[matt]

My astro friends...

I don't know where to begin.

Let's start with my feelings right now. Anger, relief, frustration...

VINDICATED

I could go on.

I've just got off the phone with Don Whiteman at Bintel who tells me my 9.25 failed a Ronchi test miserably.

My optics are shot. Ronchi lines curving all over the shop, mainly in towards the centre of the image.

Don's own words were "horrific", and "ugly".

I kid you not.

I am so glad I have pursued this as doggedly as I have and wish for nothing more than to finally get the scope I paid for.

Extravision are doing the right thing and I am expecting a replacement in the next week or so.

However, that does not remove the bitterness of the memories I have accumulated in the dealings I have had with people who have insisted I was wrong.... all the way along.

Don Whiteman, however, has been a champ. This scope is being returned to me from Bintel with a full and comprehensive CD of his optical testing and evaluation.

I didn't ask Don to go to those lengths, he just did it off his own bat to totally put me in the picture as to what was going on with my scope.

Don... can I take this opportunity to publically thank you for seeing this through to this conclusion and putting my mind at rest.

Thank you.

Thanks also to other folk who backed me and encouraged me to not let this get on top of me.

Can you imagine how I feel tonight, and how excited I am about what lay ahead with (fingers crossed).... a good telescope.

Please, share my happiness. Also let this serve as a cautionary tale.

Hooooorayyyyyyyyy!!!!!