Takahashi Scope and Mounts

[yoda776]

Telescope

After being spoilt going to Japan last year and using a 16" scope in our own private bungalow at Saji Observatory - good but you have to brush up on your Japanese ... mine was not that good - I have considered getting a Takahashi telescope and looking at a Mewlon.

After looking at a Mewlon 250 and considering my wallet with moths coming out of it, as well as the weight (back and shoulders not as good as they used to be), I am now looking to a Mewlon 210. The scope would be used as a portable scope, so it seems a good choice?

Any thoughts / sagely advice on why I would go a Mewlon 210 / 250?

Mount

I am looking at a mount for a Takahashi Mewlon 210 and wondered about a few things.

1) What is an appropriate Takahashi mount and tripod?
2) Would an AZEQ6 mount and tripod be enough?
3) Is there a history tree of which Takahashi mounts came evolving to current times? I ask as I have looked at a Takahashi EM200 Temma-2M mount and is said to be 2010 vintage - any later versions?
4) I realise this will be based on opinion and experiences for each individual, however what is the best Takahashi mount and why for a Mewlon 210?
5) I get the Takahashi tripods are wood but did wonder about uneven ground as the world is not often flat where I live - the wooden tripods do not adjustable. How do you get around this?

Many thanks in advance. :thanx:

[AnakChan]

Takahashi µ250CRS owner here. It is large but still manageable. I think the electronic focuser is a blessing compared to the 210's SCT-like focuser that's susceptible to image shift.

If you're looking at predecessor models, be careful with the electronic focuser of the 250. From what I understand if the electronics of the older focuser goes bust, repair's going to be very difficult as the OEM maker of the motor is no longer available (and therefore unsupportable). Granted low chance of broken electronic focusers but the risk exists.

As for mounts, Takahashi refreshed their mounts recently, now with Wi-Fi. Nothing revolutionary compared to other brands but Takahashi's rather slow to "catch up with the times" with their mounts. To -me- I'm very impressed with the Tak mounts as they're really smooth, however I wish they're a little bit more modern.

I'm using a Vixen AXD mount with my µ250CRS. I'm reasonably happy with it although it is a rather heavy single piece and I wished it had encoders.

[Atmos]

I've quite briefly owned a M210 in the past and never got much use out of it due a several month run of horrid seeing and then moved onto a M250. I cannot say much about a visual comparison between the two but I've always been impressed by the views out of the M250 when the seeing cooperates.

My reason for wanting the M250 was to have the potential to do imaging (which is mostly what it's used for right now) although my original purpose was to use it for planetary viewing with binoviewers. I also wanted the electronic focuser which incorporates a non-moving primary mirror.

I'd say that the benefit of the M250 over the M210 is better mechanics as the difference in aperture isn't that dramatic.
In getting that extra aperture and mechanical design you do pay in the weight department... I'd estimate that the M250 is twice the weight of the M210. The M210 could comfortably be used on a HEQ5 where as the M250 requires the EQ6. If balanced the EQ6 or AZ-EQ6 works fine with the M250 but the dampening on the stock tripod isn't that great.

It's hard to fault the M250 though, optically it is excellent! I've done a LOT more imaging with it than visual but I've comfortably been able to get unguided exposures with FWHM close to 1".

[yoda776]

Thanks Sean for the advice on the older model scopes. I was looking at new as the secondhand market in Oz is a little scant (I know one came up recently but I believe I was second in line and it sold).

I probably should qualify my reason for the scope a little more.

I am mostly a visual astronomer with occasional imaging with DSLR and hoping a little CCD imaging. Mainly planets and some DSO if I can. The other reason is weight of the M250 which I suspect may be a limiter with my body and then become a looked at rather than a looked through scope. While I like the the idea of the fans and electronic focuser the weight is something I would possibly struggle with (bearing in mind I do not have an observatory or pier to permanently mount it on and do grab and go).

Does the image shift mentioned affect the viewing part?

[yoda776]

Thanks Colin for the heads up on the M250. I think both you and Sean do make a case for the M250 and appreciate the view points and your experiences. Still weight is a big concern for me. Mind you cost is a factor (think between $5000 for a M210 and something like $12000+ for M250 is a big jump). The only thought is showing off to the guys at a viewing site with a M250 :P;) but not really a reason to buy the scope. The extra light gathering though would bump it up to see a few more DSOs.

