Posts Made By: John Powell

I had some absolutely stunning views through the MK67 last night...this is the 3rd Mak that I've owned (ETX90 and 7" LX200)and the images in the Russian scope are by far the best(better contrast)...the Bogen head that I'm currently using just isn't going to do...too frustrating for views toward zenith....I'd like to mount this scope Alt/Az...I don't think that it'll fit in the Telepod head....any suggestions for mounting would be much appreciated...thanks...John

Shot this picture of a hummingbird in my garden w/Nikon4300/Sharpshooter 8x32 lens...the little birds constantly buzz each other in apparent territorial battle...love to get a shot of that, but I'd have to be very lucky....John

Can't seem to find any info on them via search engines....where should I look for info??....thanks...John

I own a pair of the Burgess 20x80's and have to wear eye glasses when using them....with the eyecups folded back, they work just fine. Because of severe astigmatism in my right eye, I had to have Bill Burgess send me a pair with additional minus diopter adjustment on that side...he apparently tests each pair so he had a few in stock. The only complaint I have is that when wearing glasses, the inter-ocular adjustment becomes critical and more difficult to get "just right" so that each eye hits the center or "sweet spot" in each eyepiece. My 56 year old eyes can be pretty finicky....but you gotta work with what you have.

Backyard Observatories, listed on Astromart home page sells plans....you can also use search engines like Google (type in "roll off roof observatory")and it'll list a whole slew of sites, mostly owner/builder projects with pictures and plans....I probably visited over a hundred sites and gathered alot of good ideas before I started building mine in August...I really enjoyed the whole experience and it makes observing a whole lot easier...mine survived hurricane Isabel w/60mph winds...good luck with your project...John

I took someone's suggestion on this forum and installed rope lighting on a dimmer switch and it works great. I am thinking about installing a small space heater on a timer to deal with condensation during periods of rapid temp changes during the winter months...when a warm front comes through after cold weather, condensation forms on the cold metal surfaces...a little heat now and then might help. I found that short pile carpeting around the pier area has been a life saver when I've dropped something in the dark...my floor is masonary, but your wooden floor might be more forgiving...I used a ridge vent with soffet venting for air circulation...I'm also going to install a small oscillating fan for the summer months to keep the mosquitos at bay....good luck with your observatory...you'll probably wonder how you ever did without it.

John

I recently purchased a Giro2DX on Astromart and mounted an Argonaut mak/cass (MK67) and a Vixen BT80 and I'm very pleased with the setup, although I think I've pushed the Bogen tripod beyond its limit...the rig sets up in minutes and is very easy to use....John