Posts Made By: David Pope

I was doing some electronics work when I accidentally got a 12v wire short to ground :-(. It ended up burning some of the etching off of a circuit board. Does anyone know how to repair the etching on the circuit board? Radio Shack doesn’t have anything and soldering of course is not an options (heat).

HELP!!

Clear Skies
David

I was doing some electronics work when I accidentally got a 12v wire short to ground :-(. It ended up burning some of the etching off of a circuit board. Does anyone know how to repair the etching on the circuit board? Radio Shack doesn’t have anything and soldering of course is not an options (heat).

HELP!!

Clear Skies
David

My apologizes if this isn't the correct place to post this question.

I’m looking for some advise on flocking my Orion XT 8 to increase contrast. I’m getting ready to order some Proto-Star flocked paper and wonder if I should flock the entire tube or just behind the secondary? Also, I heard that blacken the edge of the secondary helps to improve contrast. Any advise? Also, what the best way to flock the tube, one piece or sections?

Thanks
David Pope

Ok, let’s open Pandora’s box on collimation one more time. I’ve currently disassembled my Orion XT 8 to flock the tube. I finally received my Techtron collimation tools and a book on the fine art of collimating a Newtonian. In the book “New Perspectives on Newtonian Collimation Principles and Procedures” the author stated that one should square the focuser to the tube, however gave very little information on how to achieve a “square” focuser.

First question, how do you square the focuser? Keep in mind that this is a Vixen focuser and it doesn’t have collimation screws like the JMI version.

Second question, is squaring the focuser necessary? I read from this site: http://w1.411.telia.com/~u41105032/myths/myths.htm that squaring the focuser is a myth. I understand that you want your light cone to be perpendicular to the eyepiece but isn’t this achieved with the adjustment of the secondary?

Clear Skies,
David Pope

Whats the most precise way to center spot a mirror?

Thanks,
David Pope

David McQuade,

I've tried sending you email but it keeps getting sent back to me as undeliverable. I'm not sure what the problem is but email me your number and I'll give you a call about the LX200.

Thanks
David Pope ([email protected])

Ok, I’m going to start by assuming that everyone has read the Sky and Telescope article on the Barlow technique for collimation of a Newtonian.

My question is: Can a Powermate be used instead of a Barlow? I have a 2” Powermate but not a 2” Barlow (My laser is 2" kendrick). And I really don’t want a 2” Barlow if this is the only thing I’m going to use this for unless I can pick one up dirt cheap ;-).

Thanks in advance
David Pope

HELP!!!

I'M ABOUT TO LOSE MY MIND!! I'm trying to collimate a Newtonian and I'm having no success what so ever. This thing is kicking my butt. I've bought an Obsession 15" f/4.5 and I'm having to install the secondary from scratch. But I can't get the Cheshire and the Laser to agree at all. I can get close but that's it. I've messed with collimation for about 2 weeks off and on but end up with same results.

I've read every book and web site on the subject it hasn't helped. Is there a collimation guru that happens to live close by (High Point, Greensboro NC). I'm in need of hands on training.

Thanks,
David Pope

Hi Guys,

I’m in need of some suggestions. I’m currently thinking of making an 8 Dobsonian. I currently have a 15” Obsession (I really love this scope) and an Orion 8 XT. The Orion 8 XT is a pretty good scope with exception of the mount. I tried different laminates and every trick to get it smooth but after using the Obsession, well I decided to start over from scratch with the 8 inch.

I’m thinking of using the optics out of the 8-inch and making it a truss system. I’ve seen several designs and I really like the idea of a collapsible truss. My main goal is to make this scope lighter than the original 42 lbs and more portable & easier to handle for quick setups. Do any of you know of a good book or info that can get me started with design concepts? I have Dave Kriege book on making large aperture telescopes.

Also, while it's on my mind. Can anyone suggest good CAD software that doesn’t cost $700.00? I’m trying to make a Cadillac on a budget.

Thanks Guys
David Pope

Hi Guys and Gals,

Can anyone tell me in layman’s term what is “Diffraction Limited Optics”? I’m seeing the term used in advertising and I’ve read some of Harold Suiter’s book but I’m still not sure what I’m getting when I purchase a scope with “Diffraction Limited Optics”. Optical theory isn’t my strongest suite so take it easy on me, please.

Thanks,
Dave