Image of the day

Captured by
John Greenlee

Before and after

About Astromart

My Account

New to Astromart?

Register an account...

Need Help?

Posts Made By: David Colton

November 8, 2006 07:13 PM Forum: Refractors

Some more questions about the 66mm

Posted By David Colton
A couple of questions about the WO 66:

1. Is it the same telescope as the Astro-Tech 66mm?

2. Do you need an extender to bring eyepieces to focus without a diagonal?

3. An earlier post (Don Pitt, 11/2) indicated problems bringing eyepieces to focus and the reply was use a Nagler Type 6. So what about Plossl’s and Ortho’s; will they work? Are there eyepiece sizes that just won’t work with the 66’s short focal length?

4. Considering the primary use of a 66mm scope is birding or wide-field astronomy, is CA a critical factor?

November 21, 2006 08:37 PM Forum: Refractors

66mm (again)

Posted By David Colton
With all the interest in these scopes I was wondering if anyone knows who is actually manufacturing the WO/Astro-Tech/Stellarvue (did I leave anyone out) 66mm APO? I'm assuming they're made in China.

Also, the Astro-Tech is advertised as using ED glass and the WO as using SD glass. Is there a difference?

January 14, 2007 07:45 PM Forum: Mounts

Re: Orion AZ-3 mount

Posted By David Colton
Larry,

The AZ3 is the inexpensive alternative. Short of a photo tripod, I don't think they come any cheaper than this mount. I've had a PST mounted to mine and at 3 pounds the AZ3 is very stable without significant vibration. I had an Orion 80mm short tube that it would have probably handled without a problem, but I can't speak to its stability with a larger (100mm or 120mm) refractor, as the legs are a very light weight aluminum.

If you decide to get one, I suggest you clean the thick grease on the gears and inspect them for burrs. Replace the grease and it should move more fluidly.

Best of luck during your deployment.

February 16, 2007 12:44 AM Forum: AstroMart FAQ

Rating a sales transaction

Posted By David Colton
I just sold a PST to another Astromart member and he wanted to provide (positive) feedback and a rating but couldn't figure how to do it. Checking the site, I can't figure it out either. Help!

April 2, 2007 07:00 PM Forum: Refractors

Short Tube APO vs Achro

Posted By David Colton
I’m toying around with the idea of buying an 80mm short tube refractor as a portable scope for both terrestrial and casual night time viewing. Since short tube scopes tend to excellent at low power, wide field views, what are the advantages of an APO over an Achro where chromatic aberration is not a major problem? For example, I once had an Orion 80mm ST and was quite pleased with the views. If I were to go up in price to an Astro-Tech 80ED or WO Zenith-Star 80SD, what would be the advantage?

April 18, 2007 04:53 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Inexpensive digital camera upgrade for astrophoto

Posted By David Colton
The current issue of Popular Science (April 2007, pp. 82-83) includes an article on upgrading a digital camera to remove noise. Since you have to take the camera apart you'll obviously void the warranty, however the example they give uses an old camera. It involves installing a heat sink and Peltier junction (whatever that is). Total cost is under $20. Go to www.popsci.com for detailed instructions and a parts list.

May 28, 2007 11:37 PM Forum: Refractors

Who built this scope

Posted By David Colton
I came across this telescope in a local antique mall and got it for a good price. The declination axis was frozen, the paint was slightly chipped and it was missing a diagonal. I refinished the entire scope and mount and found in the process a nicely built scope. It has a doublet lens, baffled tube, and the mount has hardwood legs. I was wondering if anyone can tell me who manufactured it.

July 9, 2007 08:58 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Re: how come we never see these on the 'mart

Posted By David Colton
You'd think that for the price they'd throw in a plossl.

August 2, 2007 05:27 PM Forum: Refractors

AT 80 ed triplet

Posted By David Colton
I've been toying with the idea of buying an 80mm refractor as an all-around portable scope - for nature observing, as a telephoto lens for my digital camera, and for stargazing. I have all the accessories I would need, so I'm interested in just purchasing the OTA.

The new AstroTech 80 ed triplet seems to have the most bang for the buck at $650. I realize that it is just now becoming available. I'd be very interested in any feedback/reviews of the scope once it gets into the hands of some Astromart contributers. Thanks.

September 5, 2007 02:41 PM Forum: ASTRONOMY

Dimming the Sun

Posted By David Colton
As if light pollution wasn't bad enough! If the skies appear hazier than they did years ago, it's not your imagination. The latest edition of the PBS series NOVA looks at the affects of particulate manner in the atmosphere. Studies indicate that there is an increase in the amount and size of man-made pollutants which has actually decreased the amount of sunlight that reaches the earth by as much as 10% in the past 30 years.

Most PBS stations repeat episodes of NOVA, but if you miss it on television, you can watch it on their website (you'll need a high speed connection).

Funding Member

Sponsors


View all sponsors

Search