Quote:
Originally Posted by floastro
Thanks Bassnut.
The Astrograph have had a big problem with the JMI new generation Crayford. The new JMI seems bad for CCD imaging.
My ASA Astrograph has been delivered in September 2006 with the JMI old generation Crayford. The old generation was solid and has not the problem with a heavy CCD.
Now ASA sells all these Astrographs with a new Crayford made and designed by themselves to replace the JMI new generation.
Tom Davis, in the USA, uses his ASA 12" Astrograph with the old JMI and his STL-11000 with no problem.
Regards,
Florent
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Hi Florent and Fred,
Maybe you hadn't heard of the other problems but it was a lot worse than just a low quality focuser from a supplier (why were they using JMI anyway on a high end scope? I thought Feathertouch or Moonlite were the top of the industry).
a) Spider too thin causing flexure and unable to hold collimation
b) Primary mirror holder only has 3 support points instead of the usual 9 or more. Again causing flexure and distortions
c) I read reports of the tube itself flexing under some of these heavy cameras. You are using a light ST10XME. An STL11 is a relatively light camera. The newer larger cameras like an Apogee U16M or even more so the FLI Proline 16803 etc are way heavier with their filter wheels putting tremendous strain on the structure/focuser etc.
I am glad your unit works with your ST10XME but that is not everyone's setup and the modern cameras are getting heavier and heavier. No doubt SBigs new STX cameras will be similarly heavy.
Mike's ASA had pinched optics I believe, another received a chipped mirror.
So buyer beware is still the primary policy with this sort of poorly engineered product. ASA has been incredibly slow to address these problems. They were known about something like 2 years ago.
It should be taken off the market until it does in fact meet the specification it markets itself to be.
Meade was sued for claiming they had an advanced RC. This is much the same thing and ASA would have no valid defence.
I see on Astromart Bruce Karbal has been trying to sell a "fixed up" ASA 10 inch now for several months. The market is quite well informed and knows where ASA products are at. Hardly anyone buys an expensive scope without doing their homework. Most larger purchases are highly considered.
Who wants to buy an expensive "high end" scope that is possibly going to be beta product.
Greg.