Edmund Astroscan buyers/collectors guide
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- čas přidán 11. 09. 2024
- This video is for buyers or collectors of the Edmunds Astroscan. It’s simply a comparison for reference between the first released model and newer releases. I hope it serves as useful to those looking to buy one or for the collector aiming to replace missing parts. As stated in the video I have a sentimental appreciation for this scope. I also know there’s folks who want them and folks who collect them. It’s for that reason I published this unconventional video. I also mentioned a great review. That’s Ed Tings review and I’ll leave the link below. Ed has been at telescope reviews for years. I greatly respect his opinions on optics and it’s for that reason I direct my viewers to him. His video is here:
• THE scope from my chil...
I bought one new when they first came out in '76, had it for 35 years, or so. Came with the 28mm RKE eyepiece, but without the red grip-ring that shortly became the standard dress for the RKE line. It had a knurled or grooved grip machined in the metal. Another advantage of the early base is that it had a 1/4-20 threaded hole on the bottom, but angled off center. Thus, the base could be supported on a photographic tripod, but the ball could still swivel. This let you stand-up and walk around to view the sky. More easily aimed too. Of course, it required a stable tripod to be useful. I concur with all your other noted points on the dust cover, hardware, strap & etc. My only two complaints would be the inability to clean the inside of the scope, and the poor traction of the focusing knob on the tube, especially as it got older, it became insurmountable. Perhaps that's why Edmund went with the black finish, might be better for traction (wild guess here).
Anyway, enjoyed your video a lot, thanks for posting it.
That’s awesome. That was before I was born in 78. It’s such a fun design and I feel like something similar can be successful again. Kids love it. It seems very practical for them to hold it in their lap. I guess eventually these things and even the memories of them will be forgotten. I recently donated one to my library. They were really excited to get it because the district didn’t have one. Thanks for the additional information. Clear skies.
Thanks, this helped me identify my Astroscan as an early model.
Awesome. What kind of shape is it in?
After replacing the primary mirror foam it's pretty good. A previous owner overcleaned and took some metal off the center of the primary, but the rest is still ok and produces good images. I have the original ES 1-1/4" focal length eyepiece. They were packing these with their scopes as early as the 60s, I have an old ES 6" reflector that came with the same eyepiece. Cheers
This is such a unique looking scope. Great video!
Thank you. It’s really a pleasure to use.
Hi, nice informative video! What computer eyepiece did you use on the Astroscan?
ZWO 120MC-S
Nice video Garnett! This small telescope has an interesting design, seems cool to me also :)
Very cool hearing how your dads Astroscan helped shape your interest, then seeing you attempt to pass on that same experience to your daughter :) I think you're going to need to break out your excellent art skills though Garnett, and dinosaur that newer Astroscan up a bit....spash of green paint perhaps? or would that be sacrilege?
It’s Chinese so that’s a fantastic idea. Dinosaur green with scales and feathers... lol I keep up with all science. I think I’ll do that. Maybe we’ll paint it together. I saw a video of a guy doing star parties with a dob he let viewers sign. After x amount of signatures he donated it. I’d like to be a part of that. Ed Ting donates Orion dobs to libraries. I may do that in my area. Who couldn’t love something like the Astroscan tho? It’s simplicity is profound. You may see a Dinoscan soon. Thank you.
@@GarnettLeary haha Dinoscan, love it!
Fantastic comparison Garnett. Astroscans have never been common in the UK. If I find one in an auction I’ll now know how to spot an original. I don’t have an equivalent from my youth - I bullied my dad into buying a department store Tasco which was not a great performer. The nearest thing for me is a Vixen 80mm refractor from my early 20s - the first of the list I should never have sold, if you know what I mean. Stay safe. Graham
Thanks. It’s beginning to become a bit of a hard to find relic. The concept is too original and creative for me to count it out as not collectible. As most of my videos I knew it’s not a popular topic lol. I had a hard time determining how to buy parts to complete my Dads old scope. That’s why I made the video in order to help collectors. I’m a bit old school and prefer Original parts to everything. Watch Ed Tings evaluation of the Astroscan if you get time. I love his story telling. The mans opinion is 100% too. I’ve got two projects I’m very eager about. I absolutely NEED to get this Maksutov tested on the reducer. I’ve got a Baader Solar Continuum filter too. I’m still stuck waiting on my mount from OPT. I’m in practically every post they make talking smack. Lol. I’ve seriously been told 2-3 weeks four times. It’s infuriating. I can’t logically move forward at 1540mm testing without it. September is when I ordered it. I should have got the Skywatcher version. It’s been restocked twice. It’s nice to have you drop in for a comment. I’ve been supporting your channel a long time. I appreciate your honesty and your extensive testing. It’s actually been invaluable for several purchases. I always look forward to your videos. I’m hosting a star party on the 12th. I might film it. My true passion is helping and encouraging people. I’m not very good at the entertainment style ha ha. I don’t want to be either. Clear skies friend.
Garnett Leary Good to hear from you. I appreciate your support to my channel. I’ll check out Ed’s video. ‘Not sure what constitutes collectible - I’m sure I muddle the concept with nostalgia. But if you like a scope and it evokes good feelings then why not? Your mount saga is annoying. In the UK a lot of kit is currently out of stock or the prices have gone up a lot. I’m looking at a small step in ZWO camera next, still to an uncooled model but hopefully worth it for planetary and maybe some deep sky where I’ll revisit a lot of my previous targets. I agree the buzz is helping others avoid my/our mistakes and making good purchases at sensible prices. Good luck with the star party!
