During collimation the middle lens chipped and now keeps flaking little pieces of glass in the sandwich between the middle and front lens. If anyone knows where I could get another lens please help.
Last edited by COSMOPARADISE; 20-03-2012 at 05:48 PM.
Oh Dear. Was a radial grub screw tightened too much?
The only thing I can think of to try is to take the lens/(lenses) cell apart noting which lens goes where and marking orientation etc, clean out the remnants, blacken the chipped area with a black marker pen and put it back together. You will probably have to rotate the chipped lens a little so it is not sitting under the grubscrew where damaged.
This lens rotation may effect the optical resolution a little but the lens is chipped so this cannot hurt any more than current. Of course you have to re-align the optics which is not trivial in a triplet lens.
Other than that...this is the same scope as a Northgroup 102 triplet maybe you can purchase a replacement lens cell from them. Bear in mind the major cost of a scope is the glass so it may cost somewhat....no harm in trying.
You could try Meade...but...I don't like your chances. You will not be able to obtain the "middle" element by itself.
Brendan is right, your best bet is to contact Northgroup directly. I'm afraid you have an almost impossible task to get the triplette back in optical order if you have taken it apart without marking all the elements. If you have marked them, make sure you know which surface goes to the front as well then you may be able to clean and rebuild it but it looks like you are up for a new lens.
Sorry
Thanks for the tips.
Meade seem to be completely useless in their response.
Ive been in contact with Northgroup and Explore Scientific regarding a new cell and they will get back to me.
I will keep it posted on the progress.
In the mean time saving up for an FSQ-106 seems like an eternity.
I have just purchased from TELSKOP SERVICE in Germany a 102mm triplet objective cell with FPL-53.
Whether this slots right in or will need an adaptor will be interesting when its delivered.
This could end up being the worlds first SUPERCHARGED MEADE 102 APO.
haha yeah not a change in your pocket build up.
I think it will give the meade the kick it really deserves along with a moonlite on the other end im quite excited, if all the bits play nice and fit snugly oh yeah.
WOW, its here, that was quick, 4 days from Germany.
Well packed geez like its uranium, now what to do with it.
Literally wrapped up in cotton wool the first layer and huge bubble wrap layers 2 and 3.
Pics to come.
WOW, its here, that was quick, 4 days from Germany.
Well packed geez like its uranium, now what to do with it.
Literally wrapped up in cotton wool the first layer and huge bubble wrap layers 2 and 3.
Pics to come.
Sorry guys, computer man installed a new 500gb Hybrid SSD hard drive on the lappy over the weekend and its back in action now.
The new cell seems to be about 1mm larger diameter than the tube.
So a bit of engineering is to be had to mate the cell thread to the tube thread in a secure way. The tube is now at a CNC workshop in Southport.
So here are a few pics of the cell and tube before going to the shop today where it will be for about three days.
If anyone knows where I could get another lens please help.
Good news ... photos for sure 
.
