The Famous "SuperCharge"
THE FAMOUS SUPERCHARGE PROVIDES THE FINEST IN TELESCOPE PERFORMANCE
Presenting "blueprint" optimal performance for any telescope made...
You do not have to "wonder" where it is going to "go" when you first turn it on.....all the bugs have been exterminated!
NOTE: Please contact ASO at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
for details and availability of Supercharge appointment and service.
YOUR SUPERCHARGE GUIDE – Telescope Optimization at its Finest!
Currently, The Arkansas Sky Observatory has provided the Supercharge nearly every country
in the world, including telescopes going to the jungles of Africa, the Amazon, the deserts
of Saudi Arabia and even within the polar arctic circles! The reason for the POPULARITY
of the Supercharge? IT WORKS. Turn your telescope into the equivalent of a "blueprinted
race car" that puts out peak performance and the assurance of years of reliable and
accurate service without the need for worry in the middle of a dark night.
important note.....
At present the demand for Supercharge Service is very high and telescopes are taken in a
first -come, first-served basis; those NEW telescopes being shipped direct from dealers or
from the manufacturer are given "first in" status, meaning that scheduling allows for
those to be processed immediately upon receipt. Note that total turn time is still only
7-10 days from receipt of scope until packed and ready to ship!
NOW including the gigabyte SkyPak Astronomy Data DVD !!
From the Arkansas Sky Observatory
YOUR NEW SUPERCHARGE INFORMATION GUIDE -
Now for ALL Telescopes, LARGE and small....find yours in the list below!
NOT LISTED? Simply inquire as to price and service options for YOUR equipment!!
** THE SUPERCHARGE now includes, but is NOT limited to the following telescopes:
Meade:
ETX (including all LNT, PE and EC models)
90 (EC,PE and RA models)
105
125
LX 90 (all sizes - 8, 10, and 12!)
LX 200 "Classic" (non GPS models, 8, 10, 12 and 16 inch)
LX 200/600/850 GPS, ACF, and "R" Series, all sizes
MEADE RCX Telescopes!
CELESTRON - all NexStar, CGE, CPC and CGM Telescopes, all sizes!
ALL Meade and Celestron refractor and Newtonian series telescopes
- Celestron:
CELESTRON all NexStar, CGE, CPC and CGEM Telescopes, all sizes!
Nexstar - all models
Classic and GEM - All models (no matter WHAT color!)
AstroPhysics
Orion
All Other Brands, including antique restoration
OTA CONVERSIONS! Available for Celestron telescopes; convert the thermal-troubling thick aluminum to a fine quality nearly ZERO-expansion Carbon Fiber OTA!
Custom and highly quality flocked materials available!
Losmandy Mounts:
Optimization of all fine Losmandy German Equatorial Mounts, including:
- GM-8
- GM-11
- Titan
ALL other major brands of refractors, SCTs and Newtonian telescopes. Orion, Losmandy, AP, TV, TMB....
Restoration Services AVAILABLE for all vintage and rare telescopes. Quality service - write for QUOTE.
BONUS!! Every telescope mounting features completely re-worked DEC drives, clamps and clutch assemblies for better holding power, better clamping and much better GO TO and tracking accuracy. Optimized for the best sidereal tracking possible.
BONUS!! Every GO TO telescope with programmable computer functions is shipped complete with the LATEST in the most recent comets, NEOs and tours available....up to 50 tours can be loaded onto YOUR telescope as can be the most recent comets that appear in the sky.
Added BONUS ....when you specify YOUR home computer planetarium program operating platform (i.e., STARRY NIGHT, GUIDE 8-9, THE SKY, DEEPSKY 2003, etc.) you will be sent at absolutely NO additional charge a complete SKYPAK DVD with comet, asteroid, NEO and other data provided for your desktop PC to operate alongside your computer, whether to generate tonight's charts for new comet discoveries OR to computer-operate your telescope. Take advantage of this special offer while I still have the time to provide this unique service!
NOW EXPANDED SKY-PAK OBJECT & TOUR LIBRARY DVD!
With all Meade Autostar-operated AND other programmable Supercharged telescopes will be the custom NEWLY UPDATED SKY-PAK 700-meg DVD which will contain the entire library of objects (updated regularly) for:
1) up to 600 comets CURRENT to within one week via the Harvard Comet postings
2) up to 120 asteroids CURRENT to within two weeks via the Harvard Minor Planet Center
3) major satellites; (to be updated by user for changing elements!)
4) more than 70 custom Autostar Tours to add and move as YOU see fit!
5) NOW with over 700 megs of astronomical freeware, programs, helpful tips, repair tips and illustrations, operation and alignment guides and much much more!
