Tasco 8V

[MGLux]

Hello,

I am really new in the domain of Astronomy and I recently acquired a Tasco 8V telescope without the instructions manual. Anyone knows where I can get an operating manual for this model? I managed to set it up but I am not sure if everything is right. Also, I know we can mount a camera to it and I'd like to know how.

Thanks for your help

[Gargoyle_Steve (Steve)]

I haven't found a manual for you online yet, but I did find this very interesting piece of information:

http://www.telescopebluebook.com/other/tasco.htm

The Tasco 8V was the company's only outstanding telescope. The 5" f/8 optical assembly was actually an f/4 system with a built-in 2x barlow at the base of the focuser and was made by Vixen, Japan . It was mounted on the high quality Polaris mount of Celestron/Vixen fame and included the polaris finder. It was accompanied by a 6x30 finder and good quality .965 focuser/eyepieces. This could be a nice buy if you can find one.

[MGLux]

Thank you.

I did saw that link previously. I t heled me figure out how the telescope looks like once mounted. I think I did it allright. Right now it is day time and snowy so I can't see much to test it.

I thank you for looking up for an operating/instructions manual or link.

[rapidfire]

gee i really like my Tasco. Its a small 4.5inch reflector. But it gives me great views and is easy to use/setup/cart around. Not so great for astro photography. And my next scope prolly wont be a Tasco, but for a beginner not wanting to shell out heaps of dosh for my first scope i was happy with it. the 8V does look good tho...altho a built in barlow seems to me to be a bit dubious.

[h0ughy (David)]

wow when I was much younger I was looking at getting one of those, but I bought the 90mm refractor instead. I thought Tasco was the bees knees until I found some celestron and meade catalogues. then things got bad and found the internet and magazies. I digress......can you take a photo of your setup and let us help you out

[UniPol]

Originally Posted by MGLux

Hello,

I am really new in the domain of Astronomy and I recently acquired a Tasco 8V telescope without the instructions manual. Anyone knows where I can get an operating manual for this model? I managed to set it up but I am not sure if everything is right. Also, I know we can mount a camera to it and I'd like to know how.

Thanks for your help

I have a couple of these little beauties, one with R.A. motor drive (9 Volt). Both come with a four piece set of photo adaptors, 2X barlow, two eyepieces and polar scope, all Vixen of course. They boast a clear 5" (125mm) aperture and 1000mm focal length. Anyone looking through these scopes would be pleasantly surprised, star patterns are pinpoint on a well contrasted field, nothing cheap about this scope. Overall a great little telescope, easy to set up with excellent optics. The Polaris mount is a gem (no pun intended), certainly better than some equivalent size mounts on offer at the current time. The only improvement I made was to fit the 1.25" eyepiece adaptor to the focuser. This is a Vixen item which is identical to the .965" holder save for the larger size. It wasn't cheap but most Vixen stuff is expensive anyway. I also fitted 450mm long RA and Dec flexible cables from Vixen (not shown in pics), better than the short shafted control knobs. Even though the scopes are mid 1980's models, they are still in perfect condition. The optics in particular are very clean, largely due to the fitment of the glass diagonal holder instead of spider vanes.

Pics attached for those interested.

The instruction manual is 8 pages all up (inc front & rear covers) and is fairly useful. The last three pics may help however the resolution is not so good after reducing their size for this thread. I can send you a photocopy if you like, just send me a PM letting me know your details.

Cheers,

Steve

[angelbob]

The Tasco Model 8V telescope user manual is available from ABO Company, Miami, Florida USA. Telephone 1-305-8592010. They charge $13.91 for it.