I only really have reference to that with my 8 inch Meade LX200 vs my friend's Meade LX90 10 inch with obvious improvement in brightness noted in my viewing.

The only thing I wish the M210 had was an electronic focuser and possibly the fans from the M250 to aid in normalising temp of the primary mirror. I wondered about negating primary mirror image shift by adding a Feather Touch or Moonlite focuser for visual. I understand that would be a difficult ask with imaging.

Are there any M210 owners with any experiences? Looking for any show stopper issues or reasons you may have moved on. Also whether there are any issues with eyepieces.

[multiweb]

I had a Mewlon 210 and you will need the corrector to image with it. Not cheap. Apart from that it's a great scope. Sharp as which brings up a few questions about the guiding. You'll need a really good mount to make the most of it if you plan to do any astro photography with it. With an AZEQ6 I'd get an FSQ. Much more fun and portable.

[yoda776]

Thank you Marc - for me visual is the priority so would be happy with sharp for that. Imaging I would agree there are better options - I already have a refractor I could use well for this, although the aperture on the Mewlon might be good for planetary and some DSO work it seems. I am one of those like to view things nice and sharp and may take an image or two to have something I can put on my desktop on the PC and maybe hang one up on the wall to say 'I took that'. Not wishing to be a pro, so imaging is not terribly high in consideration.

What mount did you use with the Mewlon 210? What would you recommend?

I have an option for an EM200 Temma-2M mount although it is 2010, which was previously pointed out likely will not have the Wifi but from searching the interweb that mount needs to be driven by a computer / iPad if running goto.

[AstroApprentice]

I recently acquired an old model u-250S and still have an old u-210. As Colin said, the 250 is much bigger, but if you have a tip-in saddle like a Rayox, then that can help make mounting easier. Both Mewlons are relatively big and require time to acclimatise thus making them more effort than a small grab & go refractor. I don’t think the 250 is much more effort to set up than the 210. Plus collimation with the three pairs of screws on the 250 is much simpler than the 210 with three screws only. The motorised secondary on the 250 is also a big plus over the 210. IMO, the 210 definitely requires a motorised Crayford focuser on visual back due to issues associated with moving the primary mirror. I also have one on the 250 for automated focussing as the 250S motor controller can’t be connected to PC/ASCOM, but the newer 250 controllers can.
The 210 is good quality, but the 250 is an improved design. Both give great views, but in use to date, I prefer the 250.
I mount both on Losmandy G11 - with the 210 I can use a short CW shaft and less CWs.
You’re likely aware of the lengthy discussion on CN of these scopes:
https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/556420-information-on-the-takahashi-mewlon-210-and-mewlon-250/

[yoda776]

Thank you for the details Jason. I am aware of the discussion and Dr Who has had some valuable insights on some posts - the link you gave is the best one though and thank you for referring me to it again.

I do realise one thing I am a person with not a great deal of money to spend and I can scrape a Mewlon 210 but not the asking price of the 250. To be honest the M210 will be it for me. I have a Meade LX200 8 inch that I have enjoyed and spend time viewing through. I imagine the M210 is an upgrade on that and noting your motorised focuser point - do you have any suggestions on brand and model of motorised focuser?

Also what mount do you use? I was looking at an EM-200 Temma2M or 2Z if I can sell my other gear off, eyepieces, etc.

Many thanks to all for the help so far - advice is invaluable understanding limitations, pros and cons. :thumbsup:

[muletopia]

Matt.
I am a happy user of a 210. I have the .8 reducer/flattener which works well.
If you use an EOS canon the the Tak canon adapter probably works well
Since I use a QHY camera Joshua Bunn made me the appropriate adapter.
I have never touched the collimation .
It is on a pier mounted Messu 200 mount.
I found a HEQ5_pro OK for visual but hopeless for for photography.


Like you I would love 250 but it is not financially possible unless I find one second hand.


Just my experience
Chris

[yoda776]

Thanks Chris - experience is fine and welcome. I have decided the Mewlon 210 is for me weight, cost, portability on a dark site and dealing with medical conditions etc all being factors of choice I guess.

