 25mm GSO plossl as well (approx 16x, 3 degrees). There is a small chip in the paint on the edge of the dewshield where it hits the mounting foot.
I would prefer pick-up, but I will ship if required. Again, while I would prefer to sell as a package, I will split should I get offers for components that total the above.
Williams Optics Binoviewers
Asking $250 - Around $370 new.
Basically, I used them once, thought 'meh' and put them back in their box. The foam in the box is marked a little, display model I think.
Comes with two 66mm widefield eyepieces and 1.6x barlow nosepiece.
Happy to ship or offer for pick up.
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Thanks for looking and if you like or want anything, please pm me.
Actually the dates are wrong - the camera I used was completely out of charge and I did not reset the date settings. The photos were taken on Saturday night.
I have receipts (or emails) for all of it showing the dates of purchase. The Mak and mount are only two (or three?) weeks old. Besides, I'm pretty sure Skywatcher weren't doing Black Diamond paint two years ago...
Okay, more than 650 views and 4 pms make me think people don't want packages...
So I have broken them all (well, most of them) up:
Binoviewers - $250(pending)
Zenithstar 66 w/- hard case, 2" diagonal and 9mm swan - $600
TR188 Alt-az and Tripod - $150
Black Diamond 6" OTA - $950
Box opened to check OTA by owner of Star Optics & photos taken - This OTA never used (previous one returned)
HEQ5 mount $550
Mount set up once - I looked at it, knew I was never going to use it and put it back in the box
Megrez 90 w/- hard case & 2" diagonal - $1000
Saxon Alt Az w/- digital encoders & Argo Navis - $1150
The mount is indistiguishable from the Vixen Porta-mount (other than the badge). I have upgraded the 360 degree slow-mo controls with flex handles and I'll even throw in a spare set of alkaline batteries. Will take a surprisingly large tube - handles the Megrez 90 and 6" mak easily.
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I have receipts or emails showing the age of the equipment (all is less than a year old, with most much newer - the mak and HEQ5 are only 3 or four weeks out of the shop).
As far as shipping, I'd prefer people had a look first, but I will ship any of it. However, I work in the CBD so will need to take a morning/afternoon off to do so and so it may be a few days before I get it away.
Also, it was brought to my attention that my ad can read to imply that shipping and insurance is included - it is not, unfortunately.
If you are waiting for a stimulus check or whatever, it is fine if you'd just like to have a look first - no pressure.
Can I ask about the HEQ5 mount? Says non-goto, but looks like it has a hand-controller. Quick read of the SW website looks like it only has RA tracking. So what does the hand-controller actually do? Can it move in DEC too? If I use EQMOD from laptop plugged into the hand-controller port, could this thing guide and use something like CdC to GOTO?
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