Recommendation - Forums

Topic starter

Oct 5, 2024

Hi guys, I’ve been trying to get my hands on a AG optical 10” IDK used since AG is not producing any more products but they are a rare catch.

Any recommendations on a scope at the same level? I’ve been looking at the GSO/ Ioptron/ Apertura 10” RC but I’m not sure they have the same quality, they are also slower, any suggestions on something else at the same size so I don’t have to upgrade my ioptron 70G. I currently own a 9.25 HD but I’m getting tired of mirror flop and will like to upgrade since I’ll be having it installed on a remote observatory, any suggestions will be appreciated it.

Thanks and clear skies.

Ani Shastry

Oct 5, 2024

A PlaneWave CDK 12.5 should be the closest match, albeit the debacle with the EFA and the Delta T will put it further north in terms of price. Have you considered keeping your EdgeHD 9.25” and getting a Moonlite Litecrawler or an Optec Hercules to focus and just lock the primary mirror?

Javier Figueroa

Topic starter

Oct 5, 2024

Hi Shastry, thank you for spending the time, I have considered that option, the only problem is that I have no space for it between the rotator, AO unit, off axis, filterwheel and camera I’m tight, only have like 12mm left for adapters. The CDK 12.5 is a beauty but like you said it will get pricey, I will also have to invest on a new mount which I’m trying to avoid, no many options out there I guess.

Ani Shastry

Oct 5, 2024

The moonlite litecrawler and/or optec hercules have the rotator functionality built in, so you don’t need an additional rotator.

The hercules for example occupies 50.5mm of backfocus, leaving a reasonable 95.55mm of spacing. What is the backfocus consumption between your AO unit, OAG, EFW and camera?

Ani

Helpful

psparkman

Oct 5, 2024

You might check out CFF Telescopes. I noticed they are making a 250mm RC with a corrector. It uses GSO mirrors, but their mechanics which look pretty nice.

CS

Patrick

Javier Figueroa

Topic starter

Oct 5, 2024

Hi Ani,

I attached a picture with measurements, if I end up using the Hercules I’m going to have to sacrifice something else.

Bill McLaughlin

Oct 5, 2024

You could gain a bit by going to an Indigo guider. They are a few mm thinner. You might gain a bit as well by having a shorter Focuser to AO adapter made.

Javier Figueroa

Topic starter

Oct 5, 2024

Thank you Patrick, I will definitely take a look at them, I appreciate the response.

CS

Javier

Well Written Respectful

Javier Figueroa

Topic starter

Oct 5, 2024

Hi Bill,

thanks for the response, yeah the indigo can definitely save me some space, in reference to the AO unit, I had an adapter made as short as possible, honestly don’t think I can get it shorter, I will work out some numbers with the indigo to see If I can make it happen,

thank you

CS

Daniel Carter

IOTD Staff

Oct 6, 2024

If you can get one and have enough mount, the 12.5" AGOptical iDK is much easier to collimate.

Javier Figueroa

Topic starter

Oct 6, 2024

Hi Daniel,

I’m trying to avoid spending more money on mount, but yeah that would be Ideal, so you think the AG 10 is difficult to collimate?

CS

Daniel Carter

IOTD Staff

Oct 6, 2024

Javier Figueroa:
Hi Daniel,

I’m trying to avoid spending more money on mount, but yeah that would be Ideal, so you think the AG 10 is difficult to collimate?

CS

The owner Dave Tandy told me that the 10" was harder to collimate than the larger scopes and I've read the same online. I think you have to remove the baffle tube completely in order to collimate on the 10". The larger scopes can leave the baffle installed if i recall. I don't remember having to remove the baffle on my 12.5".

Helpful

Javier Figueroa

Topic starter

Dec 2, 2024

I was able to get my hands on a AG IDK 10” and it’s a piece of art, I’m almost done setting it up to be dropped off at a remote observatory, so far I’m very impressed with the build quality and looking forward to first light. Thank you for all the recommendations
CS.