I have an AZEQ6 I would initially use this scope on. I intended to check out a Tak mount and certainly have looked at the EM200 Temma-2 mounts ... the cost though :eyepop:

Having spent the last two days pretty solidly reading forums and responses it seems collimation is not that much of an issue, so glad to hear you say collimation is still going strong.

I have a Canon 6D so might try to get the Tak wide T ring.

Is the 0.8 reducer/flattener the TKA70581?

Yeah the M250 might have to be something I view through as an OPT (Other Person's Telescopes) when we are actually going to have viewing nights again with the astronomy club with this yoyo open and close system of pandemic responses.

[Wilso]

Hi Matt,
I have a EM200 Temma 2m mount, excellent mount, tracks beautiful, fit and finish is superb.
I wouldn’t exactly call it a portable mount though, the mount alone weighs about 14kg. As for the timber tripod it’s quite large more suited to refractors so I went for a Tak metal adjustable tripod. If your buying second hand just be aware the polerscope is fixed in position and has a limited life, after that you’ll have to use a different method. I think mine expires 2026?
The new models have built in wifi and USB interface where as the earlier model’s you’ll probably want a wifi portal. Using wifi you can control the mount with Skysafari on your phone or iPad etc

Good luck with decision :thumbsup:

[yoda776]

Thank you Wilso (and also Merry Christmas! :xmas:). That is an interesting point about the polar scope. For some reason I did not think about that expiring. So the newer model is the EM-200 Temma-2z? Might have to ask about the expiry or use on that seens the goto is heavily reliant on the polar alignment from my understanding of the manual in the Temma-2M.

I figured the tripod would be more suitable for refractors as well and you read my mind - I have been looking at metal tripods as the adjustability also works if you do not have an exactly flat surface to work off of (was my thought anyway).

[muletopia]

Hello Matt,
Yes the reducer is TKA70581.
Some comments.
Before I bought the correcter (from AEC) is used an Orion thin off axis guider,initially with my Canon EOS 60Da and then with the QHY8L. Using an off axis guider is fiddly especially without a corrector as the edge stars are very coma effected, so the whole assembly usually has to be rotate to find a guide star. Once set up the guiding is good with the Mewlon moveable mirror.



When Joshua made the adapter for the QHY to the flattener it did not allow the off axis guider to be used,I am sure he could make one 10mm shorter with locating screws to take the guider. But I thought to keep it simple.
I bought as Saxon 700mm fl scope from Optics central, without the tripod and mount, a good price.
This scope is mounted in a home made wooden saddle with the correct radius cut outs for the two scopes. All in 12 mm marine ply, the two plates are joined by two 40 mm wide plywood boards which are a good tight fit in rectangular holes in the plates. My wife is into woodwork and has a magnificently accurate CNC router. The whole lot is
inelegantly attached to the Mewlon with miles of gaffer tape.
10 minute exposures give "round" stars but not as good as the OAG.


I use a plate solved model for the mount an scope so rotating the camera to use an OAG is not on.If I did use an OAG and still needed to rotate it with the corrector I would have to rebuild the model for each target. Not a big deal, say 30 minutes. So I will put that off until I need longer exposures than ten minutes.


Cheers
Chris

[Allan]

I’ve used all the different size Mewlons over the years, for visual only, including Colin’s nice 250 version. I stepped up to buy a 250 several times, but each time I looked through one it gave me cause to pause on the purchase.

I know they are extremely liked among Mewlon owners. However again just reading these threads, owners tend to come more from the imaging side of use. It is a great imaging scope, but in my opinion a good visual scope. All I do is visual, and in that sphere the Mewlons don’t compare to a dob with premium optics for the quality of the image it throws up.

I would look at it in two ways. If comparing side by side a 10” Mewlon and a 10” Zambuto dob, the dob will produce higher quality visual views. The dob will be half the price by the time you take into account the mount for the Mewlon, and will be much quicker/easier to setup.

Or, for the same investment you could buy a 14” or larger dob with premium optics, in which case it will be a long way superior to the 10” Mewlon.

That’s just my opinion based on using a lot of gear around the world with friends and at star parties. Take this in no way as putting the Mewlons down. They are very good scopes with masses of happy owners. My point is, from a purely visual point of view, there is a better option.

