Importance in quality for mod scope (PST)

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HomerPepsi
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Importance in quality for mod scope (PST)

Post by HomerPepsi »

Hi all, been lurking for some time now, but I am ready to take my PST to the next level for AP. So far I just use a MS lifecam studio to take decent pictures with the stock PST. It works ok, I chose lifecam because it fits inside the eyepiece tube and allows for focus.

Now I want to mod my PST. Before I start, I need to clarify some terminology (I've scoured the mod boards, but when use these terms everyone already knows what they are talking about).

1) What is PST stage one mod? I gathered it is removing the body of the PST from the tube and mounting it onto another scope.

2) What is PST stage two mod? I gather it is removing the etalon and attaching it to another filter or something.

Ok, now on to my point. I've got my eye on a Lunt 100mm ERF and I am looking at buying one of two refractors. They are the celestron gt102 or the celestron omni xlt 102. They are both used, and cheap which is what works for me. Aperture and FL is the same (102mm / 1000mm F9.8). The XLT has of better quality optics. My question is how much does that matter (optics wise)?

I would replace the focuser with a low profile focuser as it appears to be a necessary step to shorten the focus travel on those two scopes.

Thanks for your insight!


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swisswalter
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Re: Importance in quality for mod scope (PST)

Post by swisswalter »

Hi HomerPepsi

welcome to that wonderful site. Have fun in the sun.

Yes you defined the mod stages as I interpret them. A decent to good focuser is most valuabel. Sometimes more than 0,1 more strehl


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Re: Importance in quality for mod scope (PST)

Post by Merlin66 »

Drop me an email address for a copy of the PST Mod write-up.
This explains all you need to know.
Either of the scopes you mention would work as a donor.


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Re: Importance in quality for mod scope (PST)

Post by marktownley »

I would always go for the best quality scope you can afford. Yes, working in monochromatic light means chromatic aberration is not an issue, however spherical aberration and strehl ratio all certainly impact on final image quality. Like Walter says a quality focuser is a must.


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Re: Importance in quality for mod scope (PST)

Post by HomerPepsi »

Ok, thanks for the information! :)


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Re: Importance in quality for mod scope (PST)

Post by dgcclubmaker »

Check out my experience with exactly what you are inquiring about...
http://solarchat.natca.net/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=9698

Regards,
Ricky


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