Help-Secondary mirror blemishes. New 10"LB

[richardda1st]

Thanks to reading some of the many very informative articles in this forum (some of which related to cleaning of mirrors), I decided to have a close look at the mirrors on my new 10" LB. As the scope is still new the mirrors are still clean, but I noticed these blemishes on the secondary mirror :eyepop:. Refer to attached jpg file.

Some advice and or info regarding these blemishes on the secondary mirror of my nice new 10" LB. would be greatly appreciated.

I plan to contact the store if need be, but would like some facts first. I'm not aware as to the effects they will have on my viewing. At this stage I always blame the poor seeing conditions when I can't get a crystal clear view.

I always bring the scope in after a session, into a warm lounge room, so the moisture from these very damp nights rapidly dries up.

Thanks
Richard

[erick]

Yes, you need the mirror to look better than that. Not sure what the "blemishes" are? I'd be asking the store to clean or replace. I suspect it will clean OK and I would think they would assist. You would be able to remove the secondary and its holder and take that in - but call them first.

[richardda1st]

Hi neighbor.

As I bought the scope from a store in Queensland it’s not as easy as taking it straight in. The blemishes look like they might be under the surface. Someone might be able to identify these blemishes. Then if need be I’ll contact the store, before I try any cleaning.

Thanks

[Satchmo]

Eric. Your secondary coating looks like it has failed in some way. I wouldn't try and clean it as you need to be able to present it as is, under warranty. If the shop you bought it from think it can be fixed by cleaning perhaps, let them do it. You should be able to return just the secondary hub which will save you a lot on transport.

[JethroB76]

I had defects in my secondary in the first year I had my LB; they were different to this, but I just sent in the mirror+holder via mail to the vendor. Replaced no problems.

[rmcpb]

Send it back would be my advice.

[richardda1st]

Thanks everyone. This might sound ridicules but I wanted to make sure that it’s a valid defect. I’ll contact the store and send them this picture. Hope they acknowledge this as a warranty issue and the replacement doesn’t take to long. Don’t want to be without a functioning scope for to long. I’ll post after I get a reply from the store (Star Optics Queensland). Hope they’re as helpful as they were when I was buying the scope.

[DavidU]

The fellow Satchmo a few posts up is probably Aust's best mirror maker so tell your store that Mark Sutching has looked at the image of your secondary mirror fault.

[richardda1st]

Thanks DavidU for making me aware of that (about Satchmo).

Satchmo I hope that’s OK with you.

I’ve just come in from looking at Jupiter. No new black spot on my Jupiter. Maybe it’s time for a bigger scope :rolleyes:. Seeing conditions seem really good to me except for the light pollution, but I’m not getting a sharp image. (Meade 26mm QX, Skywatch 10mm Plosyl , and 6.5 Plosyl.
Maybe I should start a new thread later, but anyway I’m thinking of buying an Orion Stratus eye piece (affordable) as I’ve read some good reports. Not to sure whether to go for high magnification with the 5mm or the 8mm, or maybe a 10mm and add a good Barlow. As a newbee I find that I’m looking at the planets then I’m of looking for galaxies (very very faint M104 & m83). Any comments?

[rmcpb]

Richard,

Sit on your hands and wallet for a while. Get the mirror fixed and use what you have till you get some observing time under your belt.

As for the not quite right images, there is a lot of atmospheric disturbance at the moment with the fronts coming through which could explain it.

Cheers

[richardda1st]

Contacted the store and they replied the next day, this is good. The store is currently checking with Meade, and now waiting for reply/action.:whistle:

Thanks Rob, more observing time is a good idea. But the observing I am doing is not all that satisfying with my current low budget high magnification lenses (SW 10mm & an un-branded 6.5mm Plossls). I know that for really good observing I should go to a dark site, but how often can you do that. I had a couple of nights down at Appollo Bay, high up on the hills with almost no light pollution. Was obviously better but the budget eps are disappointing.

I will do most of my observing from my backyard. I understand that filters will improve seeing conditions regarding light pollution (big issue at my place), so I’m also researching on the net for some good filters.

Is there any where on the net that reports seeing conditions, like a weather report for astronomy? I will now also try to learn about what makes for good seeing conditions and what doesn’t, as I thought the seeing (excluding the lousy light pollution) on last Monday 20th was good, with clear skies and no dampness.

