I need an illuminated reticle EP. Never had one so I need some advice. First I see poorly. Perhaps I'm in the wrong hobby but I'm sticking for awhile. I'm trying to get 2" EPs or 2"/1.25" ones. I'm also trying to get quality EPs. Anyway I have an 80mm Mak-Cass (ETX) OTA I want to use as a finder and maybe even a guide scope on my 10" SCT. Is that practical? Or a good idea? It does have a built in flip mirror and backport. If so I'd like some advice on what kind and perhaps which one. I have a Meade LXD650 which has a reticle port. I'm not certain what the voltage output is though. It has an auxillary port as well but I believe its output is 12v. Any thoughts?
illuminated reticle
Started by jobberone, 05/22/2008 10:38PM
Posted 05/22/2008 10:38PM
Opening Post
Posted 05/22/2008 11:27PM
#1
Mike:
Just a few thoughts...
- the ETX-80 is an F/5 refractor rather than a Mak-Cass. It would make a reasonable finder as it is capable of a 4 degree True Field of view. It might even work as a guide scope though the focusing mechanism might allow for the objective end of things to move about. The ETX-90 is a Mak-Cassigrain. If that is what you have, it's not a good choice for a finder as it's maximum field of view is only about 1.25 degrees, no much bigger than the 1.04 degree TFoV possible with a 10 inch F/10 SCT with a 2 inch eyepiece with 46mm field stop.
- If good eyes were needed for this hobby, lots of us would be gone. Fortunately, the telescope takes care of nearsightedness/farsightedness and cranking up the magnification does away with astigmatism so things can be pretty good if you keep a cup half full attitude.
As far as the the reticle port goes, I would just find an eyepiece with an illuminated reticle that you like. A battery powered one is better in my opinion because it's one less wire to snag in the dark.
Jon
Just a few thoughts...
- the ETX-80 is an F/5 refractor rather than a Mak-Cass. It would make a reasonable finder as it is capable of a 4 degree True Field of view. It might even work as a guide scope though the focusing mechanism might allow for the objective end of things to move about. The ETX-90 is a Mak-Cassigrain. If that is what you have, it's not a good choice for a finder as it's maximum field of view is only about 1.25 degrees, no much bigger than the 1.04 degree TFoV possible with a 10 inch F/10 SCT with a 2 inch eyepiece with 46mm field stop.
- If good eyes were needed for this hobby, lots of us would be gone. Fortunately, the telescope takes care of nearsightedness/farsightedness and cranking up the magnification does away with astigmatism so things can be pretty good if you keep a cup half full attitude.
As far as the the reticle port goes, I would just find an eyepiece with an illuminated reticle that you like. A battery powered one is better in my opinion because it's one less wire to snag in the dark.
Jon
Funding Member
