Posts Made By: Bill Webster

I have had this set up for several months but never took a picture of it. Oberwerks 20x80 on a T&T Atri mount makes a very nice combination. The neighbors always come over when I set this up in the front yard.
Bill W.
www.starsearching.homestead.com

I do a lot of show and tell for local elem schools. Normally I just set up a scope in the parking lot and show the kids saturn jupiter and the moon. But when it's cloudy or raining I would like to show the kids a slide show along with my little talk. Where can I buy slides of the different solar system objects?
Any ideas?
Thanks
Bill W.

I have a question for officers in other astronomy clubs. Due to the fact that the
Astronomy League has just increased its dues by almost 43% my club is questioning if it’s worth staying on as a member. The AL is a very worth while organization plus the Reflector and observing programs are some of the benefits of being an AL member, but $5 per membership is more then we want to pay. Also in my opinion the cost of the Reflector should be paid by those who advertise in it not it’s members other wise it is not a benefit just a hidden cost.
When our club first decided to join the AL one of our major reasons was the low cost group insurance that we could get being a member of the AL. Well that like everything else has gone up over the years. So my question is, other then the AL insurance plan who do you get coverage through?

I would appreciate your comments.
Bill W.

I just saved a very old and very abused C8 from the scrape heap. The Corrector plate is smashed in to two pieces. I have the wedge, fork arms and the OTA. The OTA had a large dent on one side. I have manged to pound out the dent. It may not look like much but if I can get a corrector plate I'll only need a tripod and I will have a complete scope.
So where can I buy a corrector plate?

I am rebuilding a 20" techtron and would like to replace the wooden mirror cell with a better one. I like the design that Starmaster and Nightsky uses. Also I have had a Starsplitter that used a sling design. Where can I buy a ready made mirror cell like these? Starmaster & Nightsky say they don't sell parts. And I haven't heard back from Starsplitter yet.

Thanks,
Bill Webster
Wendell, NC

I am rebuilding a 20" techtron and would like to replace the wooden mirror cell with a better one. I like the design that Starmaster and Nightsky uses. Also I have had a Starsplitter that used a sling design. Where can I buy a ready made mirror cell like these? Starmaster & Nightsky say they don't sell parts and I haven't heard back from Starsplitter yet.

Thanks,
Bill Webster
Wendell, NC

I am taking a vacation to the Camyan Islands in late January. Can someone suggest of few objects that would be visiable from Lat 19.28 Long -81.35? I have been to the winterstar party a few times and have seen the southern objects from there. I will look at most of them again but I would like a few new ones. Are the Magellanic clouds visiable for there? Remember I will be using a small 102mm Mak not my normal 16" dobs.

thanks
Bill W.

Guys
I'm building a 20" and need to buy 8 ft poles.
Is there someplace I can order them from? Lowes Home Improvemnet sells what I want for $2.25 per ft, $18 a tube. I was just wondering if there is anyplace cheaper.


Thanks for the help,
Bill W.
Raleigh, NC

Now that I have my 1.25" tubes. Where can I find the tube inserts for the
upper cage? I know Obbessions sells them but $4 a piece is a little steep.

Thanks
Bill W.

Where can I buy a couple of strips of ebony star?
Two 1" x 4 feet pieces is all I need but I would be willing to buy more if I have to.

Does anyone have any left over from a ATM project?

My 20" is almost complete. I am using aluminum strips right now but would like to replace it with ebony.