I thanked him and moved on. After getting home, I looked it up on the internet. I wouldn’t have even bothered but the telescope was made by Meade and that is a good company. In fact, my big 16 inch diameter reflector is a Meade and I really like it. I found out, if it was in working order, his selling price was reasonable. So, I went back Sunday and it was still there. I made an offer $50.00 less than he wanted and he came down five. I then went up some and he down some. Got him to come down $30.00, so I bought it and brought it home.
That night I checked out the electronics (it is a “go to” scope) and everything seemed to be working as designed. I got to the place where it asked to be pointed at a couple of guide stars to get its bearings, but it was getting late and I was tired, so put it off for awhile. Not sure how good the optics are, but that doesn’t matter. What I wanted was the guidance system. I am planning to mount a green pointing laser on it and then let it find some deep sky object. I will then, by following the laser beam, zero in on the object with my big scope. Then turn off the laser. My big scope has me spoiled and I only want to use it, but it is a push and shove scope and it is hard to get it pointed in the right direction. Maybe you don’t agree, but I think I have the perfect plan. And, the new scope is small enough to take with me. Since I no longer have my pick-up truck with a cap on the bed, I have nothing that the big scope will fit in, so have to leave it at home.
OK, do you want to see some pictures of the new purchase? Here it is:
Don't forget, you can click on the pictures to enlarge them. And yes, this is a refractor. That is new to me since all my other scopes are reflectors.
And one showing the hand control or input module:
This is the end you look through:
And this is the other end:
Now I have five telescopes, some good, some bad, and some real good.
You all have a nice mid week bog-down day, you hear?
All my optical devices, including cameras, have to fit into a pocket to carry with me when hiking, biking, or yakking. They must also be able to take a soaking in salt water and sweat and not get cleaned for a few days afterward. All those conditions seems to preclude getting any "good" optics doesn't it.
ReplyDeleteDD what are you going to do for Flea markets if you move down here? None around these parts!
ReplyDeleteBarney, Yes I understand where you are coming from. A good pair of binoculars with lense covers would be good.
ReplyDeleteDavid, If I do move down there (on hold right now), I will just have to bring the fleas with me. . .
I just knew there was something wrong with you. NOW I know what!! Got your head in the clouds!!
ReplyDeleteWhy not leave that tracking thingy on there and see if it works. AFTER you clean the mirrors and all.
That looks like the scope I gave my son a couple of months ago. I had it working when I lived in Ireland but could never re-assemble it correctly when I returned to the US.
ReplyDeleteBen, I don't take a telescope out on cloudy nights. I think it works but will have to try it out for sure.
ReplyDeleteGypsy, maybe it is the one I bought :-) Flea market vendors get around.
$30.00 !!! You stole it!
ReplyDeleteNo Frann, I talked him down $30.00 from his asking price. I paid 4X that amount, and figured it still was a good deal.
ReplyDeleteBig boys like new toys, just like little boys like new toys. There is nothing like a new toy to play with.
ReplyDeleteBelieve me, the last thing I need here on this Earth is a new toy, or a new hobby. My old toys keep talking to me, 'Hey, remember me?'
'Its been a while since you took me out to play!'