ATM Aluminum Tubes

[Sue&Alan French <72724.2270@compuserve.com>]

>Alan,

>Speaking of aluminum tubes, "dew" you notice how Celestron is now
>supplying their Starhoppers with aluminum tubes instead of cardboard? 
>Interesting!

>Phil

Phil,
        I had heard that they were "upgrading" the Starhoppers but did not know
any details.  Uninsulated Al tubes are a real problem here in the Northeast.
Guess its another case of those folks in California didn't bother checking
things out (or thinking them through).  Telescopics sold scopes with such tubes.
Sue wrote to ask if they had tried them out under typical NE conditions and
explained our problems with dewing.  She never got an answer.  Guess we'll have
to add a big item to the downside of the Starhopper unless they've done
something to insulate the tube.  Too bad, their adjustable altitued bearings and
open back ends were big pluses.
                                                        Clear skies, Alan