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Advice for evaluating a used Nexstar 6SE?

Started by [email protected], 01/04/2010 08:51PM
Posted 01/04/2010 08:51PM Opening Post
Hi - I'm pretty new to astronomy in general (and brand-new to Astromart) and I'm about to buy a used Nexstar 6SE locally. The owner tells me it was only used once which I am inclined to believe, but I still would like to give it a thorough going-over before purchase. I already plan to:

-visually check primary mirror and corrector plate for any visual damage or imperfections
-focus on a distant object (it will be in the daytime)
-operate all manual controls
-power the unit on and slew on both axis
-in general, just look for anything not consistent with a "only used once" scope

Aside from that, is there anything specific I should be looking for?

Anything particular to that scope or the Nexstar series that might be a problem area?

Any advice would be appreciated.

-dan
Posted 01/04/2010 10:44PM #1
Dan,
The only constructive suggestion I could make is to change your time frame to night to check the scope. That way the current owner can put it through it's paces with alignment and goto's and you'll see it at work. Even in heavy light pollution you'll be able to pick alignment stars and test the scopes computer functions, not to mention you get to learn the system while watching. The owner may not be proficient with the scope if he only used it once, but between the two of you you can probably figure it out. Arrive before dark so you can inspect the scope in light and check for "only used once" status.
If your stuck with daytime, you have a pretty good list already. If it moves in both axis and will focus, your most of the way there. Good luck and enjoy.
Brad