[Chaos-l] ES Comet Hunter Repair Experience

[Robert Nielsen]

Mark,

They make a similar nose piece with t-threads at the end for attaching cameras as well ...

Robert

On Dec 2, 2012, at 1:49 PM, Mark Montazer <mark at montazer.org> wrote:

> Do the central hex screws, within the larger out thumbscrews, tighten properly (e.g., locking the outer thumbscrew)? When I would go to tighten the hex screws they would grab the thumbscrew and spin them, thus ruining what collimation I did have and never holding well when travelling. Everything locks up tightly now, but I haven't taken it on a road trip yet to determine how well it holds.
> 
> The focuser on mine travels well. The locking screw, when tightened, forces the knobs to spin and not modify focus. The tension screw does 'slow down' the action of the focuser. I'd definitely email ES support about the focuser issue. Though I gripe about the time it took to convince ES that my issue was valid, they resolved it quickly and thoroughly once I did (phone calls, emails, instructions, free parts.)
> 
> I too am annoyed that, when switching back and forth from camera to visual, that I have to unscrew/screw-on the extension tube (not always easy in the dark.) This difference in focal lengths can't be avoided, but there's an adapter that will make life easier for us which comes in at about $25-50. It's has a 2" nosepiece on one end, 1.5-3.5" of tube, and a compression ring on the other end. This way we can use only the built-in focuser tube with compression ring.
> 
> Love that fingernail crescent pic.
> 
> Mark
> 
> 
> 
> On Sun, Dec 2, 2012 at 1:28 PM, Tony Garcia <randomcoffee at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I have had no problem with adjusting collimation, all of that has been fine. It does seem to always lose collimation between sessions and I wonder if in my case the screws could be a little tighter.  On the other hand I am now using a high end laser collimator so that could be collimation snobbery on my part!
> 
> The focuser has caused me some issues.  It doesn't adjust in out-travel very well, for a while not at all. But I have discovered the cure was careful adjustment of the various friction screws.  The last time I did this I almost dialed it, it's much better, but in the field I'm finding it's still not quite right.  
> 
> Jayme was suggesting I call it in as a warranty issue and I am still considering that but I think it's just a matter of adjusting the screws so Ill give that another try.  
> 
> I am at times annoyed around having to screw on the tube extender on the focuser for visual or unscrew it for photography(especially in the dark with cold fingers!).  It's a minor annoyance but it makes me wonder if I could eliminate the annoyance and my minor focusing problems by completely replacing the focuser with a higher end model.  
> 
> Overall, I've had a very good experience with the scope, its light and travels easily and I've used it quite a bit.  As you can see I've also had a few "made in china" issues but all of these have not been big issues and I've had some great views through it.  Here is a moon shot I took at medoc recently through the scope.(attached)
> 
> Upon re-reading my email, maybe the theme on my particular scope's assembly was that the screws were "too loose".  I suppose that is better than the too tight experience.  
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Thu, Nov 29, 2012 at 6:38 PM, Mark Montazer <mark at montazer.org> wrote:
> Just wanted to contribute my experience with Explore Scientific to the group as I know at least one of us (Tony G) has an identical scope to mine.
> 
> I purchased a new ES Levy Comet Hunter earlier this year and though it was generally fine, I was having trouble with collimation. My experience with customer support could have been better. It took a really long time to convince them that something was wrong but once I did the process went smoothly and rapidly.
> 
> The symptoms were that the locking screws within the primary adjustment thumbscrews were not functional and adjustments didn't feel natural. After receiving a new set of components from ES, I removed the mirror-cell from the tube and disassembled it.
> 
> The first thing I noticed was that the mirror retaining clips were really tight. ES customer service said the mirror be slightly loose and able to turn a little. The next issue was that the opposing adjustment screws were installed far too tight by the factory. They were actually bound to the adjustment screws and would back out when making adjustments.
> 
> After a quick mirror de-dusting with an air bulb, I reassembled everything according to ES customer support directions. Collimation (with both peephole eyepiece and SCA laser) went very smoothly. It went from way off to the best collimation yet in a matter of a minute or two. Preliminary results look very promising.
> 
> The problem shouldn't have existed in the first place, but at least everything got resolved. Hopefully my experience can be of use to someone else in the future.
> 
> Mark
> 
> 
> 
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