Taken the plunge - pray for me [Archive]

strongmanmike

03-09-2010, 12:36 AM

I Just ordered the 12" one of these (http://www.orionoptics.co.uk/AG/agrange.html) :help:

It will have a custom removable CF dew/light shield, tube & secondary heaters, Ultra grade optics with HiLux coatings, tube/focuser stiffing rings and FLI Atlas focuser (http://www.flicamera.com/focusers/index.html)

Gulp......:prey: (most of you will know why I am praying here :scared2:.....:screwy: )

Mike :)

Sylvain

03-09-2010, 12:38 AM

That's gonna be a big baby :D

Congrats mate! Fingers crossed, but it IS gonna be good :thumbsup:

mozzie

03-09-2010, 12:51 AM

wow nice scope youll take some nice images with that:thumbsup::thumbsup:

ballaratdragons

03-09-2010, 01:01 AM

f3.8 niiiiice :)

Alchemy

03-09-2010, 05:58 AM

Didn't you have something very similar a while back?
From memory (getting old) you sent it back ?
So why the change back?
Will the mount handle this new scope?

Will be watching to see how it shapes up, hope it gives you the edge you want.

DavidTrap

03-09-2010, 06:28 AM

So is the AP up for sale?

Can't wait to see what you produce with this!

DT

strongmanmike

03-09-2010, 06:42 AM

Hey thanks guys for the well wishes, it is a little nerve racking again.

Yes Clive very similar to the ASA I had three years ago that, yes, I did have to return :sadeyes:.

It has taken a lot of research and soul searching for me to have another go. 12" of apperture and F3.8 will make my limited portable nature more productive...that is the idea anyway.

One can only live, hope and dream

fingers crossed

Cheers

Mike

SkyViking

03-09-2010, 07:13 AM

That sure looks like a nice piece of gear - congratulations to you Mike! Now eagerly awaiting your massive deep field shots with this beast...

DavidU

03-09-2010, 09:08 AM

Noice one Mike:thumbsup:
I hope it all goes well for you(this time).

strongmanmike

03-09-2010, 09:10 AM

Hmmm...could probably get $12K+ pretty easily I'd recon too.... :question:

Nah, it's only one of two ever made so it's a collectors item, better keep it...may become my planetary and visual scope :thumbsup:

The Astrograph has to work first though ........it has pretty big shoes to fill :scared:

Mike

Bassnut

03-09-2010, 09:15 AM

Looks like a good bet Mike. Seems very solid, and they specify the weight cam it will take at least.

DavidTrap

03-09-2010, 10:05 AM

I think you're being a little modest with its value. Didn't think you'd part with it!! :P

DT

Moon

03-09-2010, 10:09 AM

May the force be with you! I have my fingers and toes crossed.

So which 'Mike' picked up the ASA (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=64068)? I thought it was you...
James

h0ughy

03-09-2010, 10:40 AM

Well congrats Mike - the recent win get you over the line for this?

Paul Haese

03-09-2010, 11:21 AM

Not heard much about these scopes. That can sometimes be a good thing though. I am sure it will not be like the ASA scope. Well at least I hope so. Well done on the purchase.

strongmanmike

03-09-2010, 12:19 PM

No not this Mike, I did have a bad experience with ASA which although not the biggest hurdle to over come, the 16" ASA was a little more than I could afford and probably would have pushed the NJP mount too hard.

It is a risk but a fast 12" astrograph is what I want and have always wanted so the bug just bit me again and Orion look to have addressed
the issues that plagued the ASA..?

Mike

strongmanmike

03-09-2010, 12:29 PM

Well she is basically priceless really :)...I sometimes find myself just sitting near her standing in the corner of the spare room and look longingly at her with stars in my eyes.......:love:

Mike

Ric

03-09-2010, 12:55 PM

That's an awesome scope Mike, I'm looking forward to seeing the images from it.

