Internet Telescope Exchange

Ratings:Top:Astronomy:Places To Buy:Internet Telescope Exchange

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Name:Internet Telescope Exchange
Web Site:http://www.iteastronomy.com/noflash.php
Address:3555 Singing Pines Road

Darby, Montana 59829
Phone:
Orders:406-821-1980
Inquiries:
Fax:
Other:
Types of Stuff:
checked Telescopesun-checked Eyepieceschecked Binoculars
checked Tripods/Mountschecked Accessoriesun-checked Books
un-checked ATM Materials
Methods of Purchase:
un-checked Storechecked Phonechecked Web(checked Secure)
Methods of Payment:
checked Visachecked MasterCardun-checked Discover
checked American Expresschecked Checkun-checked Money Order
un-checked CODun-checked Financing 
Description:
Vote Highlights Vote
Internet Telescope Exchange
I ordered an MN56 from Mike Palermiti of ITE. He's a great guy to do business with and will spend a lot of time on the phone answering your questions. He also returned by telephone messages very promptly.

Unfortunately, I was never able to properly collimate the MN56, which led me to sell the telescope at a loss. I never had such problems with my SCTs in the past.

Placed against a 4" ED refractor, the MN56 did not perform as expected. ITE's advertisement states that "it measures up to any APO refractor in its class." I completely disagree.

The refractor had "significantly" better contrast, as it does not have a central obstruction. One cannot get around this fact no matter how hard you try. In addition, the lack of thorough written instructions on how to properly collimate the MN56 placed it at a disadvantage in terms of obtaining maximum possible sharpness. The refractor had a sharper image compared to my "almost" perfectly collimated MN56.

Don't get me wrong, the MN56 is a fine telescope. No doubt about it. And if you know how to collimate it correctly, I would highly recommend that you order one from ITE. But if you don't know how, you better stay away!

Mike told me that my collimation process was close enough and no further gain could be obtained.

ITE states on their website:

"ITE is run by Mike Palermiti, a scientist, who brings more than 40 years of experience in astronomy, complex systems, and optical design."

I am suspicious at the claim that he is a scientist. Personally, I like to see some references posted from an accredited University to back that up on his website. I have no doubt that Mike has a ton of experience, but he was unable to solve a simple collimation problem. Why is that??

After I sold the MN56, the new owner figured out that one needs to adjust the tilt of the secondary mirror (by removing the entire corrector lense) to perfectly collimate the optics.

Now I ask my self, why didn't the self proclaimed optical scientist that sold me the MN56 mention this simple collimation solution after two phone conversations??

You be the judge.

ITE is a great company with Mike's attention. He provides prompt and excellent customer support. However, I did not receive reasonable technical support from ITE after purchasing their product.

Overall Rating: 8
Price:10 Service:7
Weight: 20 (Notable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=451455

Internet Telescope Exchange
Ok...let me just point this out to show you the type of service they have. I bought my mk67 used and i had some questions. So i contacted ITE and Bill answered all of my questions in detail...response received in less than a half hour. Pretty impressive seeing that i never even bought anything from them and they treat me like a customer. Well, now i AM a customer.

Overall Rating: 10
Service:10
Weight: 10 (Trustworthy Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=93496

Internet Telescope Exchange
Bill has always been very helpful and friendly. His website is pretty darn good. He seems to have adequate stock as well. His prices are a bit higher than the other Russian Mak dealers so I have as yet to buy from him. Perhaps he could eliminate sending them to Florida and just pass the savings on. I'm aware of another situation that may make me hesitant but despite that my next purchase will be from him. Seems I've come full circle. He's the first person I ever spoke with about the Russian Maks. I'm on my third and have enjoyed every one.

Overall Rating: 8
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=45981

Internet Telescope Exchange
Excellent service and prompt delivery. Bill answered all of my questions and went above and beyond in helping me make a decision. Optical certification of telescope is a real pluse. I will definatel buy from ITE again.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=45980

Internet Telescope Exchange
Very friendly - not like some of the arrogant vendors - and knowlegeable, willing to go the extra mile for a newcomer to the hobby. Price fair, accurate estimates of shipping.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=45979

Internet Telescope Exchange
Over the past few months I have had telephone conversations and email exchanges with Bill Burnett. He was always friendly, helpful, and promptly returned calls/emails, even when it did not appear that I was going to purchase something. Because of his excellent service, I recently purchased a scope from ITE. Bill explained everything to me including the delivery time lines. The scope arrived as promised and is excellent. When purchasing over the net or by phone, it is especially comforting to have the optics certification.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=45978

Internet Telescope Exchange
This company is a class act. My telescope arrived very well packaged and in perfect condition. They supplied the optical certification and a very well written owners manual. Bill is a great guy to deal with, very friendly and informative. They are highly recommended and I will do buisness with them again.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=45977

Internet Telescope Exchange
Bought a Giro GR-2 from ITE.

Service was great-- although they had no fresh units in stock, they loaned me a demo model until they could deliver a new one.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=45976

Internet Telescope Exchange
I have purchased a MN61 from ITE. They werw friendly until problems with the mechanics on the scope were reported: then, they become impatient, unfriendly and unwilling to help.

Overall Rating: 2
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=45975

Internet Telescope Exchange
Last year, I purchased an Astro Rubinar 100, a Davis & Sanford Ranger Tripod, and a Thousand Oaks solar filter from ITE. Overall, the purchase went smoothly, though Bill seems a bit loose about delivery dates. When I first called, I was led to believe that everything was in stock, and that I would have my entire order within a week or so. Two weeks later, nothing had arrived. I called again and was told that the telescope was being checked out in Florida. Meanwhile, my credit card had been charged for my purchase. I gather that this is fairly common, especially for small operations, with their lower profit margins. Still, having someone you've never done business with charge you for goods you have no idea when you'll see leaves you feeling somewhat queasy. In the end, however, everything arrived just fine. In all of our phone conversations, Bill was very pleasant to deal with, and I would certainly consider buying from him again.

Overall Rating: 8
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=45974

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