LewisM
06-06-2013, 02:58 PM
I traded for a Vixen R200SS recently. Decided to make it my cusomised imaging scope, so set about replacing some things.
First off, the tube. The tube had been shortened previously, but I wanted to go one better, so ordered a CF tube from Klaus in Germany. It should be here in about 2 weeks.
Next came the collimation knobs - needed something I can easily tweak without little allen keys dropping down tubes hitting primaries, so ordered a set of Bob Knobs Primary and Secondary knobs. They arrived today, and am VERY pleased with them!
Then it was the focuser. The scope came with a GSO Crayford. Not being a Crayford fan, I sought a replacement, preferably the original! Not liking Moonlite, I kept searching, and on a whim, contacted Houghy. And yes, he still had his original R200SS focuser AND coma Corrector. They arrived today! (I love Vixen R&P's especially how many metric sh1t tonnes of weight you can hang off them). Needed a dual speed focuser knob, and baulking at the new price of $265 for one, I looked on eBay, and got an as-new Vixen original one for $120.
Finally, needed a decent set of rings, because the GSO ones with it didn't thrill me. Contacted again the same guy I got the dual speed knob off, and indeed he had a set of 232mm Vixen made rings from an R200SS, so we struck a deal for the rings and dual rate knob - all up for $210 posted.
Lastly, I love the Officina Stellare colours, so, having a graphite grey CF tube, the primary holder and front ring needed changing... off to Supercheap auto and bought the special undercoat and chrome red top coat to make it look a little OS :) $20 per can... but the candy-apple red floss coat is incredible! (don't know how DURABLE yet!)
So, all I need now is a cloudless night :)That, unfortunately,money cannot buy (without a private jet anyway)
First off, the tube. The tube had been shortened previously, but I wanted to go one better, so ordered a CF tube from Klaus in Germany. It should be here in about 2 weeks.
Next came the collimation knobs - needed something I can easily tweak without little allen keys dropping down tubes hitting primaries, so ordered a set of Bob Knobs Primary and Secondary knobs. They arrived today, and am VERY pleased with them!
Then it was the focuser. The scope came with a GSO Crayford. Not being a Crayford fan, I sought a replacement, preferably the original! Not liking Moonlite, I kept searching, and on a whim, contacted Houghy. And yes, he still had his original R200SS focuser AND coma Corrector. They arrived today! (I love Vixen R&P's especially how many metric sh1t tonnes of weight you can hang off them). Needed a dual speed focuser knob, and baulking at the new price of $265 for one, I looked on eBay, and got an as-new Vixen original one for $120.
Finally, needed a decent set of rings, because the GSO ones with it didn't thrill me. Contacted again the same guy I got the dual speed knob off, and indeed he had a set of 232mm Vixen made rings from an R200SS, so we struck a deal for the rings and dual rate knob - all up for $210 posted.
Lastly, I love the Officina Stellare colours, so, having a graphite grey CF tube, the primary holder and front ring needed changing... off to Supercheap auto and bought the special undercoat and chrome red top coat to make it look a little OS :) $20 per can... but the candy-apple red floss coat is incredible! (don't know how DURABLE yet!)
So, all I need now is a cloudless night :)That, unfortunately,money cannot buy (without a private jet anyway)