So how much rain will this baby produce for the Eastern seaboard :question: :lol:

AlexN

03-09-2010, 01:47 PM

Good to see you've overcome your fears of fast Newts Mike. I can't blame you given the troubles you had in the past.. I have been looking at the AG8 myself now for a few months umming and ahhing about whether or not it would be worth it... I'll hold off for a while and see how you go with your 12 :D haha

With the 16803 in it you should be able to tear down massive amounts of the sky in a couple of nights worth of imaging!

strongmanmike

03-09-2010, 03:12 PM

Yeh probably but also the Champaign Angie had at the awards night made her think more favourably of the idea :P

h0ughy

03-09-2010, 03:32 PM

AhhHA so champaign bubble equates to hydrogen bubbles capture from space;)

TrevorW

03-09-2010, 04:41 PM

I'm a great believer in spending, if you can, so go for it you can't take it with you, all the best on your new purchase and of course you know you will have to live up to our expectations now ;):P:thumbsup:

multiweb

03-09-2010, 07:03 PM

Nice rig. Still drooling. :thumbsup:

Alchemy

03-09-2010, 07:05 PM

Do you have to wait long to take delivery..... When can we expect first light ?

Bassnut

03-09-2010, 07:05 PM

OK, done some home work, renders some 1.63 arc/secs, nice, about the same as the tiny refractor thing you have with the 16k chip. BUT its also the same FL :P.

Now, given WW is rubbish, thats a given, what do you get?. Faster rubbish (or deeper rubbish for the same exposure I guess) :). Faster rubbish is good, reduces the pain of capturing rubbish, you know, the embarisment of bothering with rubbish at all :thumbsup:.

Looking forward to even more WW rubbish Mike. Deeper, hi res rubbish :D.

I do appreciate how well you do WW rubbish though Mike, your good at it, one day you will cross to the dark side and convert to the real faith :D.

In the mean time though, youve purchased well I think, good luck ;).

netwolf

03-09-2010, 07:07 PM

Nice looking scope, all the best with it. I saw the ad in one of the online shops dont recall which one, and thought wow nice but there was no price. Should have know it would be expensive.

Did you consider the Ricardi Honders, I have read they are just about done with the first batch at AP.

multiweb

03-09-2010, 07:07 PM

That was a lot of rubbish in one post. :P ;)

Peter Ward

03-09-2010, 07:15 PM

Nice one. So did you go for Zerodur? Have to say I'm looking at something similar (http://www.ceravolo.com/Specs.html)

So many toys...so little time...

strongmanmike

03-09-2010, 07:21 PM

:rofl:You got it all in one Fredo

The AP is 1300mm FL actually (4" FF extends the FL a little) so = 1.43"/pixel = aaaalmost NF ;)

Mike

strongmanmike

04-09-2010, 08:59 AM

Hadn't considered the Zerodur upgrade, would be nice.. maybe I ask?

Yes looked at the RH but it was out of my price range as I suspect the AP version will be too :sadeyes:...not to mention the usual AP waiting list :rolleyes:

A fast corrected Newt is harder to pull off than most would think and must be made very well in order to work well, so I can only hope....

Mike

Kal

04-09-2010, 11:06 AM

Mate, given how much I enjoy looking at the gems of the night sky you produce, I hope you get delivered a fine scope!

strongmanmike

04-09-2010, 12:02 PM

Hi Karl, as a fellow AP APO owner we are very spoiled, any replacement scope has a lot to live up to. I am more than a little nervous I must say but I couldn't grow old wondering if I should have given this platform one more go, I am conviced it is the perfect compromise of astroimaging (on a realistic budget) ie decent apperture, photographically fast with reasonable image scale and a large well corrected and illuminated FOV

That's the hope and I can do no more....now just to wait and see :scared2: :). I am the guinea pig again and if it proves effective this time, well, you can all go out and buy one happy that it will most likely work, if not.... they are dead in the water.

Mike

Tom Davis

05-09-2010, 06:59 AM

I'm sure it will be excellent, Mike. You will take some killer images for sure!

BTW, I will be getting a new scope as well. I expect my new AP 305 f/3.8 Honders next week. I'm pretty excited to see what it will do.

-Tom

strongmanmike

05-09-2010, 10:37 AM

After the ASA debarcle I will respectfully reserve my verdict :rolleyes:

:eyepop:....DOH! God dam it, you lucky so and so :thumbsup:

RobF

05-09-2010, 10:50 AM

Exciting times ahead Mike for sure. We'll all look forward to sharing the journey. Get that sucker locked in place well before the memory of the champagne dies off! :rofl:

Peter Ward

05-09-2010, 11:44 AM

Well done Tom! I'm on "this list" but AP have given no indication on when/if I might get mine.

