Image of the day

Captured by
Yue Ma

M16

About Astromart

My Account

New to Astromart?

Register an account...

Need Help?

Posts Made By: Steven Jindra

January 20, 2006 05:09 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

The Rosette in H-Alpha with tiny scope

Posted By Steven Jindra
Ralph
That is a nice shot and nicely framed. If you don't mind my asking, what distance do you have from the rear outside edge of the focal reducer to the front outside edge of the SXV-H9. I may try a similar combination.
Thanks
Steven Jindra

January 20, 2006 05:33 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

The Rosette in H-Alpha with tiny scope

Posted By Steven Jindra
Ralph
You really should be more cautious with your wording. The FS-60C doesn't know that it's a tiny scope.
Thanks
Steven Jindra

January 25, 2006 10:50 PM Forum: TeleVue

RPF-2804 Flattener - Does It Bring Focus Forward?

Posted By Steven Jindra
I just spoke with a gentleman at Televue (I failed to remember his name) who answered my questions on the RPF-2804 flattener. The answers are:

It does have female "T" threads front and male "T" threads back.
It does not bring the point of focus forward more than an inch or so. So it does not sound as if it will work for my purpose.

Thanks
Steven Jindra

February 1, 2006 02:40 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Need help for finder/grab-n-go 60-70mm

Posted By Steven Jindra
Mike
I have a Borg 76ED that has served very nicely in a similar role for me. I believe Borg now has the 77ED. It's small and light for it's aperture.
Hope this may help.
Thanks
Steven Jindra

February 3, 2006 06:41 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

etx 105 trade

Posted By Steven Jindra
Itz
I'd do a search on the ads to get an average selling price for the ETX-104 (and probably the Nexstar 4" mak as well) and compare to the average selling price of the 4" ED. You can then offer the difference in cash. The Supercharge, although a nice feature, but will probably not much value. APO/ED's hold their value better than most other scopes.

I'd estimate that you will need to offer $200 to $250 additional.
Hope this helps.
Steven Jindra

February 16, 2006 06:20 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

I'm new and would like some opinions....

Posted By Steven Jindra
Brent
The 12" LX200 has a long focal length OTA and limited accuracy in it's tracking (for photography). It works fine for short exposure work, such as planets and lunar. A Toucam works well for this.

For deep sky, you need larger pixels and shorter exposures to minimize the effects of tracking errors and the long focal length.I would recommend the SXV-H9 imager, using 2x2 or even 3x3 binning and an F6.3 focal reducer. This is assuming you have a good wedge for equitorial tracking.

An alternative for deep sky is to buy a small APO refractor (such a Tak FS60c) to mount piggyback and balance. Then buy the best imager available with the remaining budget. Some of the better images I have seen with an LX200 mount have been like this.

If you become serious, you may wish to consider a quality GEM for imaging.

That's my oppinion as a former owner of a 12" LX200.

Steven Jindra

October 12, 2006 06:25 PM Forum: Takahashi

How to attach the Digital Rebel to a Sky 90 II & its FR?

Posted By Steven Jindra
Anjal
Borg parts can get from Tak rear threads for FS-60, 78, 90, and FR to standard T threads. Then you will need the Canon Rebel T ring. You may also need a T thread female to male extension to get the critical spacing right from the rear of your FR to the CCD chip. I believe these adaptors also allow the installation of a 2" filter if desired.
Check with Ted at Hutech.

If you get the part numbers from Ted, you may find that Anacortes carries some or all of the parts required (we always prefer to support the sponser where posible).

I also believe that Land, Sea, and Sky/Texas Nautical Repair can put together the right parts for this.

I have the FS-78 with the focal reducer. If I get a chance in the next few days I'll try to put together the combination I have for this and take a picture or two.

I hope this helps.
Thanks
Steven Jindra

November 10, 2006 09:53 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Need to upgrade/downgrade

Posted By Steven Jindra
Michael
You may want to look at the Nexstar 5". It can be carried outside on the tripod with one hand, has accurate go-to and can show a surprising amount for it's size. I found the the Nexstar 5 to be considerably more stable than the ETX-125 in a past comparison.
Hope this helps.
Steven Jindra

November 12, 2006 02:22 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

price vs. value: Nexstar 5 or Meade ETX 90 or 120?

Posted By Steven Jindra
Michael
I compare the Nexstar5 with the ETX125 a few years back and found the Nexstar5 to be a better scope. It is more stable, seems better built overall, and can use standard SCT accessaries. Combined about 3 eyepieces, an 8 or 9mm, a 15 to 17mm and a 26 to 32mm it provides a nice range of power and field of view. $500 is a good value.
Thanks
Steven Jindra

February 15, 2007 10:39 PM Forum: Refractors

straight through viewing

Posted By Steven Jindra
Robert

I'm pretty sure you tried this already, but just to make sure: have you tried a quality prism diagonal. I had a refractor that did not have enough forward travel for my Televue 1-1/4" mirror diagonal, but it worked fine with a Meade or a Takahashi 1-1/4" 90 degree prism diagonal?

As far as straight thru viewing. I'd recommend getting an alt az mount with a taller good quality tripod and a short stool (adjustable would be best) to get as comfortable as possible. Do most viewing from 30 to 60 degrees above the horizon (above the thickest atmosphere and below a severe neck strain).

I've never personally looked through a Pentax, but all reports are that it's top quality, so enjoy.

Steven Jindra

Funding Member

Sponsors


View all sponsors

Search