[astro744]

I couldn’t agree more, Allan. A Newtonian with a first class custom mirror makes for an excellent planetary and deep sky telescope. My 10.1” f6.4 Suchting mirror gives me exquisite views when seeing permits. The only time I have seen better on Saturn and Jupiter was through a friends 16” f5 Suchting mirror.

However I think the OP has his heart and mind set on a Mewlon for sentimental reasons and that is reason enough to keep it as the discussion point. I’m not sure how much difference a 210 will be over an 8” SCT. It should be noticeable but whether it is cost effective I’m not sure. If sentiment is involved then I guess it really doesn’t matter.

[yoda776]

I appreciate the feedback and view points and as with all things scope related there are differing view points for what is best. What is best can be defined for an individual based on circumstance, experience, certainly partly an experience leading towards sentiment, knowledge amongst other factors. Yes I would appreciate keeping to the topic as I have been spending a bit of time on this to determine some answers specific to Mewlons.

There are a few factors guiding my decision on this and would also mean it replaces several of my scopes (part of the deal with the boss).

I will digress and say I do agree dobs (good ones) punch above their weight and no matter what people say the Orion XX16g scope has been good as a goto dob and the views I have been happy with (people have been surprised when I have taken it to previous member's nights for the astronomy club). The weight of the components is an issue especially the base board with the motor. In referring to Suchting mirrors I am guessing you are referring to SDM scopes? I can imagine the Orion does not compare but have enjoyed it and looked after it as I do all my scopes.

For me I keep going back to the SCT / Mewlon design and just something I go back to and have given some thought to. The mirrors on the Takahashi gear in Japan when I viewed through the 16" scope were amazing (mind you the observatory 1.04m scope was nice ... so would be the price tag!). We saved for a very long time so enjoyed the only trip overseas we have had and likely to in the foreseeable future. I have good optics in my eyepieces and diagonals so do appreciate good optics in the whole system and certainly understand differing view points. I have found with refractors, SCTs and Dobs there are pros and cons for all (and by no means claiming to be a genius on it all, nor am I devoid of experience or knowledge).

Getting back to the Mewlon I am interested in Mewlon 210 users and experiences. What works and what does not and what accessories are best. The M250 just costs too much and I cannot justify that to the boss anyway, even after considering its weight where you also add tube rings and plates as well which comes back to the weight issue. Be great to view through them to make decisions easier but given today's environment and lack of star party's due to the same issue I would need to rely on experience from others. I am aware of cool down issues mind you I have that with the Intes scope and others. The primary mirror focusing and image shift give some concern but can be negated in some way.

I would be looking at:
* Mewlon 210
* A mount (looked at Takahashi EM200 Temma-2M and 2z, although I have an AZEQ6 which is likely to work also)
* An external focuser to help negate image shift and likely a Moonlite given forums answers and research - a Feather Touch again is pricey. The R&P focuser on the Mewlon you still need to add the 2 speed focusing knob as an extra cost and not sure this is actually better than the Moonlite / Feather Touch (current commentary I can find suggests this is the case, although may sacrifice more back focus - any comments helpful on this).
* A focal reducer / flattener which a forum answer on this topic has provided me the answer so will look towards this
* Changing the finder scope with one with illumination (I like a dimly lit finder to get the precise alignment)
* While a Tak TOE eyepiece would be nice I am not sure I would spring the $400+ for one - I have Zeiss, Leica, Nikon NAV HW, Docter 12.5, Meade 3000 series, Circle Vs, University Optics, Brandon, Televue Plossls, Naglers and Ethos etc to draw from (probably too many and may have to reconcile that too). Would wait to see what they yield before deciding on anything there.
* I have a Baader BBHS 2" diagonal I could use so would not get the Takahashi diagonal - I am not convinced it would be better without comparison unless there was a convincing factual argument to suggest otherwise.
* Are there other accessories / parts that are really crucial to the enjoyment of using this scope?

Regarding the mount and looking at the Takahashi Em200 Temma-2M / 2z mount
* I was a bit concerned about the polar scope time limit mentioned in this thread and how to get around it given the goto relies on this and not a 1 or 2 star alignment like other mounts do?
* Concerned about getting a polar alignment in a site that is not a dark sky site (best SQM rating is a little over 20 at 20.12) - it does not rely on one star, two star or three star alignment like other mounts and does appear more manual. Learning curve perhaps?
* Query about guiding with a mount like this (although understand SkyFi and Sky Safari on an iPad would work) - not sure if I need SkyFi on a Temma-2z if it has Wifi - finding it difficult to confirm this?
* Auto guiding when there is not really facility to place a guiding scope with the Mewlon - guessing either tube rings or a bar mount of some sort to mount side by side?

