Photos TVS-5 with 3 INCH Eye Piece

[GBMaryland]

So,

This is what a TVS-5 looks like with it's setup like a TV set with a 3 inch eye piece.

I took a Manfrotto tripod with a fluid dampened video head, and machined a rail to attach to it.

Works like a champ.

Gen III tube.

 

[parsintrensiac]

Re: TVS-5 with 3 INCH Eye Piece

I'd like to get a setup like that... certainly both of my kids don't need to go to college.

 

[slowkota]

Re: TVS-5 with 3 INCH Eye Piece

I don't even want to know how much that costs!

Pretty sweet though!

 

[GBMaryland]

Re: TVS-5 with 3 INCH Eye Piece

I guess, when I think about it, it wasn't cheap...

It's the fact that it's got a "new" Gen III tube in it that probably doubles the cost.

The TVS-5 I picked up with an Israeli marked 1987 Gen II tube (which is really an american tube, as they didn't make their own tubes).

I put a STANO provided Gen II tube in it, which appears to be flawless... until the Gen III one arrived.

With a Gen II tube you can actually track air craft through the sky without issue, see star constellations, and generally see fields well. BUT, you really need an illuminator, even with 155mm objective lens.

The Gen III tube makes a huge difference.

I looked at all sorts of devices that would do about the same type of observation and durability, but nothing really stood out for the price.

The only repair I had to perform was replacing the plug for the tube. I was a little unhappy that the plug was not in good shape when I got the unit, though the rest was fine.

It was about $4500 all told.