Posts Made By: Gene Middleton

I have an celestron Ultima 2000 mount which I have mated to a Celestron C-8 OTA which was not originally an Ultima 2000. It does not have the "downstop" on the end of the telescope tube.
Is there a way that I can accurately set the scope to the downstop position for alignment purposes with the downstop not being present. I was thinking that perhaps a bubble level indicating true vertical of the OTA might be a possible answer.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated on how I might get a good alignment without benefit of a downstop on the OTA tube.

Thanks,

Gene Middleton

:S

I have an celestron Ultima 2000 mount which I have mated to a Celestron C-8 OTA which was not originally an Ultima 2000. It does not have the "downstop" on the end of the telescope tube.
Is there a way that I can accurately set the scope to the downstop position for alignment purposes with the downstop not being present. I was thinking that perhaps a bubble level indicating true vertical of the OTA might be a possible answer.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated on how I might get a good alignment without benefit of a downstop on the OTA tube.

Thanks,

Gene Middleton

:S

25 years ago I restored my 10” Cave Cassegrain (f 4.5) and at that time I had the mirror resurfaced I believe It was “Parks Optical” that did the work back then. Now, these many years later it is time to resurface both the primary and secondary mirrors. A shame about how “things just don’t last”. (LOL)

I've been away from Astronomy for a long time (some 15 years now)but the ole Cave and I are back out under the stars again and loving it. (Kind of like taking up with an old girlfriend).

I would appreciate thoughts from the Astromart Community on recommendations on who is doing the best resurfacing these days and are their any "new" processes I should be looking into for this work.

I've got a lot of catching up and learning to do. Your thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

Much Thanks,

Gene Middleton
New Cumberland, PA

Bristol #447 115v 60 hz 4w 511D H 1RPM reversible.

If you have one for sale please email me or call at (570) 313-3004.

Thanks,

Gene

I recently have attempted to set up my Lumicon NGC Sky Vector for my Cave Astrola equatorial mount. The instructions call for initial star alignment to be done on a star East of the meridian. My only problem is that at my location I have zero view to the East due to trees. Is there any way I can get this computer to work with my mount with the restriction of view to the East?

If bolt can anybody suggest a similar computer that might work for me? Might anybody have one they would like to sell or swap for my Lumicon with high resolution encoders

Thanks for any help you might be able to offer.

Gene Middleton

[email protected]

I recently have attempted to set up my Lumicon NGC Sky Vector for my Cave Astrola equatorial mount. The instructions call for initial star alignment to be done on a star East of the meridian. My only problem is that at my location I have zero view to the East due to trees. Is there any way I can get this computer to work with my mount with the restriction of view to the East?

If not, can anybody suggest a similar computer that might work for me? Might anybody have one they would like to sell or swap for my Lumicon with high resolution encoders

Thanks for any help you might be able to offer.

Gene Middleton

[email protected]

Is ther a laser Collimator that will work for my Cave Dull Kirkham Cassegrain.

Your thoughts and recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Gene Middleton

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I'm wondering if anybody might know what a 10 inch Cave Cassegrain o.t.a. Might weigh in at. I'd really rather not remove from it's pier and put it on a scale if I can avoid it.

I'm finally ready to upgrade to a "Goto" mount for my baby and need to know the weight so that I might find a suitable mount.

Suggestions are .greatly appreciated but must be within reach of a "working stiff's" budget.

Thanks for any thoughts you may care to share.

Gene Middleton
New Cumberland, PA. :S

:S My Unitron focuser is in need of a new rack and possibly penion gear. Can anybody direct me to a reputable source that can make the repairs.

Thanks,

Gene Middleton
New Cumberland, PA

:S I was wondering if anybody out there could assist me in setting up my Celestron CGE mount to operate via remote control.

As the weather gets colder here in Pennsylvania I dream of being able to stay inside where it's warm and direct the scope to deep sky objects and planets for CCD imaging.

Presently I'm using "Anyplace control" to link my computers and "Starry Night Pro Plus 6" to position the scope and be able to see where it's pointing from my remote operating position. (By the fireplace inside) Yes, at 68 YOA I've become a coward where the cold is concerned.

I use a "Starlight M-7" mono camera controlled via "Nebulosity" with guiding provided buy  "Celestron Nex Guider". Unfortunately this requires going outside to lock onto a guide star before I'm ready to go. I've been thinking about using a "Meade DSI II" as a guider through my "Celestron 16 X 70" finder scope coupled up with the "PHD Guiding" program. I'm thinking I can connect the Meade as a guider and a remote visual look through finder scope.

My problem has been that I pretty much have to align on my object to photograph while actually at the scope even though I may be well aligned where the scope and "Stary Night" program are concerned. I have not to date been able to successfully slew from one object to another for purposes of imaging.

Does anybody have any suggestions on what I should be using so that I can have accurate remote control for tracking, imaging, and scope positioning to different parts of the sky.

I am not committed to staying with any of the software I'm using if there are better ideas out there.

Many thanks for any assistance that may be offered.

Best wishes,

Gene Middleton
New Cumberland, PA