Secondary mirror marked

[Killia1]

Hi all. I'm new to the site and stargazing I got a 2nd hand telescope a Meade 114-astr a starter scope I have been told. Ok here is a picture of my mirror could anyone help please I can't see Jupiter well i can see it but can't focus right to see it round I'm seeing it as if there is to halo's on it. Is it due to my mirror. I have used a laser collimator. A cheshire 1.25 and even the moon has a ghost to it sorry I can't explain it lol

[LukeSkywatcher]

I'm no expert, but sorry to say that that secondary mirror looks beyond help. To me it seems like you need to replace it.

[Astro_Baby]

Looks like the mirror is knacked...sorry

[Killia1]

I would like to say thank you your site helped me with collimating. Plus thank you I thought it was knackered I will post a picture off the main mirror I think it's ok

do you know a trusted a website to get a secondary mirror

[Astro_Baby]

Well to be honest I am not sure it would be economic. These scopes sell seckndhand very often very cheaply. You'd have to find an exact fit in size. Perhaps someone esle could advise on a source of these.

[cantab]

I would have said Scopes 'n' Skies's Astroboot, but it's closed at the moment, and anyway that company has obtained some notoriety though the couple orders I've had from them weren't a problem. I don't know of any other places to get surplus optics in Britain.

In any case you should probably have the main mirror out for inspection first, see if it's showing similar issues.

Oh, another thing: Does yours look like the short or long tube one here? http://www.meade.com/starterscopes/eq_series.html . If it's the short, the design is one reported to often be flawed and that may account for the image problems.

[Killia1]

this is my scope it's the blue one L 144mm F 1000mm 8/8f. The main mirror is fine not marks like the secondary one. I found this website with a bit off google help http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p4842_GSO-50mm-secondary-mirror-with-cell---for-upgrading-and-ATM.html plus http://www.galvoptics.fsnet.co.uk/telescope6.htm

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[cosmojaydee]

That looks quite bad, sorry to say I have seen tin foil with a better reflective surface , good luck in replacement of the mirror or the scope.

Jeff

[Killia1]

Lol jeff it's a shame I couldn't just use a mirror from my girlfriends make-up things. Do you know of a website where I could get one cheap

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[cosmojaydee]

Purchasing secondary mirrors will probably not be an easy task , you could look into having the secondary re coated ,but my guess it may out weigh the cost of another second hand scope , just my opinion

Jeff

[Carbon Brush]

The secondary mirror is flat and elliptical. Minor marks and blemishes are not that big a problem. But if it doesn't give a good clear reflection, forget it.

As others have said, finding a replacement mirror for a low cost scope like this is going to be difficult. Really you are only going to find one if a member has a scrap scope with something suitable.

I agree that recoating is not worthwhile on a scope of this calibre.

I think you would be better off saving your money and picking up a 2nd hand scope from this site when you have the posts & time. Or use UK astrobuysell. Ebay is only useful if you really know what you are looking for, or can view before paying. There is a lot of rubbish on there.

Hope this helps, David.

[mdstuart]

Be patient and look for another 114mm scope on eBay maybe selling for spares?

mark

[Killia1]

Thank you all for your help I'm looking on gumtree and where on here is stuff for sale? Or do people just post it? Sorry new to the form room

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[tibbz2]

I have my 114mm for sale but you're a few hundred miles away I should think

[Killia1]

I have my 114mm for sale but you're a few hundred miles away I should think

the same as mine? Where do you live?

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