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Posts Made By: Steven Jindra

January 17, 2004 07:56 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Meade 32mm 4000 VS Televue 32mm Plossl

Posted By Steven Jindra
Has anyone compared the Meade 32mm Super Plossl (4000) with the Televue 32mm Plossl (both are 1-1/4" eyepieces). The scopes I will be using one of them in will be the Tak FS-78 (F8) and the 12" LX-200 (F10 & F6.3 with focal reducer). I am trying to decide which to go with.
Thanks for your input.
Steven Jindra

February 8, 2004 05:52 AM Forum: Takahashi

.63 SCT or .8 Focal Reducer for FS-78 - Questions?

Posted By Steven Jindra
I have an FS-78 I use for visual and video astronomy. I have adapted it to use the Meade .63 SCT focal reducer/field flattener I already have. I notice the quality refractor manufactures each have a .8 focal reducer/corrector.

On video (with a 1/3" chip @ 640 x 480 resolution) I do not notice a problem. But I have not done a close enough comparison of the view to tell if distortion is being added.

My questions:
Is there a major difference in the design of these reducers. Will a .63 focal reducer/flattener designed for an SCT introduce a significant distortion of the field when used with a refractor (such as the FS-78)?

Also: is there a reason optically why a reduction of only .8 seems to be prevelent for refractors? Are these propriatory to each manufaturer's models?

Any input is appreciated.
Thanks
Steven Jindra

February 8, 2004 06:01 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

SCT or Refractor Focal Reducer for FS-78 Questions

Posted By Steven Jindra
I have an FS-78 I use for visual and video astronomy. I have adapted it to use the Meade .63 SCT focal reducer/field flattener I already have. I notice the quality refractor manufactures each have a .8 focal reducer/corrector.

On video (with a 1/3" chip @ 640 x 480 resolution) I do not notice a problem. But I have not done a close enough comparison of the view to tell if distortion is being added.

My questions:
Is there a major difference in the design of these reducers. Will a .63 focal reducer/flattener designed for an SCT introduce a significant distortion of the field when used with a refractor (such as the FS-78)?

Also: is there a reason optically why a reduction of only .8 seems to be prevelent for refractors? Are these propriatory to each manufaturer's models?

This is a repeat of a post I put on the Takahashi site.
Any input is appreciated.
Thanks
Steven Jindra

February 27, 2004 02:42 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Which GEM (W/GO-TO) for 9.25 SCT & FS-78

Posted By Steven Jindra
Which GEM mount would you recommend for a Celestron 9.25 SCT OTA (not the fiberglass tube) mounted in tandom with an FS-78 (I believe about 30# to 35# total). Prefer go-to capability. I will be using for visual and imaging. Money is a definate consideration, but not the most important one.

Thanks for your input.
Steven Jindra

February 27, 2004 06:50 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Outside Diameter Of 9.25 SCT OTA

Posted By Steven Jindra
Could anyone tell me the outside diameter of a Celestron 9.25" SCT OTA. I have one coming and am considering making an adapter saddle for an LX200 10" fork mount to mount it on. I just want to make sure it will fit without having to alter (cut) the existing trunions.
Thanks
Steven Jindra

March 7, 2004 04:29 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Good Value In 2" Eyepiece?

Posted By Steven Jindra
I have only recently upgraded to 2" diagonals in my scopes (a 12" F10 SCT and a 78mm F8 APO Refractor). I am interested in taking advantage of the wider field of views. I am wondering which eyepieces in the longer focal lengths, around a 56mm Plossl or 32 to 40mm wider angles (67 to 70 degree AFV) are better values right now (quality to price) . I am looking in the $100 to $200 range new or used.

Any feedback is appreciated along with your experiences.

Thanks
Steven Jindra

March 22, 2004 10:36 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Apogee Galileo Color Filter Wheel - Any Comments?

Posted By Steven Jindra
I am using a very low light video camera to image deep sky objects, but would like to do color. I have the RGB filters and am considering purchasing the Apogee Galileo Color Filter wheel because the price is right (around $70). Does anyone have any comments or experiences with this?
Thanks
Steven Jindra

March 27, 2004 05:33 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

ABG or NABG - Which?

Posted By Steven Jindra
I live near Houston, Texas. I've been somewhat inspired by some of Ed Graftons work in the same area. My viewing and imaging are primarily from my back yard (I built a small building with a slide off roof). I will primarily be imaging (in order of importance) galaxies, nebulas, globular clusters, and open clusters (for planets, I have a webcam). I have a 12" LX200 with the 6.3 and the 3.3 focal reducers and a 78mm f8 refractor.

I am seriously considering the ST-7E type cameras. As far as the ABG or the NABG models, which would best fit my applications? What are the main advantages or disadvantages?

Any thoughts are appreciated.
Steven Jindra

April 2, 2004 06:33 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Light Polution Filters - Which?

Posted By Steven Jindra
I am waiting to receive my SXV-H9 with guide camera today, so I am going to image something tonight in spite of the Moon or clouds, even if it's a water tower down the street.

I live in Deer Park, Texas (next to Houston), surrounded by
refineries/chemical plants, so light polution is a constant. My main interests are imaging galaxies, nebulas, comets, globulars, then others. Currently, I will only be taking B&W images.

I'll be using a 9.25" SCT at F6.3 or F3.3 and/or a FS-78 at F8 on and LX200 fork mount/wedge.

I already have a 1-1/4" Lumicon OIII and a 1-1/4" 1000 Oaks LP-1 filter. Would either of these help on certain objects, or is it better to do without?

Any suggestions for future filter purchases (when my budget recovers from buying the camera). I've heard and read about the Hutech LPS-P1 filter. For B&W would it offer any great advantage over what I have, or primarly when I start color imaging?

Thanks for any comments.
Steven Jindra

April 5, 2004 09:46 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

HA FILTERS 3, 4.5, 6, 10, 13nM?

Posted By Steven Jindra
I'm seeing a number of beautiful images of nebulas even from light poluted areas using HA filters. Could enyone explane or provide a reference to a site that describes the differences in these filters? Particularly, which are most effective under extreme light pollution, with price being a consideration too?

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