Tak itch scratched

[Trentend]

FC100 DZ due to arrive tomorrow having coveted one of these for a long time. Thanks to those who have helped nudge me over the line. This comes with the Tak clamshell which I believe attaches directly to a scopetech zero mount so apart from a couple of M8 screws I should be good to go with that. If down the line I want to attach this to an AZ100 can I just use a simple dovetail bar like that below (I have a saddle with a D and V profile).

 

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/dovetails-saddles-clamps/astro-essentials-dovetail-bars.html

[John]

I use a Vixen type dovetail bar bolted to the clamp of my FC100-DL to mount my Tak in my mounts:

 

 

 

[JeremyS]

1 hour ago, Trentend said:

FC100 DZ due to arrive tomorrow having coveted one of these for a long time. Thanks to those who have helped nudge me over the line. This comes with the Tak clamshell which I believe attaches directly to a scopetech zero mount so apart from a couple of M8 screws I should be good to go with that. If down the line I want to attach this to an AZ100 can I just use a simple dovetail bar like that below (I have a saddle with a D and V profile).

 

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/dovetails-saddles-clamps/astro-essentials-dovetail-bars.html

Congratulations on the incoming DZ.

I use this dovetail on mine: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/takahashi-other-accessories/takahashi-tkp71423-dove-tail-male-for-mewlon-210.html

whilst the one you link will work I think you would have to do some fiddling. If I remember correctly, the slot isn’t wide enough for the M8 bolts. Moreover the boots actually screw into the Tak dovetail 

[Franklin]

Congratulations. A dream scope if ever there was one!

Harrison Telescopes ?

[UKDiver]

I've never had an itch that was cured by a bit of scratching...

[Andrew_B]

2 hours ago, JeremyS said:

Congratulations on the incoming DZ.

I use this dovetail on mine: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/takahashi-other-accessories/takahashi-tkp71423-dove-tail-male-for-mewlon-210.html

whilst the one you link will work I think you would have to do some fiddling. If I remember correctly, the slot isn’t wide enough for the M8 bolts. Moreover the boots actually screw into the Tak dovetail 

That is a really nicely made dovetail but it is a little bit narrower than some others (41mm) which can be an issue with some clamps and saddles - ADM's Vixen-type dovetail adaptor for the AZ GTi comes to mind. Worth checking the minimum width in advance.

[Franklin]

On 28/09/2021 at 17:26, Trentend said:

FC100 DZ due to arrive tomorrow

Has it arrived?

Any pics?

[JeremyS]

🍿

[callisto]

58 minutes ago, Franklin said:

Has it arrived?

Any pics?

Yeah, we love piccies on here (even though I don't own a Tak) 🤣

[JeremyS]

9 minutes ago, callisto said:

Yeah, we love piccies on here (even though I don't own a Tak) 🤣

Costs nothing to look 👍🏻

[callisto]

2 minutes ago, JeremyS said:

Costs nothing to look 👍🏻

Window shopping on the net 😁

[Alan White]

13 minutes ago, JeremyS said:

Costs nothing to look 👍🏻

Problem is Jeremy it often does, as after looking purchases get made,
and I am not refering necesarily to a scope here.

[Alan64]

Congratulations are in order.  Your new DZ will be quite the eye-candy machine, and just as my own FS-102 has been...

That one was produced in 2003, and the last example in 2005.  Takahashi then took a break from manufacturing the 100mm+ fluorite-apochromats, and for several years, up until about 2012 or 2013.

The new ones are lighter in weight, whereas my older one is a veritable porker.  Consequently, you'll be likely to observe with yours, and more often than I do with my own.  Enjoy.

[Gogleddgazer]

100-120mm Takahashi refractor.....hhmmm😍🥰

Still on my "wish but can I really justify the expenditure" list.... 😆

[Trentend]

Recovering from the trip and dreaming of clear skies…

[Trentend]

Sod’s law it’s a beautiful clear night here and Saturn and Jupiter have just appeared between the rooftops.  But I can’t attach the Tak directly to the mount as planned as I don’t have any M8 bolts! Will get some on order tomorrow from FLO plus a dovetail and wait for the next clear window. Not sure what folk would recommend in terms of a case/bag for storage and transportation? I think a hard case will be too heavy.  Do you get a snug fitting padded bag or something slightly bigger than the scope and do a manual pad job yourself.

 

 

[Highburymark]

Congratulations on a beautiful telescope. I used this Manfrotto case for the FC-100DC when I owned one - and still use it with a TSA-120. it’s well padded, decent value and perfect for a 4” scope. Available at many camera stores

[Trentend]

That would work! Is that the 90cm version?

[Stu]

1 hour ago, Trentend said:

Do you get a snug fitting padded bag or something slightly bigger than the scope and do a manual pad job yourself.

I have a Geoptik one which works well

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/geoptik-padded-case-for-100mm-refractors-f750.html

[F15Rules]

1 hour ago, Trentend said:

Sod’s law it’s a beautiful clear night here and Saturn and Jupiter have just appeared between the rooftops.  But I can’t attach the Tak directly to the mount as planned as I don’t have any M8 bolts! Will get some on order tomorrow from FLO plus a dovetail and wait for the next clear window. Not sure what folk would recommend in terms of a case/bag for storage and transportation? I think a hard case will be too heavy.  Do you get a snug fitting padded bag or something slightly bigger than the scope and do a manual pad job yourself.

 

 

I'd heartily recommend the Oklop Holdalls available from FLO.

I have one for my Tak FS128 and it's excellent, very robust, well made, but lightweight (about 2kg I think).

Dave

Edited September 29, 2021 by F15Rules

[Highburymark]

42 minutes ago, Trentend said:

That would work! Is that the 90cm version?

Will have to measure it - not sure off the top of my head. Will try and report back tomorrow

[Highburymark]

The other suggestions look great too. Great thing about the DZ is it’s so light and easy to carry

[Andrew_B]

2 hours ago, Stu said:

I have a Geoptik one which works well

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/geoptik-padded-case-for-100mm-refractors-f750.html

What's the padding like in those Geoptik cases? The smaller version seems like it could be a reasonable choice for my FC-76DCU but I've never seen any pictures of the inside showing the thickness of the padding.

[Stu]

3 hours ago, Andrew_B said:

What's the padding like in those Geoptik cases? The smaller version seems like it could be a reasonable choice for my FC-76DCU but I've never seen any pictures of the inside showing the thickness of the padding.

I’ve found it more than adequate Andrew. I’ll try to take a picture tomorrow to post up.

[F15Rules]

The thickness of the padding in the Oklop bags is about 10mm. My big FS128 feels very secure inside. 

But it's not just the padding that's important, it's the "fit" and the fittings..the Oklop has great zippers, a pair of handy outside pockets for bits and bobs and an excellent carry strap (handle, Jeremy??) which is well balanced.

I believe these come in 4" refractor sizes..not specifically in 5", but as my scope  has an oversized tube, like other FS doublets, and is F8.1, it fits beautifully into the bag designed for 6"F8 achromats👍.

I'm sure the Geoptic bags are great as well, I just don't have experience of them (my Nadira observing chair is great!), and I actually prefer the black colour of the Oklop bags. Oh, and they do others for reflectors and SCT)Maks too I believe.

Here's a link to my bag..it would suit most 130mm refractors of F8 or less..

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/telescope-bags-cases-storage/oklop-padded-bag-for-150mm-1200mm-refractors.html

HTH,

Dave

Edited September 30, 2021 by F15Rules
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