OUCH!

[pedro]

This is what happens when you drop a SM60 (concrete floor of my dome observatory).

It happened today and I'm the only one to blame...

I will be using the LUNT60 from now on...

[DJD]

I guess the only bright side is that it was not the SM90.
Best wishes,
David

[pedro]

You're right David. I will miss using this SM60. It produced excellent images

[gabrieli]

Hi, Pedro

My sincere condolences.

I once ran an entire imaging session with my LS152 with the base of the mount carrying the scope completely unsecured to the tripod (CGEM DX). It was resting on the platform and apparently really well balanced.

On another occasion, I failed to balance the LS152 with the counterweight and didn't lock the RA axis and as I was busy setting up my laptop, I felt something pressing slowly harder and harder against my shoulder. It was my scope reminding me that it needed attention.

We all do things that sometimes are due to a break in routine or simply by accident.

Lou

[pedro]

Thanks Lou

I also dropped to the concrete floor (1 year ago) my FLT132 together with a PGR Grasshopper 3 and a 2" Baader Solar Wedge. It was not properly attached to the mount. It only scratched the tube...

I agree that sometimes we do not pay attention and accidents happen...

best regards

[marktownley]

Oh no!

[pedro]

It will make a nice paper weight now...

If anyone has a SM60 for sale please let me know

[xn44]

Sorry, Pedro!

[Albuqshutterbug]

Oh Pedro,
I can imagine how your stomach must have churned when this happened.
My condolences on your lost.
Ouch just doesn't quite cover it.
Jim

[PDB]

Sorry to hear Pedro. Will be a fairly expensive paper weight.

Paul

[yltansg]

Sorry to hear about the drop.

Alfred

[eroel]

Pedro:
Sorry about the drop, one feels terrible when realizing that one is the one to blame.
A tip, I covered my 2 observatories with rubber mats, the ones that have holes and connections so to get all the place covered, this works beautifully, the eyepieces just bounce without denting, once even my STL11000M fell to the floor, when some workers opened the roof without checking that the 12" RC was not parked, so the roof snapped the camera from the scope and fell to the floor, nothing happened to the camera or to the big 8 filterwheel.
Un fuerte abrazo,
Eric.

[pedro]

Thanks guys and thanks Eric for the tip. I will have to be more careful next time.

The SM60 fell from the scope, I was changing the LUNT 152 focuser...

[Albuqshutterbug]

Pedro, I was asking the user about this etalon.
I will back out if you are interested.
Just let me know.

http://www.cloudynights.com/classifieds ... ga-filter/

I had offered him $600 for just the etalon and he will take that if that helps you.
Let me know so I can let him know.
Jim

[pedro]

Thanks Jim

I prefer a pre Mead etalon but I guess this will be hard to find

[Albuqshutterbug]

No problem, I ran across this and thought I would let you know.
Clear Skies.

[pedro]

Thanks again Jim

Sending the etalon across the Atlantic can also be a problem (handing and customs). I'm located in Portugal

[Derek Klepp]

I felt that the other day my Ziess lens leapt off the bench luckily I got a foot to it and the aluminium cover took the fall a nice dent but no broken glass.Best of luck finding a replacement.

[pedro]

Thanks Derek

I'm already searching for a pre Meade SM60.

best regards

[nickatnight]

There's an SM60 on Cloudy Nights classified. Great price with BF5.

And so sorry about your mishap.

[MapleRidge]

Hi Pedro...

Sorry to see the condition of the filter...

Hopefully you can source another one that performs as well, and not cost too much!!!

Brian

[DSO Dave]

Sorry for your loss . Hope you can replace .

[Carbon60]

Ouch indeed, although I imagine rather more colourful Portuguese expletives were used during the bounce.

Hope you find a replacement (at a good price) soon, Pedro.

Stu.

[mattwastell]

Hi Pedro - there is collective pain on your behalf. I think we all know that awful feeling - hope you find a replacement in the near future.

[pedro]

Thanks again guys for your kind words

I am searching for a SM60. I would prefer an European deal...

[fjabet]

Ouch, sorry Pedro. Which part is broken ?

[pedro]

Hi Frederic

The front glass is broken. I guess it is beyond repair

[Valery]

I so sorry for this, Pedro! I have fall down my LS35 and PST etalon too. Thanks God they survived.

BTW. May I get this broken etalon for some further experiments?

Valery

[Valery]

Thanks Jim

I prefer a pre Mead etalon but I guess this will be hard to find

I am always wondering what the REAL difference between the pre-Meade and Meade etalons.
Can you, guys enlight me in this question?

Thanks


Valery

[fjabet]

The front glass is juste an ERF Pedro, the etalon is behind and maybe intact

[pedro]

Thanks Valery

I can send you the etalon but it is broken. The ERF is intact. It is the front element of the etalon that is broken.

Send me an address and I will mail you the SM60

best regards

[pedro]

BTW I tried several Coronado SM60 & SM90 and the pre Meade models always produce better images