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Posts Made By: David Colton

December 31, 2004 08:57 PM Forum: Meade

Jan. 3rd Announcement

Posted By David Colton
My guess is that they'll formally announce the acquistion of Coronado. That's big news for Meade as it opens an entire market up for them.

January 11, 2005 08:15 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Help needed: Tak 60 or TV 60?

Posted By David Colton
I can't respond to your question, however you may want to add the William Optics 66mm APO to your list. I believe it is priced less than either the TV or Tak.

January 25, 2005 08:09 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

need advise constructing observatory

Posted By David Colton
I think the general rule of thumb for setting fence posts is one third underground and two-thirds above. Fenceposts are usually set in a 1 to 2 foot bed of gravel for drainage; I would think you'd want to do that and then pour about a foot of concrete over the gravel to form a solid base for the pier. Harold's suggestion to use 'spikes' for lateral support sounds like a good idea too.

February 1, 2005 09:08 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Inexpensive mounts..

Posted By David Colton
Does anyone have experience with the new alt-az from Digital Astronomy. From the picture on their website it looks like the Orion mount, with slow motion controls, but with a wood (more stable?) tripod, and a folding brace that makes it easy to collapse and move the tripod. It's in the same price range as the Orion. I've been thinking of purchasing one but would like someone else's opinion.

February 1, 2005 09:30 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Tak TOA 130 or Mewlon 250?

Posted By David Colton
Having 10K to invest gives you a lot of flexibility, but it's also a significant upfront investment. So' I'd suggest taking your time and not limiting yourself to just these two scopes (the TEC 140 and Tak FS152 are well within your budget). Consider all aspects including what you want to invest in a mount and as suggested go to star parties and events to check out different scopes under the conditions you'll be using the scope.

April 28, 2005 09:01 PM Forum: TeleVue

Sky Tour Question

Posted By David Colton
I haven't purchased this DSC yet; before I do I want to be sure that the alignment stars are visible from my site.

Does anyone know where I can get the list of Sky Tour alignment stars? Is it anywhere on the web?

May 13, 2005 03:34 PM Forum: Coronado-Lunt-DayStar Solar Filters

PST?

Posted By David Colton
Thanks for the feedback. My comfort level has definitely increased. Unfortunately the emphasis on double stacking, which is the topic of a number of these discussions, can put off potential buyers.

May 15, 2005 11:59 PM Forum: TeleVue

TeleVue 102 Review

Posted By David Colton
I've never been disappointed by my TV102. However, as I have stated in many a response on this site, please, please, please, somebody market a slow motion kit for the Gibraltor mount. If Televue can give us fine focus knobs they (or someone else) can certainly come up with a manual slow motion gear set for the mount. It would make a great telescope and mount even better.

July 18, 2005 04:16 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Solar viewing, do you get bored with it quickly?

Posted By David Colton
I have been waivering back and forth about buying a PST, because like Gary I'm concerned that after a while it will become repetitive. However, the feedback so far has me reconsidering buying one.

How well does the PST work on a hazy day, when the Sun is visible but there is considerable haze and wispy clouds? What I am describing is essentially the day time sky here in the Mid-Atlantic states for the past year. I haven't had my scopes out for night time viewing in months, which is one of the may reasons I've been considering the PST.

July 18, 2005 04:31 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Small multi-use refractor questions

Posted By David Colton
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Orion 80mm short tube, which retails for $200 and is occasionally on sale for $150. I had one several years ago and sold it, but wish I hadn't as the stars were pinpoints. Contrast was very good (but not great) and it made a good daytime scope as well. I've read that putting a barlow in front of the diagonal can give you 110 to 130 power without the image breaking down.

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