This unique ASO SKY-PAK is exclusive and only available through your ASO Supercharge Service!
This added value feature will allow YOU to transfer in and out via the newest ASU Autostar (or other PC telescope program) updater program computed objects and tours as you see fit. All you must do is copy and paste each of the files individually onto the Autostar Library Edit Screen of the Meade ASU 4.61 or more recent autoupdater ...then transferring to YOUR telescope or handbox is a snap!
This complete ephemeris library package is offered for Supercharge telescopes which feature updateable computer controllers (Meade Autostar or PC control The file format is supported by nearly all desktops for instant drag and drop, copy and paste, or file transfer to the complete new Meade ASU 4.6! NOTE: this offer is good until further notice and the file is updated weekly to include ALL the latest comets, asteroids and important data for the computer operation of YOUR telescope.
CAN BE used on any PC program to update and add tours and create your own telescope database library.
Among the many features found on this DVD are:
1) the complete Harvard ephemeris listing of all comets current to within one week;
2) the same for all the brightest asteroids current for small to large amateur telescopes;
3) satellite ephemerides;
4) the complete package of ephemeris data loaded into the "open" format to instantly load into your Autostar ASU update program that you have installed on your PC;
5) the 1950 epoch conversion program (complete!) for you to load up on the desktop of your PC to determine today's location of celestial objects after precession since 1950;
6) the complete summary description of all objects in the Autostar 497 database, including hundreds of bright stars and the object listing, this compiled by Dick Seymour;
7) URL listing for a wonderful new "two star" program to pick your night and location PERFECT two stars for accurate ETX and LX precision alignment;
8) Hundreds of TELESCOPE MAINTENANCE and operation tips for ALL telescopes, including Autostar, LX 200, NexStar and all telescopes cleaning procedures, adjustments and
overall information to maximize your observing pleasure and time.
9) The complete ZIP files for the most current versions of Autostar firmware for both Autostar and Autostar II! Complete library of Astro Freeware, manufacturer's guides, etc.
PART ONE: THE TELESCOPE EVALUATION AND 102-POINT INSPECTION PROGRAM
Following is a summary checklist of what the Supercharge service entails.
It is the most comprehensive evaluation and modification (without changing ANY of the internal or external integrity) available to any model of telescope. I fully guarantee the results that will result in much greater satisfaction from you and performance for your telescope. When your scope is returned, you will have a full three-page evaluation and performance summary of virtually every aspect: from electronic to mechanical, to optical quality. Service is warranted only to the ability of your telescope's manufacturing and construction.
THIS SERVICE PROVIDES ABSOLUTE PERFECTION IN:
1) optical performance;
2) mechanical performance in both tracking and Go To;
3) electrical integrity and performance;
4) electronic performance and output;
5) inherent RESALE value of your instrument!
- 6) cosmetic perfection of scope and mount!
** NOTE: due to only three unscrupulous clients in a five year period:
Supercharge history that has served hundreds of astronomers worldwide, it MUST be stated that your telescope will be returned to you in the finest "possible" working order; many times manufacturing defects result in telescopes that will have life-long inherent problems from poor castings, improper fitting and drilling, etc. EVERY such defect is corrected to the best possible solution. NO REFUNDS ON SERVICE after product is inspected in-house
The ASO Supercharge Guarantee is that extreme care and workmanship will result in the best possible operation of your telescope once returned, both optically and mechanically. Issues that are not correctable OR those that may be manufacturing defects are always eluded to and discussed on the work sheets that are returned with the telescope.
CANCELLATIONS: Due to the overwhelming requests for Supercharge service, any scheduled appointments that are cancelled must be 60 days prior to receipt of telescope upon scheduled appointment date OR a 25% cancellation fee will apply. No exceptions....sorry, but this is a must due to the number of folks turned down from lack of available slots.
SCHEDULING in advance: because of the tremendous demand for Supercharge service, any appointment that is scheduled more than 30 days PRIOR to scheduled date must be confirmed with payment in full.
The requests always come in very regularly, but I always take the scopes on a first-come basis through an appointment method. For example if you told me to expect your telescope (allowing for shipping to me) on "April 8-10" I would block off those dates to work exclusively on YOUR telescope, no others.
It is that simple. This is a VERY limited personal and exclusive
service. EVERY telescope is done one-at-a-time. HOWEVER, it never hurts to e-mail first....many times I am ahead of schedule, or perhaps waiting on a client's telescope that has not arrived. Why wait if a quick inquiry can get me started on YOUR telescope TODAY!
