Astromart

November 27, 2017 02:07 AM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

Psi Aqlilae and NGC 6804

NGC 6804

January 7, 2018 02:24 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

New scope decisions

What if you had an ultra-portable dob like this? http://newmoontelescopes.com/product/8%e2%80%b3-f-4-5/

Or 3-4" refractor on a simple alt-az mount ? Pictured Takahashi 78mm on Discmounts DM4

January 7, 2018 02:32 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

New scope decisions

Posted By john raymond

This is portable too

https://www.astromart.com/classifieds/details.asp?classified_id=968159

January 21, 2018 05:22 AM Forum: Telescope Making

5" Refractor Build

Posted By john raymond

Who made the lens ?

February 11, 2018 08:16 PM Forum: Reflectors

20" f5 or f4 What are your thought/experience

Posted By john raymond

Bill
I'd choose the f/4 every time. Spent some time last star party comparing 20" f/4 and f/5. Both gave nice images. The f/4 convenience and shorter trusses wins imo. Collimation isn't an issue.

If collimation shift that is an issue, then there's something wrong with the structure / mirror support.

My personal scope is an 18" f/3.5. It used to be an f/4.2. The few inches saved means I can sit all night when observing. The structure built by Rob Teeter held collimation well during subsequent nights of rolling the scope down a ramp and over bumpy ground. Collimation was just a tweak and some nights not touched at all.

I recently purchased an Ed Beck 8" f/4 mirror here on AM. The low and high power images are excellent. Use with a Paracorr 1. I really like f/4

Thanks
John

February 12, 2018 11:23 PM Forum: SCI-FI

The Last Jedi

Posted By john raymond

It was a good movie, but not a good Star Wars movie.

At least follow up and continue the nonsense started in Force Awakens in a logical manner.

I have hope the Ron Howard will do a good job with Solo movie. The trailer looks except for Woody Harrelson as his same character from Hunger Games.

February 25, 2018 10:20 AM Forum: Telescope Making

WHAT on Earth IS This?

Posted By john raymond

I'm guessing a mirror cover three feet diameter.

This is the reason I don't have a dob now. Mine would have been ready two months ago. My mirrors been sitting in a box all winter.

February 27, 2018 06:40 AM Forum: Telescope Making