Upgrade or buy new

[carlstronomy (Carl)]

Hi,

Love some input from some more experienced people if you don't mind.

I have a Meade SN10 with UHTC in perfect condition.

Should I either

1. Spend $650.00 on a new moonlite focuser or
2. Put the money towards a new imaging scope

Without the new focuser I can not use the Badder MPC mkIII to give a awesome image.

Thanks
Carl

[Shiraz (Ray)]

Hi Carl. I do not have an SN10, but understand that the stock focuser is a bit underwhelming - a new one might be a good idea for imaging. However, the SN design already incorporates some coma correction, so maybe you do not need an MPCC - have you tried imaging with it as is? In principle, it should be a pretty capable imaging scope if the field is not too large.

[clanmac (Stuart)]

personally i would upgrade your scope. whilst a focusser is desirable, a new scope will provide greater options in the long run (IMHO).

Cheers

[raymo]

Assuming that the SN10 is in full working order for imaging [ barring the focuser], what exactly do you suggest that Carl upgrades to that doesn't
involve a mortgage?
raymo

[carlstronomy (Carl)]

Thanks guys, really the SN10 is very fine scope.

Shiraz - Yes but still does suffer from comma even with the corrector plate as it is an f4. The units do work well with a good comma corrector.

Raymo - The optics are immaculate I have fully rebuilt the unit and I love the idea of photography without diffraction spikes lol. I may have posted a couple of images here I took with the scope during the rebuild. The scope has never been used. It also works well on my NEQ6 Pro was taking 2 minute images with a quick 2 star alignment and my guide scope.

Clanmac - Any ideas on a scope have not seen too many options around to replace this with, bearing in mind I also already have a C9.25"

I am very much leaning towards the focuser as I think it is money worth putting into a good imaging scope. I will keep you informed of the outcome.

Thanks

Carl

[billdan (Bill)]

Hi Carl,

What is the issue with the stock focuser, is it the extra weight of the MPC-III or something else?

If its a weight issue you may want to check its not the steel tube flexing and maybe the focuser is OK.

Regards
Bill

[deanm (Dean)]

Errr...."The scope has never been used".

"It also works well on my NEQ6 Pro was taking 2 minute images with a quick 2 star alignment and my guide scope."

How can the 1st statement be compatible with the 2nd?!

Dean

[traveller (Bo)]

Hi Carl,
The SN 10 is a fine scope, as commented by others below.
I have the same ota and did a refurb on it not that long ago, including adding a moonlite focuser, a new finder scope foot, internal flocking and a general clean. The thread is here http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...d.php?t=132487
I have it tested under the stars and it's a great performer, though you do see dimming from the central obstruction if you use long eye relief eps and you move your eyes out from the EP.
I am trying to do some AP work on it but weather has been terrible, Peter from the above thread link has done some AP work and I think he is quite happy with the results.
Keep an eye out for in the trades for any good second hand focusers.
Good luck!
Bo

[carlstronomy (Carl)]

Bill,
The stock focuser on these scopes are terrible, have a large amount of internal flexure and have no ability to hold an MPC. They are not a true 2" focuser and have only the ability to hold an eyepiece or a T thread with the Meade adapter supplied. Also when you lock the focuser in moves around 1 mm losing focus.

Dean,
Thanks for the pointless reply there usually seems to be one, although on this adult site I thought we would be past it but obviously not.
Let me elaborate on my statement so Dean can be totally satisfied. When I purchased the scope it had been packed away in a box and looked never used both physically and optically, it was almost as new. It was an attempt to describe the scopes general condition, in a response to Raymo's question about it being in full working order.

Bo,
Thanks some great info for me to go on, I have decided to purchase the Moonlite focuser and it is currently on route from the USA