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M31 with Redcat 51

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Posts Made By: john raymond

February 12, 2011 03:50 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Eyepiece Dew

Posted By john raymond
Back in the day the AC adapter for my LX200 kept the dew off my 2 eyepieces when set up outside.

Since you have an observatory, try setting your oculars on an obsolete appliance thats plugged in: an old cable router, CRT monitor, VCR, etc. (no toasters!) Your eyepieces will stay warm and dry.

In the field I use a small box with chemical hand warmers on the bottom. I need one of those fancy eyepiece boxes that light up and have the heating element inside.

Good Luck
John

February 17, 2011 09:45 PM Forum: LUNATICS

Aristillis Mountains

Posted By john raymond
Peter

Im no expert on Aristillus but Im sure you've seen something that 95% of amateur astromoners havent.

Keep observing this feature and see it at different illuminations.

Good Luck
John

February 22, 2011 07:02 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

First scope in 5 years

Posted By john raymond
Tony

I only have three guesses:

1. You didnt buy this scope on the advice of your fellow astronomers

2. You didnt buy from a reputable dealer

3. You havent read [COLOR="Blue"]The Light-Hearted Astronomer[/COLOR], [COLOR="Red"]Starware[/COLOR], or [COLOR="Green"]Backyard Astronomer's Guide[/COLOR]

I wish you the best,
John

March 10, 2011 01:15 PM Forum: AstroMart FAQ

Auction Bidder Retracted Bid

Posted By john raymond
The bidder needs to retract the bid thru the auction. It will then show as "bid retracted" and the reason. Reply to him with these instructions.

Dont get too upset about it. grin
It is annoying but the buyer may have unfortunate circumstances.


JOhn

May 1, 2011 09:53 AM Forum: Eyepieces

The Best Set of Eyepieces Ever?

Posted By john raymond
In my 9" Mak, its Brandons.

In my refractors, its Tak LE's and Brandons, tie.
The 5mm LE stands out in that lineup.

Dobs: 32 Televue Plossl with and w/o 5x Powermate. Thats all I need sometimes.
For whatever reason its only Televue in dobs for me.
John

May 3, 2011 03:28 AM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

NCC4631 and NGC4656

Posted By john raymond
A few years ago we compared these two in 200mm, 317mm, and 635mm aperture scopes. The details increased with aperture, very dramatic comparison. That was a fun night
John

May 3, 2011 05:05 PM Forum: AstroMart FAQ

Why do I get this when I try a classified search?

Posted By john raymond
Bill
Using the "search classifieds" on the left I got the same.

Try "Search within this list for" at the top of the classifieds list.

john

May 8, 2011 10:56 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Scope in Thor

Posted By john raymond
Im going to see it this week. Previews look good.
John

July 15, 2011 04:13 PM Forum: Star Parties

Heart of Virginia Star Party

Posted By john raymond
Im looking forward to it.
John

July 25, 2011 05:11 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Thinking of buying Orion GoTo XT 8g

Posted By john raymond
I dont think optical perfection is a critical feature on a mass-produced, entry level scope, nor is it to be expected. It possible, but unprobable.
This scope's strengths are price, tracking/goto, Orion's customer service and return policy, and simplicity of build.

Here's a suggestion: if the mirror is not to your liking, replace it with an old Meade Starfinder mirror, new Zambuto or Waite among others.

My first real astro telescope was an Orion XT6 when I was a beginner, optical perfection was the last thing on my mind. I had cheap, portable aperture, and that worked fine for several years.

Good luck!
JOhn

Michael White said:

Another thing that I would like to ask is if anyone has tested these mirrors to see there RMS and Strehl with Knife Edge Peak to Valley Wavefront Standards are or the Calibrated Ronchi Autocollimation test and Interferometery test standards / specks are on these mirrors. Thank's in advance for your help,
Mike White
Long Beach,
CA. 90805-3530
U.S.A.
N 33* 51' 46.3
W -118* 10' 39.4
Affiliations,
The Planetary Society
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Sidewalk Astronomers
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Board of Directors
Los Angeles Astronomical Society
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