Any answers to these queries would be most helpful.

[astro744]

Neither is an SDM telescope although I came close to owning one of Peter’s beautiful creations many years ago. My friends 16” f5 is all welded aluminium construction with Suchting primary mirror. Not sure what secondary but the views were so exquisite as is. Mine is a simple solid tube on a simple wooden Dob mount of early design. On an EQ platform I get tracking. The primary was a Coulter (thin Pyrex) blank that I ground and was never entirely happy with and I used it that way for many years. I then got Mark Suchting to refigure it for me and it have never looked back and it was the best money ever spent on my telescope. I picked up a 2.14” secondary the day I picked up my primary mirror from the aluminising guy (Isaac at Chi Qin Co; very nice gentleman) on his recommendation and have been very pleased. I may buy an Antares secondary one day but only to see if it makes any difference but I am not desperate to do so as I too am getting exquisite views as is. I also have an Astro-Ootical 1.83” secondary but prefer the greater fully illuminated field of the 2.14”.

I only reply here in answer to your question about SDM. I also have perhaps too many other telescopes but each serves its purpose. The telescope of choice for the recent Jupiter/Saturn conjunction was my Tele Vue 60 with 7mm Type 6 Nagler for the best framing.

I hope to get the advice you seek on your desired Mewlon 210 telescope and that it brings you much joy should you aquire one.

[Wilso]

Hi Matt,
Looks like there’s a EM200 Temma 3 on its way early next year.
It does come with the WIFI and USB as well. Here’s a link!

http://www.takahashijapan.com/ct-news/news_topics/news_12viii20_em200t3r1.html

[yoda776]

No worries and thanks - I used an ED80 for the recent Jupiter / Saturn conjunction event. Glad there were a few days as we had cloud most of the time ... again!

[yoda776]

That is a good find - thank you Wilso :thumbsup: I will look into that one for sure. Noted the google translate service is a bit dogdey but OPTCorp (link if it helps - https://optcorp.com/products/takahashi-em-200-temma-3-5kg-counterweights) have a web page for it with similar text to what I can translate. Hopefully available early in the new year although it was already delayed from August 2020.

[AstroApprentice]

FTF & Moonlite seem to be the most popular focusers for u-210s, but you may also want to consider the Esatto - it’s also very expensive, but is an all in one motorised design with wifi. There’s a good guide to how to fit it on to the u-210 here:
https://www.siderealtrading.com.au/focusers/first-primalucelab-esatto-2-microfocuser-sold-in-australia/

[yoda776]

Thank you for the link AstroApprentice. It seems if I wish an external focuser the original R&P Tak focuser takes up quite a bit of back focus, moonlite next, and feathertouch. The electric focuser you refer to seems to be operated by computer (possibly wireless by tablet). Good to know about it as an option.

The way the FeatherTouch is shaping up it is comparable cost. Would like to reduce the impact on back focus and can see the ESATTO at least takes 67mm (15mm travel) - the feathertouch I think does 70-71mm (0.8 inch approx 20mm travel) according to the long 22 page thread link given earlier. Apparently the moonlite is a bit longer by 5mm.

I also saw on this thread (Page 17 of 22 post 403) a shorter visual back by a company called TNR (which I think is Texas Nautical Repair) which no longer exists, but may also be helpful (although I assume this is only so you can use the primary focuser). I think they are known by Land, Sea and Sky now but cannot find the adapter. Love to know where to find that and if it works with the third party, external focuser units.

[yoda776]

Just an update for those that contributed and thank you for the opinions and advice to assist - much appreciated.

I am getting a Mewlon 210. A fellow IIS member helped with some parts I was after already so a good start. Scope is on order so I am looking forward to this - if it produces visual images better than the Intes MK67 and the Meade LX200 8 inch ACF then I will be very happy. :D

Mount wise .. well AZEQ6 will have to do for now, although I watch with interest the EM200 Temma 3 mount due out very soon (has had a delay). I had an option for an EM200 Temma-2M but after researching this if it were a good price then no worries but the option I had available was far too expensive given the new mounts are coming out. In some respects new is good, sometimes second hand is good for the price reduction. Built in wifi means no need for SkyFi3 but will go for a Sky Safari given the amount of recommendations it is a little hard to ignore. Have an iPad so all good.

