Posts Made By: Brad Geisler

There has been much speculation about the new LX mounts before anyone has actually had their hands on one.

I received an email from one of the popular So Cal (not OPT) retailers saying the LX800 is now available in 10" and 12". I was however extremely amuzed by the tag line of their message.

Do you think they actually meant what they said ? Here is a cut and paste. See if you catch the punchline. I don't think it is what they meant.

NEW MEADE 10" & 12"

LX800 Telescopes

LIMITED QUALITY IN STOCK NOW

Maybe the dealer is not sure about them yet either !!!
Brad

There has been much speculation about the new Meade LX mounts before anyone has actually hand their hands on one.

I received an email from one of the popular So Cal (not OPT) retailers saying the LX800 is now available in 10" and 12". I was however extremely amuzed by the tag line of their message.

Do you think they actually meant what they said ? Here is a cut and paste. See if you catch the punchline. I don't think it is what they meant.

NEW MEADE 10" & 12"

LX800 Telescopes

LIMITED QUALITY IN STOCK NOW

Maybe the dealer is not sure about them yet either !!!
Brad

I prefer not to dable in politics, so do NOT expect any responses.
The video is only confirmation of what I already thought.
Might not be true, I feel it is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=-wIfI2whjiM

This is the man that helped get Clinton elected President twice, and Governor of AR three times.
This is Dick Morris who used to work for the Clinton administration, he is now a respected news contributor and author.
He investigates before reporting, supposedly.
This is going to affect everyone! PASS THIS ON TO ANYONE THAT THINKS THEY WON'T BE AFFECTED...or believes in hope and change....it only gets worse.

Got this in an email so no idea if it is even valid.
I was wondering why Obummer seemed a little more knowledgable the last two debates.

Sure looks like the 80's I got from Agena Astro for public party use. Actually, for the money, not bad images in MAK's or SCT's. I won't put them in the focuser of my Obsession though. Got the 15, 20 and 30mm for around $260.

Brad

Most hardware stores have rubber/vinyl "caps" for most screw sizes. They are kind of like rubber feet for patio chairs, but in a multitude of sizes from 1/8" to 1 1/2". I've used them for my SV-50 and never marred the surface of the finder. Look in the slide out trays they keep specialty items in in the bolt and screw department. Ace or True Value have them in stock. Sometimes bulk, but also packaged. Make sure to take one with you for proper sizing, there are lots of sizes. A quick and easy fix for pennies.
Brad

Blowing towards/on the mirror to cool or warm it to the ambient air temp.
Brad

Dan,
The only constructive suggestion I could make is to change your time frame to night to check the scope. That way the current owner can put it through it's paces with alignment and goto's and you'll see it at work. Even in heavy light pollution you'll be able to pick alignment stars and test the scopes computer functions, not to mention you get to learn the system while watching. The owner may not be proficient with the scope if he only used it once, but between the two of you you can probably figure it out. Arrive before dark so you can inspect the scope in light and check for "only used once" status.
If your stuck with daytime, you have a pretty good list already. If it moves in both axis and will focus, your most of the way there. Good luck and enjoy.
Brad

Mark,
An f10 scope is very forgiving on eyepiece quality, economical is OK. Where do you intend to be in a few years, with the same scope ? One of the things I have learned in the few years of great pleasure from this hobby, great eyepieces work in ANY scope, but scopes have a way of getting changed for other models. If your on a strict budget, chose carefully and judiciously within your budget. If you can afford them, seek out Naglers, Pentax XW's, Panoptics and not to mention Ethos. They will serve you for the rest of your life if taken care of while you will have gone through many scope designs and sizes. The mistake I made was trying to get the most quality for the least money. Then I had to sell those to get what I knew in the beginning I wanted. That can be done but if you stay with it you will appreciate the investment in eyepieces more than most of the scopes. Quality EP's are universal in the scope types they will work in. Don't be afraid of all this, but have fun with it now and years into the future. Work within your budget and know that a premium line up of EP's might take years to aquire.

Hi David,

Most of the websites for the Dob makers include the info in the specs for each scope.
They usually refer to it as " eyepiece height at zenith ". The focal ratio of the mirror is the most determining factor.
The faster the mirror, the shorter the scope for a particular diameter of mirror.
Happy hunting,
Brad