Posts Made By: Gregory Damiani

Hi All. Happy New Year!

Here is my first Jupiter of '04 (and second ever). MK67DX (6" MakCas) @ about f/66 (Meade 2x and Televue 3x barlows stacked). 340 of aout 500 from Quicktime stacked with Keiths image Stacker. Old Kensington webcam (320 x 240). Mac Titanium G4 computer. In am posting stacked unprocessed image and one that is shaprened with KIS's Laplaciad Pyramid Sharpen (next post). Anyone care to take a shot at processing the raw image? Any critiques and tips re processing appreciated.

Thanks.

Gregg

Hi All!

Here is an over processed image which, I hope, shows a little Encke. I am not sure. Other posts where I have seen Encke, Cassini seem so much wider and more defined than in my shot. I will post a less processed version below.

150 stacked & processed with Keith's Image Stacker on Mac Titanium G4. MK67DX @ F/33 (Televue 3x barlow), Kensington Webcam.

Thanks for looking.

Gregg

Hi All!

Any one a HAM operator? I have an old Uniden President HR 2510 purchased while in College circa 1987 or 1988. This is a 10m radio. I am sure the rules have changed in a decade plus. Are these frequencies still for voice com? What is involved in getting licensed?

Thanks.

Gregg

Hi All!
Any one a HAM operator? I have an old Uniden President HR 2510 purchased while in College circa 1987 or 1988. This is a 10m radio. I am sure the rules have changed in a decade plus. Are these frequencies still for voice com? What is involved in getting licensed?
Thanks.
Gregg

Hi All!

I have recently acquired a new scope (MK67DX - 6" MakCas). I am very new to imaging. I was observing and imaging Jupiter recently (1/27/03) and took the posted image. This was actually the second image I ever took.

My question. I can see a moon shadow clearly on Jupiter. I believe I see what appears to be, may be, the moon itself to the left. Do you think I captured a transit or is it an artifact? I didn't note the moon in the EP. I have never observed Jupiter with this scope before, so I don't know whether I would have noticed. I note less contrast than my old scope (AR 6), so it's possible it was there and I missed it.

I figured the contributors to this forum would best be able to advise.

Thank you.

Happy New Year to all.

Gregg

Hi all!

Its been a while since I've had time to get outside with the scope. Here's a Jupiter attempt with my MK67 @ F 36 & Kensington Webcam. 140 images stacked & processed w/ Keith's image stacker.

I hesitated to post after reviewing the excellents posts! They keep getting better and better!

Hi All.

I am going to attempt to microflex a mirror in an old 4.5" Tasco, as described in S&T 11/03 issue. I need to find the center to attach the screw which will be used to pull & deform (reform) the mirror. I've spent about 45 minutes on line and cannot find a decent printable picture of concentric circles. Anyone have any links?

Thanks.

Gregg

Hi All.

I have an MK67 that I will be keeping. This scope is great, especially on planets, but its dim for my light polluted skies for deep sky. I will certainly want to use a new scope for planets as well. Increased resolution and exit pupil would be welcome. We have steady skies, so I think I can make use of a bigger scope on the planets.

So far I'm thinking of a high quality tracking tracking dob with GOTO, like a Starmaster 14.5", or maybe Meade or Celestron SCT, 10" - 12". I know, very different animals, but they may each fit the bill.

Initial thought was Goto tracking dob with a high quality mirror, but I have read many posts from folks extremely happy with their Meade and Celestron SCTs, and have seen many great CCD/Webcam posts with these OTA's. Anyone know how their mirror quality actually stacks up as compare to known HQ mirrors?

Your thoughts appreciated.

GD

I am looking for opinions for an exceptional planetary scope. I have had a 6 inch achro, presently have an MK67. I am looking for better color correction than the achro and better contrast than the MakCass. I am looking for a significant improvement in visual performance.

I am leaning towards an optimized newtonian. I would want tracking and goto. Possibly a 14.5 Starmaster? I would welcome opinions on any other builders that incorporate goto & tracking in their design rather as an add on. Any opnions on Spacewalk telescopes?

An EQ mounted off axis newt is a possibility. Mak newts may be an option, but cool down becomes an issue. I am less sanguine about a larger MakCass for the same reason, but again, opinions are welcome.

I live in S. Florida, and enjoy a decent amount of good seeing. For this reason I think I may be better served by a scope with more aperture than your usual apo. (I can't afford an 8 inch apo!)

Thanks.

Gregg

Hi All:

I am starting this thread to help hone in on a new scope purchase. I am down to the wire. :S I requested info in this vein once before in another thread (Wanted: Opinions on an Exceptional Planetary). I was kind of set on a Goto Truss Dob with premium optics (either TScopes 13” or Spacewalk 12.5”). The 14.5” Starmaster w/ GoTo & Tracking was a bit pricey compared to the others. I was almost ready - until perusing the APO vs. Reflector thread in the Reflectors forum.

After reviewing that thread, particularly in light of some of Roland Christen’s and Gordon Dayton’s posts, I am reconsidering a larger MakCass (MK 91), possibly a MakNewt. The only reasonably priced option for a large MakCass I am finding is the MK91. Mike Palermiti @ ITE can make a graphite tube version, saving me about 9 pounds, and more importantly – the necessity of a new mount! Going up 1” to ITE’s M10F10 doubles the price. Ditto TEC’s MakCass’s of 8” – 10”.

So, here are my concerns. Number 1 – Wife: She wants this to be my last – ultimate scope – she thinks I’m kidding when I explain I need to buy a Keck. Suffice it to say, this will need to last a while – 2 + years.

My primary interest is planetary (This could change with a larger dob). The MK91 has a 3100mm FL – allowing the use of longer FL EP’s. BUT – a 12” or 13” Dob will have a larger exit pupil. Which wins out?

Roland Christen pointed out some downsides of the Truss Dob – necessity of frequent collimation, unprotected optics need cleaning & recoating. I don’t have much time to view – the relative “ease” of a larger MakCass may be attractive. How long will it take to start viewing with a truss dob? I won’t be going to a dark site – just the yard. Do I need to collimate each time out?

How often is recoating needed to maintain reasonably premium performance?

Premium dob owners – when viewing planets – do you use small FL EP’s, or do you Barlow / Powermate?

In the end - it all comes down to the views. Opinions? Which are better – with an emphasis on contrast. In my opinion – Jupiter is the real test.

I guess I’d really like to know the CONS of each scope. Please feel free to expound upon the virtues of one over the other – but I’d really like to know the cons.

One other option – anyone have any opinions regarding the new Starmaster V-11. Rick Singmaster advised in a e-mail he would start taking orders in about a month. Has anyone seen / used the V-8? I am guessing a G-11 Gemini would be in order for the V-11.

V-11 / G-11 sounds kind of cool.

Should I just wait a little longer and try for the 14.5 Starmater w/ Zambuto?

I now have "paralysis by analysis."

Thanks in advance.

Gregg
MK67 / LXD55
PST