Trying to source some camera adapters Wide T Mounts and a few adapters to match the Tak diagrams, bearing in mind the difference between the focuser I have and the Tak R&P one.

Time now to honour the deal with the boss about space and start thinking of what has to go :(

[AstroApprentice]

Hi Matt,
Congrats on ordering a u-210. Your eq6 will handle it fine for visual and planetary imaging and may be all you need. I had mine on a belt-modded eq5 for a while with no problems, especially in combination with a motorised focuser. I did find collimating on a star more challenging when mounted on a less robust mount, but you won’t have to do it often.

[multiweb]

I use a G11. The problem is not the weight but the FL at 2600mm. It's challenging for any mount.

[yoda776]

Thanks i will keep that in mind with the mount. G11 has been mentioned a few times as an option.

[yoda776]

Thank you, it is exciting to be getting the scope. Mountwise have to see what the AZEQ6 mount does in the meantime. I will look out for something else over time otherwise and see what happens. It may not be perfect but it should do the job. It seems a Temma3 or G11 mount are the two options in the running.

[yoda776]

An update ... The Mewlon 210 arrived the other day and so did the customary clouds :rolleyes: I now have the Scope and the Rowan AZ100 mount. When I get a chance to set them up I will take a photo. Glad that it has finally arrived. The TSA120 has also arrived even when it was supposed to be not until Christmas ... no complaining from me and works out fine for some viewing. :D

While I have moved some gear on I think more has to go unfortunately. Some hard decisions and wishing to see if both these scopes and accessories fill the holes the other scopes will leave.

Sometimes I wonder why is it we always say to ourselves we are going to downsize and then we end up with more scopes! :lol: Need to learn to let them go.

[AnakChan]

Nice growing your Tak collection :D. Congratulations!

[AstroApprentice]

Congrats Matt, did you decide on a motorised focuser for your u-210?
If not, the new prodigy from Pegasus might be another option to consider
https://pegasusastro.com/products/prodigy-microfocuser/
Btw, I had my u-250 out over the weekend and had the most incredible views...

[DJT]

Couldn’t resist..and congrats on the new toys

[yoda776]

Thank you AnakChan .. I convince myself at the moment the Tak Collection is at max going to be 4 scopes to replace what I have but have to do more testing to see what works.



Motorised focuser I have not given this much thought. The Mewlon 210 I have a Moonlite focuser for and that is the extent of it. I do not mind the idea of electric focuser but been grabbing a few Tak bits and pieces and they can be expensive. Thank you for the link I will check it out. I did have an Optec TCF-Si focuser but I was just not using it. When I had to test for sale I was tempted to keep it after seeing it in operation but needed the funds. I have a moonlite with a Robofocus and that seems to work reasonably well (not for the Taks though).



:lol: Yes I think most of our conversations go like that. It seems though the house is speaking via leaky gutters and a few other things that are needing attention so might be somewhat restricted in fixing things. Happy with what I have at the moment Mewlon 210, TSA120 on the way and an FS60Q. Was thinking FSQ85EDX to round things off but not sure I can stretch myself that far.

[yoda776]

On the FSQ85-EDX ,,, I was checking out doing some research and found at Kyoei Osaka https://www.kyoei-osaka.jp/SHOP/takahashi-fsq85edp.html this model of an FSQ85 and not sure if it is a new version or missing / adding on any new features? Is it a new model?

I know we have the FSQ85-EDX (presumably current model) and wondered about needing the 1.01x flattener or not for it and what accessories are needed for visual? I was also considering a little astrophotography with a DSLR and maybe a imager with my ASI 174MM.

[yoda776]

BTW the TSA120 has been sent on its way. Apologies for any wet weather and clouds ...;) I was not expecting this one until Christmas given the ETA I was given two months ago.

[yoda776]

Hi Jason that is great to hear about the viewing. Friday night was the best for me as we had high level wispy clouds on Saturday night - still could view but the seeing was not as good. I did consider the Mewlon 250 but it is too heavy for me. I have heard great reviews about the u-250 though ... if only the shoulders and back could cope with the weight (and the bank balance!).

