|
Post by woaussie on Jul 6, 2014 23:38:42 GMT -5
Is there any wild guess at all when these scopes will be available in the future. I am familiar with the 8 inch which a friend of mine has in Elk Grove Ca. The only thing I had against that current scope was the weight. Be interesting to see where the weight will end up being. Thanks ------------------- Bill
|
|
|
Post by woaussie on Jul 7, 2014 12:50:45 GMT -5
For info I did on CN in the refractor section a question on the WFX 150-5-R35 if anyone had seen this scope and had several responces to the question. Thanks --------------------- Bill
|
|
|
Post by Ales - iStar Optical on Jul 7, 2014 15:26:20 GMT -5
Is there any wild guess at all when these scopes will be available in the future. I am familiar with the 8 inch which a friend of mine has in Elk Grove Ca. The only thing I had against that current scope was the weight. Be interesting to see where the weight will end up being. Thanks ------------------- Bill Hello Bill, First of all I'm happy to let everyone know that I was released from the St. Mary's hospital in Tucson few days ago and I'm doing better. The truth is that I will need at least six more weeks to get back on my feet but I will be back behind my desk full time again right after that. I won't be able to work long hours without a single day off any longer but this will not affect our company in any negative way. Actually quite the opposite. When I'm more relaxed and fresh I'm sure that my brain will reward me with some more unique ideas in telescope design. Fortunately my partner Mike offered recently to work full-time for iStar so we will be going full force by middle of this month. I don't really have to take any wild guess about production of these latest generation Phoenix WXT 204-6 wide field Comet Hunters. I have a very good news for you and everyone else who purchased one of these large aperture OTAs and currently waiting for them to be finished. All parts are currently machined in European Union and all tubes and dew shields has been manufactured in USA including external white powder coat. One set of tubes will be shipped next week from our Florida location over to European production for a prototype assembly including our new, German made super flat black inner coat. Right after the first prototype is assembled and tested we will ship all finished telescope parts to United States for final assembly and testing. This should happen in about 5 to 6 weeks from now. Lenses are all finished and already waiting in Florida. We are producing five telescopes of this newest super lightweight latest generation design. Three are already partially prepaid, one will stay with me in Europe for further testing and picture taking, The last one is still available so anyone interested should act fast in order to receive this new and truly amazing scope in matter of weeks. I believe that we have created a truly unique and wonderfully looking telescope at the lowest price of all 8 inch high quality achromats on the market. Best regards, Ales
|
|
|
Post by Mike on Jul 7, 2014 19:24:37 GMT -5
Thank you for posting this thorough explanation Ales. I decided to let you be the one to post about your hospital stay or not. I do have a piece of news for you though. One scope is being shipped to you so you'll no doubt be hanging on to that for a while. Three are sold already and that leaves one. That one will be in my possession for a little while for testing, reviews and imaging. So after we confirm everything fits etc. you better get another run started quickly because the interest is growing quickly. I am now answering several emails a week regarding this new scope. Once the news hits the community we are going to sell a bunch of these monsters Mike
|
|
|
Post by astromanuk on Jul 8, 2014 8:50:52 GMT -5
Ales,
Sorry to hear you have been unwell, I do hope your recovery speeds ahead. I can't imagine someone with your energy being happy laid up in bed. I am sure that with time to let your mind roam while recovering you will be dreaming u some more amazing telescopes that will have us all beating a path to your door.
Mike, great to hear that you are able to commit full time to Istar, the company is in capable hands!
|
|
|
Post by Mike on Jul 22, 2014 21:19:00 GMT -5
Thanks Ian. It will be nice to have the time to accomplish the many tasks at hand. Now if I could just get those carrier pigeons to deliver those decals...
|
|
|
Post by Mike on Nov 14, 2014 21:52:05 GMT -5
I am currently assembling these scopes and should be done soon. I am only waiting on the shipping carton company to send the packaging. I should be testing these scopes in the next week or so and be ready to ship soon after.
Mike
|
|
|
Post by Ales - iStar Optical on Nov 16, 2014 17:04:04 GMT -5
Hello Mike,
please take some photos of these currently assembled scopes and share them with others right here in ISC. Im sure that all buyers now waiting for delivery of their scope will appreciate this update. Thank you,
Ales
|
|
|
Post by Mike on Nov 19, 2014 11:08:38 GMT -5
Just a few of the Phoenix tubes powder coated, baffles installed and ready for final assembly and testing.
|
|
|
Post by Mike on Nov 20, 2014 16:14:35 GMT -5
A few of the finished Phoenix 204-6 tubes.
|
|
|
Post by astromanuk on Nov 20, 2014 19:02:35 GMT -5
Don't they look just lovely? I received my December copy of Astronomy Now today and there is a great review by Neil English of this new telescope.
I like Neil's writing and the review goes into the strengths and weaknesses of the short focus refractor. This sort of balanced review is just what is needed and adds credibility to his conclusions.
I have to say that the new 'scope livery looks fantastic.
|
|
|
Post by Mike on Nov 21, 2014 13:23:43 GMT -5
Unfortunately, I have not seen that article yet. It will be a few weeks before it appears at the only bookstore in town that carries it. Good magazine. Are you saying overall it's a positive review?
Mike
|
|
|
Post by Viktor Z. on Nov 21, 2014 19:38:16 GMT -5
Mike, Ales:
The Phoenix 204 f6 tubes look fantastic, thank you for sharing!
Viktor
|
|
|
Post by astromanuk on Nov 22, 2014 3:06:57 GMT -5
Hi Mike,
Yes very positive. In fact I would get some more lenses on order ready for the onslaught! Neil is a very experienced observer and has a beautifully lucid writing style. He tried the instrument at all magnification and on a variety of objects.
One of the big surprises for me was just how light this new model is compared with the generation 1 model that I have.
Well worth getting the magazine as there is a lot in there for refractor lovers.
|
|
|
Post by Ales - iStar Optical on Nov 22, 2014 11:59:59 GMT -5
Can someone post a scan of this article here? Thank you,
Ales
|
|