DavidU

05-09-2010, 11:57 AM

I wish I could get some "rubbish" like that !

strongmanmike

05-09-2010, 03:04 PM

Hard to pick between the Cerevolo and the AP Honders? Similar pricing and quality. The Cerevolo has two configurations but I imagine different configurations are/will be avilable for the AP Honders too? In the end it comes down to what focal lengths/ratio you want (but they are even close in this department too) or if you want diffraction spikes or not? Sadly for me both were much more expensive than the Orion AG12 though.

Mike

Peter Ward

05-09-2010, 05:19 PM

'aint that the truth :)

There is a Ceravolo in my garage at present. Very spiffy.
(sadly not mine..it goes to its owner shortly).

However when configured to something "workable" they are $US 8k more than the AP (!!) then again you end up with a two for one deal F4.9 and F9.

Despite the AP being a one trick pony, it is a full f stop faster...and I suspect a slightly more "elegant" design.....anyway hope to find out next week what the status quo is.

netwolf

06-09-2010, 09:31 AM

The new tak trifocal Cassegrain cca-250 is another contenter in this range. With 3 FL' ragning from f/3.59 to f/8 this would be nice all in one scope. But I think this is more pricer than the Orion once you add all the accesories.

http://www.buytelescopes.com/Products/15165-Takahashi-cca-250p-tri-focal-astrograph.aspx

strongmanmike

06-09-2010, 12:37 PM

Yeh ti's a beauty and I did consider it, it's still a way off of course. You're right though more expensive at the estimated US$15K = AU$16.5K (more if purchase in OZ too I am sure) compared to GBP7K (AU$ 12K) for the Orion. The Tak is only a 10" as well plus I have never really been happy with the star images that these scopes produce, they look good in wide fields but any sort of zoom they look less than optimal to me...? The big plus is that it is a Takahashi and the optical design is virtually guaranteed out of the box :thumbsup:

So many great choices :scared:...I had procrastinated long enough and had to make a decision....:help:

Mike

gregbradley

08-09-2010, 07:26 PM

Congrats on the new order. This is definitely the right scope for you and what you have wanted now for some time. Good on you for getting over any trepidations from the ASA experience.

Its a good choice Mike. I have been following Orion Optics UK for some time now and all the posts on the Yahoo Group.

Barry Pemberton is a good guy and is very professional. He certainly seems to hold high standards and gets the result.

I think you are in safe hands here Mike.

Greg.

strongmanmike

08-09-2010, 09:28 PM

Cheers mate

Yes that is my impression re Barry and John too and at least they speak English! :P

I just couldn't die wondering.....:shrug: :)

Mike

TrevorW

09-09-2010, 04:54 PM

Did you consider this one ???

strongmanmike

09-09-2010, 05:18 PM

Yes Trev, looked at these top of the line gear that but the price of around AU$30K+ was a no go straight up :eyepop:. It's a Richardi Honders but at F3 it was just a bit short on focal length for me anyway.

Viva Italia :thumbsup:

Mike

TrevorW

09-09-2010, 05:48 PM

Cheers Mike

$30k unless you win Lotto is a bit steep and hard to justify

mind you I know guys who have spent as much on power boats

gregbradley

10-09-2010, 08:09 PM

Especially when the AstroPhysics version is US$17,500 and no doubt far better. (if you can get one that is).

Greg.

strongmanmike

10-09-2010, 11:29 PM

+ exchange rate + freight + GST = AU$21500 compared to the Orion at AU$13500.

One can be sure the AP will work 100% though.....

gregbradley

11-09-2010, 08:47 AM

Yes it is quite a bit more. I wonder how much difference you can achieve with different combos with the same aperture though. Sharp stars are sharp stars no matter how you got there.

