Astroscan fan club out there?

I've wanted an Astroscan way back when they first came out and now I finally just got a used version which seems to be in perfect shape. I really like it.

I'd like to find out who else out there is a fellow "Astroscanner"... and any stories/advice you've got to give.

A few questions I have are as follows:

1. What's the best method of cleaning the front window? Mine looks like it has one small smudge toward the outside.

2. How can you test your Astroscan to make sure things are collimated correctly? (mine seems to be quite good from what I can tell just using it).

3. Is it a smart move to keep screws (or maybe little plastic caps) in the strap screw holes to keep dust from getting in?

4. What eyepieces do you like using with your Astroscan? I've got the 28mm RKE that came with it and I just bought a 9mm Orion Expanse and an Orion Shorty 2x Barlow from a fellow member on Astromart. Did I make good choices?

I look forward to hearing back from you,

Brian

Brian, there is an Astroscan group on yahoo. It's fairly dormant, but the moderator is helpful. Also, feel free to e-mail me for the more detailed version of what follows...

Cleaning

Per Astroscan manual on p. 6.

"To clean the outside of the optical window, use a camel hair brush to clear away dust and dirt particles. If further cleaning is needed, wipe the optical window gently with regular lens cleaning tissue of cloth. These are available at most camera shops."

After that, I'd suggest a damp, lint-free cloth for stubborn smudges.

Collimation

You can certainly do some star testing or use some collimation tools to check on the alignment (a little tricky without a center spot on the mirror). But I think you've applied the right test. If you're getting good views, simply enjoy the scope!

Strap holes

I put small black rectangles of electrical tape over mine! I hadn't thought about dust, but was worried about condensation-- warm house air getting in there when I bring it in from cold weather observing.

Eyepieces

You chose well. With many 2x barlows being really 2.2x, you have about 16x, 35x, 50x, and 110x. That's a good spacing for the scope. At some point, you may want a shorter focal length eyepiece so that, barlowed, you can cruise the Moon (or look at Jupiter and Saturn) at higher power. Those 8-24mm zooms work well, too, as you can dial in the best magnification for the atmospheric conditions. Often, star clusters that are barely there come in to their own when you tune in the right mag.

Let experience be your guide... after a while, you'll learn whether you need even lower power or something in between.

Congrats on getting a 'Scan and joining the red ball wonder club!

Cool little scope Brian.
I always wanted one of those myself. I've owned 40 scopes since the 80's but never an astroscan. I remember when they first started showing up when I was a kid, but I can never really remember what year that was.
Anyone remember exactly what year the astroscan was introduced? -Kurt Horsley

I've owned 3 since getting started in 1981. An Astroscan was my first scope and I sold it while in college to help pay for my 10" dob. I regretted not having the ultimate 'grab-and-go' scope so bought 2 used ones through the years. I use one Astroscan as a devoted video scope with a heavy-duty bracket holding my VHS-C camcorder to the focuser for eyepiece projection. (Mercury transit 1999 and lots of solar video.)

I used to recommend the Astroscan to anyone wanting to buy a scope for a kid but have switched allegiance to the XT4.5. Reasons? Better views at higher powers and I can't stand the friction focuser. Has anyone out there upgraded their Astromart focuser to a rack-and-pinion?

I had a problem pointing mine so I did this to it. I use a zoom EP in it most of the time. A Nagler would probably be nice but I don't have some.
Harry

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