pluck
18-07-2012, 12:30 PM
Update 6th August - price reduction
Update 26th July: Now also selling the CCD Camera and CFW (see below).
I am selling an extensively modified and enhanced C14 OTA and image train.
The telescope in question has been used since 2005 at Shenton Park observatory (D21) in Perth. Its proven optics have been responsible for 11 Supernovae discoveries, 3 minor planet discoveries, dozens of NEO confirmations, minor planet recoveries, and over 1000 published NEO observations, as well as a host of astrophotographic images and miscellaneous photometric observations. The venerable C14 offers the large aperture and focal length sought by those undertaking high resolution planetary imaging, galaxy imaging and a host of research activities.
The instrument has been optimised for 'robotic use' and includes a host of accessories and enhancements to maximise its use as such.
This original 2005 grey 'FastStar' ready C14 OTA includes the Bisque locking collar and New Mexico Skies access hatch modification. For those unaware, this modification allows the primary mirror to be rigidly locked in place to prevent 'mirror flop'. Although currently not used, the sought after accessory is included with the telescope. In addition to the Bisque locking collar, a set of Ken Archer's stainless steel 'flop stoppers' have been installed. These have been found to provide sufficient mirror support, as well as added flexibility (ie, course focus control - not possible with the Bisque collar in locked mode). The FastStar ready secondary includes 'Bob's Knobs' for much easier collimation, and a very nice custom machined focus knob made by Ashley Stevens (Precise Parts), replacing the horrible default rubber C14 thing.
SOLD The OTA is rigidly mounted in the industry standard 'Homeyer Cradle'. The base of the cradle has been drilled and tapped to allow direct attachment to a Paramount Versaplate to reduce weight. The original (unused) heavy duty Homeyer base plate is included for those using a different mounting option. SOLD
The OTA also includes a matching heavy duty (3mm) custom made dew shield, and full length custom machined top and bottom Losmandy D series plates, including brand new Losmandy tube weights. Cosmetically all of these components are in new, pristine condition.
The OTA has been extensively re-furbished. The baffle tube was recently re-greased with the required Dow Corning high vacuum grease. The original grey Celestron paint was removed in 2008, and both the tube and dew shield were professionally powder coated in high gloss white. The castings were re-fitted and the original Celestron screws were replaced with countersunk stainless cap head screws at twice the original interval around the circumference of each casting.
The heavy-duty dew shield is rigidly mounted to the front casting and additionally via the top and bottom D series Losmandy plates. This essentially increases the total length of the telescope so that additional equipment can be mounted anywhere along the top of the 1m length of the instrument tube.
The top full length Losmandy plate section join has been precision milled to provide an extremely rigid full length dovetail for the top of the instrument.
SOLDThe image train includes an Optec TCF-S3 focuser. This model is the new version, with six point mountings at both the telescope and camera ends. The TCF-S3 is mounted to the C14 via the new Optec custom low profile adapter to reduce the back focus impact of this ultra heavy duty focuser. Though no longer used, the original standard mounting adapter is also provided.
The focuser includes the standard control box with computer interface, custom cables, and genuine Optec hardware, including all adapters from 3" down to 1.25", the temperature sensor and the accessory remote keypad for manual use (not shown in any of the photos - see link here (http://optecinc.com/astronomy/catalog/tcf/images/17680_1_large.jpg).)
The Optec TCF-S system is THE standard for robotic focus control of this type of instrument, a testament to the automated imaging achievements at D21 for the past few years.
The image train also includes the Optec NextGen 3" focal reducer. This particular unit is brand new, having been returned recently from Optec with enhanced optical elements designed exclusively to compliment the optical path characteristics of the C14.SOLD
The instrument has been meticulously maintained by myself. For what it's worth my day job at The University of Western Australia is as an Astronomer, currently managing the SPIRIT robotic observatory initiative (http://spice.wa.edu.au/spice-initiatives/spirit/).
Prices for the remaining individual components are as follows:
C14 OTA including original Celestron dovetail, finderscope, visual back, 2" diagonal and 40mm Plossl eyepiece, flopstoppers and Bisque locking collar, Bob's knobs, etc: $4,500
Matching custom made heavy duty aluminium dew shield (recommended) - $250
Custom fitted Losmandy D series dovetail system. Includes full length (1m) top plate, bottom plate (0.4m), custom machined mounting blocks and Losmandy tube weight system with 5lb & 2.5lb weights - $350
Homeyer Cradle customised for Versaplate, but also includes original Homeyer base plate - $650 sold
Brand new Optec TCF-S3 with standard and low profile mounting, 2" and 1.25" adapters, temperature probe, control box, cables, and remote keypad.$1,250 SOLD
Brand new Optec NextGen 3" focal reducer, (includes spacers to suit Apogee Alta, others available from optecinc.com). $850 SOLD
CCD Camera
The new Apogee Alta U6 and Alta FW50 filterwheel are now also available for purchase for an additional $6250 or $7000 with Custom Scientific CBVRI filters).
I am willing to negotiate a little for the OTA and other combinations of accessories.
I've tried to show as much detail as possible in the provided photos of the instrument. Some additional (older, but still useful) images of the instrument can be found at my home web site (http://www.jazzistentialism.com). Feel free to contact me if you need any other close ups or further information. Many of the components are brand new, yet significantly discounted particularly if you take shipping & GST into consideration.
