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Post by Mike on Aug 12, 2013 9:05:40 GMT -5
Cool Picture! I finally got out last night and tonight looks good also. However, I had to brave 90 degrees still at 7:00, at least 90% humidity and hungry mosquitoes. Had to take a bath in repellent and they still buzz around your face where there is none. After coming in around midnight I was soaked with sweat because of wearing long sleeves and pants. It was nice to get out though. It's been weeks. I will brave the night again as it's looking good.
I tested the 204mm F8 and F12 R35 TCR scopes and lenses. That F12 is one monster telescope. It's not heavy but it's sure long. The F8 R35 was perfect for my CGE. They both star tested well and I saw some good detail on the moon even though it was down in the muck. I should have taken some photos of them mounted but the mosquitoes kept it all business. I also tested a regular tubed 150mm F8 R35 for a customer. The R35 lenses are excellent performers. We really have something in this design.
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Post by borispider on Aug 12, 2013 10:22:19 GMT -5
KitePatch.com Hi Mike, when this product ^^ finishes it's crowd-sourcing bug spray might be a thing of the past,
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Post by mikey cee on Aug 12, 2013 17:01:10 GMT -5
And this patch is also suppose to help the Raycorr materialize sooner??
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Post by Watcher3 on Aug 12, 2013 20:29:11 GMT -5
Hey! No mosquitoes makes it easier for them to go out and test things. IT might help!
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Post by Mike on Aug 13, 2013 8:59:23 GMT -5
Mr. Spider, thanks for posting the video. I found it very interesting and signed up for 10 patches for me and 10 for some family in Uganda. If these really work it would be wonderful thing for me. The mosquitoes here stop and lick the repellent off you first then bite you.
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Post by borispider on Aug 13, 2013 10:34:21 GMT -5
Hence the post.
And you're welcome Mike. I hope they are released to the public after the campaign. We all would like a review of the patch's performance.
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Post by Mike on Aug 20, 2013 8:51:08 GMT -5
I read over a couple of the forums on the Yahoo Groups namely the TEC, AP group and a couple of the ALPO groups. I like to see what's going on and especially enjoy any technical discussions. There is almost never any heated debates or product bashing. The posts are from "Fanboys" like us who are loyal to the product. Most of these guys don't read or ever post on CN. There is an interesting thread on the TEC group right now concerning focus motors and controllers. These are almost essential for top notch imaging. The interesting part is that TEC, known for it's great quality APO optics and tubes has experienced a similar situation like us. They have been working on this focus motor-controller for over three years. A couple of their customers who are normally quite loyal have expressed dissatisfaction over the situation. Apparently Yuri announced they would have a solution soon and that was over three years ago. Here are two recent posts, one by the customer and one by Yuri: I remember waiting on the electro focuser indefinitely for more than 2 years and shelving my hope. Optics are top notch no doubt but felt a bit let down in other areas. From: Rakibul Syed The electronics has to be done by third party. Unfortunately we were unlucky with a company that was developing for us electro-focuser for years. It was only capable doing expensive prototypes, which were almost perfect (99%), but 1% of "bugs" was never removed )-: Finally that company has stop answering phone. So, we are working now with new company from "zero". Company is local and it helps. Do not ask me about timing, whenever you are relaying on others - it could be wrong estimate. Regards, Yuri What does this have to do with Raycorr? It shows that even a company that enjoys a nearly flawless reputation has set backs and delays on highly sought after products. Having to depend on outside sources for materials, like glass, is problematic. It appears we are not the only company to ever have "let the cat out of the bag" too soon Mike
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Post by axlstrat on Aug 20, 2013 13:40:23 GMT -5
Hi Mike can a simple version of the Raycorr be made until.Istar can get the planned version ready. using reg flint and crown glasses or the R series of glass you already have.that can make say a 150mm f8 perform like a f20 or something that can do what the better minus filters can do with out the tint change and less light loss.there was a thread a few years back on Cloudy Nights a guy had a design on paper. it was no Raycorr but the 150 f10 did show a smaller spot size on paper anyway using three cemented doublets. my 80mm f11.4 shows false color but it,s a very decent scope.you already have 30to 35% reduction with your R series and if can get the scopes to perform like my 80mm f11.4 scope most of your large achro users would be happy.I think. P.S. someone else has something good to sat about a Istar scope.on Cloudynights.I wonder how long this thread will last before it,s closed
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Post by Mike on Aug 20, 2013 20:06:22 GMT -5
Whoa! Be careful there. An F8 that performs like an F20? That could start a vicious rumor How about an F8 that performs like an F10. Anyway, it's not a bad suggestion but when we get it finished, it will be right. We're looking for near APO performance anything less would be... fodder for the naysayers.
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Post by aviegas on Aug 20, 2013 20:17:20 GMT -5
Mike - take your time and do it right. Those who own Istar scopes are happy campers for the most part. At the margin, 99% of your first sales of the new RayCorr will be to us. You can't disappoint your most loyal customers. Next, once we believers have them and rave about them, then new sales will come. Its not worth taking this gamble and underdelivering. Rather, I would suggest you never release the RayCorr if it will not achieve near APO performance as the negative news feedback could very well damage your core business, which I think will grow irrespective of whether or not you eventually get the RayCorr out. Your recently introduced TCR scopes are a very good idea in terms of total scope package and weight considerations... still the real value for the RayCorr will be in how it will make your larger apertures much more appealing to future customers. Given the price curve in refractor aperture, if you get this right you could really make some nice profits as many of us will upgrade to 200mn+ size apertures to get APO like performance at Achro costs!
Al
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Post by Mike on Aug 21, 2013 10:27:21 GMT -5
Well said Al.
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Post by axlstrat on Aug 22, 2013 22:01:17 GMT -5
I see your point about the naysayers.but they will find something even when you finnish the Raycorr.Mike keep up with your goal to make quality products at a decent price.that wins in the end.I play guitar and my pickups are Wilde by Bill Lawrence.he makes a great pickup at a great price.but he has his naysayers also. but his loyal customers keep coming and he keep coming out with new designs. ahead of the curve like Istar. Ales,Mike keep up the good work. Integrity still matters.
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Post by Mike on Aug 22, 2013 22:12:39 GMT -5
Thanks Smoothgroove. Your encouragement is highly appreciated
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