Looking for first light with the Mewlon 210 when weather clears ...:rolleyes:

[gregbradley]

Congrats on your new scopes. They sound sensational and I am sure they will give many hours of enjoyment with your fine eyepieces.

Greg.

[yoda776]

Thank you Greg. I am looking forward to using them and been a long time coming. Any thoughts on what you use for eyepieces in these scopes?

[Wilso]

Hi Matt,
Reading through the Fsq-85edp Japan website you linked to they quoted

“ With the release of the FSQ-85EDP, the conventional FSQ-85ED with 50.8 adapter specifications will be discontinued.”

So no 2” adapters come with the scope for visual I think, hence the P for photo.
In any case I use mine with Baader Clicklock visual back and diagonal anyway.
You’ll have to remove the CAA ring for this 2” set up to come to focus though.

Enjoy :thumbsup:

[Wilso]

If you go through their system chart it specifies what adapters come with the scope as well.

[AnakChan]

At least in Japan, the FSQ85ED now comes as the EDP only. The Flattener 1.01x comes with it as default, although they do sell the 1.01x separately still.

I'm glad I got my pre-EDP and bought the 1.01x separately as I still have the 50.8 accessories included.

You can use something like this configuration with the Nagler which gives crazy wide views.

[yoda776]

I have been trying to go through this and can see a few adapters if I look at the person in Hong Kong he shows the parts that come with it and seems the CAA unit comes with it and looking at Claude's pictures and others from japan it seems this has a dual speed focuser as well?

I guess I wondered if I needed the 1.01x flattener or not and adapter.

[yoda776]

I know Claude from AEC sells the FSQ85-EDX so I am not entirely sure of the the field flattener status - presume it does not come with one and need to get one? Also it comes with a dual speed focuser by default? I know they do not come with finder scope or bracket. I have seen your posts on CloudyNights I think with the flattener and adapter.

Nice setup you have there AnakChan - I have a 31mm T5 Nagler as well so that is good to know it fits. I like crazy wide views especially if looking at ETA Carinae. I also have a T2 and T5 Nagler 20mm EPs, 2.5, 5, 9, 13mm and 26mm Naglers which I am sure should do well too. I have a Pentax HR 2.0 eyepiece I bought when I was in Japan in 2019 and it is a nice EP especially on the moon - the detail is amazing. I do have a Televue 40mm widefield I am not sure how that would go. i often wondered how goo the Pentax EPs are with Taks - I presume they do quite well.

[yoda776]

The 'P' part makes some logical sense to me. I know Claude sells the EDX version so hoping that has the 2" adapter. What part number is the Baader Clicklock visual back adapter?

[Wilso]

Baader visual back , you should also be able to use it on the Tsa-120 if it has the m72 thread. Add a little bit of graphite powder to the thread so not to cause any grief when undoing.
Baader #2956272 part no. with Clicklock

[UniPol]

It seems that Tak are now supplying an FSQ-106EDP as well as the FSQ-85EDP. Both models are basically unchanged optically since their inception, Tak just re-design the visual backs with new or existing adaptors. The following links pertain to the current Tak FSQ offerings :
https://www.takahashijapan.com/ct-news/news_topics/news_21iv21_info_fsq106edp-mc.html and https://www.takahashijapan.com/ct-news/news_topics/news_171013_fsq-85edp.html

I've attached some pics of my FSQ-85, if you purchase the current FSQ-85EDP it is easily converted to accept 2" eyepieces with the addition of the Tak 2" screw in adaptor.

[yoda776]

Thanks Wilso for the advice and would be great if the the Baader visual back actually worked for both scopes. Only wish Tak parts were cross compatible ... they seem to know how to sell their gear for maximum sales!

[yoda776]

Nice pics there UniPol of your FSQ85 ... I have asked Claude from AEC if the EDP is available for Australia as he still advertises the EDX version and a couple of queries. He is checking with Tak Japan. I did not the article was from 2017. I am not sure I am that fussed as long as I know whether I need the flattener or not and what I should have visually (and perhaps for imaging).

I read on Cloudynights somewhere that the different regions may have had different models. All I know is hardly anyone wishes to give in and sell their FSQ85! Sort of speaks for itself.

