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Posts Made By: Bill Barrett

July 30, 2005 03:40 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Mars:7/27 refractor vs. reflector

Posted By Bill Barrett
We wondered about the heat being given off by the roof, but it didn't seem to bother the reflector. I was sure to have the chromacor in the scope when I set up...that might have been the problem(?)
Someone suggested that some warm air may have been trapped inside the tube. There are 4 baffles and the entire inside of the tube is flocked. So, maybe for cool down, I should try having the end cap off & chromacor out so air can circulate inside the tube.



August 7, 2005 02:17 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Mars:7/27 refractor vs. reflector

Posted By Bill Barrett
Since the original post I have had 2 more sessions with Mars, and have had much better success. Prior to observing, the scope was mounted cap off, lens down,and was allowed to cool for about 30 minutes. This really helped. The images were much more stable, with excellent surface detail, and a bright white polar cap. I could not have asked for more.
Thank you, Bill

August 11, 2005 01:24 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Mount recommendations for 6

Posted By Bill Barrett
Thanks for the ideas. The atlas may be a possibility. I have been using a Meade 826. It has 1" shafts, tracks well for visual use, & easily handles the load. I have heard mixed reviews, but have been thinking about a Celestron ci-700.

September 9, 2005 12:59 AM Forum: TeleVue

Pronto Astronomy, 9/6

Posted By Bill Barrett
Aaron;

Its good to read your report. I have larger scopes, but the Pronto never ceases to amaze me. It is such a small package, but does so much. Sure there is some color on Jupiter, but it still delivers impressive detail. On Saturn it easily resolved Cassini's division. I have been pleased at how well it does with Mars.
I spent a good part of the summer hunting Messier objects with it. It won't resolve globs down to individual stars but it will reveal most DSO as extended objects.
I thorougly enjoy the scope, and agree with Ed Ting ,"...Everyone should own a Pronto."

January 8, 2006 02:59 PM Forum: Telescope Making

setting circles

Posted By Bill Barrett
John:

There are atm sites which have downloadable setting circle programs.
One apporach might be to print the graduated scales from a home computer, then laminate them in plastic.

March 4, 2006 04:13 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

GM8 for a 25lb 6" F8 refractor?

Posted By Bill Barrett
As always you have all been very helpful.
It looks like I would indeed be better off with an Atlas or a G11. thank you, Bill

May 11, 2006 02:35 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Installing a chromacor in the drawtube

Posted By Bill Barrett
Oren & John; Thank you for the tips & the photo. Since I'm using a 2.7" AP focuser and the difference between the diameter of the tube and chromacor is so great I think I'm stuck with trying to thread it in place. However, because of all the baffles machined into the draw tube, I might need to replace the drawtube or use a different focuser all together.
I'm not a machinist, but from what I can tell we have some talented mahinists/astronomers on the board. I really like the idea of making the chromacor a permanent part of the scope if it is doable.


March 30, 2007 02:38 AM Forum: Refractors

Moonlite replacement focuser for an older Televue?

Posted By Bill Barrett
Thank your for responses. I'll call Televue in the morning. I'll do some research on the feathertouch as well.

July 5, 2007 01:31 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Too many scopes...Your suggestions?

Posted By Bill Barrett
So many great ideas... I'll be @ TMSP next week with the 6" so that will be the perfect opportunity to look & learn. thank you, Bill

October 10, 2007 12:55 AM Forum: Mounts

Vixen Polaris Mount-Any ideas?

Posted By Bill Barrett
Jack; I picked up an old Polaris to use with a Pronto. I plan to make a mounting plate by starting with 1/4" (or 3/8") x1" wide aluminum flat bar then drilling & tapping the holes. Hope this helps, Bill

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