127 APO North Group - Problems?

AdrianF (Adrian) · #1 19-08-2008, 07:57 PM

21 days ago I purchased the 127mm APO scope from North Group in China. I am now getting worried that I may have done my $$$. I cannot get replies to any email in the last 5-6 days and now I am getting emails bounced back as undeliverable.
6 days ago I did get a reply to 1 email stating that some of the accessories are not available at that time and they would keep me informed. I have since tried to contact the company using the addresses on their website but like I said undeliverable.

Anyone else having problems with them?

Adrian

TrevorW · #2 19-08-2008, 08:39 PM

If you paid by creidt card get the bank to cancel the transaction or if via PayPal do likewise it's not worth the stress IMO

Astrod00d · #3 19-08-2008, 11:20 PM

Perhaps they've gone to watch the Olympics. Many businesses in China have been forcibly shut down by the govt. for the time being. They are nowhere near Beijing but that may be the reason.

Seriously though, myself and others have dealt with North Group in the past and found them to be honest.

Cheers,

Rob

h0ughy (David) · #4 20-08-2008, 07:18 AM

In all honesty I would say most businesses like this have been shut by either reliance on other businesses and those being closed for the games or materials being limited because of the games being on. I have had email’s bounce back as well. I know they are there as I got a read receipt to a terse email about the focuser quality, but no reply (didn’t really expect one). Hang in there – I suspect you will be getting it around the 40 day mark. Lets hope they took on board my focuser suggestions?

Phil · #5 20-08-2008, 07:47 AM

I had a problem with the focuser and emailed then about. Had no problem with then they sent me a new part to fix it. Hang in there like houghy said.
Phil

AdrianF (Adrian) · #6 20-08-2008, 08:06 AM

I will hang in there as you say but it is getting difficult to have patience. I suppose I could mount the WO 66mm on the EQ6 and try to learn to drive it in the meantime. However the bloody flu as got hold of me chest infection aching joints especially the neck and jaw, -2 this morning and still sweating and believe it or not still at work (I must be stupid) wont be tomorrow tho its Rum o'clock tonight and see if I can kill the bug.

Adrian

AdrianF (Adrian) · #7 21-08-2008, 12:34 PM

I finally got an answer to the scope from North Group......

Dear Adrian,

Thank you for your mail. our high reflex 2" diagonal with adapter is absent because it need make 40 layer coating, and very difficult to achieve it meanwhile, current tube is not so good as last order to your country, and we sell them in our country, and will finish good tube by the end of this month, please wait for some time for good tube sorry for delaying.

Gilman

Not what I was hoping to hear but at least it is an answer, so at least another 10 days or more hopefully will turn up either before I go on holidays or after. Will be absent for 10 days during September.

Adrian

RB (Andrew) · #8 21-08-2008, 12:56 PM

I've moved this thread into "Equipment Discussions" for the benefit of others looking at scopes.

h0ughy (David) · #9 21-08-2008, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdrianF

I finally got an answer to the scope from North Group......

Dear Adrian,

Thank you for your mail. our high reflex 2" diagonal with adapter is absent because it need make 40 layer coating, and very difficult to achieve it meanwhile, current tube is not so good as last order to your country, and we sell them in our country, and will finish good tube by the end of this month, please wait for some time for good tube sorry for delaying.

Gilman

Not what I was hoping to hear but at least it is an answer, so at least another 10 days or more hopefully will turn up either before I go on holidays or after. Will be absent for 10 days during September.

Adrian

that probably follows from some feedback they got??

From: gilman@northgroup.cn [mailto:gilman@northgroup.cn]
Sent: Wednesday, 20 August 2008 10:57 PM
To: David Hough
Subject: Re: the 127Ed APO - some results and criticisms

Dear David,

Thank you for your comment about our tube,
we have told your review to our engineer, they will investigate your comment,
any modification, we will tell you.

