Posts Made By: John Cassella

Greetings all,

I recently posted a bunch of items on A-mart. My e-mail has changed and so I updated my profile after I had posted. But I am not getting any responses, which I find highly unlikely. Is there something that may be keeping me from getting e-mails?

Thanks,
john

Greetings all,

I have a bit of a rhetorical question: Where has the customer service gone!?

I have been in the market for a high end dob that will likely be purchased in the next 6 months or so. I have been viewing for a number of years and know what suits my viewing needs. I have also owned what many consider to be "one of the best" high end dobs.

But I found that even this premium dob lacked attention to detail. And the owner pooh-poohed my request to even add an optical finder, and then proceeded to tell me why I didn't need it. HELLO!!!

In my current search I find quotes like this:

[SIZE="Large"]"We know that you want choices when it comes to your own observing gear. We will customize your scope to your specifications."[/SIZE]

But when I ask for a simple adjustment, like adding a fan or painting the edges, the answer is "no". Have they read their own website!? This is true even when I indicate an understanding that it may cost a little more.

Ah, I'm spending $5K or $6K and the answer is no. I must say it has me crossing a lot of possibilties off my list.

Tscopes seems to offer options, AND ACTUALLY MEAN IT. So I am looking at his stuff.

Thanks for "listening" to my rant,
john

O.K. folks, here its is.

I'm on the verge of buying a new 12.5" truss dob. I have looked at everything you can imagine in just about every way imaginable. Phone calls, spreadsheets, websites, chat groups, reviews - you name it.

Here are my requirements:

1. $5,000 max limit.
2. Needs to have top shelf optics (and there are several that make them)
3. Needs to be portable


Things I don't care about:
1. Goto
2. Digital setting circles

* I will be using an EQ platform for tracking.

The scope will be used for deep sky as well as critical planetary work.

So........what are the thoughts of this illustrious group?

Thanks,
john

Greetings,

I have been noticing something. I don't know if that means there has been a change, or I'm just noticing it. But the 6" Apo triplets are going for 8000+$. Is this a new high, or has this been the market for some time?

Regardless, man, I gotta get me one of those!

Take care,
john

Greetings all,

Someone please help me out here.

Let's say you buy a 6mm TMB - $150.

Now add $65 to have it mailed insured (are you going to have it mailed uninsured from Germany?) - $215.

Now add fees to use a credit card - hello - (3.5%) - $223.

I'm not seeing the bargain here. Is it me?

Take care,
john

Greetings all,

I'm reconfiguring my eyepiece case in anticipation of a new telescope due at year's end.

I have everything pretty well worked out, but I wanted to get impressions regarding the 9mm Nagler Type 6 and the 10mm Pentax XW. I have tried the Nagler 7mm Type 6 and the 7mm Pentax XL side by side, so I have some idea.

I guess side by side comparisons between these two eyepieces (9T6 & 10 Pentax XW) would be most helpful, not just regarding optical performance, but also, regarding physical aspects of use.

Yes, I have already read reviews on Cloudynights & Excelsis.

Thanks for any input,
john

Greetings everyone,

I have heard several statements that the FS128, and perhaps the FS152, are going out of production. Does anyone know if this is true? Will there be fluorite doublets to replace them - perhaps like the FS102NSV?

Thanks,
john

Good morning all,

Just had an interesting experience on CN. I had a thread called "Commodity Fetish" that questioned some of the "look at the all stuff I have" posts. After two days they pulled it.

It was cordial and about equipment, but I guess it's only possible to discuss purchasing, not self-restraint.

I found the experience extremely telling in ways that far exceed a simple and enjoyable hobby.

Take care,
john

Greetings all,

I am looking at getting another equatorial platform at some point in the not too distant future. Previously I had an Osypowski platform, but was wondering if anyone has had any experience with a Johnsonian platform. Do they work consistently? Can I get one for a Portaball?

Thanks,
john

Was thinking of trying the AP Barcon? Wanted to use the nose piece on the front of a diagonal to effectively double the FL of the scope and allow the use of longer FL eyepieces?

Would this work well? Would it function like an Extender Q would on a TAk? Any color corrective properties?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
john