Posts Made By: Jerry Allen

I have a Pentax PF80ED 80mm ED spotting scope. I would like to be able to use a diagonal with it but when a diagonal is added, the focus travel is not long enough to get focus. Is there a device that will assist in the focus of such a setup? I think the additional length introduced by the diagonal makes it impossible to get the focus far enough "out" to match the focal plains...

The PF80ED uses standard 1.25 eyepieces with a collet type eyepiece holder.

Thanks

// Jerry

How useful is an electric focuser?

I have C8 and use it both visual and for photography. I am looking at an electric focuser. I would like to have access to manual focus and electric focus. The slide on Motofocus does not allow for manual focus. The NGF focusers are quite expensive but if it is really that useful the cost is not that important, I'll wait a bit for an NGF... I would like to do CCD photography and use the Nikon 995 and film now. Mirror shift is already an issue so the NGF focuser is a good way to eliminate this.

Comments?

What do I need to piggyback an AT1010 to a C8 on a GEM?

I see a set of 3 threaded holes on the C8. I know I need radius blocks and a "plate" to attach the AT1010.

Where are these accessories available?

I am looking for a reputable GP-DX dealer in the US.

Thanks!

I have a 0 star rating for a missed contact for an ad placed.
For some reason junkmail filters ate this individuals email.

Is this a real reason for a 0 rating?

Mail headers follow.
Subject: *junkmail* ASTROMART - Response to ad #165215
Date: Thu, 9 Jan 2003 13:28 -0800
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I am fairly new to astronomy... today 9/7 between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM, I was able to find M31, M42 & M43, M45, SATURN and JUPITER! Using my CG-5 and Celestron G5.

Right around 3:00 AM there was a bright flash in the north / north eastern sky, anyone else see this?

This is an awesome hobby!

Night all.

Pentax PF80-ED is a great scope, and it takes standard 1.25 eyepieces. Nitrogen filled and rubberized coating integrated lens shade.

I also use a Celestron C5 with a 40mm eyepiece to get some good views and pictures of wildlife.

// Jerry

After a few calls and a few emails... UPS called me, they are re-evaluating this or passing it further up the chain. Go figure. Now why did they tell me it was denied?

I also contacted the shipper and he is going to persue this further with UPS from his side of the deal.
This makes me wonder if making the claim more difficult than it needs to be by denying off the cuff first and then only taking care of the ones that scream is standard practice? Seems like a reasonable policy to have if you are the shipping company. I can't figure what UPS has to gain, other than lower insurance premiums, they can't be self insured on these items. The insurance company is the "further up the chain" I am betting.

// Jerry

I have a 5" SCT and an LXD55 SN8. I would pick the SCT as an "all around" winner in casual observing.

Reasons?

1. I have never stood on my head with the SCT. The SN is difficult when viewing south then viewing North, you must rotate the entire OTA.

2. The LXD55 with the SN8 is, as the previous poster says, ricketty and really wobbly at same powers as the SCT. The OTA is too heavy for the mount.

// Jerry

The Astromart AD is gone. There is no link to it and I can prove nothing, here is the original ad copy/paste.
--- QUOTE ---
Reposted after prior sale fell through.
This is a 8" LXD-55 Schmidt-Newt package as sold by Meade -- if you can find one! This scope is heavily backordered by most dealers, and waits of several months are the norm. This one is in like new condition, and has everything -- OTA, finder, GOTO mount, Autostar, tripod, accessory tray, eyepiece, instructions, and the original boxes. It's a nice performer, but too heavy for my weak back. Everything is there, except I swapped the collimation screws for stainless steel [original screws included]. $875 + shipping [runs $950 new, but nobody has one!]. Email me with any questions. Thanks!
--- END QUOTE ---

I guess the "like new condition" is what really caught my attention. Have I been screwed? I am your basic person. I bought sight unseen, trusted the seller and UPS, and now I have a scope that is not a total loss, but it is far from "like new condition". There is no proving that UPS shipping caused the damage, there is no proving the seller intentionally sold the scope pre-damaged. I did finally take the OTA apart, the mirror scuffs are not severe. What troubles me is the glue holding the mirror cell backing plate on and the finger prints on the backing plate covered with white "smoke". I build model airplanes and the white smoke plastic say CA glue (super glue) in an enclosed area, the fumes work wonders on finger prints. Then there is the center dot for focuser centering and the corrector simply will not come loose from the tube.

UGH! If only I had known.