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Sculptor Galaxy (NGC 253)

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Posts Made By: Doug Scobel

May 5, 2004 04:22 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Is No One at the Eyepeice?

Posted By Doug Scobel
Well, Darren, we've had a bit of a moon to contend with the past week+, but on April 19 I had a chance to get out and do some galaxy hunting, mainly in Virgo. I'm closing in on the Herschel 400 (list 1), only 20 to go! All I need is a couple evenings this next new moon cycle in May, or maybe one good longer night, and I'll be done. Some of those little buggers are pretty nondescript, but it's still fun hunting them down just the same.

Doug Scobel

May 7, 2004 01:42 PM Forum: Telescope Making

Moonlite vs JMI

Posted By Doug Scobel
Jim, I highly recommend the Moonlite CR-2 (dual-rate) instead of the CR-1. It’s more money, but money well spent. I bought one for my 13” and absolutely love it. The only one that’s better is the Feathertouch, but it will cost you even more $$$.

Best regards,
Doug Scobel

May 7, 2004 07:39 PM Forum: Telescope Making

Protostar curved vane spider for planets?

Posted By Doug Scobel
Ron, my choice would be the one with the least amount of TOTAL diffraction. I think the Protostar curved vane (single semicircle) accomplishes that vs. even their three vane, plus no spikes to boot.

I'm currently saving my pennies to get one for my 8" f/8.

My $.02
Doug Scobel

May 8, 2004 01:46 AM Forum: Telescope Making

Optimum 8" f 8 Newt?

Posted By Doug Scobel
James, here's a thread from last fall on my 8" f/8, optimized for visual planetary use:

http://www.astromart.com/messages.asp?message_id=125582&page=

It works really well on planets. The only thing I would change (and I plan to) is use Protostar's curved vane secondary support, and get a really good (1/20+ wave) secondary from Antares.

For more general purpose use I'd go up to maybe a 1.52" secondary for a larger fully illuminated field, but that would probably be all I'd do differently.

Nice choice!
Doug Scobel

May 11, 2004 01:00 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

2 weeks evaluation on side fans

Posted By Doug Scobel
Ron, I don't remember - what is your fan configuration? Do you have vent holes opposite the fans? If not, then there's no place for the warm air to go.

Doug

May 11, 2004 04:53 PM Forum: Telescope Making

Wrapping Up Another One

Posted By Doug Scobel
Never mind, Lee. I see from another one of your posts that the back plate is two pieces. It all makes sense now! ;^)

Doug


Hey, Lee, I have a question regarding how you plan on mounting the bottom plate to the tube. It looks like you've used a router to "machine" a circular groove in the end plate, to receive the tube. But once you insert the tube, how will you fasten it together? Once it's together, you can't reach inside to insert any screws. You can’t be using glue, ‘cuz then you’ll never get it apart.

Love your attention to detail, like the recesses for the pushbuttons and indicator lights.

Doug

May 13, 2004 01:14 PM Forum: Solar System Observing

Comet Neat Q4

Posted By Doug Scobel
Very nice observation and rendition, Carlos. That's exactly the way it looked to me last night. Here's my post: http://www.astromart.com/messages.asp?message_id=211764&page=

Clear skies,
Doug Scobel

May 21, 2004 12:55 PM Forum: Telescope Making

Foucault Knife-Edge question

Posted By Doug Scobel
Sam, Rick is correct. 3.5 inches is too far, especially if you want to do fast mirrors.

The best thing is to create a so-called "slitless" tester. In these the light source and knife edge are as coincident as you can get them. Do a google search on "Foucault slitless" and you'll find a lot of links regarding how to construct one.

Good luck,
Doug Scobel

May 26, 2004 07:54 PM Forum: Telescope Making

ground cover

Posted By Doug Scobel
How about some shredded bark or mulch? It wouldn't hold much heat (which makes it good around plants), will prevent weeds from growing, and will be cushy under foot. And if you drop an eyepiece on it, it'll bounce!

Doug

May 26, 2004 09:33 PM Forum: Telescope Making

How do you shorten the Focal Length

Posted By Doug Scobel
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