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Robert,

I'm sorry that I wrote my message before I saw yours. I would have worded it
differently so as not to sound like an alarmist.

There is nothing wrong with either the Freiberger and-or Russian SNO-T
design that a little preventative care won't fix. My recommendation is that
after a daily round of sights, when you rinse down the mirrors, (as I hope
everyone does) always run some water through the TROMMEL. TROMMEL means
barrel in German. I call it a cylinder. After letting it dry, then spray in
some WD 40 or similar. Use the Blaster oil and procedure I recommended, if
the instrument is frozen.

For long term protection, there are two other products you can use. The
first I recommend is plain Vaseline. The other is called "Never Seize" which
you can buy at an engine shop or NAPA dealer.

Normally, when the tangent screw is frozen, the index arm will still be free
to move when the "quick release" clamp is depressed. If you ever have a
problem with the quick release clamp not engaging, there is another tiny
screw back there which adjusts its travel. It needs a jeweler's screw
driver, and is very sensitive. A small plastic cap may cover it.

If you ever compare the two brands side by side, you will see how similar
they are. The SNO-T is squat while the Freiberger is about one inch taller.
The frame cutouts are the same shape, and the pearlized grey paint is the
same. The (trommel, barrel,) cylinder, on the SNO-T is about the same, but
smaller. All the preferred sextants have the same size large mirrors, though
the horizon mirror for the SNO-T has a special notch cut in it.
Consequently, you need a Russian mirror. Also, the Freiberger's fork design
is different from the rest.

All the best,

Joel Jacobs


----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Gainer" 
To: 
Sent: Friday, July 30, 2004 1:54 PM
Subject: Re: Soviet Sextants!


> Joel,
> Wow, am I happy that I keep my sextant dry and in an airtight container
with
> a desiccant. If the SNO-T is a clone of the Freiberger what might make the
> difference between them that causes this freezing problem in the
Freiberger
> and how can I prevent it on my instrument. Do you recommend that the
tangent
> screw shaft and the thread meting the limb be lubricated? What do you use
> for a lubricate? I have not lubricated the tangent screw thread because of
a
> fear that it will then attract abrasive dust and dirt. JD said "The index
> arm is difficult to move and almost impossible to use with the micrometer"
I
> wonder if that means the index arm pivot is the thing that hangs and when
he
> engages the tangent screw he can't move the arm by turning the micrometer
> because of the friction of the index arm pivot? Does the index arm move
> freely with the tangent screw disengaged?
> All the best,
> Robert Gainer
>
>
>
>
> >From: Joel Jacobs 
> >Reply-To: Navigation Mailing List 
> >To: NAVIGATION-L@LISTSERV.WEBKAHUNA.COM
> >Subject: Re: Soviet Sextants!
> >Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2004 11:38:00 -0400
> >
> >FOR THE GROUP:
> >
> >That shouldn't be too hard to fix.
> >
> >Because the tangent screw is housed in a cylinder it collects salt spray
> >and dirt. First try rinsing it in water and then use some cleansing oil
> >like "Blaster" or WD 40. By comparison, anyone who has used A Freiberger
> >offshore from a small boat would have had a similar problem only worse.
> >They are notorious for having frozen tangent screws.
> >
> >Last year when I had a good supply of both brands, I had to work on the
> >Freibergers and rarely on the SNO-T. Right now, I don't have any Russian
or
> >East German sextants so this is from memory.
> >
> >The SNO-T is a clone of the Freiberger so my guess is that it comes off
the
> >same way. On the backside of the Freiberger index arm, there are three
> >small screws that hold the cylinder in place. Once removed from the index
> >arm the screw can be easily cleaned without taking it out of its housing.
> >
> >The SNO-T is substantially smaller and lighter than a Frieberger, and in
my
> >opinion, with the right scope, is better made, and a better buy. As I
> >mentioned earlier, the Russian mirrors are superior to all but Tamaya.
> >
> >James, please keep me informed how you make out.
> >
> >Joel Jacobs
> >   ----- Original Message -----
> >   From: Dawkins, James
> >   To: Joel Jacobs
> >   Sent: Friday, July 30, 2004 10:02 AM
> >   Subject: RE: Re: Soviet Sextants!
> >
> >
> >   Hi Joel,
> >
> >   I now have both scopes although the reversing scope is a little weird
to
> >use.   The damaged sextant is very stiff.  The index arm is difficult to
> >move and almost impossible to use with the micrometer.   If repaired, I
> >could at least sell the second sextant and recoup some of the money spent
> >so far.   Any ideas are appreciated.
> >
> >
> >
> >   JD
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---
> >
> >   From: Navigation Mailing List
> >[mailto:NAVIGATION-L@LISTSERV.WEBKAHUNA.COM] On Behalf Of Joel Jacobs
> >   Sent: Friday, July 30, 2004 9:29 AM
> >   To: NAVIGATION-L@LISTSERV.WEBKAHUNA.COM
> >   Subject: Re: Soviet Sextants!
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >   James,
> >
> >
> >
> >   We can provide a 3.5 x 40 telescope that is guaranteed to fit all
> >Russian sextants. Also if you write me off group, and tell me what's
wrong
> >with the sextant, I may be able to help you.
> >
> >
> >
> >   Joel Jacobs
> >
> >     ----- Original Message -----
> >
> >     From: Dawkins, James
> >
> >     To: NAVIGATION-L@LISTSERV.WEBKAHUNA.COM
> >
> >     Sent: Friday, July 30, 2004 9:04 AM
> >
> >     Subject: Re: Soviet Sextants!
> >
> >
> >
> >     If the purchase is through Ebay, email other buyers and ask their
> >opinion.   I have purchased two SNO-Ts.  The first one was missing the
4.5X
> >scope.  The seller was listed as Florida but the package came from
Bombay.
> >The second had both scopes but the sextant was damaged in transit.   Can
> >anyone recommend a repair shop in Canada?
> >
> >
> >
> >     JD
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
> >
> >     From: Navigation Mailing List
> >[mailto:NAVIGATION-L@LISTSERV.WEBKAHUNA.COM] On Behalf Of Mike Burkes
> >     Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2004 8:43 PM
> >     To: NAVIGATION-L@LISTSERV.WEBKAHUNA.COM
> >     Subject: Soviet Sextants!
> >
> >
> >
> >     Hi folks,
> >
> >     Can anyone attest to the quality of these Soviet Sextants and
> >legitimacy of seller? Looks like some good deals( or maybe not!) for
folks
> >who are in market for metal sextants. Maybe the saying " If it's too good
> >to be true it probably is" may ring true! Your comments are appreciated
and
> >thanks much!
> >
> >     Mike Burkes
> >
> >     http://www.maurnavy.com/
>
> _________________________________________________________________
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