Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Dave
I had one of these last year, same model too. I tried fixing it; it seemed that I could not focus the eyepiece to the object as it would not rack in enough. I got a hack saw out and cut down the focusser shaft a little! - I ended up giving it to a 'pain in the butt' mate for christmas and got something else. I think it is a coat hanger now.
For a first telescope, in my view you can't beat a Dob unit. I think you get the best bang for you buck and it is simple to setup. Take a look at York or some other brand name dealer - even better look in the telescope trader forums here in IIS and you should get something better for less. I agree with Ian; expecially in this price range the bigger the better - and the more you will resolve. The Celestron you are talking about is not a bad unit for the price, but look second hand and you will get something better. If your interest increases, you will abandon this unit anyway!
I think people often get fustrated with a cheap telescope and give up the hobbie just as quick. Something to consider would be visiting a Astro club, not sure who is in WA but a google search should find. You will find all the people there will give you lots of advise, some conflicting but all valid. You need to really weigh it up.
As far as the star charts go, they are everwhere on the web (i.e. Heavens above or even Sky & Telescope Magazines website), but you should really trackdown a copy of the Sky & Telescope magazine and have a look. They also have a sky chart and observing suggestions.
Regards,
Dave
|
I remember that thread - maybe you lucked out on yours . should have been easy rectified by simply moving the main mirror a tad closer to the secondary rather than mutulating the focusor. There all metal and cheap 1.25 low profile helical focusors available too which would have probably been another cheap fix , or Vega 1 (1.25") R&P focusors too (lower profile that the stock focusor you had).
I recommend he ask to test it at the shop by pointing the assembled scope at a distant object (at least 1 mile away and attempting to focus it with its supplied eyepieces and also the barlow in place (both again)). If you can't get it to focus - moving the mirror cell closer can't be big deal if you are handy , or don't want to upgrade the focusor to a low profile helical or better qual r&p , else say no thanks and buy something else or walk out of the shop (leaving the scope there).
He's not got a real lot of time to place an order if buying mail / phone / internet order from interstate and want's something in hand before Xmas.
There's a couple specialist telescope shops in Perth aren't there ? York and that guy that also sells second hand stuff -(can't recall his company name now
).
The fellows at Astro-Optical (Sydney) are good and helpful. I got a super deal off them on my Vixen New Atlux .
I think you can also order directly from Tasco Australia too now ??
Ya get's what you pay for in telescopes - perfect costs lots of $.