Posts Made By: Rob Elgert

I just learned that Stellarvue has announced their newest additions to the apo line-up recently unvailed. At RTMC last weekend, Vic Marris introduced the astro-community to his new 6" apo. The lens is designed by Thomas Back and the focuser is a custom designed feathertouch - 4"!. The lineup also includes some smaller TMB/Stellarvue's at 4.5" and possibly some other sizes in the future.
The new SV6 was recieved very well by those in attendance. While conditions were not good, I understand the views thru this behemoth were just awesome. I can't help but think this newest amalgamation/relationship will produce some world class scopes.
Truly, an exciting time to be hunting for larger apo's!

Clear Skies - Rob

I'm just wondering if anyone here has used an HEQ5 (EQ6 little brother) and how they like it. Specifically, I am curious if the drive system is more accurate and usable than your typical CG5/EQ4. I found the CG5 drive system very frustrating and am hoping the HEQ5 will be made somewhat better.

I have already read the review on CloudyNights of this mount so no referals needed to that site.

Thanks in Advance - Rob

Can anyone here tell me who made the CI-700 mount for Celestron? The obvious answer would be Losmandy but I'm curious if the entire mount was made by one manufacturer or were different parts subcontracted and then assembled by Celestron? If the mount was indeed made by Losmandy, does it utilize the same drive system and therefor have the same accuracy?
Any history of this mount would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in Advance - Rob

After 10 years of star hopping and developing a reasonably good knowledge of the sky, I am considering adding a goto scope to my arsenal in order to make more effective use of my limited observing time.
I owned an ETX 125 for a few months before giving up on it for numerous quality control/defects. The biggest problem by far was that the Autostar would seize up at temps below the freezing point. As I live in a northern climate, its not unusual to be out at -30C (if there's no wind)so this is a big concern.
I would really appreciate some input from both users of Meades Autostar equipped scopes and Celestrons goto scopes in medium apertures. Specifically, how do the hand controllers perform at temperatures below freezing and substantially lower.

Thanks in Advance for taking the time to educate me - Rob
Please limit responses to the performance of the hand controls rather than a peeing contest about who makes better scopes.

I'm looking for soom feedback on the 16" Meade Starfinder dobs. Specifically, I'd like some comments from those with firsthand experience using this scope. I know that the structure is poor, the finder sucks and the secondary is way too big, but I'd like to know about the otpics.
I am considering purchasing one of these and pilfering the optics to build a TT dob. I know I would have to upgrade the focuser and get a 3.1" secondary to do it right but I have also read that the mirrors Meade makes are very good.
Not great, but very good.

Where I live, a top quality mirror would be a waste of money and given the reasonble price for the 16" Starfinder, this may be a compromise worth considering for me.

Thanks in Advance - Rob

I couldn't believe it. I went into my local scope shop today and was asking a few questions about the Celestron Nexstar GPS Series of SCT's. It was explained to me that the entire line was discontinued and that they are no longer available. I was a little choked.
Then I asked why???
Apparently, Meade forced Celestron to terminate production of the Nexstar line in the last round of litigation agreement. Something to do with patent infringement.
I was wondering what happened to the Nexstar GPS ads in the last 2 issues of S&T.
Thanks alot Meade (ya bunch a' dinks!!)
Just one more reason I will never buy a Meade product again.

Choked in Canada - Rob

My apologies, right up front, if this is accidentally in the incorrect forum.

I recently purchased a scope and part of the deal was a Meade Pictor416XT CCD with the 201XT and all the associated accessories (all in a nice plastic case no less). I know nothing about CCD and/or how to use one.
I'd like some input as to if this outfit is worth keeping to experiment with(read learn). I suspect I am in way over my head and should probably sell the entire thing and put the money towards something I can actually use. If this is the case, any idea what this is worth? Oh yeah, it also came with a Meade color filter wheel.

For the record, the manual that came with this stuff royally sucks. I can't imagine anyone figuring out how to use this camera using the manufacturers manual.

Any info from those of you who have experience with this camera would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in Advance - Rob

I'm very, very curious about this.

Why do glass pushers not use Black Vitrified Ceramic substrate for fabricating mirrors?

It seems to have very desirable characteristics, particularly if you are an amateur who is making your own optic. BVC has very low (almost 0)coefficient of expansion, it can be worked(ground) much faster than pyrex or even more exotic substrates, and it is considerably less expensive than these more commonly used glasses.
It would seem to me that amateurs would be clamouring to purchase and use BVC in thier optic making efforts,
Even Texereau makes note of it in his seminal text.

Can someone please enlighten me as to why more mirror makers do not use BVC?

Thanks in Advance - Rob

I have the AT1010 and have used a friends Sv78 a few times. The 1010 is an exceptional value when you factor in performance, build quality, and price. The SV78 is just that much better due to the dual speed JMI focuser. You can eliminate that last bit of color with it. Very nice. Its not an apo but it is close enough for me and it won't drain you.

Good Luck - Rob E.

I had one of these for about 3 weeks. It drove me nuts. The image it thru up was decent but its such a monster to use. You are either on your knees or standing on your toes about 50% of the time. The focuser is barely adequate. It doesn't take heavier EP/diagonal combos well.

The mount is inadequate (to be kind).Even with heavy duty oak legs, the image bounces after each refocus or aim adjustment. If you are considering one of these, don't get one with the CG5/EQ4 mount that comes standard. Go for an EQ6 or G11.

My opinion: stick with a good quality 4" refractor and upgrade the dob to a 12.5" or 14". You'll never regret the investment (until aperature fever demands a 20" that is).

Good Luck - Rob Elgert