What adapters do you typically receive with the FSQ85?

[yoda776]

BTW the TSA120 arrived today ...the cloud decided to pay a visit and almost felt like not bothering with the eclipse but managed to shoot off a few photos. Seems to hold true ... get a scope arrive and the weather determines it needs to extract payment in the form of cloudy nights! :rolleyes:

Photos of scopes to come.

[astro-smart]

I have a TAK FSQ 106ED running at F8 with 1.6X multiplier.. I like this setup pretty well for about 900mm targets...

[yoda776]

Hi Dale, Nice scope and once considered this option, but unfortunately for me a little pricey and having the TSA120 and perhaps the FSQ85-EDX seems more logical for my pathway.

[yoda776]

I finally opened up the boxes ... like a new car smell, but smells like telescope packing :lol: Sat there admiring the 'art work' and decided a current family photo was in order.

Notably one of the kids is missing ... (FSQ85-EDX although working towards ordering) ;) Sounds like more items will be on sale in the future!:P

The FS60Q has been taken for a spin and interesting to note when the telescope optics are better how you can arrive at a different opinion about your eyepieces and why the hype around more expensive and / or top of the line eyepieces (i.e. keep the glass in the system at the highest quality and you observe something special). Still comes down to seeing of the night (or day if terrestrial), what your setup is and how good your eyesight is. Hoping to get my eyes to take in some good photons viewing through the family set.

Tak Mewlon - Deep sky and planets
TSA120 - at the moment flat out viewing, but considering imaging as a possible option
FS60Q - great views of the moon, terrestrial, could go widefield

The FSQ85-EDX would probably round things out with more of a widefield balance.

Oddly enough the Meade ED80 5000 series is like a comfortable old shoe and I just use it.

Trying now to reconcile which scopes will stay as I am back to too many again. Any recommendations based on the scopes in my signature are welcome.

Enjoy the family photos.

[yoda776]

Feedback on the EDP is it is the Japanese only version, so the EDX is it. Guessing if you went to a store like Kyoei Osaka online you might be able to grab an EDP version that way, if that option takes your fancy. Gone with the EDX version.

Noted with the TSA120 having unboxed it that the screws for the finder are ridiculously short, so might need a trip to the hardware store for some compatible cap head screws. That was a bit of poor form considering the cost of the scope. The screws to hold the dew shield are excellent. Focuser will need a bit of movement to get it into the rhythm. Thanks to a fellow astronomer I have a 7 x 50 Tak finder for the TSA120 scope.

The dovetail on the Mewlon really makes you feel the scope is 'plug and play' more so than the TSA120 while is straight OTA and no finder. Now to find those notes on installing the Moonlite focuser!

[UniPol]

Matt, the cap screws supplied are short for good reason as the tapped holes for the finder bracket in the focuser body go all the way through to the focuser tube. Generally speaking the depth of a fastener should be at least two times its nominal diameter however the finderscope is very light and is not subject to any great forces. I've seen quite a few damaged focuser tubes over the years because people use screws that are too long.

[yoda776]

Point taken UniPol. The issue is the screws do not even go through the findwr to connect with the scope at all. That for me is bad. Inunderstand not making them long, but the screws i received are unusable to attacha finder. Considering the price of a screw or two they could have had something long enough to accommodate a finder bracket a d not foul the focuser tube.

Appreciate the thought and will keep in mind as i do not wish to damage the new scopes.

[UniPol]

I meant to ask Matt, are the screws you are talking about Phillips head perchance? Tak usually fit them with their scopes to plug up the finder mounting holes and if you buy a new finder it comes with 2 x cap screws and 2 x washers in a sealed plastic bag.

[GUS.K]

I had the same screws for the finder on my new FC100, I replaced with SS M5 12mm long Allen head bolts from Bunnings.

[yoda776]

Yep just grabbed the same myself the M5 cap head bolts you can tighten with an allen key.



Well there is an "ah ha" moment for me. That would be the reason. They just provided philips head versions to plug thw holes. Guess that makes sense. Thanks UniPol. Not used to buying a new Takahashi ;) the tak finders a re bit pricey so have been lucky to get a couple of secondhand ones 6x30 and a 7 x 50. Had some M5s with the 6 x30 when i purchased the FS60q secondhand.

Mystery solved! :lol: