Declination Screw German Eqitorial Mount 600 Model

jess · #1 21-01-2018, 03:38 PM

Hello. I am desperately looking for help. My husband passed away and he had a lovely telescope......astrophysics..... which I would like to sell. Unfortunately it seems to be missing a declination screw on the mount..... I know NOTHING about telescopes. I was wanting to know if anyone out there knows where I can get a replacement screw. Or if there is someone who could make one. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as so far I have drawn a blank
Also hope this was the right place to ask. Sorry if it wasn't
Thanks
JESS

The Mekon (John Briggs) · #2 21-01-2018, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jess

a lovely telescope......astrophysics..... which I would like to sell. Unfortunately it seems to be missing a declination screw on the mount..... I know NOTHING about telescopes.JESS

Jess, seems you must know something if you are aware the declination screw is missing. Question is which screw? Can you post a photo?
An Astro-Physics 600 mount can be worth $3000 or so, depending on what comes with it. An Astro-Physics telescope could be worth much more so be careful accepting quick offers on this equipment.

Bart · #3 21-01-2018, 04:18 PM

I second that.

Astro-Physics are regarded very highly, so please be careful. Maybe contact Astro-Physics themselves. They are an American company.

http://www.astro-physics.com/

Cheers.

jess · #4 21-01-2018, 05:09 PM

Yes. I do have an idea how much the whole kit is worth. It is a lovely set up. A friend told me what the screw was called. They were only able to help that far. I have tried to google astro physics but got confused as to who to contact.

jess · #5 21-01-2018, 05:15 PM

Thanks Bart. I just sent a request though your link. Fingers crossed.

Bart · #6 21-01-2018, 07:34 PM

You are welcome, Jess. Good luck!

GrahamL · #7 21-01-2018, 09:58 PM

Sincere condolances on the loss of your husband, was he a member here ?

As suggested post a photo of where you think somethings missing from .

alocky (Andrew lockwood) · #8 22-01-2018, 10:17 AM

Hi Jess, and I’m sorry for you loss.
Depending on where you are there is bound to be someone who would be willing to make or modify a screw for the mount. If you are near Perth I’d be happy to turn something up for you. Alternatively, Astrophysics would most definitely be able to supply a replacement.
Regards
Andrew.

jess · #9 22-01-2018, 01:16 PM

Here are some photos. I hope I have it right. The screw goes across the end of the mount and pushes the arm across. One of the forks of the arm is broken but I have been told that is not an issue. The screw moves the telescope slowly so that it tracks the sky??????
Thank you for your sympathy. He passed away 6 years ago but I only now feel ready to sell his telescope. He was very proud of it. He was not a member here but he would have liked a forum such as this.

LewisM · #10 22-01-2018, 04:40 PM

My, that is an old AP600 - I was expecting the Takahashi-copy AP600E, but this is the older version. Parts will be nigh on impossible, but if you ask George at AP, he MAY be able to find something. he found me some items discontinued in 1990, so you just never know!!!

Here is a link to a similar 600: https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/5...ts-a-new-life/

alocky (Andrew lockwood) · #11 22-01-2018, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jess

Here are some photos. I hope I have it right. The screw goes across the end of the mount and pushes the arm across. One of the forks of the arm is broken but I have been told that is not an issue. The screw moves the telescope slowly so that it tracks the sky??????
Thank you for your sympathy. He passed away 6 years ago but I only now feel ready to sell his telescope. He was very proud of it. He was not a member here but he would have liked a forum such as this.

Hi again Jess,
This would certainly have been his pride and joy. If you don't have any luck with Astro-Physics, you should be able to find a local machinist who can build the part if we can get someone who owns one to measure it up. If the telescope is in Western Australia I can help. Let us know what state you're in and I'm sure there's someone on the list who'd be willing to help get this thing operating again.
regards,
Andrew.

jess · #12 23-01-2018, 10:42 AM

Thanks Andrew.......unfortunately I am in NSW. I had an email back from Astro Physics...... They didn't know what I meant by a declination screw? Is it an Australian term? I have now sent them pictures and a very bad explanation of what it is. My uneducated interpretation of what I was told by someone else. Oh dear.
LewisM by AP I guess you mean Astro Physics.....My email was replied to by Christine.....If I ask her to ask George do you think that will find him or do you have a contact?
Thanks guys

LewisM · #13 23-01-2018, 10:45 AM

Jess, I am happy to help with direct contact with George at AP if you like - just send me as many detailed photos as you can . Send me a PM and I will send you my email address.

I will ask George now if there is a chance of any AP600 parts. That will be best before making you send copious photos.

alocky (Andrew lockwood) · #14 24-01-2018, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jess

Thanks Andrew.......unfortunately I am in NSW. I had an email back from Astro Physics...... They didn't know what I meant by a declination screw? Is it an Australian term? I have now sent them pictures and a very bad explanation of what it is. My uneducated interpretation of what I was told by someone else. Oh dear.
LewisM by AP I guess you mean Astro Physics.....My email was replied to by Christine.....If I ask her to ask George do you think that will find him or do you have a contact?
Thanks guys

Hi Jess, I’d call it the leadscrew for the declination tangent arm next time you’re talking to Astro-Physics. But your photos will do the trick I think.
Cheers,
Andrew.

LewisM · #15 24-01-2018, 08:22 AM

OK, George responded to me, and indeed they DO have some AP600 parts remaining. Jess, please emil me lots of photos - overall, every area etc as he said they will need it to determine what will be needed.

Just be aware that the cost may end up being prohibitive, and an AP600 is NOT in any sort of high demand except to a collector. May be best to sell on as-is and let a collector restore.

I would also suggest advertising it on Astromart, as the US audience would be more eager for an old AP mount than likely the local crowd. Please also be aware it is worth some money, so don't accept any low ball offers or "charity offers" ("I'll help you by taking it off your hands, seeing it's broken")