Posts Made By: Gregory Damiani

I am possibly interested in a binoviewer. I will use it primarily for planetary observing (my skies aren't very dark). I will be using an AR 6 and possibly an as yet undetermined (and unpurchased) smaller grab & go.

I'm interested in increasing observing comfort and avoiding the incredibly annoying floaters!

The reviews I have read generally dealt with larger aperture scopes. Is a 6 inch large enough for binoviewing? What is the minimum useful aperture for binovoiewers?

Thanks in advance.

Gregg

Considering a grab & go primarily for planets. Want quick set up & easy car transport. Originally thinking 5" Mak Cass or AT 1010. Now, thinking - save some more for small APO. Can you really push the mag further?

Opinions re TV 85? New $2080 w/o mount - I will need mount. See several used on Astromart $1400 - 1800 w/o mount & varying accessories. OR

Opinions re SV 85 S APO? About $2100 new w/ mount. Any idea of price used?

Thanks.

I am thinking of purchasing a Radian EP primarily for planetary viewing. Reviews and Ads indicate this EP has high contrast and is good for high power observing. I like the eye relief and extended FOV over plossls.

Backyard Astonomers Guide (BAG) indicated this EP essentially has a built in barlow. I usually use plossls w/ 2x or 3x barlow. In choosing a Radian, first choice would be 14 mm, to be used w/ the barlows for high power viewing. Is this EP a poor candidate for barlow? Am I better off purchasing a 5 mm EP?

BAG discusses the Pentax XL's as an alternative for Radian. Are they still available? Would the XL be a good candidate for Barlow?

I will be using the EP's w/ an AR6 and an upcoming (hopefully) small APO.

Thanks.

Gregg

Hello all!

I have a question about EP cleaning. I got back into the hobby this winter and this is my first summer of real observing. I am noticing my EP's dew up extremely fast (South Florida). Part of the problem seems to be eyelash oil on the EP. As soon as an EP gets there merest touch, I guess the oil provides a nucleus for dew to start. The whole EP doesn't fog up, but the smudges are enough to make planetary viewing difficult. I find I need to clean after each session.

Questions:

What is your preferred method for frequent cleaning?

Is there any acceptable method or product for a quick field cleaning?

What is your preferred method for a thorough cleaning?

Are EP optics as fragile as a scopes? I hesitate to ever clean my objective or diagonals, but if I don't clean the EP's, viewing is woefully frustrating.

Thanks.

Gregg

Clear and steady ... with no dew.

I live in South Florida. In the summer (especially) skies are far from transparent, but are very still. Perfect for planets (but little else). I am interested in the most detail and best planetary views for a reasonable price.

I know that seeing usually limits planetary work to 5" to 8" inches aperture. Local dealers have advised - not so in So. FL. One gentleman advises he does most of his viewing & imaging with a C-14 and does not find seeing to be a great problem.

I am considering a 10" - 12" inch SCT (Meade 10 or 12, or Celestron 11). Assuming good seeing, how are these scopes on planets. I know the central obstruction is significant, and will hamper contrast. Is this deficit compensated by greater resolution and light grasp?

I am used to an AR 6 with some mods (no chromacor). Any comments as to how views will differ? I am looking forward to no false color, but I am really wondering if the resolution will be noticbale visually?

From a practical standpoint, how much more difficult (or easier) are the SCTs to set up. I carry the AR 6 & LXD55 mount in one piece. The OTAs on the SCTs look less cumbersome as the tubes are shorter. Are they movable in onw piece?

Thanks.

Gregg

A fellow hobbyist was kind enough to demonstrate his 10" LX 200 GPS (Thanks Gus!) for me last night. I presently use an AR 6 LXD 55. I was floored by the simplicity and GoTo accuracy of the LX 200. I'm sure everyone already knows this, but (IMHO) the LXD 55 is simply not in the same league.

I may very well opt for an LX200GPS, however, the fork mount kind of has to stay with the OTA.

I am interested in an EQ mount that is as simple and works as well as the LX 200. This way I can upgrade, downgrade or or just plain switch OTA's.

At this point I don't have any imaging ambitions beyond a web cam - but who knows in the future.

Recommendations?

Thanks.

Gregg

I just ordered an MK 67 Deluxe from ITE, special pricing @ $995. The reviews I have read are generally positive. I was originally thinking of purchasing an M715, but the price difference between the reduced MK 67 and the M715 was just too much to justify 1 extra inch of aperture, although the central obstruction of the M715 is smaller (25% vs 33% in MK 67).

I primarily observe planets. Any first hand experience as to how the MK 67 should compare with my present scope, an AR 6 (6" F/8 Achromat). I belive the the AR 6 is very well corrected, my own observations through a Ronchi test grate do not show discernable over or under correction.

Will the achromatic nature of the MK 67 give better high power planetary views, or will the Central Obstruction give me inferior views.

I'll know soon enough when I take delivery, but I'd like to know of the experiences of any readers.

Thanks.

Hi All!

I'm going to have to try imaging soon. Primarily planets and lunar. Webcam seems the ticket. It seems the ToUcam is ta popular way to go. I am interested in as small a learning curve as possible. For this reason I am thinking of the Meade LPI, as it comes as an all in one package, kind of a turn key solution.

Anyone have any experience with the LPI? Any recommendations or tips?

Thanks.

Gregg

That is exactly how I removed the focuser assembly when I flocked the OTA on my AR6. I used a 1 foot long 2"x2" with a hammer. After removing the screws, I placed the wood firmly against the focuser assembly - gentle tapping on the wood loosened the assembly and off it came. I would strongly suggest taking the opportunity to flock the OTA at the same time. I used self adhesive black felt from Walmart. It made a very significant difference in contrast. Are you looking into perfect alignment for a chromacor?

Gregg