FS128 First Light

[Sunshine]

Oh I do wish I could give you more, but as you can see in the image below, the sky to the right of the scope highlights the haze which began to move in while I was waiting for it to cool. Regardless, I swallowed the jagged pill and pressed on to Jupiter and was greeted with a fabulous image. Jupiters moons shimmered and shook but even with less than average seeing I was surprised how much detail I was able to see. Multiple bands were easy and I could clearly make out dark gray festoon features on the NEB, it seems this 128 will be a stellar performer under good seeing conditions. Unfortunately the haze grew thicker within just a half hour to the point where Jupiter looked like I was observing it through a lunar filter and I threw in the towel. It figures, when I set the scope out the sky looked clear, 45 min later it was messy, it’s the scourge of the amateur astronomer. 

[dweller25]

Well, 3300 miles away I had EXACTLY the same frustrating view of Jupiter in identical conditions to you through my new scope.

The forecast here for the next week is 100% cloud cover 😕

At least we both got “first light” 🙂

Having owned an FS128 I know how good the views are 😁 did you see any tone difference compared to the TSA102 ?

Edited December 16, 2023 by dweller25

[IB20]

Had a micro window opportunity here but ended up watching the darts instead. Who knows if I’ll get chance to use the new 125mm before 2024, the forecast doesn’t look promising 🙄.

[JeremyS]

6 hours ago, Sunshine said:

Oh I do wish I could give you more, but as you can see in the image below, the sky to the right of the scope highlights the haze which began to move in while I was waiting for it to cool. Regardless, I swallowed the jagged pill and pressed on to Jupiter and was greeted with a fabulous image. Jupiters moons shimmered and shook but even with less than average seeing I was surprised how much detail I was able to see. Multiple bands were easy and I could clearly make out dark gray festoon features on the NEB, it seems this 128 will be a stellar performer under good seeing conditions. Unfortunately the haze grew thicker within just a half hour to the point where Jupiter looked like I was observing it through a lunar filter and I threw in the towel. It figures, when I set the scope out the sky looked clear, 45 min later it was messy, it’s the scourge of the amateur astronomer. 

Congratulations on first light. Lots of fun to come 👍🏻

[JeremyS]

11 minutes ago, IB20 said:

Had a micro window opportunity here but ended up watching the darts instead. 

Hope you managed to duck 🤞🏻

[Sunshine]

6 hours ago, dweller25 said:

Well, 3300 miles away I had EXACTLY the same frustrating view of Jupiter in identical conditions to you through my new scope.

The forecast here for the next week is 100% cloud cover 😕

At least we both got “first light” 🙂

Having owned an FS128 I know how good the views are 😁 did you see any tone difference compared to the TSA102 ?

Not sure about the tone difference as I wasn’t really paying attention, even of I were noting tone I would have written any differences off to the thin cloud. Now that you mention it, I will surely be looking out for tone differences on a clear night.

[Sunshine]

One thing i noticed is the transparency of this objective, it disappears in images. If it weren’t for dust particles it would seem like it’s missing 😆

Edited December 16, 2023 by Sunshine

[Sunshine]

A little stick, I refuse to make a mark on the OTA to note the perfect spot where the scope is balanced on the alt az mount so I measured out a little stick that I’ll velcro to the tripod leg for reference. I’m a genius! I will patent this idea.

Edited December 16, 2023 by Sunshine

[Sunshine]

This “manhole cover” of a lens cap has already claimed its first casualty, I have put in an order for the TOA130 cap which I confirmed is a perfect fit. My scope was gently placed on the kitchen table as I have done many times with my scopes, as I picked it up to place on mount the monster lens cap fell off and made such a loud bang I jumped like a cat! as did my wife who came running to see what it is I broke this time. Sure enough, this ridiculous lens cap gouged the kitchen table only having fallen maybe two feet! imagine what it would do to my toe. Boy, I would like to shake someone at Tak while asking if they believed the FS 128 caps had to be RPG proof. Guaranteed, I’m now in the doghouse for a month!

Edited December 16, 2023 by Sunshine

[dweller25]

Oh nooooo - is the Tak cap OK ? 🤣

[Sunshine]

1 minute ago, dweller25 said:

Oh nooooo - is the Tak cap OK ? 🤣

Can’t wait to get this infernal thing off my scope, it’s not only unnecessary, it is evil.

[JeremyS]

@Sunshine holding his FS 128 lens cap

[dweller25]

49 minutes ago, Sunshine said:

Can’t wait to get this infernal thing off my scope, it’s not only unnecessary, it is evil.

I was always super careful with mine because I knew it would hurt - they are also called drain covers 😱

Edited December 16, 2023 by dweller25

[Sunshine]

Pretty much, yes, if i were a superhero I could call myself lens cap man, this thing can penetrate walls with ease.

Edited December 16, 2023 by Sunshine

[Sunshine]

 I found a use for them! maybe I should order three more FS128 caps? 

[Zermelo]

I see another book project in the making ... "101 Uses for a Tak Lens Cap"

[Sunshine]

[JeremyS]

[Sunshine]

4 minutes ago, JeremyS said:

Collecting manhole covers 🤣🤣 This killed me.

[Ed in UK]

Might help ???

You can get back in the house from the Dog House. 🙂

[Highburymark]

16 hours ago, Sunshine said:

Collecting manhole covers 🤣🤣 This killed me.

Yet it’s a real thing. It’s Jeremy Corbyn’s chief interest outside politics. Just Google “Jeremy Corbyn collecting manhole covers” and enjoy. 

[Sunshine]

22 hours ago, JeremyS said:

@Sunshine holding his FS 128 lens cap

Just wondering if this is a part of your back garden decor? If so, it should be placed outside your scope room, standing guard over the Tak family.

Edited December 17, 2023 by Sunshine

[Mr H in Yorkshire]

A question for manhole cover owners - doesn't the green felt leave unwanted fibres on the glass?

[dweller25]

20 minutes ago, Mr H in Yorkshire said:

A question for manhole cover owners - doesn't the green felt leave unwanted fibres on the glass?

Tak use quality felt that does not shed 👍

[Sunshine]

38 minutes ago, Mr H in Yorkshire said:

A question for manhole cover owners - doesn't the green felt leave unwanted fibres on the glass?

Haven’t noticed any felt fibers at all.