glend
29-09-2016, 11:44 AM
My new TS Photoline 115mm APO has arrived from Teleskop Express, along with a TS flattener for use at native f7 (800mm) and a Photoline Reducer 0,79x and Corrector for use at f5.5 and 632mm fl. With the rain due to stop things for awhile I rushed it out to the observatory last night to try and at least setup the flattener, work out the focus with the camera, and try a few test images to verify the field. TS supplied the flattener with the correct spacers for my ASi1600 and QHY filter wheel, and a nice T-Thread focuser adaptor. Working distance at f7 is 110mm, and my micrometre confirmed the spacer but I had to add a 1mm shim for the filter and cover glass effect. I had to crank the focuser out to 61.5 on the scale to achieve precise focus (with the flattener inserted in the focuser barrel). I have not tried focal point without the flattener, nor did I try the scope visually, as I will be imaging.
Pretty impressed with the overall quality of the construction and finish of the scope. The 2.5" focuser is a beast and i will never have a problem with my imaging equipment, and I like the fact that they use brass screws on all the adjustable places on on tube attachment and focuser adjustment points. The objective is spotless and nicely coated. I will need to get a bar for the top of the rings to mount my guidescope but that's all that is needed. The test shots I did last night indicate the TS Flattener is doing a good job, nice round star right into the corners all the way around the field and no evidence of tilt. I did a star test as well and the collimation looks perfect, and given the way that TS packed the scope for shipment I am not surprised. The box was massive, and inside the external box was a see of green EVA foam bowtie like nodules, in which the internal box was buried. I filled two large garbage bags with those foam things before I could get the inner box out. Inside the inner box was more shaped foam padding (which looks suitable for a carry case). Easily the best shipping protection I have seen so far.
Some photos are attached. I will try and get some test shots up here soon, when the weather co-operates again.
Pretty impressed with the overall quality of the construction and finish of the scope. The 2.5" focuser is a beast and i will never have a problem with my imaging equipment, and I like the fact that they use brass screws on all the adjustable places on on tube attachment and focuser adjustment points. The objective is spotless and nicely coated. I will need to get a bar for the top of the rings to mount my guidescope but that's all that is needed. The test shots I did last night indicate the TS Flattener is doing a good job, nice round star right into the corners all the way around the field and no evidence of tilt. I did a star test as well and the collimation looks perfect, and given the way that TS packed the scope for shipment I am not surprised. The box was massive, and inside the external box was a see of green EVA foam bowtie like nodules, in which the internal box was buried. I filled two large garbage bags with those foam things before I could get the inner box out. Inside the inner box was more shaped foam padding (which looks suitable for a carry case). Easily the best shipping protection I have seen so far.
Some photos are attached. I will try and get some test shots up here soon, when the weather co-operates again.