rhw1967

2 minutes ago, Stub Mandrel said:

I've been studying those pics for several minutes and I give up - I can't find anything I would call a mess ?

Sadly SWMBO does not share your opinion   

3 minutes ago, paulastro said:

Your refractor looks very classy on that mount - looking good .

It's certainly the mount that makes it in my opinion.

I think Mike needs to set up a sideline pimping up and customizing scopes / mounts / tripods ?

My OCD is now screaming to me that I need to spray my mount and pillar duck egg blue too, with perhaps a matching finderscope on the Stellarview as well ????

My simple set up.

Mount courtesy of Mike (special edition custom paint job)

Excuse the mess in my home office / mancave, we've not long moved in ?

I messaged Nick Smith from AA about the new Ascent 102ED (f7 and f11).. his quote was when I asked, "Don't worry, we only use good glass, you can trust the product", I also asked Ed Harrison and his reply was "The supplier hasn't disclosed what kind of glass", so I would assume it's not FPL-53. Not that that makes it bad or anything, just letting you know what I found out.

Haven't seen any reviews yet for them either. They will be in Kettering, so my advice would be go and check them out. Nick confirmed they'd have the Ascent 102ED there.

34 minutes ago, parallaxerr said:

What do we think chaps, am I being too sensitive. Here's some pics of the inside of the box and the focuser knob cover, definitely taken a knock. You can see the throw in the knobs ion the video, is it too much? Do I just attempt adjustment/repair? Turn the volume up on the video and you can hear the gears meshing, feels like driving over a cattle grid.

https://1drv.ms/v/s!AhWKj4BCIWqOjCJQkW497pyI8ZR8

100% send it back. 

Totally understand you being frustrated and Pee'd off, I would be too. TS has a decent rep with CS though, so really may be a one off. That doesn't help you right now though. I would certainly no question at all return it.

4 minutes ago, parallaxerr said:

I think it's empty, it's VERY light weight!

Quick quick we need to see... Hahaha

2 minutes ago, parallaxerr said:

Well payapl gave me 1 GBP = 1.09581 EUR, but there's no mention of a foreign currency conversion, so maybe the rate includes that too?

Total bill was around £35 more than I would have paid from AA including the addition of a finderf shoe, but I prefer the TS aesthetically and there's no question about the specs.

Looking at it I think the rate includes conversion. Really nice telescope, bet you cannot wait for it to arrive  

19 minutes ago, parallaxerr said:

Yes, that's the one David, the FPL51 version.

Was the exchange rate kind to you ? 

Just now, parallaxerr said:

I didn't think there was enough info there to be of concern, but have deleted the screenshot now, just in case. i wonder if the replies will update without it?

If that were me I'd be more concerned about the other half logging on and seeing I'd bought something else.. haha

Just now, Mark at Beaufort said:

Jon - I am really pleased with your decision. However, I am concerned that you have posted your name and account details in an open forum. I think we need to blank out that info - do you agree?

OR, perhaps he could do another screenie with his CC or bank details too, and we could all enjoy a new telescope ?  Kidding of course and awesome spot, didn't notice it, and should certainly be covered I think.

28 minutes ago, John said:

What annoys some manufacturers and retailers I think is that all the talk is of the glass type in the ED element but the mating element(s) glass type, the figure and polish of the optical surfaces, the coatings used and the objective cell design and quality all contribute significantly to the end performance of the objective and yet are rarely discussed.

Yes, I can imagine it does. And really didn't want to dwell on it, just asked them a simple question amongst others about the telescope as, if I'm parting with my hard earned cash, I like to know what I am getting. Nobody here seemed to know as it's a new range just come out, no reviews around, . As a and lots of Googling didn't yield any results, so was curious. As a potential customer that has never used AA before it would have been nice to know.

1 minute ago, parallaxerr said:

The talk stops here....job done. @mikeDnight, break out the cigars!

 

Nice going !! ?

15 minutes ago, parallaxerr said:

Well I'm going to phone them in a bit, could well be FCD-100, who knows. Avoiding the question sends out mixed messages though.

It really doesn't matter I suppose, provided the views are good, just nice to know.

Totally. It's not a massive deal at this price point providing, like you say, the views are good. It's frustrating that they want to avoid the question.

Let us know what they say in your call. Have noticed some other retailers now selling it (Harrison's, Grover's)

Adam from RVO did say he felt other companies offered better CS than AA and this would seem to back it up .... Thing is when I asked this Ian about other things he answered right away, but mention the glass and it's like I never mentioned it... Haha

So would tend to agree with you guys, as mentioned though be aware with the TS the exchange rate costs the scope about 30 quid more expensive and the 2.5% exchange rate if paying by PP... Ok not a lot, but still.

Twice with the Ascent 102ED the guy from AA, Ian, has avoided direct questions from me about the glass. He just ignored the question so, as others have said, would assume it's FPL51

Do you have a powertank or using batteries ?