PRIOR TO SHIPPING THE TELESCOPE - you will need to e-mail with a FIRM date and tell me the following immediately via e-mail upon scheduling YOUR Supercharge. This is so that the paperwork, certification papers and metal plate and all custom Autostar data is ready when your scope is received:
1) date of purchase of scope
2) who it was purchased from (new or used) and if warranty still applies
3) any known problems optically or mechanically
4) your exact observing locations (up to four) in either Lat. and Long. or Street # and Zip Code;
5) mode of operation (I.a., Polar orientation or Alt-Azimuth)
6) complete return UPS address.
Ship SCOPE, AUTOSTAR/Handbox (if applicable) or telescope hand control and all cables, eyepieces if you want them checked, collimated & cleaned (up to three [3] at no additional charge...all eyepieces/barlows, etc over 3, please add $10 per item additional), At scheduling, please remit a postal or major money (or PayPal) order for the service and a check/or return label (preferred) for RETURN SHIPPING via Fed Ex Ground insured to:
Dr. P. Clay Sherrod - Arkansas Sky Observatory
#73 Tanyard Springs Road, Petit Jean Mountain
Morrilton, AR (Arkansas) 72110
IMPORTANT SHIPPING SUGGESTIONS:
Because of years of shipping experience, both incoming and outgoing, I offer the following suggestions pertaining to shippers/carriers: (UPS damages a LOT of telescopes!)
Small instruments: Fed Ex Ground / UPS or Fed Ex Express Saver AIR or Fed Ex Ground.
Medium-sized scopes: Fed Ex Ground / UPS (up to 89 pounds) 3-day Select OR Fed Ex Air / Yellow Motor Freight (now Yellow Roadway) Exact Express
Large Telescopes: Fed Ex Freight / UPS Supply Chain Solutions / Yellow Motor Freight or ABF Freight Systems.
RETURN SHIPPING IS PAID BY CLIENT - MUST INCLUDE preprinted return lable in/on box!!
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Current Pricing: The complete "Supercharge" service package (repair parts are always extra!) is ONLY: (PLUS return shipping!)
*** $395 for the ETX telescopes (all models)
*** $595 for the LX 90-8, Nextar 4 and 5 and all similar socpes
*** $625 for LX 200-8" (classic, ACF, or GPS models), 8" Celestron and all similar
*** $725 for LX 200-10" (classic, ACF or GPS) and 7" Maksutov, Meade LX 90-10, 9.25" Celestron and similar
*** $825 for LX 200-12" (classic, ACF or GPS), Meade LX90-12 / Celestron 11
*** $995 for LX 200-14" GPS/ACF / Celestron 14 CGE and similar
*** Meade RCX Scopes: 8 - $795; 10 - $895; 12 - $995; 14 - $1245
*** call for quotes on 16" and larger telescopes.....Supercharge is done ON site by appointment for larger and observatory-mounted telescopes.
*** Full observatory installation and evaluation/planning services are available for private observatories, schools and institutions.
*** Similar pricing on ALL similar model telescopes and mounts (e-mail with the brand, year of manufacturer and type for exact quote) plus your return shipping which you want to include in a separate check. NOTE: The price is subject to change. ANY TYPE TELESCOPE will benefit from the service, whether computerized or not.
TELESCOPE RESTORATION IS A FEATURED SERVICE OF THE ARKANSAS SKY OBSERVATORY!
*** PLEASE NOTE:
The basic Supercharge DOES NOT INCLUDE repair work over and above performance enhancement and tune-up; repair work and replacement of broken/worn parts IS available at extra cost, depending on the cost of parts and labor. Extra time is allowed for all telescopes needing repair work. A complete evaluation of YOUR telescope will be made upon receipt and you will be informed if any repairs might be necessary for the future performance of your telescope; otherwise, every aspect is typically enhanced or repaired without replacement if possible.
****If your telescope is in need of repair this must be STATED when arranging your appointment, and clearly stated as to degree of damage or repair needed; any telescope that is received that is broken or needing repair that was shipped that way without notification will be reboxed and RETURNED TO SHIPPED immediately. A 40% processing fee will be charged for telescopes so returned.
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Beginning immediately the service fee INCLUDES at no extra charge the fabulous and popular certification plate mounted on your telescope! This beautiful black engraved plate gives a distinctive look and value to your telescope, denoted the exact registered Supercharge certification number as well as your telescope model and the Supercharge trademark. In
ADDITION, the custom ephemeris package for all comet, asteroid, satellite and custom tour data is also supplied at NO CHARGE to Supercharge clients!
Remember, it is VERY important to advise me on your date prior to sending. Right now, with the interest in astronomy at an all time high please schedule at your convenience.....if possible, I can attempt to work in a client with extenuating circumstances at an earlier date.
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PART 2 - THE DETAILS!!
