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Hello from California!

ProfessorPhreak

By ProfessorPhreak
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ProfessorPhreak

ProfessorPhreak

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Just wanted to say a quick hello as I am new to this site. I just acquired a used plus venture rx5 telescope and it was in pretty bad shape when I got it. I've been trying to work on it but I'm having issues with getting the primary mirror cell disconnected from the telescope so that I can center spot the mirror. Anyone who has any experience with this model of telescope I could seriously use your help.

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Astronomist

Astronomist

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Welcome to SGL!

Just done a quick search for pictures of the telescope, As far as I can tell there are 3 screws on the side of the mirror cell as with most telescopes, however some cheaper scopes such as this may have a bead of glue as well. You could try gently twisting the mirror cell (after removing the screws) as it might just be stiff. In my experience most newtonians require a little persuasion to get the mirror cell out of the tube as it is usually quite a tight fit.

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ProfessorPhreak

ProfessorPhreak

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11 hours ago, Astronomist said:

Welcome to SGL!

Just done a quick search for pictures of the telescope, As far as I can tell there are 3 screws on the side of the mirror cell as with most telescopes, however some cheaper scopes such as this may have a bead of glue as well. You could try gently twisting the mirror cell (after removing the screws) as it might just be stiff. In my experience most newtonians require a little persuasion to get the mirror cell out of the tube as it is usually quite a tight fit.

You're right, there are 3 screws holding the primary mirror cell onto the optical tube. The problem is, those screws are held in by nuts on the inside of the optical tube and the nuts are not fixed in place. they are loose. The only option that I am seeing is to remove the secondary mirror and spider assembly from the front of the tube (it's held on by the same method, 3 screws and nuts) so that i can fit my hand and arm into the tube to reach the nuts in the bottom/back. (Of course, being EXTREMELY careful not to touch the mirror.)

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Astronomist

Astronomist

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This is the same problem I experienced renovating a 114mm F8 newtonian a while back, in the end I removed the secondary and reached into the tube with a long pair of needlenose pliers to grip the nut (someone else had to undo the screw as I couldn't reach). This might be more tricky for you however as your tube is narrower than the 114mm... maybe a good excuse to avoid the gym for a few weeks?

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ProfessorPhreak

ProfessorPhreak

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13 hours ago, Astronomist said:

This is the same problem I experienced renovating a 114mm F8 newtonian a while back, in the end I removed the secondary and reached into the tube with a long pair of needlenose pliers to grip the nut (someone else had to undo the screw as I couldn't reach). This might be more tricky for you however as your tube is narrower than the 114mm... maybe a good excuse to avoid the gym for a few weeks?

Thank God I have always been a very slim person. That's going to work in my favor for a change! LOL

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ProfessorPhreak

ProfessorPhreak

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I'm happy to say that with the help of a friend today, we were able to get my scope collimated. I can now start enjoying whatever views I am blessed with where I live. Next spring/summer my mother, sister and I will be going to Arizona. Out in the middle of nowhere. No city lights and clear desert nights. I WILL be taking my scope with me. Hopefully I will be able to afford some photographic equipment prior to that. That would be awesome.

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