Visual setup part 2 - TEC 160FL

[GavStar]

So six months after I put my order in, the new design TEC 160FL was delivered today.

First impressions are that it's got that typical TEC quality with excellent finish. I hope the views match this. I was hoping to try it out tonight but forecast not looking good.

This was the first TEC 160FL the dealer had sold and even he was surprised how portable it was for a 160mm refractor. It's a bit chunky though! I've put a few photos below including a comparison with the AP130GTX to give an indication of size.

Now I just need those clouds to clear...

 

[iPeace]

Nice. What's that black ring at the back?

[GavStar]

2 minutes ago, iPeace said:

Nice. What's that black ring at the back?

A extra carry handle. Not sure I need it so I may remove it

[John]

Very nice Gavin - I was wondering what you might get next in your "stable"

The "ships wheel" around the focuser is a nice touch for handling - some quite big refractors have something similar

 

[iPeace]

Just now, GavStar said:

A extra carry handle. Not sure I need it so I may remove it

Ah, clear. Makes sense, I suppose - unless it gets in the way of a finder.

[Chris]

Holy cow it's a 160mm fluorite Apo! what a wonderful scope to own, a big congrats from me  

P.s. I personally love the ships wheel handle, looks really classy/retro and probably quite practical.

[Stu]

Looks fab Gavin.

Go away clouds!!

[Alan White]

I knew Part 2 was going to be a good one, but WOW! that is a good second act.

 

[Highburymark]

I thought part 2 was the night vision monocular! Fabulous addition to your frac-pack Gavin. 

[DaveS]

*drools*

Did you get it from Astrograph? I've lusted after one of those for a while now.

[GavStar]

6 minutes ago, DaveS said:

*drools*

Did you get it from Astrograph? I've lusted after one of those for a while now.

Yes it was from Rupert at Astrograph. Very good service from him - he even hsnd delivered the scope to my house this afternoon!

[GavStar]

12 minutes ago, Highburymark said:

I thought part 2 was the night vision monocular! Fabulous addition to your frac-pack Gavin. 

Actually I think you are right - the night vision monoculars are a key part of the new setup. ?

[ollypenrice]

Damn, that's nice. I'd have one in a trice if it started raining money! The 140 is a truly great scope. I don't doubt that the 160 is truly greater....

lly

 

[GavStar]

It’s been permacloud since the scope arrived but I decided to do a dry-run for first light. Scope is quite light but I don’t think I would want to go any heavier.

 

[John]

Lovely, lovely, lovely !

Where could you possibly go from there ?

 

[Chris]

Almost brings a tear to the eye! 

[Doc]

Awesome set up 

[Moonshane]

Simple and superb.

[jabeoo1]

[Stu]

Wow, beautiful!

Can't wait to have a look through it  

[Doc]

What's the mount called?

[Piero]

Really beautiful telescope! Looking forward to reading about its planetary performance! 

[GavStar]

Just now, Doc said:

What's the mount called?

Panther tts-160. The website for it is trackthestars.com

[Doc]

Had a good look around "trackthestars. com" wow what a mount and what a price. I especially like the way the rotator works, really looks impressive. I can feel another project coming on 

[Uplooker]

Hi Gavin,

That is a truly lovely setup you have assembled, well done and congratulations.

I am sure you will have many happy hours with that kit.

I will have to console myself with watching some of the great videos of the mount, such as this one :-

Really looks the business - and so compact!