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Posts Made By: john shea

November 8, 2005 11:57 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Meades New Dob

Posted By john shea

Meade has just came out with 3 different size truss dobsonians. They are the "Lightbridge" and has some nice accessories which go with the deluxe version. The price is very reasonable. Check it out at http://www.meade.com/lightbridge/

I do not work for Meade nor have any financial interest. Just wanted to pass this along.

November 11, 2005 01:02 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Working with Star Charts

Posted By john shea

When looking up at the sky does one rotate the star chart to the pattern one sees in the sky? Hope this makes sense to you guys. If not let me know and I will make another attempt in explaining myself! That ought to be real good!!

November 13, 2005 04:48 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Problem with balancing the scope

Posted By john shea

I have an Orion Atlas heavy duty equatorial mount. When balancing the RA the tube is on the one side and weights on the other and it is perfectly balanced. The same is done with the DEC and no problem there also. But when I start to observe there is RA drift and I have to quickly lock down. I have tried to adjust the weights on the countershaft and after working with it for 2 hours it still occurs. Does anyone have any suggestions on what and why could be causing this.

November 16, 2005 02:43 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Starry Night versus Bisque

Posted By john shea

I am not using any astronomy computer program like starry night and I do not have a Goto telescope. I have the Starry Night Enthusiast program which is like kindergarten and really do not like it. Anyone know what the Bisque software is like and how it compares to starry night? Are there any programs out there that have a sense of realism instead of the fake various colors stars that twinkle? CCD imaged programs? Also what good do these programs do if one is not running a goto scope? Seems like a lot of money to spend and one is better of with a good Star Chart like Tirions.
Thank You

January 16, 2006 06:36 PM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

What scope for birding?

Posted By john shea

Angled or straight? What are the opinions on this? Also Orion has some spotting scopes which I think would fit my needs and price is a major consideration. But Celestron has the C9 and what do you guys feel about this scope as a starter? It is an angled scope and no zoom lens but I guess one uses their telescopic eyepieces for magnification. Thanks to all in advance.

January 19, 2006 02:27 AM Forum: Astro Binoculars

Nikon 8X40 Action Extreme

Posted By john shea

Anyone use this binocular? Is it true that most of the binoculars one purchases online instead of a store that they need to be sent back to the company to have it collimated?

May 25, 2006 04:38 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

How to star chart field of view in eyepiece?

Posted By john shea

How do I determine how much of a star chart appears in
my eyepiece? I do not want to use the method of timing a star across the eyepiece field of view but is there a way I can do it mathematically?

May 26, 2006 02:25 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Position of focuser

Posted By john shea

When putting the OTA on the mount should the focuser be on the top of the tube or 90 degrees from the top? What is the general rule?

October 14, 2006 01:02 AM Forum: Star Parties

Mid Atlantic Star Party Latest

Posted By john shea

Anyone know the latest on the MASP for 2006? It is going to
be at a different location but one would think that a week
away more info would be forthcoming in regard to speakers,
vendors and type of food, etc.

October 22, 2006 02:23 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Telrad or Laser

Posted By john shea

Which would be better to use, Telrad or one of those lasers attached to the scope which throws the beam into the sky when aligning the scope to an object. Seems to me the laser would be easier.