I dont own one or will I ever own one now there not being made anymore but it is also an awesome scope and if you can get your hands on a second hand one go for it.
It's the flurite version and is an awesome scope for you chip, it has also been a solid performer for some years with a huge flat field perfect for imaging with large chips.
Hi Leon,
Yes, I've used one before, the FSQ-106, not the N version. The major difference being the N has a retractable due shield. Despite what many believe, the original FSQ-106N is probably still available through some US suppliers such as buytelescopes.com and astronomics.com. I know about 3 months ago you could purchase one. The prices will come down when the new Q is released.
If you intend to use it for visual use, you need to buy the extender-Q 1.6x accessory (~$380). If you simply put in a diagonal and eyepiece into the visual back you'll have difficulties reaching focus or worse, the diagonal may scratch the rear double objective (very expensive to replace). The rear object is quite close to the visual back. The extender-Q increases the focal length to ~850mm F/8 from the native F/5. If you're going to use it purely for imaging/photography, you don't need this accessory, though its nice to have to increase the focal length for some objects. The downside of the extender-Q or for that matter the new focal reducer is the image circle is reduce to 44mm which can introduce vignetting for large imaging chips. Natively in the F/5 mode the image circle is 88mm! Massive!
The new FSQ has Tak's new 10-to-1 Micro Edge focuser, as major improvement on the original. Though, I've never been a fan of manual focusing even with such fine adjustments. I prefer computer orientated focusing as the results are consistent and temperature compensated.
As Tony mentions, the FSQ has a very large flat field. No need for focal reducers or field flatteners. The Petzval design is integrated. Overall, it is an extremely efficient astrograph.
While your at it... you might want to look into how to attach the FSQ clamshell to the G11 saddle plate. I couldn't help myself and bought the BT technologies Tak-01dp - http://www.bttechnologies.com/bt_dp.htm. Very rigid and lightweight. They look impressive, but probably do the same job as the original losmandy.
One very last thing (I promise). If you want to attach a Robofocus for computerised focusing, you'll need to make a mounting bracket or purchase one - http://www.buytelescopes.com/product.asp?t=&pid=7026&m=
Jerry from homedome (manufactures of RoboFocus) will help you out.
My intention is to use it purely for imaging, i'm not a real visual person, and actually i have put down a deposit for the new one that comes out in March/ April.
I just wanted to confirm with the mountain of paper work research that i have in front of me, so you, plus some other very knowledgable people on this site have convinced me that was the way to go.
The new FSQ comes with (and this is confirmed)
FSQ-106ED OTA
Tak 7x50 Finder Scope
Finder Bracket
Tube Holder
Aux Plate
I have the G11 Mount ordered as well, and i already have the Canon 5D, so this should be a beautiful setup, once up and running.
I do however presume that i need another T Adapter to suit the Tak-Canon connection, or would the EOS T Mount that i already have do the job you think..
Anymore info, will be gladly accepeted.
Thank you for the link to our website. One really "cool" feature of our Tak-01dp is that we have dual depressions that are machined into our cnc dovetail plate.
What many of our cusotmers have done is to attach 2 Takahashi clamshells to our dovetail plate for the most rigid connection. I have attached an image showing this arangement.
Best of all we ship worldwide INCLUDING Australia and New Zealand and shipping costs for this item is only 25 dollars US from the United States.
While your at it... you might want to look into how to attach the FSQ clamshell to the G11 saddle plate. I couldn't help myself and bought the BT technologies Tak-01dp - http://www.bttechnologies.com/bt_dp.htm. Very rigid and lightweight. They look impressive, but probably do the same job as the original losmandy.[/quote]
What many of our cusotmers have done is to attach 2 Takahashi clamshells to our dovetail plate for the most rigid connection. I have attached an image showing this arangement.
Yep! That's what I plan to do Brian. I'm going to buy an additional clamshell. I don't want any flexure with the STL11k hanging off the back.
Just out of curiosity, do you also make upgrade saddle plates for the Losmandy Titan? I know they are already pretty substantial (certainly compared to the G11), but I'm trying to lighten my load while not sacrificing strength/rigidness.
Brian,
Just a thought on the dual clamshell design though. The new FSQ is shorter than the original. The original was 588mm, while the new is now 424mm. Will the dual clamshell design still work? Or will you guys produce another dovetail to match?
We currently manufacture 3 different dovetail plate; Tak-01, 02 and 03dp. The 01 and 02 are very similar with the exception being that the 02 is double the thickness and the result is a MUCH stronger/rigid dovetail.
Ths plate was designed for the larger Takahashi models such as the Takahashi TOA-130 and much heavier TOA-150. In addition, this plate has 3 circular depressions that have been cnc machined into the plate.
We have also had the plate designed where it fits the hole patterns of the Takahshi rings as well as the depressions so this dovetail pretty much most of the Takahashi scopes as long as you are using either the Tak clamshells or Tak rings.
Providing the Losmandy Titan accepts the same G-11 type dovetail system, this plate would be perfect.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jase
Yep! That's what I plan to do Brian. I'm going to buy an additional clamshell. I don't want any flexure with the STL11k hanging off the back.
Just out of curiosity, do you also make upgrade saddle plates for the Losmandy Titan? I know they are already pretty substantial (certainly compared to the G11), but I'm trying to lighten my load while not sacrificing strength/rigidness.
Yep! That's what I plan to do Brian. I'm going to buy an additional clamshell. I don't want any flexure with the STL11k hanging off the back.
Just out of curiosity, do you also make upgrade saddle plates for the Losmandy Titan? I know they are already pretty substantial (certainly compared to the G11), but I'm trying to lighten my load while not sacrificing strength/rigidness.
Jase,
out of interest, I have the B T Tech sadldle on my EM200, and it is a stunner. In the past I have used the Losmandy ones, and while they are good, they pale next to the new one. They are on the B T site, or I can send you a shot if it helps.
Gary
Looking at the photo of the new Tak, is there any real need for a second tube holder, it looks like it covers a substantual part of the tube and knowing Tak tube holders one would feel that it is enough for the required stiffness.
I use 2 clamshells on my FS-102 coupled to the BT Technologies Tak-02 plate and have no problems whatsoever with flexure, an excellent setup.
Hi JohnG,
You're probably right. Just a little concerned with the amount of weight that will be hanging of the back. The STL11k isn't exactly light at 2kg. Perhaps I'll wait until I get everything set up. I'll use TPoint to validate if flexure exists and worry about it then. Certainly with longer OTA's, I wouldn't hesitate to implement a dual clamshell design.
Just a thought on your proposed setup, could you mount the Tak in the end depression of the BT Tak-01 plate then have the remainder of the plate to the rear to allow for the SBig to balance properly or is there insufficient room for the camera to be mounted in that position.
Yes. That would work. I could mount the STL upside down so the dovetail plate wouldn't interfere. I don't foresee any balance issues. I've found the Titan to be rather forgiving in this regard.
