I got my $ back on the RCX, so now what do I buy?

I sent back my 10"RCX due to too many problems. So with my limited $$, what do I buy? I'm thinking G-11 or CGE and a TaK 102??? I don't want to deal with forks anymore and I primarily want to image with my 20D. What do you recommend, Roland? The refund is burning a hole in my pocket.

Can you describe the many problems you've been experiencing with the RCX?
This will be of interest to a lot of us.
thanks,
Francois

What about replacing the Tak idea with a 4.5" (faster) triplet, either TMB or SV ?

Hello Luke, I got done with Meade about 10 years ago

With your 20D, I would recommend, in addition to all the excellent recommendations already given, a Takahashi Sky 90 with the reducer OR a Takahashi FSQ. Very nice, and great with the 20D.

With the FS-102 you'll need a reducer/flattener so that is at least $500.

Good luck!
Ivan

Luke Leege said:

I sent back my 10"RCX due to too many problems. So with my limited $$, what do I buy? I'm thinking G-11 or CGE and a TaK 102??? I don't want to deal with forks anymore and I primarily want to image with my 20D. What do you recommend, Roland? The refund is burning a hole in my pocket.

One thing to consider is some scopes will need a flatener, and others can get by without one.

When I bought my TMB 115, I checked with Thomas Back, and the information I got from him boiled down to I probably don't need a flatener for use with a D70. Your camera has the same size chip.

I don't have the specifics handy, but it worked out where the very tips of the corners wouldn't be very good, a few percent would be "good", and about 90% of the frame would be excellent.

If you decide to go with a TMB objective, you could call him to get the specifics for the scope you're interested in.

Money that doesn't need to go into a flatener could go into a slightly larger objective.

My guess is if you're friendly and patient, almost any of the better scope makers would be able to get you similar information.

I use my scope on a GM8 with a G11 tripod. It's fine for photographic use, but you do need to guide for long exposures.
On the other hand, I am likely to upgrade to the new small AP mount when it becomes available, as the AP mounts are a step or two above in build quality, and seem to track better.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

You're thinking along the line of the Tak FS102 much wisely, Luke ;-). I'd also look into the FSQ106 and the Tele Vue NP-101 too if I were you.

However, you may wish to think about getting as large aperture as you can. So the Tak TOA130 or the Tele Vue NP-127 may be a choice though you may have to up the ante on your budget ;-).

Best wishes to your quest.

Ron B[ee]

Luke Leege said:

I sent back my 10"RCX due to too many problems. So with my limited $$, what do I buy? I'm thinking G-11 or CGE and a TaK 102??? I don't want to deal with forks anymore and I primarily want to image with my 20D. What do you recommend, Roland? The refund is burning a hole in my pocket.

Luke

A lot of good suggestions so far. I particularly liked Roland's explanation on the significance of the FWHM of a star image.

You may have already done this, but I would recommend doing a search of the AstroMart Forums for "20D" and comparable cameras, then view the images presented and notice the mount, OTA, focal reducers, and filters used. This will give you an idea of what to expect with various setups.

I would recommend allowing some cash for MaximDL/CCD or comparable quality software for image acquisition, auto guiding, and processing.

On a budget, it's easier if you start with a quality mount even if it means getting a smaller OTA (3" or 4" APO). The G-11 and FS-102 doesn't sound like a bad setup.

Let us know what you decide.
Thanks
Steven Jindra

Ok. I finally made up my mind. I am still a CAT freek so I had to get another. I opted for a CGE-9.25 with XLT coatings. That will keep the aperature fever low for a while. Of course it was much cheaper than the RCX so I had a few bucks left over. So, I bought a decent quality refractor. A WO FLT-110. And the nice thing is an EQ mount that will handle either one, or both! 8)