Greg.

strongmanmike

20-09-2010, 10:10 PM

Well the service from Orion Optics has so far been great. Several back and forth emails with questions and requests (there are items coming to them for my scope from all over the World) and John and Barry are very responsive and have been most accomodating with some modifications and options that I have been after and this has been very comforting ...so far things are boding very well! :thumbsup:

Mike

Moon

20-09-2010, 10:13 PM

Mike
Do you know if they make the Wynne corrector themselves? It looks a bit longer than the ASA version.
James

strongmanmike

21-09-2010, 10:46 PM

I asked Barry at Orion Optics and he said the polishing of the ellements in the OWC is out sourced but the units are assembled at Orion.

Yes the housing of the Orion Optimised Wynne Corrector (OWC) is 37mm longer and about 5mm wider than the ASA, the OWC is a 4 element design too where the ASA uses three elements. The OWC spot size data looks slightly better but they are both good really.

Mike

Sylvain

22-09-2010, 12:12 AM

May I ask what happened with ASA before?

Orion Optics seem very serious, I hope all is going to be well.
Looking good so far :)

strongmanmike

22-09-2010, 12:31 PM

It showed bad astigmatism caused by the way the secondary mirror was mounted, the focuser was inadequate and broke a bearing, the robo focus unit that came with the scope was faulty (I had to organise another), the focuser arrived with two mounting screws fallen out and the fan cable plug came unassembled. I never got to image properly using my ProLine11002 but it was clear that there were going to be issues with image plane flexing as others experienced with these scopes and the main mirror collimation method could easily cause astigmatism in the primary and had to be backed off so much that the mirror could move as the scope tracked across the sky. To their credit though ASA tried hard to recitify all my issues, including sending me a new focuser and complete main mirror and mirror cell to check if the astigmatism was coming from the primary - but it wasn't - it was coming from the secondary. In the end I had enough and just requested a refund and ASA obliged (although this was drawn out somehwat and was a bit scary once I was in the position of having no gear and no money :scared:)...then more anguish in organising to get the GST paid back...in the end I was only out of pocket about AU$800 due to the Aussie dollar increasing in strength over the course of the drawn out sagga...:rolleyes:

Yes so far Orion have re-instilled some confidence but you see now why all the trepidation huh? :help:

RobF

22-09-2010, 10:05 PM

Any idea when the beast is arriving Mike....? :)

strongmanmike

23-09-2010, 09:08 AM

No firm date yet as the construction and delivery to Orion of the FLI Atlas focuser is in the equation too but November is sounding feasable :prey:..at least it is all paid for...except the GST...so my wife can't spend it on me :rolleyes: :P

Mike

RobF

23-09-2010, 08:49 PM

Looks like you've got a very nice Christmas present due this year then :thumbsup:

strongmanmike

24-02-2011, 10:13 PM

Well the new scope isn't too far away now :)

I received the mirror Zygo report (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/132733331/original)today and according to this at least...it sounds pretty good:

Strehl: 0.991
Peak to Valley wave front: 1/10th wave
RMS eror in wavefront: 1/66th wave
residule astigmatism 1/100th wave

The mirror is made of low expansion Suprax from Schott in Germany and will be coated with 97% reflective coating that is predicted to last 25years.

I have been informed that some photos of the OTA final assembly process will follow soon (a nice touch).

Mike

h0ughy

24-02-2011, 10:19 PM

this must be one of the longest waits......

dugnsuz

24-02-2011, 10:21 PM

"page not found" - that must be bad Mike!!

You're a man of impeccable taste, so I assume it's an absolute cracker whatever it is (from the url looks like an Orion Astrograph!?)

strongmanmike

24-02-2011, 10:21 PM

Ordered September last year...so nearly 6 months so far.

I guess that's not as long as I would wait for a new AP Starfire :P

MIke

strongmanmike

24-02-2011, 10:28 PM

Link works for me when I am not logged in to Pbase..? :shrug: so try again.

Ummm...if you check the thread you will see what it is :lol:

Mike

marc4darkskies

24-02-2011, 10:55 PM

Looks like it will be worth the wait though Mike! Can't wait for the first light report!

Are you getting the necessary adaptors ready to attach that monsterous camera of yours?

Cheers, Marcus

strongmanmike

24-02-2011, 11:09 PM

NO I thought I'd just use duct tape :rolleyes:...of course you idiot! :lol: Orion are making all the necessary adapters, including the one so I can use the Catseye collimation tool or an eyepiece in the Atlas focuser :)

Incidentally, Orion have now picked up the Atlas focuser as a standad for big cameras on the AG and ODK lines...I had nooothing to do with it either :whistle: (hope it works :question: :help:)

Mike
The reference to idiot was meant as a term of endearment by the way :)

marc4darkskies

24-02-2011, 11:17 PM

Oooh - Atlas focuser ... niiiiiice! Hope it all works out of the box for you mate!!

strongmanmike

24-02-2011, 11:21 PM

You have no idea how nervous I am :sadeyes: any way I figgered you have to be in it to win it, and I didn't want to die wondering....

Waxing_Gibbous

24-02-2011, 11:34 PM

Does it come in Green?

strongmanmike

24-02-2011, 11:44 PM

If you wanted it green, well so far everything I have asked for, Orion have provided, so I recon getting a green one wouldn't be out of the question :thumbsup:

Mike

gregbradley

25-02-2011, 10:57 PM

What's the latest on delivery?

Barry makes good scopes but he is slow. That ultimately turned me
off ordering from him.

I am sure he will back you up if any teething problems not that I would
expect any. He seems very good with customer support.

Greg.

strongmanmike

02-03-2011, 09:25 AM

Got the UPS shipping notice this morning :D :D :D

:prey::prey::prey::prey::prey::prey ::prey::prey::prey::prey::prey::pre y::prey:

he he

Moon

02-03-2011, 10:33 AM

omg
Let the drumroll begin. We're all hanging out to see your first light images.
I suppose we'll also be treated to a snapshot of you hugging it on your kitchen table? There's something to look forward to.
James

DavidTrap

02-03-2011, 11:00 AM

I love getting UPS shipping notifications, but my credit card doesn't!!!

DT

telemarker

02-03-2011, 12:32 PM

So Mike, a side by side setup with the starfire? :poke:

Regards
Keith

strongmanmike

02-03-2011, 06:23 PM

He he, yeh I'm sure to take some photos to capture the glee and make you smile :P. Then the nervous testing will begin....so be patient.

Yeh buit the shipping and GST were expected lomg ago and budgeted for...just had to keep my wifes hands off it for a few months now :eyepop: :lol:

Now that would be nice...I might have to team up with Marcus on his new PME :D

DavidTrap

02-03-2011, 08:37 PM

Bit of overkill for a guide scope?

DT

telemarker

02-03-2011, 10:28 PM

Guidescope? Finder I reckon. :P

gregbradley

02-03-2011, 10:36 PM

Wow, that's exciting. So 5 or 6 more sleeps before you receive it eh?

Greg.

strongmanmike

03-03-2011, 12:36 AM

Yes exciting Greg, for sure!

UPS tracking has the expected delivery date as Friday 11th March :)

Orion have been very accomodating and even sent me photos of the bits being assembled (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/orion_optics_ag12), that's good service :thumbsup:

Finderscope?...well I just purchased a $50 GSO 8X50 straight through to mount on the 80ED guide scope :D...I figured that'll do cause I only use it once a night to initialise the FS2 goto on a single star, so why have a flashy one, at least all three scopes are black so the rig should look very sexy and lightweight (black always makes you look thinner :P )

Mike

telemarker

03-03-2011, 01:45 AM

Kidding aside, do you intend to combine the newt and starfire data. Tom Davis has a number of awesome images with a similar combo. That would be spectacular. :thumbsup:

strongmanmike

03-03-2011, 09:13 AM

Ah Keith baby...wouldn't that be nice :rolleyes: but man not only would I need another camera and another mount (or a PME or similar to take both OTA's) but I am portable...I know I am verging on the superhuman when it comes to transportable rigs (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/81003751/original)but I recon that would be verging on the impossible :sadeyes:

If I ever get an observatory and find some more money under the bed, I am with ya, deeeeeeeep luminance captured at F3.8 with a 12", colour captured through the relegated Starfire :thumbsup:

Mike

marc4darkskies

03-03-2011, 09:14 AM

Really excited for you Mike!!! :party::jump2::jump:

I must admit though, I was concerned when I saw the photo of the focal plane assembly attached only to the tube!! But when I saw that it's connected to 2 CNC machined rings that wrap around the tube on either side ... forget about it ... no way you're going to see flexure!

