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View Full Version here: : Mystery scope specs, help wanted please


Awphoto
04-06-2014, 10:24 PM
I'm hoping somebody out there can help me with info / specs about my scope. It was made by Davro Optical Systems in the USA and is clearly labelled M/N 100 QF and S/N 008C. I've tried contacting them by phone (invalid number) and email (no response).
Their current line-up of surveillance lenses
http://www.davrooptical.com/
doesn't seem to have anything similar. This ebay listing
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/281120675194?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX: IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
is the only vaguely similar product I could find.
However my scope has a 90deg flip-mirror to a 1.25 eyepiece or straight through to a c-mount fitting. It also has a flip-into axis "barlow" for more magnification.
What I'd really like to know is the type of optical setup (concave front glass/primary and secondary mirrors), clear aperture (100mm, I guess), focal length/s, (or magnification of "flip-down" optics) and type/s of reflective coatings. Image circle size would also be good although it covers micro-4/3 nicely.
Thanks in advance for any info or ideas about how I might find out more.
Andrew

MortonH
04-06-2014, 10:35 PM
I see Davro makes stuff for government/military applications. Maybe you're not supposed to know more!

A fascinating piece of equipment. Hope you can find the specs.

Steffen
04-06-2014, 10:35 PM
Looks like a Quantum Maksutov. Davro used to restore those.

Cheers
Steffen.

Hans Tucker
04-06-2014, 10:53 PM
It looks similar to the DOS100MZ2

http://www.davrooptical.com/htm.docs/dos100mz2.htm

Why don't you drop Davro Optical Systems an e-mail. They might have the specifications in their archives.

Screwdriverone
04-06-2014, 11:04 PM
Yep,

As Steffen says, it looks like a Mak Newt, that is definitely a Maksutov meniscus lens on the front and the eyepiece, I assume fits where the red cap goes, so I assume there is a secondary pointing to it, hence the M-N moniker?

Cheers

Chris

julianh72
05-06-2014, 12:13 AM
Yes, I would say it's a Quantum 4. You can read a bit about their history on pages 117 to 122 of this document by the "Godfather" of CATs, Rod Mollise
http://skywatch.brainiac.com/used/used_sct.pdf

gbeal
05-06-2014, 06:18 AM
I don't think "Mak/Newt", more Mak/Cass.
Gary

Awphoto
05-06-2014, 09:36 AM
Thanks for the replies so far. I'd assumed the M/N was model number and S/N was serial number.
Thanks Hans, I've tried email, might have to snail mail them.
How can I tell if it's a "Mak/Newt" or Mak/Cass?

Awphoto
05-06-2014, 09:55 AM
Thanks for the link Julian. Interestingly the list of accessories for the OTI Quantum 4 includes a Brandon 16mm which came with my ota in a foam-lined case. No finder or mount though.

gbeal
05-06-2014, 09:58 AM
Mak/Newt is like a "normal" newt, primary at rear, secondary at front (nearest the sky), but with a meniscus on that same end, and often the secondary "attached" directly to it. Eyepiece at the secondary/front.

Mak/Cass is "similar" but with the E/P at the primary end of the scope.
Both designs are spectacular, MN seem to be "about F5 or so. MC about F10 - F20.
Gary

julianh72
05-06-2014, 02:06 PM
Google Now noticed that I had searched for "Quantum 100", and helpfully offered this link for me - it's a fascinating read about the rise and decline of OTI (the maker of the Quantum telescopes ) :

http://www.company7.com/library/quant6.html

Awphoto
05-06-2014, 04:53 PM
Just had a thought (happens rarely) after reading another link (thanks again Julian). Maybe the QF means Quantum Four (left over from the OTI days?) and the C on the serial number indicates a silver coating.