Gary Shaw

RL - Thank you very much for the helpful and thorough response. I share your feelings about standing the OTA on the collimation knobs - my TS Unc has the same poor design. I've had a few responses to my query but none so far that have steered me onto a new path with new options to consider. So, I'll have to decide between the OO and 6 months of waiting or the TS UNC and 6 months of waiting. I would lean towards the UNC given the mixed reviews I've received whenever I inquire about OO.  The uncertainty regarding quality makes me reluctant to invest 2.5x the cost of the TS scope. My 8" TS UNC has performed very well and TS is very good with customer service.

Thanks again and cheers...

Gary

Hi All:

I need to upgrade my current  8" TS Optics UNC to a 12" aperture to enhance my capabilities for Exoplanet Transit Imaging. I'm currently using an iOptron CEM70G mount and would like to be able to use this mount with the larger telescope. I'm hopeful that some of you may have some recommendations on telescope 'options'. I am looking for a high quality, amateur grade, instrument -I hope this somewhat vague descriptor helps. Currently I am considering the following 12" options:

- Orion UK 12 AG F4

- TS Optics UNC F4

- TS Optics ONTC F4

- Other suggestions please ...

As you see, I'm partial to traditional F4 Newtonians but I'm also intrigued with some of the truss-type Newtonians as well as the Dall Kirkhams.

I've been quite happy with the TS UNC but would prefer a higher grade instrument. the TS ONTC seems to have a better primary mirror cell ans other quality advantages but the OTA length is, perhaps, too long for my micro-observatory enclosure. The Orion UK AG12 seems nearly perfect but I've heard of QC and Customer Service problems in the past so I'm particularly interested to know if those issues still persist.  Anyway, I'd very much appreciate your input on the choices above and, especially, on any alternative ideas for a quality scope.

Cheers!

Gary

Hi All:

I just acquired a 200mm F4 newtonian from TS Optics which I'll use primarily for Electronic Assisted Observing with several ZWO cmos cameras. 

My challenge is that my current scope is an F3.6 schmidt newtonian so I have no experience with coma correctors or spacers/adaptors in the optical train. TS tells me that I need 55mm from the coma corrector (TSGPU) to the sensor. They provided 40 mm of various adaptors and spaces and I guess I get the remaining 15mm from the camera housing itself - as shown in the attached image. The threads on several of the adaptors(see notes) are bad so those pieces need to be replaced but, once that's fixed, I have four questions for this community:

1. ...is this odd assortment of parts and pieces typically how one goes about achieving the required 55mm dimension  from the Coma Corrector to the camera sensor? Just seems that there must be a simpler, and sturdier way to do this without having to use 4-5 separate parts.

2. Once all the adaptors add up to the correct dimension and are attached to the Coma Corrector, where does one locate the whole assembly(with coma corrector) in the focuser draw tube?   Is it a matter of trial and error?

3. If one did not care about viewing peripheral stars looking a bit like comets and didn't, therefore, use the coma corrector, would any of these adaptor/spacers be needed to bring the camera to focus so one could observe using, say, Sharpcap 3.2 Pro or other software?

4. If I were to use a filter or two, where would these best be located in the lineup and do they work with the various threads and adaptors? 

Apologies for my lack of experience and thank you for any help you can provide me in understanding how to observe and image with coma correctors 

Cheers

Gary

1 hour ago, Freddie said:

You’ll need to post this on the CN forum if you want input from the CN community!!!😀

Thanks Freddie. I started there  and then added the topic post here where its possibly more effective.

1 hour ago, Carbon Brush said:

Another personal opinion.

I bought direct from OO many years ago and the post above reminds me of my experience.
There were lots of arguments and the 'person who can make the decision' not being available when I phoned.

The first scope was poorly packed and damaged in transit. They tried to blame me!
Then on inspection, the focus tube didn't line up with the secondary mirror. A manufacturing defect!
Eventually a second attempt by OO produced a scope that gave excellent results. But I still had to straighten out a bent part - more transit damage.

I would though buy OO again subject to certain conditions.

Buying new, only from a dealer. Pay a small deposit when ordering and check the product in the dealer's shop.
If it isn't right, the dealer can argue for you. Or you can walk away with the usual methods of obtaining refund.

Buying used. From a seller you have some confidence in, and a personal inspection. 

At the Kettering show this year, I spent some time having a look over the various OO products.
Nobody approached me, despite there being staff on the stand doing very little.

Maybe my experiences were unusual?

David.

Hi David

I appreciate hearing your story. Being in the US, I don’t have an easy dealer option. If I go ahead with the purchase, I’d take your advice and go through a dealer although one in the greater London area might be a good idea if I’m going to fly over to inspect the scope before accepting delivery. They only list international dealers on their website, including one in London. Are there additional local dealers I should consider working with? Thank you!

regards,

Gary

17 hours ago, Mr niall said:

Personal opinion:

Great scopes, amazing mirrors.

"Variable" customer service, rarely answer emails, almost never return phone calls.

Scope quality extremely variable; good one's are spectacular - the best there is. Many others have issues that take a while to rectify.

For some reason, nothing takes a hit in terms of value like the resale value of an OO scope. They seem to crash in value the moment they leave the factory.

I nearly bought an OMC 140 about 18 months ago but the focus knob stuck and made a grinding noise every revolution, felt like the mirror was going to fall out... Looked amazing in carbon though.

Hi Mr Niall - thank you for sharing your experience...sorry to hear of your problems. I’m struggling here in US to find a quality scope so, after discovering the OO scopes and finding they are made in the UK, I was encouraged. OO sales have responded nearly instantly to 2 emails already and we are about to schedule a call to address my questions. I’d say a far better response than I’ve had anywhere except at iOptron where their tech support is outstanding.

regards

Gary