Return of *The Refractor*

It's back...and better than ever... I have only spent a limited amount of time with the old (newish looking) SP-C102 which was returned to me from Astroshrink who did a wonderful job restoring the scope to bring it back to the forefront of the observing experience. Last night I managed to set it up to catch Jupiter rising in the east. It is important to note that the internals of the Refractor have been slightly altered to include flocking (in sections) and spray painted to a deep black. This has resulted in a higher contrast instrument with a better stray light management than in the past. The remounted cell was still in collimation after performing a "Rigel Test" (right, I was really going after the companion! Saw it! :) and the scopes collimation was spot on despite being removed and cleaned during the tube restoration process. M42 was breathtaking, as breathtaking as it can be in a 102mm refractor. However the contrast has been improved as a result of the aforementioned flocking and painting. I hope to do a more in-depth report but the forecast has turned sour for the week...I guess it's my fault. Enjoy some pics from the past, during the restoration (courtesy of Astroshrink) and after the restoration

Original configuration

Restoration (note the sad shape it was in)

Fully restored

Back in action

Vixen/Celestron SP-C102 OTA gets overhauled

After many, many years of wishing, the long wait is over and the old Refractor is getting it's much needed overhaul courtesy of David Dev at Astroshrink. The process will take a couple of weeks to complete but so far so good. You can follow the refurbishment at the Astroshrink website.

SP-C6 is back!

Well that was me in the early 2000's. I must say that I still really miss that Dob, but I am glad the SP-C6 is back up. Problem that I had with it was the sled focuser had failed. Basically the pinion gear was completely misaligned with the rack. But after an adjustment was found on Cloudy Nights (read about that here) I was able to get the focuser to mesh again. Problem though is that the previous owner might have actually started to strip the small screws I need to tighten. Could prove to be troublesome in the future.

Can't find the stock extension tubes though. That's a pain. A Tele Vue 2X Barlow without the lens in it will sub for now...

And just like the Pronto before it, the weather has turned crummy for the next few nights...figures!

M:)