So with that fine mirror spec I think you'll be bouncing off the walls soon!! :lol:

Cheers, Marcus

strongmanmike

03-03-2011, 12:17 PM

I am actually thinking that I may find I won't need the two tube rings stabilising the focuser base at all :shrug:.. look at the inner focuser bracing (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/132886505/original)! :eyepop: we will see :thumbsup:

Mike

strongmanmike

05-03-2011, 01:22 AM

Added a couple of shots of the FLI Atlas Focuser atached to the OTA

With Wynn corrector for imaging (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/132930181/original)

With 2" push fit adapter for collimation (http://www.pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/132930180/original)

The scope just left Louisville Kentucky :thumbsup:

strongmanmike

05-03-2011, 12:50 PM

Make that Mascot now :D

......:prey:

davewaldo

05-03-2011, 02:00 PM

Nice one Mike! I love waiting for new deliveries! I get no work done though!

I can't imagine what it must be like waiting for such a beauty as this!

Hopefully you'll get it on Monday. :thumbsup:

allan gould

05-03-2011, 02:00 PM

Onya Mike - enjoy every moment of anticipation, unpacking and first light.

strongmanmike

05-03-2011, 02:51 PM

I've actually got to decide where to store her :shrug:..discussions with the wife are ongoing :rolleyes:...don't let on yet but it'll probably have to start on the fields of divorce aka the dinning table :lol:

I will be testing her out and shaking her down in my mums backyard here in Newcastle due to it having open skies, before hopefully returning to the darker skies of outside Kurri Kurri :thumbsup:

Mike

TrevorW

05-03-2011, 04:49 PM

Hope the new baby arrives shortly and all is safe and well on delivery

strongmanmike

05-03-2011, 05:02 PM

Just got the phone call from UPS (Sat 5.00pm!) GST and customs fees paid!...next step is delivery! :cool:

:prey: :prey: :prey: :prey: :prey: :prey: :prey: :prey:

mozzie

05-03-2011, 05:42 PM

good stuff michael shouldn't be to much longer know!!!!!!!!

DavidTrap

05-03-2011, 06:08 PM

I've had one UPS delivery to home and one to work. For the delivery at home they just left my AP mount at the front door without anyone being home. :eyepop: :eyepop:

Apparently Astro-Physics "assumed" that because there were customs duties to be paid, there would be "contact" between the driver and recipient. They weren't aware that this was all done over the phone prior to delivery. Since then, I've tried to get all deliveries of major gear sent to my office - now I just get my secretary ringing me up saying, "Why do you need another camera?" Interestingly, UPS got a bit confused and wanted my ABN for the importation paperwork since the camera was to be delivered to a business address - fortunately they didn't argue when I told them it was a personal item.

DT

strongmanmike

05-03-2011, 06:43 PM

Yeh Dave, I told the UPS lady when I was paying the GST and duty to put a note for the driver to ring my mobile prior to delivery and she did.

It is officially "now in transit for delivery" so maybe even Monday..? :)

Mike

marc4darkskies

05-03-2011, 10:30 PM

Oooooooooooooooo !!!:2thumbs: Two more sleeps!!! :zzz:

Take pictures of the crate before opening, during opening and after opening with and without the bubble-wrap. :P Do NOT, under any circumstances remove it from the crate straight away. Make a cuppa or grab a brew and savour the moment. Then take pictures of yourself savouring the moment!! :D

Cheers, Marcus

PS: Bet it's a boy!

David Fitz-Henr

05-03-2011, 11:59 PM

Hmmm ... well we have had many deliveries and despite leaving instructions for the driver they either never usually get them, or else don't bother reading them!! Like Dave, we have had expensive items left on the doorstep (despite being told that they NEVER leave them without a signature), and once had a $1000 juicing machine left up on the side of the road (we live on acreage off a dirt road), not even on our property in the dirt!!! :mad2:

Don't want to stress you out too much Mike, but forewarned is forearmed !! Stay home on the day and keep a watch out the whole time!!!!!!!