Best Wishes

Gilman
----- Original Message -----
From: David Hough
To: 'gilman@northgroup.cn'
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 10:31 AM
Subject: the 127Ed APO - some results and criticisms

Gilman,

I have had this scope now for over 2 months, and have run it through its paces. I am severely disappointed with the focuser, it is a poor effort and has many design flaws. The number of locking screws for the fitting of 2” products should be 3 or even 4, not just one!! It is a sloppy fit for 2” adapter that has no slop in my Meade lx200R or the celestron 8” SCT I have. The camera is not kept at right angles to the plane of the light, but on an angle and it is near impossible to get it focussed. It does not allow for a lot of weight (i.e. imaging with dslr’s or CCD cameras) as the appliance slips out of focus. On the plus side the ability to rotate the finder scope is brilliant, but there is no ability to rotate the camera unfortunately?

I am getting rid of your factory fitted focuser and I am installing a Moonlite focuser (http://www.focuser.com/cgi-bin/dman....cgi&category=2 ) on this telescope.

David Hough

AdrianF (Adrian) · #10 21-08-2008, 01:27 PM

I hope they took the feedback to heart and are fixing the problems before I and anyone else take delivery. Still I hope the wait is worth it.

Adrian

AdrianF (Adrian) · #11 02-09-2008, 01:55 PM

Just been notified by Gilman that my scope and accessories are ready

BUT they need to make a new ally case to fit it all in so they wont be sending before next week

At least its an answer to the 40 or so emails I have sent in the last month wondering where it is. Just hope the wait is worth it.

Adrian

AdrianF (Adrian) · #12 15-09-2008, 06:33 PM

If anyone is looking at buying a scope from Northgroup in China hang on to your money. Emails I am sending are being returned as undeliverable. I have resorted to making a complaint to the Chinese Embassy and a dispute through PayPal.
I'll keep you posted.

Adrian

Dennis · #13 15-09-2008, 06:49 PM

Hi Adrian

That is really sad news and very disappointing for you I’m sure. I wish you every success in resolving this dreadful situation and thanks for letting everyone know.

Cheers

Dennis

allan gould · #14 15-09-2008, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdrianF

If anyone is looking at buying a scope from Northgroup in China hang on to your money. Emails I am sending are being returned as undeliverable. I have resorted to making a complaint to the Chinese Embassy and a dispute through PayPal.
I'll keep you posted.

Adrian

Adrian
Thats a sad end to your saga. I really hope that you get a sattisfactory resolution. Unfortunately in dealing with China over the years the truth will be hard to find.
I wish you the best in your endevours
Allan

AdrianF (Adrian) · #15 16-09-2008, 12:23 PM

I sent a quick email this morning in the off chance that this one would get through. Hioptic are looking into what is happening and will get back to me ASAP

Adrian

h0ughy (David) · #16 16-09-2008, 12:29 PM

i emailed gilman this morning and I know he read my email as I got a read receipt - no reply as yet.

AdrianF (Adrian) · #17 16-09-2008, 06:22 PM

Good news? I received a reply from Gilman this afternoon as follows

we will send cargo to you today, then give you the tracking no.,please cancel paypal complaint,
ED APO is new products, and we must give you a good quality of scope,so deliver it so late, please understand us.

And then

Dear Sirs
[your ED APO127 is ready,please give us your mailed address, and tel. no to us,
we will mail it to you via express,

Best Wishes
Gilman

North Group

I expect the scope to arrive, if Gilman does infact send it, next week sometime and guess what? I wont be home for 9 days to receive it but my daughter will. At least its something to look forward to when I do get home.

Adrian

seeker372011 (Narayan) · #18 16-09-2008, 09:36 PM

fingers crossed its going to be ok

Terry B · #19 16-09-2008, 10:46 PM

Having bought and received one of these scopes in the first batch I think he has lots to lose and nothing to gain from ripping us off. It should be a good earner for him. Best wishes with the scope when it arrives.

h0ughy (David) · #20 16-09-2008, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry B

Having bought and received one of these scopes in the first batch I think he has lots to lose and nothing to gain from ripping us off. It should be a good earner for him. Best wishes with the scope when it arrives.

very much so - and he was reminded of this this morning