26 minutes ago, parallaxerr said:

Don't apologise, it was a tongue in cheek comment! I know if I'd have really wanted the SV I would have pulled the trigger sooner, but like I say, I'm going to go for a new scope.

Maybe one day we'll get to compare the SV and whatever I buy, side by side

 

 

I know you were kidding around bud. But it did make me feel bad, for a fee seconds anyway ?

Yep would be cool to do a comparison. You'll have to post pics of your new scope when you get it.

Any clue as to what you are going for ?

6 minutes ago, parallaxerr said:

G ood luck with the scope, that's 2 you've had out from under my nose this week! Was just about to PM Emad about the 100ED when you pipped me and now this!

Haha never mind, I'd decided against the SV anyway because I prefer new and a Feathertouch can always be added later.

Sorry, just when you see a good deal you have to snap it up I think. Lost out on some great deals on EPs as I delayed or thought too long

Sent you a PM

But thanks for the nice words. It was a close call but having spoke to the seller of the SV at length and done a bit of research I felt it was right for me.

1 minute ago, garryblueboy said:

A wise decision I’ve met Richard he’s a genuine guy and that scope in my opinion is the best value all round I don’t bother hiding I just suffer the looks and do you really need another scope good luck with 102 I’m sure you will be pleased and happy you chose it the focuser is the best part of the deal they are the best over priced but the Televue of Focusers ??

Rich does indeed seem a super nice guy, and he gave me loads of advice, etc. Can't wait to get it now. Going to be used as a grab and go with the AZ4 when I travel around  

My Missus purchased a special edition Mont Blanc pen (with special edition case  ) the other week, and all she does with it is crosswords. So if she says a word about "another scope" I think I may have to remind her about her expensive crossword habit.. hahahaha.

Thanks for the encouraging words bud  

58 minutes ago, garryblueboy said:

 

Actually Garry, I spoke to quite a few people and googled around, etc, etc, and agree with you. So instead of going down the new AA route have contacted the guy and it's being held for me until I return home on Thursday when I am going to buy it. Guy sent me tons of pictures, and I think the focuser included decided it for me. Spoke to the seller at length too. So am happy with my decision

Going to be an expensive weekend.. getting the Stellarview and an AZ4 mount for myself, and an ED100 for my nephew . Now, how to hide all that from the Missus  

3 minutes ago, parallaxerr said:

OK, so to get the real cost of buying the TS I had to go nearly all the way through paypal checkout ?. It comes to £582.15. Quite a bit more than an online conversion suggests.

Right, so yes, it is.. The AA including postage with no extras is £555.

11 minutes ago, parallaxerr said:

I'm so close to pulling the trigger, but I can't for the life of me find Paypals exchange rate. Plus they apparently charge a 2.5% exchange fee ?

Just looked at today's exchange rate, however not finding anything for PP. Even when I go to the pay screen it's showing all in Euros, and yes they charge 2.5% fee.

1 minute ago, parallaxerr said:

Are you looking at this one? https://www.astroshop.eu/telescopes/ts-optics-apochromatic-refractor-ap-102-714-ed-ota/p,51026

I think this is different to the AA version, seems to be an older spec and I've seen it that price in a few places.

Here's the TS version that is identical to the AA...

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p4964_TS-Optics-ED-102mm-f-7-Refractor-Telescope-with-2-5--R-P-focuser.html

I was, yes, thank you for that. Would have cried if I'd have ordered the wrong thing

Now looking at the right thing... much appreciated  

1 minute ago, parallaxerr said:

It's still for sale @ £600. Personally, despite it having a Feathertouch focuser, I think it's too expensive for a 10yr old scope, when a new TS can be had for less.

Yes, that makes sense, as you point out it's a ten year old scope.. looking at Astroshop EU now at the TS..  

18 minutes ago, parallaxerr said:

Isn't it odd. I asked about the glass in the Stellarvue on ABS and the buyer went quiet. There's nothing wrong with FPL51, buyers just like to know.

Anyway, I've been poring over the photos of the AA Ascent and TS ED102 and I'll eat my hat if they're not the same scope. TS openly state FPL51.

I think I actually prefer the TS livery too and there's only a few £ difference including postage, so TS is topping my list now.

Just looked at what you said, and absolutely, they look exactly the same apart from the livery as you say. TS actually a wee bit cheaper.

Just got a reply to my second mail to AA, he again avoided the question of which glass was used, but answered the question of a case I could buy... hahaha.. so that's twice that question has been ignored.. and just like you said,it's not a massive issue at all if FPL51 is used, I am assuming that it is, but it narks me a bit that they don't say, even when I asked directly twice. The TS has now topped my list.

Am assuming the Stellarview 102ED that was for sale in ABS wasn't preferred as people like new ? Saw some great reviews about it too.