SkyWatcher SkyMax 180 Repairable?

[TonyEMDL]

Hello Everyone.

I need some advice please. I have a SW SkyMax 180 SCT that I bought a few years back with a goto mount and some accessories for lunar and planetary viewing as astrophotography.

About 8 months ago I lent the setup to a friend of mine for his forest school to show the local kids some of the solar system. It worked out pretty good and it became a regular thing; I ended up leaving the scope there so I didn't have to lug it down every other day.

Anyway, I left to go abroad for some work for a bout four months - I was confident of leaving the scope as there were some seasoned stargazers that showed up regularly and said they would keep an eye on it.

Sadly, when I got back it turns out that the had been some bad weather, and part of the roof of the shed where the scope was stored had collapsed; I'm not sure how badly it's affected but it looks as though the secondary mirror has taken a knock and its VERY dirty inside - the mirrors could use a good clean.

I'd just like to get some opinions on what the relative state of the scope is, and will it likely be costly to repair/clean, or should I just scrap it?

Also, if anyone knows any good scope repair workshops in the East Midlands, that would be great!

Thanks in advance everyone.

[Peter Drew]

I think it can be repaired.  If you could get it to me I would do my best to sort it out for postage only.     🙂

[Captain Scarlet]

If, in the process of repairing, you for whatever reason need a replacement “OEM” secondary baffle, I have one spare (I replaced mine with a flocked-acetate one, as the original had been placed non-centrally on the aluminized spot). I’ll happily post it if needed.

Cheers, Magnus

[Dinglem]

@TonyEMDL I replaced the rear eyepiece/diagonal holder with a Baader 2" Clicklock SC-clamp, so will have the one I removed somewhere amongst all my stuff, you can have it, where in the East midlands are you?

 

[TonyEMDL]

Thanks @Dinglem - that's very kind of you. 

I thought I'd let Peter see it in the flesh before proceeding, although if it's obvious from the photos that parts need to be replaced then i'd be more than happy to accept.

I'm right on the edge of the Peak District/Derbyshire Dales.

[Dinglem]

Very nice was over there a couple of weeks ago fishing on the Dove 🎣

[TonyEMDL]

Thank you all for your help and advice - it's now in the capable hands of Peter

Was fortunate enough to meet both Peter and Andy at The Astronomy Centre - a most impressive, knowledgable, and good-natured pair of fellows one can ever wish to meet.

And the centre is just out of this world. How they both have single-handedly managed to keep it going for more than 40 years without commercial support i'll never know; it is testament to their enduring passion for astronomy, as well as good old fashioned grit and determination. Hearing them both speak about their experiences and adversities over the decades, one can't help but be inspired, and feel compelled to aid them in their efforts! They have both built and maintain an enviable and most impressive observatory - and Peters collection of self-made telescopes are simple awe-inspiring...

[Peter Drew]

Whilst we appreciate Tony's kind words, myself and Andy are responsible for the running of the Centre but the 40 years development has been shouldered by countless others.

I'm pleased to report that the telescope has been successfully dismantled, optics cleaned, corroded internals refinished and the rebuilt unit collimated and ready for collection.    🙂

Edited September 12, 2023 by Peter Drew