Image of the day

Captured by
Gerald Elkin

House Finch

About Astromart

My Account

New to Astromart?

Register an account...

Need Help?

Posts Made By: Andrew Box

December 22, 2009 08:10 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

DSI problems

Posted By Andrew Box
Hi,

I just got a used original DSI color camera and I'm having problems getting it to work. I've tried it on two PC laptops: On my older laptop w/pentium III, XP pro 32 bit and USB 1.1 I get the error shown in the attached file when I try to open the Envision software.

On another laptop that's newer and has USB 2.0 but also runs 32 bit windows XP, the computer freezes up immediately upon plugging in the camera but will unfreeze as soon as it's unplugged.

I'm using the newest version of Autostar and Envision from Meade's website.

Anyone have problems like this? Could it be the camera or my software/computer setup?

Thanks!

Andy

December 30, 2009 07:46 AM Forum: Wildlife Photography

spider

Posted By Andrew Box
Here's a shot of a Missouri Ozark spider shot with a canon digital elph 10MP.

March 9, 2011 01:20 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

CG5 computerized vs 6 SE

Posted By Andrew Box
So I ebayed my C8 ultima setup b/c I wasn't using it much at all. It was too heavy and cumbersome to setup due to all the accessories, camera etc... I want to get back into doing more visual observing for a while.

So now I'm looking to get something that's quicker to setup and I'd like to try a goto mount while I'm at it. I like the nexstar 6 SE setup b/c it seems pretty light and gets decent reviews, but I'm also realizing that for not much more money I can get the C6A-SGT on the computerized CG5 mount.

Any one own either of these? I would like to know how they compare in terms of setup and calibrating the goto system. There are a few comparisons of these systems out in internet land but none are very specific, they just say the CG5 takes longer to set up.

Thanks.

March 27, 2011 03:30 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

non-OEM cases - nexstar 8 + base

Posted By Andrew Box
I've need to get a case for my nexstar 8 SE. It doesn't have to be able to withstand an atomic explosion or worse, be airline shippable, but just sturdy enough to be able to grab it and chuck it into the car without worry. I've been looking at something like this:

http://www.chellis.com/catalog.asp?prodid=627269&showprevnext=1

The largest size can be had for around $125.00 and should hold the OTA attached to the fork/base, foam filled can be had also. Anyone try something like this? I really don't want to pay $375 for the Celestron case that as far as I can tell only holds the OTA anyways.

Any advice would be very appreciated, thanks!

January 16, 2008 01:50 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

affordable dual axis drive mount

Posted By Andrew Box
Thanks for the replies. So many options, which is good I guess. I'll keep my eyes on the classified section.

October 11, 2009 08:17 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

ultima 8 PEC - weak drive or user?

Posted By Andrew Box
Whoops - I said weighted to the east, I meant west as in pulling the scope in the direction the drive should be going. It only tracks when balanced heavier that way.

December 31, 2009 12:43 AM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

Moon behind clouds/haze

Posted By Andrew Box
Depends what optics you're using - the better the lens the better the results you should expect. Are you shooting through a telescope or SLR lens?

You might even need to make an overlay of one short and one longer exposure if the cloud/haze detail is too much dimmer than the moon itself. I'm not a big expert on post-processing stuff but many folks around here are.

December 31, 2009 12:47 AM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

Orions Sword

Posted By Andrew Box
That's insanely good - I hope I can get some shots 1/2 that good.

March 11, 2011 01:34 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

CG5 computerized vs 6 SE

Posted By Andrew Box
Just ordered an 8 SE on ebay, got it for $1099 w/free shipping (had a $100 off coupon), can't wait to try it out!


March 28, 2011 10:32 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Considering starting with a Celestron 8

Posted By Andrew Box
I agree that a nexstar or other alt az goto might be best. I just sold my
Classic 8 on an ultima mount and got a nexstar 8 se and it's great. Easy to set up and optics are very good. A dual fork mount or gem would be better if you want to do serious imaging. Also, invest in a good eyepiece or two - this is important. I used a crappy 25 mm kellner for over a year before getting a decent eyepiece and wow what a difference!

I wouldn't worry too much about reliability, most people have very little trouble with these types of mounts failing.

Definitely read rod's publications to get all the info you'll ever want about choosing an sct.

Funding Member

Sponsors


View all sponsors

Search