TableTop 76

I know, dont laugh. The good news is, I'm getting this scope as a toss-in bonus with my C8N EQ, along with a bunch of other toys, so its not all that bad.
I really like the concept of the 76 though and thought, wouldn't it be great to see if I can make this into a servicable scope for Lunar and Planetary viewing?
Any ideas or experience with upgrading this scope to something more tolerable and usable? It looks like I'd need to make some sort of adapter to put an EQ1 mount on this. Perhaps get a better quality mirror?

P.S. I want to express how pleased I've been with the community here. I placed a wanted ad for a scope and had a very positive experience. Ya'll are classy and well informed.

I know, dont laugh. The good news is, I'm getting this scope as a toss-in bonus with my C8N EQ, along with a bunch of other toys, so its not all that bad.
I really like the concept of the 76 though and thought, wouldn't it be great to see if I can make this into a servicable scope for Lunar and Planetary viewing?
Any ideas or experience with upgrading this scope to something more tolerable and usable? It looks like I'd need to make some sort of adapter to put an EQ1 mount on this. Perhaps get a better quality mirror?
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Hi Brian...

I wouldn't get my hopes up... The Table Top 76's are pretty chincy and on top of that, they are "Jones-Bird" scopes, a fast spherical mirror coupled with a "corrector"barlow in the focuser, in my experienced, scopes like this are marginal at best.

Upgrading the mirror doesn't seem to be an option because of the tall focuser and the short tube length.

Jon

I think you should make this your $100 cheapo challenge telescope.

1. Find a nice little case for it so you can take it anywhere.

2. Stabilize the existing mount or maybe make a more stable one like that of the Orion Astroblast.

3. Get some slightly better .965 eyepieces from AM sponsors like the Surplus Shed or maybe even Siebert Optics.

4. Adopt a secret identity and join places like the 60mm Astronomy Forum.

I think you can have a total blast with this scope if you accept its limitations and keep it portable and tabletop in nature. 8)

Brian

I purchased a simular little 76mm Newt used a few years ago. The optics were damaged (shot), but it had a nice little table top tripod and alt-az mount with 1 mounting ring. By adding a layer of foam (from Hobby Lobby's flexible foam sheets) it fits an 80mm F5 refractor quite nicely. With a couple of eyepieces and a barlow, everything goes in a small sports bag and makes a nice little travel setup. It serves as my loaner for friends going on a trip (sorry, I don't loan my Tak).

Bottom line - have fun with it.
Thanks
Steven Jindra