DOC CLAY's SUPERCHARGE OPTIMIZATION
Why play with the pups when you can run with the Big Dogs? For a limited time and on a first-come, first-served basis Clay Sherrod is offering his well-known "Supercharge Plus Tune-Up" to supercharge your telescope, NO MATTER WHAT BRAND or model! This spectacular telescope makeover can turn your mediocre-performing telescope into a performance giant with minimum backlash, firm clamping capability, precision tracking and GO TO drive performance, total de-greasing and backlash adjustment and careful protective wire routing.
ALL MODELS ACCEPTED: At the present time, all model telescopes are being accepted and all models are invited. Every telescope is modified one-at-a-time with considerable care and attention to detail by a retired astronomer who is offering this service on a limited basis.
This "Supercharge" is well known among all telescope users and begins with an 102-POINT (!) inspection and modification plan to determine all
mechanical and optical problem areas that the telescope may have; telescopes under warranty can benefit from this as well, since the inspection (not the "supercharge") does not intrude on the workings of the telescope, only inspects what the manufacturer has put there. Any cracked, broken, missing or otherwise damaged warranty-covered items are quickly identified to the owner who in turn can obtain either a warranty fix or request replacements.
The actual "SuperCharge" is a five to seven day procedure in which the telescope is diagnosed and corrected (if necessary) for the following
problems that CAN BE inherent in many telescopes, new and used:
COMPLETE **102-POINT** INSPECTION PRECEDES EACH SUPERCHARGE!
This will identify ANY and all areas, both optically and mechanically that your scope may be deficient in as well as warranty claim areas/components that are likely covered by the manufacturer.
Supercharge includes at LEAST the following inspections, but is not restricted to.....
[will vary from telescope type to type!....every telescope is as different as snowflakes!]
1) Drive Train - OR.A./Azimuth (all minor reduction gears are checked and secured)
a) complete degreasing of mechanical components and optical encoder;
b) process cleaning and polishing of RA clutch plate and realignment and "turning" to drive gear;
c) worm driver/drive gear adjustment to minimize backlash;
d) set torque on worm driver gear and adjust "UP" bracket to mesh properly with drive gear;
e) inspect and adjust main RA axis and holding nut to proper torque to minimize azimuth "play";
f) provide custom friction clutch for RA locking mechanism;
g) re-route and secure base wiring to minimize common shorting;
h) adjust clutch/clamping mechanism internally;
I) adjust clamping mechanism externally;
j) test motors / test backlash / test clamping / test "Motor Failure" / test reversal rates;
k) adjust and secure RA setting circle for more effectiveness;
l) replace/repair any damaged parts (extra) per instructions of owner;
m) complete sidereal tracking percentage testing both AC and DC (if applicable);
n) hand-highlighted RA and DEC indicator arrows accurately rendered
o) highlighted optimum axis locking positions if applicable.
2) Drive Train - Declination (Altitude) (all minor reduction gearing is checked and secured)
a) complete degreasing of declination drive and associated bearings, etc.;
b) clean and polish clutch plate to "marry" to DEC drive gear;
c) set worm driver and drive gear load to minimize backlash;
d) adjust torque on worm driver assembly;
e) reset worm driver assembly in "U" housing;
f) adjust both fork arm trunions and fit with "rocking reducers;"
g) set bushing in DEC lock mechanism;
h) apply rubber bushing to front of OTA support arm to minimize rocking;
i) re-route all wiring and secure to minimize shorting;
j) adjust clamping firmness and test;
k) install slippage reducers for DEC circle and adjust circle accurately;
l) test motor / test backlash / test clamping / test reversal and delay times.
m) replace / repair and damaged parts (extra) at instruction of owner.
3) ETX / LX-90 (only) Calibration Process - AutoStar must be included with telescope shipment!
a) Complete download (basic) to current version of ETX or LX AutoStar firmware if not already loaded; AutoStar upload contains the complete PACKAGE (see PART 3!) that is current
for the month in which the scope is received;
b) System reset for calibration;
c) Precise optical bench "Train Motor" calibration, not outdoors on a terrestrial object!
d) Motor calibration tested and reset again if necessary for backlash control;
e) Your percentages for Altitude and Azimuth backlash compensation are determined and set for YOUR telescope;
f) Telescope is star tested for: GO TO / Slewing at all speeds / Sidereal and Lunar tracking rates and accuracy / Alignment precision / System Backlash;
g) Autostar is set to precise latitude, longitude of the observer's four (4) choice locations ( location profiles and landmarks must be supplied by
owner to determine precise values);
h) Owner information is entered based on the owner's supplied information;
i) Autostar functionality and GOTO accuracy is tested after all uploading and modification.