Posts Made By: Rich Peters

I picked up an ST80 and eq mount to fool around with, and to piggyback my 35mm on to. Being a reflector guy, can anyone tell me if I can use some of my 2' ep's with this ? And if so, where can I get a diagonal with a 1.25" nose that accepts 2" ep's? I've seen .965 to 1.25 adapters for diagonals. But that's it. Or is this not possible or practical ?
Thanks,
Rich

What type of place would one take binoculars to have them collimated other than shipping them off ?
Thanks,
Rich

I think I've just found my new favorite forum.
Thanks Herb!
Rich

Could anyone point me in the right direction, maybe a link to a website or something, where I could get some basic advice on using one of these web cams (ToUcam)? I'd like to pick one up to use with my 10" dob and my laptop. But I want to know what I need to get started just for some basic shots, such as an ep adapter, etc.
It just seems like a fairly cheap way to have some fun in a hobby where not too many things are inexpensive. Or if anyone has a similarly price alternative that will yield the same type of results. I can't believe the pics I've seen from some of you folks for a $100.00 web cam and a freeware processing/stacking program.
Thanks,
Rich

Anyone have any suggestions as to what type of filter, or ???... would be best for mars observing, to help cut out some of the glare? Would I be better off with a colored type of ep filter, or a tinted type of adj. filter similar to the one Orion sells?
Thanks,
Rich

Does anyone know or remember the name of the gentleman who use to sell/advertise Teflon on Astromart? I purchased from him a few years ago, but can't recall his name?

Is anyone familiar with StellarVision, the company who uses a certain type of almost undetectable paint to apply a "star chart", if you will, to your ceiling and upper walls. As I said, the paint is all but invisible under normal lighting. But at night, with (a black light?) the room lights up with a planetarium like view. I saw it at a recent home show in Phoenix last weekend, and wanted to know if anyone has an idea of how to reproduce this same effect? A transparency of the night sky, and an overhead projector would give me the layout. But I'm not sure of the paint? Their website is http://www.stellarvision.com/
I'd love to just call them up and have them do my daughters room, but due to my medical problems, money is a real issue right now.
Thanks,
Rich

Does anyone know where I could find a lens adaptor to mate a telephoto lens from my old Olympus OM-1 35mm film camera, onto my new Canon Digital Rebel XT? That is if such a thing even exists. Thanks

Would anyone out there be able to point me in the direction of an upcoming star party in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area? I have some very good friends of mine who recently moved to just outside the Albuquerque area,(a town called Edgewood to be exact). After leaving relative city life, they have discovered a very unique oddity with regards to their new home...stars! After looking up towards the heavens, they have realized there may in fact be something to this whole astronomy thing I often speak of after all. They asked me for advice on what type of scope would be appropriate for them to begin with? So I suggested they hook up with a local club and attend a star party, giving them an opportunity to ask questions, and see what types of scopes give them what type of viewing opportunity, (and bang for their buck). (I suggested binoculars, but you know how that usually goes over.)
So anyone out there in the Edgewood, New Mexico area who could provide me with some contact info???
Thanks...

There was a thread a while back regarding (in part), cooling fans. There were various suggestions regarding placement and flow direction etc. As well as observations that noted adverse currents affecting the image almost as soon as the fans are switched off. So my question is, does this mean all of you keep the fans running even when you're actually observing? Or do you switch them on and off between view(s)? I've got a solid tube dob (10" f-7) that could really use the help of some fans, but I'm concerned about visually noticeable vibrations from the fans, especially at higher magnification(s). Any thoughts on this?...Clear Skies!
Rich