Posts Made By: Don Holcombe

The new EM-400 mounts are arriving at LSS/TNR here in Houston. This is the first one opened for inspection and testing. It is substantially larger then the NJP. I did not weigh the individual pieces. I'm sure that information is available. As you can see everything, encoders, cables, etc. is housed internally, similar to the EM-500. The counterweight shaft is removable, not retractable like the EM-200, 1.00" diameter and not threaded like the NJP.

The EM-400 separates into two pieces by loosening the two screws on each side (just above and to the right of the EM-400 nameplate. No dovetail, the DEC just slides on from the top, a backplate with an alignment pin as a positive stop. The four screws, pointed tips, seat into detented stainless steel inserts set in the RA section. The RA section makes up very little of the weight of the mount.

The counterweight is 6.00" OD x 2.00" thick at the center and weighs 8 kg. A nice feature on the CW is the two lock down screws. There is plenty of room for CWs on the 16.00" of exposed CW shaft.

I tossed the $20 dollar bill down for some size perspective and you can see the 8 1/2" x 11" Takahashi EM-400 manual, in English.

All in all typical Takahashi quality, fit and finish. This was one of four mounts just arrived yesterday and already shipped today. So a few lucky owners will have new gear arriving very soon. Art did not mention when the next shipment or quantity is due in.

Regards,
Don Holcombe
www.scopeguard.com

Hans,

We built the telescope to Art Ciampi's (LSS/TNR) specifications. We fit the FSQ-106ED to the case, the telescope had a dust cover in place. Art wanted the telescope to be stored in it's most compact configuration.

Due to the variety of adapters inherent to the Takahashi product line and various end user configurations it is impossible to cover every situation.

As you can see in the attached photos the FSQ-106ED has a dust cover both out of and inside the case. I do not know but would assume that every FSQ-106ED comes with this dust cap as this particular telescope had the rear cover when removed from it's factory shipping carton.

We've shipped quite a few of the cases and had had no negative feedback.

All you had to do is contact us if you were not satisfied and we can work through your issue. If you are a US customer we will pay return shipping to ScopeGuard and ship a replacement case built to your specifications at no charge. If you are international we can replace the case at no additional charge at your shipping cost.

Please contact me if you have additional questions or comments.

Regards,
Don

Don Holcombe
ScopeGuard Telescope Transport Cases
www.scopeguard.com

2nd photo

Another Hummingbird
Canon EOS-10D

Canon 10D
1500 sec - f/4
200mm

Hi Larry,

We (ScopeGuard) are certainly one option. It just depends what you want in a case. If you are looking for something to protect your FS-152 for transporting to your dark sky or club site, star party, if you perhaps want or need to ship it at some point you might consider a case built to meet or exceed ATA Specs. If you need a case for display purposes there are other excellent options as well.

Regards,
Don Holcombe

Larry,

Thanks for the purchase.

Regards,
Don

This guy was coming in to the feeder and caught him just right.
Canon 10D
1500 sec - f/4 200mm

Don

I saw the new TOA-150 today at LSS/TNR. It is a beauty, a TOA-130 on steroids. The TOA-150 is 38.00" long with the heavy wall dew shield retracted and weighs in at 42 pounds. It will require plenty of mount that's for sure.

Photo attached.

Regards,
Don Holcombe
www.scopeguard.com[/QUOTE]

TOA-150 rear shot