Intes Micro-Alter 603 opinions

Hello:

Am considering buying a used Intes Micro-Alter 603.

I am almost entirely a Lunar and Planetary observer.

Anyone have anything good, bad or ugly to say about this scope?

Reviews seem to indicate that it is a good buy, other than the cool down
issues, but I
can work around that.

Any comments would be appreciated,

Anthony Sanchez

Wouldn't you be better off with an Intes Mak Newt? The 603 is a very nice
scope, but the Mak Newt will have a smaller central obstruction, thus better
contrast and in addition will give you wider fields for DSOs should you care
to observe them. You will need a bigger mount to handle a Mak Newt though
....

--

Clear Skies,

Chuck

"Anthony G. Sanchez" wrote in message
news:xOlxc.4716$0y.1407@attbi_s03...
Hello:

Am considering buying a used Intes Micro-Alter 603.

I am almost entirely a Lunar and Planetary observer.

Anyone have anything good, bad or ugly to say about this scope?

Reviews seem to indicate that it is a good buy, other than the cool down
issues, but I
can work around that.

Any comments would be appreciated,

Anthony Sanchez

Wouldn't you be better off with an Intes Mak Newt? The 603 is a very
nice
scope, but the Mak Newt will have a smaller central obstruction, thus
better
contrast and in addition will give you wider fields for DSOs should you
care
to observe them.

Yes, your correct about the Newt being a better choice, however your next
comment-

You will need a bigger mount to handle a Mak Newt though.

My living/storage space is quite limited and I already have a very nice GEM
that
the 603 fits onto perfectly. So, I'm kind of stuck between a rock and a
Gem;-)

My biggest concern is the overall quality of the 603. I just want to make
sure that it
doesn't have some little know glitch that only those few that have owned or
used one
know about.

I have chance to test it and use it before I make the decision, so I'm
keeping my fingers crossed.

Clear Skies,
AGSanchez

I had a 603 for two years and sold it to get a Nexstat 8" and also have or had
a 8" Dob and a 10" Eq mount. I wish I still had me 603 It IS a great scope and
very portable. Great optics that can't be beat. Only a 10" or more will out
preform it.
Get it you won't be sorry.
Doc
K9RNC

'

Hello Anthony,

I own this model. Portability is great, but do check the focuser for
backlash and smoothness.

Strong points:

1) Dark field. This is what really stands out My best view of M1 in any
small scope has been with my 603. I have not been able get equally
striking results with comparable 5 and 8" SCT:s

2) Very portable.

3) Convenient f-ratio.

4) Accepts many standard SCT accesories.


Challenges:

The design appears to be difficult from a thermal standpoint. I think it
takes 3 times as long to cool down compared to my 8" SCT.

Problems:

1) The primary focuser mechanism is complex. It is not able to offer
smooth and backlash free operation in all situtations without additional
care and adjustments.

2) Secondary mirror collimation is not as easy as for comparable
Meade/Celestron SCT:s.

3) The original Russian finder scope is a disappointment.

Best regards,
Anders H.




--
correct address anhn at telia dot com

I don't know what your budget is, but the Intes M715 for a little more
weight and considerably more money should be a significantly better
planetary scope. It has a 25% central obstruction, compared to 33% for the
603 is not too much heavier and has a longer focal length and 7" of
aperture. I think you can order it with cooling fans. I think it would be
a long term "keeper" you would have a hard time outgrowing. Of course the
603 is very well regarded for a lot less money and weighs less and is a
"keeper" as well.

--

Clear Skies,

Chuck

"Anders Hansson" wrote in message
...
Hello Anthony,

I own this model. Portability is great, but do check the focuser for
backlash and smoothness.

Strong points:

1) Dark field. This is what really stands out My best view of M1 in any
small scope has been with my 603. I have not been able get equally
striking results with comparable 5 and 8" SCT:s

2) Very portable.

3) Convenient f-ratio.

4) Accepts many standard SCT accesories.


Challenges:

The design appears to be difficult from a thermal standpoint. I think it
takes 3 times as long to cool down compared to my 8" SCT.

Problems:

1) The primary focuser mechanism is complex. It is not able to offer
smooth and backlash free operation in all situtations without additional
care and adjustments.

2) Secondary mirror collimation is not as easy as for comparable
Meade/Celestron SCT:s.

3) The original Russian finder scope is a disappointment.

Best regards,
Anders H.




--
correct address anhn at telia dot com