Craigslist find of my entire time in Astronomy

I have been keeping an eye out for a tracking platform for a while and a friend pointed me to an ad on CL which was about 45 min from me. Called the guy and went to pick it up today. It was just a cheap one DOB-Tracker III I believe for $100....New they were $365 delivered so obviously on the low end....but what the heck for $100 should do fine for my 12.5"

Long story short, nice guy had several scopes and mounts....In our conversation about what we like etc I mentioned I was into imaging. He said he had a scope he bought with the intention of imaging one day but didnt feel he would ever get around to it. He said if he could find someone who would use it he would let it go cheap. I asked him which one....he pointed to a C11 with a JMI focuser and Starbright XLT coatings with the factory carbon fiber tube. It had a few minor scuffs on it but looked pretty good. MDS rail on top and the orange losmandy style dovetail. The only obvious issue was the primary focus knob was missing. He said the guy he bought it from used it solely for imaging. Looked like it had been used with a fastar system since there were a couple added index marks for the corrector plate.

I already had a C11 but I asked him how much he wanted to get out of it....he said $200.00!!

I asked him again how much to be sure....I heard $200 again....I said are you sure? He confirmed sooooooo......I took the cover off and the corrector plate and mirror looked pristine....Bought it on the spot. Sadly the sky is totally hosed so I didnt get to try it yet but $200.....damn!! I am going to say I likely just got the best deal of my astro career....And I have the orginal focus knob that was on mine which I had replaced with the 2 speed feathertouch. I have from time to time searched on CL, I think I will do more of that

What a score! Cha-ching! You sure don't want to let a deal like that get by you. I had to learn that lesson the hard way. Back in the 80's, I went to a garage sale and saw a Gibson Hummingbird 12-string guitar for sale for $40. It played nicely, but looked like hell with a lot of scuffs, scratches, and dings. So I passed on it, and I've been kicking myself ever since. These days, such markings on a guitar are called "character".

I hate you.

Greg Shaffer said:
I have been keeping an eye out for a tracking platform for a while and a friend pointed me to an ad on CL which was about 45 min from me... I have from time to time searched on CL, I think I will do more of that

Incredible story.

However, I have no idea what CL is. Could you enlighten me?

I'm looking for a good deal on a bigger mirror (I currently have a 10" mirror), so I want to keep an eye out on all possible sources.

Clears,
Joe

PS NO NEED to respond, I just googled Craigslist. Obvious! Thanks.

Thief! I'm calling the cops.