Do you know why they didn't paint the entire inside black?
Cost I would imagine. Do you know? As per any telescope I believe it would benefit anti-reflection.
I just bought one with a bunch of sand inside. How do you take the glass off that holds the secondary?
This is an excellent article that should help you. I need to collimate mine also so I may do a video.
garyseronik.com/how-to-collimate-an-astroscan/
@@GarnettLearyThank you!!! I went to the link and it explains how to clean the inside of my telescope!!
@shawnfarris1849 you’re welcome. Much success
Are both of these models USA made versions? I have one that looks the same as your newer model on the left, but it has a "Made in the USA Barrington, NJ". I thought all the non-original models were made in China, but maybe mine falls somewhere in between...
Sometime around 2013 the mold broke. There was an acquisition of the original company prior to that around 2001. I’m going to venture yours was a second string production prior to the mold loss. The two I show are the original and the Chinese manufactured one. It’s likely yours could be more rare than the early release. I don’t know how many circulated prior to the mold being damaged. Edmund Optics is located in Barrington, NJ. That’s really interesting. I’d love to know all the differences.
I am 70 years old now. My very, very first scope was not a Astroscan. It was a japanese 60mm refractor in 1970. Next came a Astroscan in 1982. And it was love at first sight and view. Today, 39 years later I am using my 5th Astroscan. Along all those years I had 4 inch Maksutov Cassegrain from Meade, 2 8 inches Schmidt Cassegrain from Celestron and Meade. I traveled a lot intercontinentaly and often sold those in countries where they did cost so much that I had money to buy a new one back in the US. I had all those scopes but I always had one Astroscan as the most used fun scope. Today I do not want to mess with heavy mounts and narrow views. Some 3 years ago I was lucky to find a Astroscan in Germany in fantastic conditions, original USA made, and from sometimes in early 80s. I no longer use the original black metal aiming device but a very modern powerfull green laser attached to the tube next to the focuser. And this Astroscan is my loyal scope that offers unparalleled bright wide field views and I discovered that planets are more satisfying when viewed very sharp and small with plenty of stars arround. That gives a real space impression and close views of planets I can have from Hubble like images online. The Astroscan will be my final telescope, fun to use an a real window into space. Thank you Mr Norman Sperling, Mr Mike Simmons (creators) and Edmund Scientific (producer) for this wonderful instrument. Astroscan forever!
That’s an awesome legacy. Thank you for sharing your story. I love mine as well.
Thank you for these informative and well done videos; what would a fair price be for an older model in fair condition be? Greetings from Tijuana, México
Thank you. I would expect to pay around $300 USD for a good condition older model. That’s assuming the accessories are included. In most cases the coatings on the mirrors will be deteriorating and likely the foam that holds the mirror will be dry rotted. It’s extremely rare to find one with both the optical coatings intact and the foam in good condition with most accessories. You have to weigh its value to yourself. I’d personally be happy with one in ok shape at $300 USD. If you aim to get it recoated you can expect around $150-$200 for the service with minimal two weeks down time including shipping cost. It’s difficult to collimate it yourself although there are articles online how to do it. I’d say 90% of the originals will be barely optimal. It’s likely cheaper to replace the optics with the newer model scopes. They’re figured identical. If you wish to be truly nostalgic that is. Swapping mirrors is the cheapest route to having a fully restored older model.
Nice Overview !! Probably No way To Put a 1.25 inch Plossol Eyepiece, Does It Have any Eyepiece Holding Screws !! You Probably Need To Hold The Eyepiece While Observing ?! Looks Like A Good little scope. To Bad Its Not Sold Anymore !!!
My Orion Sirius Plossls fit. The barrel difference is enough that they won’t fall through. I never considered that but it’s a great observation you made. I’ve practically always used the supplied eyepieces and never considered that aspect. You can literally rack the focuser out until the tube falls out. On the inward side it will stop due to the way it’s ferruled. It’s absolutely 100% fun to use disregarding it’s shortcomings. I’ll have to check which series eyepieces work and which don’t. You bring up a very interesting point.
I'm Hoping That Edmond Scientific Will Start Manufacturing, This Unique Telescope Again,They Were So Ahead Of Thier Time,I Never Had The Chance To Own One,So I Have To Keep The Hoping !!!!
Keep your eyes open on the used market. Celestron, Bushnell, and Orion have versions of it as well floating around. I remember the Orion Fun Scope.
Never seen one of these before Garnett thanks for sharing. 👍Didn't look like your daughter was too impressed by it.🤣 Cheers.
Nope. If it had scales she would have loved it.
Jasmine is a cool kid who needs telescopes to be prehistoric for them to be cool. ((-:
A prehistoric telescope. lol
She can name over sixty dinosaurs and identify them. I told her last week I was a dinosaur. At least I may as well be having started on such a telescope ha ha ha.
@@GarnettLeary lol She has a good head. Her dad is a good painter / artist who could make a telescope look so good to her she'd display it in a prominent place in her room. Maybe an Obsession of oh, say, 20" diameter? ((-:
Name it the T-Rex
@@GarnettLeary That's a good name for it. It'll take them all on and eat 'em up.