Well, I was distracted and side tracked all day, but FINALLY got around to setting the Tak FS60C up.
A few little niggling things:
1. the clamshell sure does not like lining up with any proprietry dovetail bars! In the end I used a solid Skywatcher type (like the types that come standard on the SW refractors), as they have an adjustable slot. Worked a treat, and got all 3 screw holes lined up. Yes, I know Tak makes a dovetail system, but that's too much $$$ and this one WORKS!
2. balance. Fun. Had to take everything off, and slide the counterweight ALL the way to the top. I will need a Custom weight made really - READING THIS HUGH?
It balances now, JUST (seems a TOUCH heavy weight wise, not telescope wise)
3. Focus. The focuser travel on these is shorter than any Newtonian I have ever used. You really begin to appreciate why Takahashi make all those extra doo-dads that cost a small ransom. Thankfully, Borg/Oasis bits fit, so since they were included, got it all up and running (and ordered some more from Hotech in the US). A standard diagonal WON'T fit - nosepiece is too long and headbutts the drawtube and won't come to focus. Thankfully, I have a Vixen flip mirror - which have a VERY short nosepiece - and this fit PERFECTLY, allowing focus.
My impressions of the view.
I would get banned for swearing.
Holy smokes Batman!
:ey epop:
Just speechless. The image is, in a word, PERFECT. Sharper than ANYTHING I have ever seen. I was happily reading the WARNING panel on the back of my neighbour's roof top antenna with a 40mm plossl... then I switched to a 20mm...and then a 5mm...
:eyep op:
I had heard all the rave, and now I see why. It would take a LOT of beating...and this is just a 60mm!
Tonight should be clear... going visual (may switch to photo later with the Vixen, though doubt it
). I am going to devour the Moon and Jupiter with relish.
Brian, SWEET AS BRO!
