Tak FS-102 reducer - same as NSV?

[Omaroo]

Hey all :)

I have the original FS-102 without the retracting dew shield. I'm looking to buy a genuine Tak 2.7" focal reducer for it but can only seem to find mention of reducers for the FS-102NSV (the short version, which are also compatible with the TOA-130). Does anyone now of they are exactly the same reducer for both versions of the scope or is there one specifically for the non-retracting original FS-102?

TIA

[monoxide]

they dont make the FS series reducers anymore apparently, we have to buy the TOA one :(

its the same thing though, just more expensive...

[Omaroo]

Why did I know that was going to be the case Tony... arrghhh.

Thanks!

[JohnG]

Yep, you need the new TOA version, TKA 31580, when I had the FS-102, I had a Camera Angle Adjuster (CAA) as well as the CA-35 and Wide T-Mount, you may need to do some adjusting of the Metal Back Distance, which, if I remember correctly, is around 83.5mm.

Cheers

John G

[monoxide]

thanks John, thats another thing i was wondering about

[JohnG]

A couple of pictures showing the setup...

Cheers

[monoxide]

excellent, now you just need to box it up and send it to... :lol:

is there a chance that a long 2" nosepiece could hit against the reducer? looks like it would go close from the pic.

[JohnG]

To be honest, I haven't tried, the setup shown screws together for stability, the CA-35 screws into the reducer and the Wide T-Mount screws into that, you could possibly replace the CA-35 with the 2" adapter which has the same thread on the 2.7" end but I doubt it would come to focus. From memory, it only just came to focus using the normal bits.

I don't have any problem now as I am using a TSA-102.

Cheers

[JohnG]

You may be able to get focus, I just noticed you have the NSV, you may be able to get enough in focus.

Cheers

[monoxide]

the actual tube length is the same with the original and the NSV as far as i know, the only difference was that the dew shield retracted :shrug:

gee they dont make it easy do they...

sorry for hijacking your thread too Chris :lol:
i guess its all relevant anyway..

[JohnG]

If that is the case then you wont be able to use a 2" adapter, you wont have enough in-focus. And no, I think AEC still have the System Charts online, they are not easy to work out :D.

Cheers

[Omaroo]

Thanks John - much appreciated! :)

[Omaroo]

Jeepers! US$500 - down from US$600 at OPT. I think it can wait... that's easily a grand by the time it gets here.:doh:

[JohnG]

Hi Chris

Another alternative is the TeleVue RFL-4087, it is a 0.8x Reducer/Flattener suitable for scopes in the 800 - 1000mm Focal Length range, from what I have read, they do an excellent job.

Glad I bought my Tak Reducer a few years ago :scared:, wasn't anywhere near that price.

Cheers

[Omaroo]

Thanks John - I'll investigate the alternative.

I guess that it'll come down to getting a mate of mine to grab one from the US anyway - because I really want to stay with the Tak gear and it keep it "pure" - including the camera angle adjuster. Call it vain, but that's me! LOL!

I was thinking about my FS60-C this morning, and looking at its flattener and CAA, and trying to find a way to at least transfer the CAA across to the 102 some how. Even though it's smaller, it'd still be plenty large enough at the end of the light cone to pass enough to satisfy a 350D I think. Given Takahashi's propensity to lock out accessory mixing though, I somehow don't think so.... :sadeyes:

[JohnG]

I am the same way, all my gear is the proper Tak stuff, it was designed to be used in a Tak so therefore, use it :P.

I haven't used the FS-60 so I don't know the diameter of the focusing tube, the FS/TSA-102 are 2.7" and, as you know, have a dedicated CAA and reducer so I can't help with any thought of transfering the CAA and Reducer from the 60 to the 102.

There is a guy in HK that sells Tak parts, I will need to find his URL though.

Cheers

[Omaroo]

Thanks John. Don't worry about Peter's address - I'm very familiar with him.

Thanks again!

[Hagar]

Hi Chris. I bought one from Peter some time back and it came with the vari ring which provides a little extra in focus to allow the use of the 2" adapter.
He was about $200 Au cheaper than buying it here although the dollar has changed a bit since then.

[Omaroo]

Thanks Doug :thumbsup:

I'll check him out today.

[astronomer2002]

Having always been a reflector man I recently found there is no substitute for a modern apo for taking widefield images. I have a FS60C for a portable but wanted to try something bigger.

I have a recently purchased a s/h FS102. I just got a flattener for it, also s/h. which on arival turns out to be the reducer!. After a lot of searching I found reference to the "back focus" being 83mm. I assume this is the separation from the back of the Reducer to the focal plane of the ccd, but 83mm sounds very large - and where is it actually measured from? I have found, through bitter experience, that these values are critical, so before I spend a day on the lathe knocking up an adapter (yeah, ok, I'm a real slow turner) I'd like to be sure what length to make it.

Many thanks for your help.

Ian B