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Posts Made By: Greg Shaffer

December 8, 2009 03:13 AM Forum: Reflectors

Digital setting circles

Posted By Greg Shaffer
Between the two you mention I will put my vote in for the Argo.....as Floyd says either will work and neither is a difficult task if you prepare yourself properly but the Argo is king of DSC's in my opinion.

Andrew Gawel said:

Id like to know if DSCs are fairly straight-foward to install and calibrate. Any preferences of SkyCommander or Argo Navis? Would an Argo Navis be compatable with a Starmaster 12.5,or would aSky Commander be more straight-foward installing?Thanks again.

December 27, 2009 03:14 PM Forum: AstroMart FAQ

Gallery error message

Posted By Greg Shaffer
When they upgraded the anacortes site it broke the link and no one has fixed it yet. But if you goto the anacortes site you can access the gallery there.

December 30, 2009 01:12 AM Forum: Refractors

Looking to upgrade to a 5" Apo

Posted By Greg Shaffer
For me there are only 2 in that list that I would be looking at. The TMB130SS and the TEC140, between the two I pick the 140. My logic is that when you reach this level of quality optics/mechanics/performance the only real difference is apature and apature wins smile

As for why I would be looking at only those two as a purchase.....solely because I have had the opportunity to look thru one of each but not the others you list.

Adam Leslie said:

I have been looking at Apos in the 127-130 range and was wondering what others would think the best choices are not considering cost. If you think of something better that is not included feel free to speak up. I would have added Astro Phyics 130 or 140 to the list but having to wait a decade is a long time. Also for the most part it would be for visual use.

TSA 120 (smallest I would want to go)
TV NP127
TMB 130 SS
AT 130
TEC 140 (largest I would want to)
SV 130T
APM 130F (not sure on which focal length, 1200 or 780.

Thanks for your time.

December 31, 2009 05:25 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Your 2010 Wish List / Shopping list ???

Posted By Greg Shaffer
Besides sell off a number of things I find I dont use I only have one thing on my list for this year and that is to add a large APO to the stable. Unless something changes it will be a TEC160. Well, I guess I should add finishing the expansion on the observatory from a one pier to a two pier so I will have a place for the APO.

john raymond said:

My WISH list, will probably only get one of these. Not in order of importance.

1. Glatter cable sling
2. Binoscope paint job
3. New refractor focuser 2.7" w/FT
4. Universal Astronomics bino mount
5. Televue 1.25" diagonal
6. Televue 60* diagonal
7. Small enclosed trailer
8. Backyard shed
9. Photonic cleaning kit
10. Trade 18" Ultra Compact for 12-14" Portaball due to knee problems

December 31, 2009 06:09 PM Forum: APM

Which binoculars do I have?

Posted By Greg Shaffer
Definately the later version. I have a set of the earlier ones that wont come to focus with standard EP's. Mine is 20x and 40x and the newer version comes with 25x and 50x


January 11, 2010 11:20 PM Forum: Telescope Making

Finished making my 10"f/15 refractor

Posted By Greg Shaffer
Ohhh wow! thats a lot of OTA lol...... and I literally just hung up the phone from talking to D&G about an 8" f/18 lens/cell only to logon and find this.....They are going to send me a cell to use building the OTA.....Of course the lens will be around a year on the wait list so there will be lots of time to get the OTA ready. sad

Very nice job on yours......really like the mounts you made for the smaller scopes.

Had to edit to add this: I just noticed you said you wont get 1st light till spring.....MAN, I am afraid I would have to buy some 2x4's to prop it up with or something to get at least a LOOK thru it lol

Rob Wiederrich said:

Well....short of a few minor things(Like a dew cap)..I have finished building my 10"f/15 refractor. It has been nearly a year from begining to the end. Lots of projects that needed to be done.

The first thing I built was the electric internal Crayford style focuser....and it was the last thing I made mods to tonight.

I won't have first light till Spring...cuz I'm making an elevating pier mod to the current pier. Once done the head will sit about 6ft off the ground. It is simply a mod to the current pier...and will be again retrofitted when the scope find its home in an OB.
Side view of spotters and the aft end.

Rob

January 13, 2010 12:02 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Gemini Conversion

Posted By Greg Shaffer
Upgraded my GM-8 to Gemini a while back.....just about as close to plug and play as it gets. Took me all of about 20 min from start to finish. Paying for the damn things is the rub.....installing and using is simplicity itself.

Steve Hollenbach said:

Losmandy has a Gemini retrofit for adding goto to their popular mounts and to the very similar CI-700. I happen to have the CI-700, and consider it to be a good quality mount. I've been reading about the Gemini servo drive system, and it sure looks good. It touts the ability to compensate for periodic error. It costs a bit more than a chunk of change.

Does anyone have experience with adding one to their mount?

Thanks,
Steve

January 13, 2010 10:22 PM Forum: Astro Binoculars

2nd Generation Binocular Mount

Posted By Greg Shaffer
Fantastic job George!! Have those same binos and fork mount.....and a Millenium UA parallelagram.

I believe by using the fork mount in your setup you accomplished what UA used to charge more for I believe they call it the "5th degree of motion"

Wish I had thought of that same setup myself smile

George Blahun said:

A few years ago I made a parallelogram mount for my 10x70 Fujinon Binocular. Now that I have a new to me APM 100mm binocular I decided on a more robust mount using aluminum stock I obtained from flea markets here in CT. I don't know what the maximum weight it will carry is, but it was a lot less expensive than any of the commercial units. The only tools used were a cheap Chinese drill press and a hand hacksaw. A few small hand bandages later, I have a decent mount. smile

January 14, 2010 07:08 AM Forum: Ask rating questions here

Help!!

Posted By Greg Shaffer
My take on this would be how much time are we talking......Given as you say it was relatively inexpensive and that there are a few situations however unlikely but do from time to time occur that can explain your inability to contact them, I would give it at least a couple weeks before going further other than perhaps some additional attempts to contact. Keep your cool too....On the outside chance it is a legit situation the buyer will be appreciative of your understanding when he is able to contact you. But after two weeks? Tar and feather, staked on a fireant bed in at 110 in the shade and not a tree in site >smile

daniel gillis said:

Hello,

I admittedly goofed it seems.

I mailed off an item (not real expensive, but still) to someone on Astromart before receiving payment.

I have since not heard anything from them including the promised payment. I have tried many e-mails and left a message on their cell.

I am reluctant to rate them low since they can turn around and rap my rating that I have builtup over time. Their rating is only a single purchase.

Any suggestions?

Thanks for reading.

January 22, 2010 09:55 PM Forum: Home Observatories

Did you know?

Posted By Greg Shaffer
Well the good news is it sounds like it is none the worse for wear.....

That being the case I guess it is ok to laugh smile

Yep I bet the look on your face as it dawned on you what you were seeing was priceless smile

Glad to hear it survived intact.....

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