Posts Made By: Greg Shaffer

Originally Posted by Rod Kaufman

The nerve of you to print that. You offer zero evidence to back up what you state just like the failed efforts of the so-called "Kraken" which, in itself, IS purely delusional, and has been virtually laughed out of court by every Republican-appointed judge who had to listen to it. The only thing delusional here is your brainwashed head. Oh, and Lol...

I have never once mentioned the "kraken" although you seem to be preoccupied with it, why is that? 

What belief system would that be? LOL

Originally Posted by Rod Kaufman

The belief system created by Newsmax and OAN...

Ohhh you mean the truth.....gotcha

Now there is some real news.....you admitting that anyone who doesnt view politics through the same biased lens you use is whacko.....who knew? LOL

Nikki Hailey over any of the others.....

That said, I would vote for Trump AGAIN.....regardless of all the BS spouted in here he still accomplished more of what he promised than any President in my lifetime. I dont have to like his personality (and I dont) to recognize he has and still does put America 1st.....

and I care so much what you think Rod LOL

Originally Posted by Rod Kaufman

Of course the feeling is quite mutual. Why don't you drop off into your perpetual alternate reality and watch more Newsmax and OAN? Their propaganda machines never stop, do they?...

I wouldnt know.....you watch them a lot do you?

If that is the only reason then no probably not. However if you do need the extra grill capacity then yes....functionally all 3 models are the same with the only difference being grill and hopper capacity. I plan to replace my current grill with a RT-590....

Cant recall if I posted a pic but this is the one we recently delivered with a RT-700

Following with interest..... I would simply repeat something Ed touched on early on. Given the potential value of the scope if it turns out to not have any issues beyond the missing parts I would highly suggest not making any permanent modifications that would detract from that. Should it turn out to be a good performer with no appreciable optical flaws I would suggest then investing in the OEM parts to complete it which would be a relatively small investment in its overall value at resale.

Hope it works out well!
Greg

I believe you mentioned having or having access to a 3D printer.... Do you also have access to a lathe either your own or a friends? You might look into the approx length of the missing hardware (including the plate thickness in your calculations), print something along those lines and turn it down to a tight fit in the plate you mounted as well as gluing it in place once fitted. Alternatively a piece of PVC pipe might work as well. Before mounting it make sure you can fit up a diagonal (or make it long enough to compensate for not having a diagonal) or an eyepiece holder since this is just for testing purposes) 

I suspect since it was part of a testing apparatus there is a reasonably good chance it is optically sound....As long as you use good care in alignment you should be able to make things close enough to evaluate the optics. You may want to see if there is a astronomy club in your area as you may find someone willing to assist you regarding final adjustments regarding alignment of the optical train who already has the needed tools. 

I purposely wouldnt worry about a secondary focuser given the built in focusing ability if your only goal at this point is to test the optics before you spend the $$ for the OEM parts that are missing.

One question I have at this point would be does the plate you mounted on the back interfere with the primary mirror alignment screws? I didnt pay close attention to the pic. If so then you will want to drill some holes in that plate so you can still access them.