Posts Made By: Kevin Sullivan

Anyone know whether there is a hand controller available to make the Tak EM-200/Temma 2 system operate in a go-to mode or as digital setting circles without having to use a PC to control the telescope?

Does it make any sense, in terms of optical performance, to sell a TV-101 in order to buy a NP-101?

Scott, et al.,

Old post, but new thread. You have probably selected your eyepieces already, maybe long ago, but for others considering a similar set up, I'll add the following.

My first suggestion is for prospective buyers is to read CHOOSING YOUR TELESCOPE'S MAGNIFICATION on the TeleVue web site at http://www201.pair.com/resource/astro.html/regular/products/tele-vue-optics/pg4.htm The article applies to all telescope brands/types, not just TeleVue.

Ok, now that you've read the article, I have a TV-101, and both own and highly recommend the following eyepieces for a TV-102 set up (or any 4" APO refractor):
TV 35mm Panoptic, 13mm Nagler Type 6, 5mm or 7mm Nagler Type 6, and a 2X barlow/Powermate. Those eyepieces are superb, and in combination with a 2X barlow or 2X Powermate will cover you. You can add others later to fill in gaps if you want, but even if you never buy another eyepiece, you'll be happy with the three I mentioned. I have several other brands/types of eyepieces too, but those are the pick of the litter and get the majority of use in my TV-101.

Also, check out the 3d edition of Star Ware by Philip S. Harrington. His chapter on eyepieces is a "must read." See Table 6.7 in his book for four alternative telescope/eyepiece recommendations. Among others, Harrington lists suggested eyepieces for a 4" f/9.8 refractor. The eyepieces I recommend are similar to those listed in his Table 6.7 for a dream outfit.. He also recommends lower cost alternatives for a "middle of the road" and "good and cheap" set up, again, for a variety of popular telescope sizes and designs. The 35mm Pan, 13mm N6, and 5mm N6 represent a "dream outfit" for a 4" refractor. You could also do as Harrington suggests, substitute a 5mm Radian for the 5mm Nagler.

By the way, I definitely recommend the Nagler Type 6 over the originals. I've owned both types, and love the Type 6 Naglers. I sold the originals. It's worth the price difference.

If I could keep only 3 eyepieces, the 35mm Pan, 13mm N6, and 5mm N6 would be my optimum selection for a 4" APO refractor.

Kevin

The NP-127 is actually more expensive than the new Tak. Has anyone used either one for comparison? Any thoughts on price vs performance between the two? I'll put the same post on the Tak forum to see if there is any consensus between the two forums.
Thanks!

The NP-127 is actually more expensive than the new Tak. Has anyone used either one for comparison? Any thoughts on price vs performance between the two? I'll put the same post on the Tele Vue forum to see if there is any consensus between the two forums.
Thanks!

I want to try lunar/planetary photos through my TV-76 with a Canon G2 digital camera.

Has anyone used a Canon G2 with the Tele Vue Digital Camera to Eyepiece Adapters?

It isn't obvious from the Tele Vue web site or the Canon G2 manual whether the 28mm, 37mm, or 49mm filter thread adapters will work with the G2 camera. I would welcome any advice from G2 owners who've attached their cameras to the Tele Vue adapter system.

Many Thanks!

Does anyone know how to access www.coronadofilters.com? My Internet Explorer just spins while trying to load it, and Netscape will load it, but crashes immediately thereafter. (Both are the latest version, operating in Mac 9.2). IE for Mac OS X won't load it either. Haven't tried it on a PC.

Thanks!

Does anyone know which Kendrick (Baader) solar filter diameter is the best fit for my TOA-130?

Many thanks!

Kevin

Don't think NP-127s are shipping yet, late spring is the forecast, but the NP-127 made a debut at WSP 2003. Folks reportedly were able to look through and try it out. Some folks might have first impressions of planets, DSOs, etc., maybe a star test. It would be interesting to see if the experience was a definite "wow," or perhaps just a more lukewarm 'nice 5" APO.' If it's just another fast 5" APO, the price might be more difficult to justify in comparison to the AP 130 or Tak TOA-130. Obviously the AP-130s have a long wait, but Tak has FS-128s on sale, and TOA-130s shipping soon, both superb scopes for less money. I love my TV-101 and TV-76, but $6K is a lot for a 5" scope, even if it is a Tele Vue. Tough call.

Mike,

Some dealers do offer packages. Check Anacortes Telescope & Wild Bird, I have found them to be exceptionally helpful with great service. Their prices are competitive with, or often better than, any other reputable dealer.

Enjoy your TV-102!

Kevin