Ascotron Refractor

[D Wright]

I have been given an old Ascotron refractor on a basic EQ mount with wooden tripod to restore. Has anyone ever heard of Ascotron telescopes? It takes .96" eyepieces which are all beyond repair apart from one. It is a Japanese 60mm 800mm focal length scope and from what I have seen through it the optics seem really good. It was apparently bought in Australia in the 1960's.

[Nakedgun]

Mfd. by Towa, should be a good performer, by reputation, but be sure to star test it to confirm before beginning any restoration labor. Hybrid .965 / 5/4" diagonals are available to allow modern ep use. Fun to use old gear if the optics are OK.

Good luck.

[D Wright]

I have already performed a star test and using the only eyepiece that works (a 20 mm) the stars were pinpoint. I have made an adaptor so I can use my 1.25" eyepieces, just need a diagonal now. All I have done so far is strip the focuser and clean the 50 year old grease that was more like glue off and re-grease. The focuser is very good quality and is now smooth as silk.

[Dave1]

Yep manufactured by Towa, I have its bigger brother a Towa 339 80mm F15. These telescopes can be very good. Glas you've made an adapter, modern eyepieces bring out the best in these old telescopes. Enjoy.

Dave

[John]

The scope looks very similar to my 1960's Tasco 60mm F/13.3 refractor. Possibly from the same manufacturer. My Tasco has a good objective lens but the stock eyepieces and rather wobbly mount don't really do it justice. I've tried it on a good mount and with better quality eyepieces and the objective performs as a good 60mm achromat should.

 

[Merlin]

Make a longer dew shield to slide over the existing one. It should be two-and-a-half to three times longer than the original.