Posts Made By: Anthony Lutton

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Oh,sorry, forgot to switch from my mother tongue.

Is it William or Michael? Just picking on you...

Mitch, I believe you missed Floyd's sarcasm. :-)

Ummm, I can do it just fine. But, I can pat myself on the head and rub my stomach (and vice-versa)... so maybe that is why.

I had an ETX-90 on a bogen tripod. I went through a Pronto, 6" dobsonian and a 8"SCT. With the Pronto, I was always afraid of bumping or dinging it up. The 6 and 8" were just too big for my college life at the time. So I bought another ETX as my "quick look" scope and am currently thinking of buying a large premium dob now that I'm out of college.

Same here Dan. For the last 3 months or so, I didn't even bother reading most threads. I'd look to see if there were any questions I could help with, or interesting threads. Other than that, I just didn't even read them.

The last couple of weeks though, the equipment forums have been ABOUT equipment! Kinda nice

Haven't had a TV for 2 years... maybe I can get my mom to tape it.

How far are you going? If it is a multiple trip kind of deal, I'd just wrap it well with some blankets and sit it in a seat or empty trunk.

If it is a long move with everything at once, I'd recommend wrapping it well with lots of bubble wrap and maybe building a small box for it. Doesn't have to be a fancy OTA case like some, but a small wooden box would really protect it from being smashed.

That said, I move my 8" LX200 back and forth from my house to my parents house when I visit (about 200 miles) by just strapping it in the back seat wrapped in a quilt.

Hi Joe, I guess I'll give my list to you in a chronological order. I use a 8" LX200 and this is how I try to keep it working well.

Every time I BEFORE use it:
Before use I wipe down the outsides of the scope, mount, tripod with a clean lint-free cloth to get any dust and things off of it. I do it easy to not scratch the paint.

I check the electrical connections for bent plugs or anthing like insects/dustballs that would interfere with operation.

After use:
After letting it dry (dew is bad in my area), I check it over for any problems that would have occured (bird doo-doo has been on a scope a few times funny enough). Then I just pack it away carefully, or leave it setup with a cover on it in the garage.


Every 1-2 months:
I wax the steel tripod with a standard car wax and let it air out well. Most waxes use some organics that have low volatilities and I don't want them outgassing onto the optics. I check all of the bolts on the tripod to make sure none have come loose and I wipe the other non-waxed parts down to get any dust/grime off.

I also check the little screws/bolts on the fork mount and OTA to make sure they aren't loose. I look to make sure none of them are rusting and leaking any "rust stains" anywhere.


I've never used any specific waxes on the OTA for fear of stripping any coatings off. I'm sure there are some safe ones that people know of, but mine stays very clean and streak free just by wiping it carefully. Maybe someone else can recommend what they use.

Aside from that, I just try to be careful and meticulous about how I pack things away. I make sure everything is secured in it's place and I don't store it for long periods of time in damp places (like the garage).

I've heard of some people placing a packet of silica gel (that drying agent in shoe boxes) next to the OTA when storing for a long time to prevent any moisture from damaging optics.


Hope this helps give you an idea!
Clear skies and clean scopes

If you have the reciepts you should be able to talk to a manager and get it straightened out. If the cashiers check was cashed, and there is a reciept for it, then SOMEONE must have a record of the $99 being cashed. If the check hasn't been cashed, have it cancelled and either resubmit your order for the eyepieces or not worry about it and keep your $99.

My first guess is that someone didn't do their job and they didn't put stuff into the computer. But they WILL have a record of cashing your check (or that is a huge lawsuit if they have your money and no records of it).