Posts Made By: Malc Shedden

Don,

1. I believe you use one T-Max on the outer etalon. The reason I think that is because a double stacked MaxScope, with an internal etalon still uses a t-max tuner on the outer one. There is a possibility I'm wrong on this though.
2. Yes
3. I think you don't do that.

I have a TV102 with a 90mm. I was originally going to upgrade to an internal 60mm module, but Nicholas at Coronado also pointed out that a MaxScope 90 OTA with a 60mm internal etalon plus my existing 90mm + 30mm blocking for a tad under $6,000 (includes a set of CEMAX eps and scope case) would be a better option.

Unless you already have the TV101 and want to dedicate it to solar, its probably close to a wash (cost wise) to get the MaxScope 90 double stacked as the 60mm internal etalon is $2300 as an add on for the 101. Now you're up in the stratospheric $12K area(!), BUT a TV101 OTA, plus a SM90 plus a 60mm module is right up there with it.

Alternatively, a 60mm MaxScope with a 40mm internal etalon might also be an interesting choice...

The advantage of the MaxScope OTAs is that they are optimised for h/alpha, whereas most other OTAs perform best somewhere in the green part of the spectrum usually.

Decisions, decisions...

Would not the 14" Meade LX200 GPS be a more economical choice? It is a fraction of the price and probably offers most of the performace.

The scope itself has no obstruction, the filter on the front does however. I'm pretty sure that the obstruction is solely to facilitate the correct spacing between the filter elements, which is critical to the operation of the etalon. My etalon has a small chip of ?glass? (spacer?) hidden behind the obstruction.

Bob,

I've been going through the same sort 'what to do' process.

I don't believe Coronado advocate stacking 2 90's together, but if it can be done, I'm sure they'd want to optimise it in house.

The cost of a 60mm internal module for a TV102 was quoted to me at about $2300, assembled at Coronado - you send the scope plus filters, they send the whole lot back ready to go.

You can 'upgrade' to a double stacked MaxScope 90 by purchasing essentially the MS90 OTA with a 60mm internal module, to which are fitted your existing 90mm etalon and 30mm BF. About $6000, including at set of CEMAX eps and a case for the scope and includes assembly, testing etc at Coronado. Maybe you could wangle a little better price as you have the eps already.

The Maxscope 90 is of course supposed to be the best option, but its price makes it the most expensive 90mm OTA ever offered as far as I can determine

I regret that I've never had the opportunity to look through either option.

Regards,


Malcolm.

http://www.buytelescopes.com/product.asp?pid=5241

SCT version...

$2.5M seems a little cheap(?)

Is it a coincidence that CaK line images are MEADE BLUE...? 8)

Orion used to sell the 'Sky Wizard CTI' which is a database-less version of the Sky Wizard computers.

JMI make something called the Software Guided Telescope, which uses a unit called a BBOX - unfortunately they want $209 for it...

http://www.jimsmobile.com/sgt_data.htm#Top

Plus you'd need an appropriate cable.

Maybe you can find a used one.

No experience doing this but...

I think the last time this subject was brought up, the point was made that it would be difficult for stray light to find a path to the ep given the baffle tube used in SCTs, so flocking would not be very effective.

A flocked (or not) dewshield is probably of benefit though.

Assuming you have a 2" focusser, JMI (jimsmobiledotcom) have an adapter called ADPT2THREAD that should do the trick, IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH BACKFOCUS for whatever it is you are attaching.

>>>
SCT Threaded Output Adapter—2"

Standard SCT threaded output for inserting into a 2" drawtube. This adapter duplicates the standard threads found on a small SCT allowing standard SCT accessories to be attached to the output of any 2" focuser. (This adapter is a standard accessory with an NGF-C and NGF-CM focusers). See SCT Accessories Diagram, Adapter Comparison Chart and Refractor Diagram.
ADPT2THREAD $19.95 ($6)
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