Posts Made By: Brent Campbell

I just purchased a used Celestron 8 Ultima. Thank you everyone for your advice. The advice on how something can be sold if it isn't what I want was helpful. I paid $735.00 for the scope so I should be able to recoup most of my money back if I decide later that a DOB would be better.

Now all I need is some nice days with clear nights!

Well I carefully removed the gearing mechanism that connects the motor to the worm. Its a flat sort of "pear shaped" gearing mechanism to connect the worm shaft to the motor. The worm gear turns easily enough it just looks like this thing NEVER had any lubrication since leaving the factory. A little 3-1 and everything seems to work.

I do have a question. What sort of movement can I expect from the hand controller? (the only other scope that I have to compare this with is a ST80 refractor) Looking at the gearing it doesn't seem like the motor is designed to really turn that scope fast. Is the hand controller only used for "fine" adjustments and you simply declutch the telescope on its mount to move it big adjustments?

Andrew:


I have a similar scope to yours. Here is the thread that may answer some of your questions: http://www.astromart.com/forums/viewpost.asp?forum_post_id=680324&poll_id=&news_id=&page=3

Never mind-figured it out..... :S A little dremel work on the shoe to widen the holes, new stainless steel bolts from the hardware store (appropriately sized) and everything fits now.....

I'm not an expert-and I am just a beginner but my 2 cents in:

1) Buy used where it makes sense-which is almost always
2) Forget taking pictures-be visual only. This will save allot of cost and allot of complexity.
3) Stick with long F ratio scopes which are more forgiving with eyepieces (not as much need for a $300.00 eyepiece-mind you I didn't say NO need)
4) Limit the number of scopes that you have at once-in order to buy one you must sell one
5) Buy your equipment at the beginning of winter. Many scopes go on sale (especially used) because people want Christmas money. Also the demand for used scopes is always highest when the weather is nice.
6) Learn to use what you have to its limit before upgrading. Sometimes equipment desires will change once you get some more experience
7) Keep to a budget
8) Set priorities. Will a $300.00 eyepiece be more valuable in obtaining your observing goals or will 2" of more aperture? What will give you the most "bang for the buck" ? This equation changes for everyone-there is no right answer. I am also sorry to pick on the eyepiece manufacturers but some of the prices for the fancy eyepieces mean that they will be out of my budget for quite some time. Someday I plan on getting one set of REALLY nice eyepieces but its going to be few years.
9) when purchasing used equipment look for "package deals". You want the scope from the guy who dropped a bundle on equipment and got almost every accessory. The accessories do not add that much value to a used scope but they sure cost allot if purchased separately.
10) Join a club and look through other peoples fancy scopes. (This is on my to-do list this year). Seeing new gear before you purchase it will avoid any future mistakes.
11) Build up your equipment inventory over time-don't rush to but everything at once.