Thanks for looking,
Paul
Update 26th July: Now also selling the CCD Camera and CFW (see below).
I am selling an extensively modified and enhanced C14 OTA and image train.
The telescope in question has been used since 2005 at Shenton Park observatory (D21) in Perth. Its proven optics have been responsible for 11 Supernovae discoveries, 3 minor planet discoveries, dozens of NEO confirmations, minor planet recoveries, and over 1000 published NEO observations, as well as a host of astrophotographic images and miscellaneous photometric observations. The venerable C14 offers the large aperture and focal length sought by those undertaking high resolution planetary imaging, galaxy imaging and a host of research activities.
The instrument has been optimised for 'robotic use' and includes a host of accessories and enhancements to maximise its use as such.
This original 2005 grey 'FastStar' ready C14 OTA includes the Bisque locking collar and New Mexico Skies access hatch modification. For those unaware, this modification allows the primary mirror to be rigidly locked in place to prevent 'mirror flop'. Although currently not used, the sought after accessory is included with the telescope. In addition to the Bisque locking collar, a set of Ken Archer's stainless steel 'flop stoppers' have been installed. These have been found to provide sufficient mirror support, as well as added flexibility (ie, course focus control - not possible with the Bisque collar in locked mode). The FastStar ready secondary includes 'Bob's Knobs' for much easier collimation, and a very nice custom machined focus knob made by Ashley Stevens (Precise Parts), replacing the horrible default rubber C14 thing.
SOLD The OTA is rigidly mounted in the industry standard 'Homeyer Cradle'. The base of the cradle has been drilled and tapped to allow direct attachment to a Paramount Versaplate to reduce weight. The original (unused) heavy duty Homeyer base plate is included for those using a different mounting option. SOLD
The OTA also includes a matching heavy duty (3mm) custom made dew shield, and full length custom machined top and bottom Losmandy D series plates, including brand new Losmandy tube weights. Cosmetically all of these components are in new, pristine condition.
The OTA has been extensively re-furbished. The baffle tube was recently re-greased with the required Dow Corning high vacuum grease. The original grey Celestron paint was removed in 2008, and both the tube and dew shield were professionally powder coated in high gloss white. The castings were re-fitted and the original Celestron screws were replaced with countersunk stainless cap head screws at twice the original interval around the circumference of each casting.
The heavy-duty dew shield is rigidly mounted to the front casting and additionally via the top and bottom D series Losmandy plates. This essentially increases the total length of the telescope so that additional equipment can be mounted anywhere along the top of the 1m length of the instrument tube.
The top full length Losmandy plate section join has been precision milled to provide an extremely rigid full length dovetail for the top of the instrument.
SOLDThe image train includes an Optec TCF-S3 focuser. This model is the new version, with six point mountings at both the telescope and camera ends. The TCF-S3 is mounted to the C14 via the new Optec custom low profile adapter to reduce the back focus impact of this ultra heavy duty focuser. Though no longer used, the original standard mounting adapter is also provided.
The focuser includes the standard control box with computer interface, custom cables, and genuine Optec hardware, including all adapters from 3" down to 1.25", the temperature sensor and the accessory remote keypad for manual use (not shown in any of the photos - see link here (http://optecinc.com/astronomy/catalog/tcf/images/17680_1_large.jpg).)
The Optec TCF-S system is THE standard for robotic focus control of this type of instrument, a testament to the automated imaging achievements at D21 for the past few years.
The image train also includes the Optec NextGen 3" focal reducer. This particular unit is brand new, having been returned recently from Optec with enhanced optical elements designed exclusively to compliment the optical path characteristics of the C14.SOLD
The instrument has been meticulously maintained by myself. For what it's worth my day job at The University of Western Australia is as an Astronomer, currently managing the SPIRIT robotic observatory initiative (http://spice.wa.edu.au/spice-initiatives/spirit/).
Prices for the remaining individual components are as follows:
C14 OTA including original Celestron dovetail, finderscope, visual back, 2" diagonal and 40mm Plossl eyepiece, flopstoppers and Bisque locking collar, Bob's knobs, etc: $4,500
Matching custom made heavy duty aluminium dew shield (recommended) - $250
Custom fitted Losmandy D series dovetail system. Includes full length (1m) top plate, bottom plate (0.4m), custom machined mounting blocks and Losmandy tube weight system with 5lb & 2.5lb weights - $350
Homeyer Cradle customised for Versaplate, but also includes original Homeyer base plate - $650 sold
Brand new Optec TCF-S3 with standard and low profile mounting, 2" and 1.25" adapters, temperature probe, control box, cables, and remote keypad.$1,250 SOLD
Brand new Optec NextGen 3" focal reducer, (includes spacers to suit Apogee Alta, others available from optecinc.com). $850 SOLD
CCD Camera
The new Apogee Alta U6 and Alta FW50 filterwheel are now also available for purchase for an additional $6250 or $7000 with Custom Scientific CBVRI filters).
I am willing to negotiate a little for the OTA and other combinations of accessories.
I've tried to show as much detail as possible in the provided photos of the instrument. Some additional (older, but still useful) images of the instrument can be found at my home web site (http://www.jazzistentialism.com). Feel free to contact me if you need any other close ups or further information. Many of the components are brand new, yet significantly discounted particularly if you take shipping & GST into consideration.
Thanks for looking,
Paul