Air Travel with 1000mm refractor

[AndyH]

I've found the mount likes a bearing change and general regrease.

If anything is going to fail, it's the small speed reduction gearbox, which is attached to the synchronus motor. Usually one small gear in particular. All fixable, but also preventable too.. The synchro motor will probably work forever.

[AndyH]

The setting circles on this mount are even bigger than on the manual one. So, if you have polar aligned well, they are very, very usable. Who needs goto, & if you have a book of coordinates, you have a push to !! I've started to use mine regularly now, especially when objects are a bit tougher to find with star hopping. Old tech, but my goodness, it works.

[TonyD]

Third Night: Third Light

Unless it gets too hazy (rather turbulent atmosphere) I'll try and check out M31 through the 25mm plossl.

Just checked out Jupiter, those Moons have moved. Stellarium is correct in what I saw - and it is interesting just how fast Europa moves around!

Temp outside is "only" -10C but still enough to freeze my fingers while playing with the focussing knobs!

More later...........

PS still haven't unpacked the 100RS - just enjoying the 100R for now!

EDIT: The Pleiades look gorgeous in the 25mm plossl!

EDIT 2: OK found Andromeda Galaxy - obviously suffering from the vicinity of the Moon, but still nice to have found it! Who needs GOTO.......

[TonyD]

It's not fair - the clouds have rolled in. I can't see anything.

First evening since I got back on Monday night I can't use my scope

Tony

[foundaplanet]

It's not fair - the clouds have rolled in. I can't see anything.

First evening since I got back on Monday night I can't use my scope

Tony

Wow, I can not even begin to imagine what it must be like having cloudy skies!

[TonyD]

The two TAL-100's side by side.

You can see the relative size of the two tubes because I lined up the tube ends where the focussers start (where the steel or aluminium tube ends) on the right of the image. I imagine the extra focal length needed in the 100RS is taken up by the Crayford focusser!

[AndyH]

Mmm. Interesting. Looks like the 'R' tube is about 50mm longer.

[AndyH]

Tony - any chance of a close up pic of the finder scope on the 'RS'. On the pic, it looks different at the eyepiece side, compared to the 'R' finder.

Ta.

[AndyH]

Tony - any chance of a close up pic of the finder scope on the 'RS'. On the pic, it looks different at the eyepiece side, compared to the 'R' finder.

Ta.

Or is it just the dewshield slid over that end?

[TonyD]

OK Andy, finally managed to get the tape measure!

I measured the 100R from here:

to here:

and it came up 868 mm.

I measured the100RS from here:

to here:

and it came up 810 mm exactly.

Presumably the length of the actual tube (minus the lens element or focusser) is the difference between these numbers.

Regarding the finder scope, I think the dew shield was what made you double take. They both seem identical, apart from my suspicion that the R's locator rings (for the holder) are made of metal, but the RS's are made of plastic.

Here are pictures of the eyepieces to compare up close as requested:

100RS finderscope eyepiece:

100R finderscope eyepiece:

[TonyD]

While the Lyra 4" is undoubtedly optically superb to use, it is amazing that, for the sum total of £380 I have managed to acquire

1 x TAL-100R OTA (second hand) w/three eyepieces (6.3mm, 10mm and 25mm plossls) and finderscope - all in top notch condition functionality speaking (the 100R OTA has a couple of dings and dents)

1 x TAL GEM EQ mount

1 x TAL-100RS OTA (brand new) w/two eyepieces (6.3mm and 25mm plossls) and finderscope.

Astounding value for money

:grin:

[i only specifically mention the Lyra, because I was so very close to buying it - but felt that the time wasn't right, and the TAL offered so much more just to get me out and observing. Otherwise I don't know if it is a fair comparison]

[Naemeth]

Are you going to sell some of the eyepieces? Surely you don't need two 6.3mm and 25mm plössls? Unless you plan on getting a binoviewer of course .

[TonyD]

Well I will have a few more once I get my TAL2M

EDIT: I'm not really good at selling stuff. I say I will when I get it "if I don't need it". But I just tend to acquire and store it!

[AndyH]

Yup. Must have been the dewshield then. At first glance, on your other pic, it looked like a different finder. I got all excited for a moment.

The rings on the finders should be aluminium. Haven't heard of em being changed, to be honest.

[TonyD]

The rings on the finders should be aluminium. Haven't heard of em being changed, to be honest.

They certainly feel a bit plasticy, but then sometimes an acrylic paint can have that effect.

Those finderscopes are really very nice though, aren't they?

[AndyH]

They certainly feel a bit plasticy, but then sometimes an acrylic paint can have that effect.

Those finderscopes are really very nice though, aren't they?

Just wait til you get your mitts on the 8x50. Simply stunning.