So while I have to sit on my hands and wallet I will continue to research and seek advice as to which lens will suit my needs, but only until I sort out the mirror problem, then I’m gona get me the lens.:D

[DavidU]

Right here
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/weather.html

[richardda1st]

How's that for help

Thanks DavidU
The SkippySky site looks interesting.

[erick]

Richard, I'm just down the road from you and have a range of gear you are welcome to have a look at and test in your LB. PM me if you wish. When I want dark skies, there is only one choice - Snake Valley Astronomical Association. It's not too big a trip - an hour from BM. Eric

[richardda1st]

Hi Eric, your offer is very generous and I would like to take you up on that.
I will PM you shortly.:):D:thumbsup:
Thanks
Richard

[richardda1st]

Meade is sending new secondary mirror, so far so good.:D

[richardda1st]

On another matter regarding the LB. I am very surprised that no one has mentioned (maybe I haven't noticed) that the friction clamp for the altitude pivot has a major problem. On mine, the nylon friction pad is gouging grooves into the soft cast aluminium pivot. I have had to remount the pivot 180deg to position a smooth area for the clamp. But as it shows signs of doing the same thing I have taken the clamp of . At the moment the natural friction from the large spindle and the light weight lenses works fine without the clamp. But if I go from Plossl to Ethos this will be an issue.:eyepop:

Maybe this is a purpose designed limiter (a governor) to look after our pockets.:P


Still no secondary mirror replacement, as yet.:( Have asked for update on situation. Suppose this sort of thing can take some time for a company (Meade) to get around to. I do expect the store to follow through as they have been OK so far.

Unlike some, at this stage I'm not having any issues with collimation going out of adjustment. I just make sure that my nuts & screws are all tight.:shrug:

Richard

[JethroB76]

If you change the stock white plastic friction block to a piece of teflon, it wont cause such problems

[richardda1st]

Thanks JethroB76, sounds good and simple. I take it that you also have had this problem.
I assume that you have done this mod to your LB 12". Where can I get some Teflon suitable for this.

Thanks again
Richard

[erick]

Richard, maybe some leads here?

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=30601

[JethroB76]

Surprisingly:rolleyes: I couldnt find teflon in Launceston, so I emailed Bintel to ask where I may get some and they were able to send a couple pieces just the right size

[richardda1st]

Hi JethroB76, I was at Bintel just last week, I'm to scared to go back to soon, the temptations are just to much.:P I'll call them over the phone, they may send me some.

Hi Eric, Thanks more stuff to read.
I just met Steve from Sunbury on this forum, can't wait till Snake Valley. He wont read this post I'm sure, maybe you could distract steve away from his new scope and I ..........:whistle:

[Astro78]

Hi Richard,

Was this Bintel who sold you the new blemished mirror?

[erick]

Richard said in an early post "As I bought the scope from a store in Queensland it’s not as easy as taking it straight in." So looks like it was not Bintel.

[Astro78]

Oh I see it was Star Optics Queensland. Richard please let us know how you get on?

[richardda1st]

Hi Astro78,

Oops,:screwy: missed these new posts. Star Optics has told me that the secondary mirror is on its way, should be in their next shipment, a week or so away.

Richard

[richardda1st]

I was just about to post to say still waiting, but thought I should check my email just in case. Star Optics has received the secondary and shipping it express post today.:):):):)

I notice a fair bit of interest on this thread. Would I be right in saying that this interest is in the quality of the after sales service by the dealers?:shrug:

Richard

[DavidU]

I think we just wanted you up and running pronto.

[Robh]

Richard,

I hope things now work better for you!

Regards, Rob.

[norm]

That would depend on whether waiting nearly 3 months is acceptable or not. Personally I wouldn't be too happy, but that's just me.

It was obviously defective and it should have been replaced pronto.
It doesn't take 3 months to get something from the US to AU.

Anyway, hope all goes well.:thumbsup:

[richardda1st]

Thanks Rob, I still have been enjoying using my Lightbridge, have fitted it out with an azimuth scale and an inclinometer. Sorted out some problems I was having with this az/alt setup thanks to some on this forum, all working well now. ;)

Thanks again David, see you in Snake Valley.:D:D:D:D:D:D

Norm, I understand what you are saying, it did take a while:(:(, but It wasn't urgent as I could still use the scope, hard to say how this defect has effected the viewing. Keep in mind that at no time did I try to hurry them along, and at all times Star Optics were always helpful.
To many other more important things to get unhappy about. :shrug:

Richard.