Image of the day

Captured by
Erwin Forbragd

M33 in Triangulum

About Astromart

My Account

New to Astromart?

Register an account...

Need Help?

Posts Made By: David Johanson

January 29, 2006 12:53 AM Forum: Refractors

Which 4" Doublet?

Posted By David Johanson
I'm seriously considering a used 4" refractor purchase. I thinking of spending between $900-$1500. I have three capable mounts, Gibraltar, Unistar, and a LXD55. I have a very nice assortment of EP's, UO short Orthos, 14 UWA, 19 Pan, UO 32 Konig, Pentax 40XL, TV 2X barlow.

I think the best scope available in this range would be the TV 102. I have seen an ad for a Vixen ED102SSWT f6.5 and I can't find any reviews of this scope?

Anyone done a side by side with these two? Anyone have any input on the Vixen? I'm guessing the focuser on the TV will be better but what about the views?

What other used scopes should I consider?

Any and all responses will be greatly appreciated.

February 5, 2006 12:54 AM Forum: TeleVue

Attaching scope to Gibraltar?

Posted By David Johanson
I have an older Gibraltar mount and ash tripod. I'm wondering how a Televue scope attaches to the mount? I have used a Vixen style dovetail saddle that came with another mount but am wondering how Televue does it. I am expecting an Orion 80ED in a day or so that I plan on using with the Gibraltar and I'm interested in some sort of quick release attachment.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Dave

February 5, 2006 03:19 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Attaching 80ED to Gibraltar?

Posted By David Johanson
I am expecting an Orion 80ED with a set of parallax rings to arrive in a few days. I want to attach it to my older Gibraltar with some sort of quick release mechanism.
What parts should I buy or should I just use a couple of thumb screw bolts?
Thanks

March 3, 2006 02:51 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Mercury Systems FineFocuser?

Posted By David Johanson
I recently bought a Meade 102ed and find the focuser to be a bit lacking. It seems to be considerably less "buttery" than the focuser on my Orion 80ed and way behind the JMI DX1 I had on a couple of other scopes.

Has anyone had any experience with the Mercury Systems FF2 Fine Focuser?

I've also been considering removing the focuser and degreasing it. What lubricant would you recommend I use when I reassemble?

Any input would be appreciated.

March 20, 2006 11:26 PM Forum: Eyepieces

9mm Nagler Type ??

Posted By David Johanson
I know I've seen a website that details the differences between all the Nagler types but I can't seem to find it. What is the difference between the type 1 and type 6 naglers? Are there other 9mm's??
Thanks
Dave

March 23, 2006 04:31 PM Forum: Refractors

Help needed with Meade 102ed In MAINE??

Posted By David Johanson
I have a Meade 102 ed which I have tried to collimate without success. I spent an hour trained on Polaris with a 6mm UO ortho and couldn't get the image anywhere near good. I presume the problem lies with the centering of the rear ED lens.

My question? Is there anyone in Maine with experience adjusting these lens'? I live in Thomaston and would love to get some help. I have the directions from the Meade Yahoo group, but pushing a glass element around in a lens cell sounds much more finicky than using the push-pull screws on the collimation ring.

Thanks for any response from anyone, even words of encouragement or discouragement.
Dave

August 13, 2006 11:37 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

GTO Wooden tripod for CG5??

Posted By David Johanson

Any one seen or tried the wooden tripod legs that GTO makes. Hands On Optics sells them and was just wondering how they perform. Any other sources for inexpensive wooden legs?
Thanks
Dave

December 13, 2006 02:25 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Canon EOS T-ring Concerns

Posted By David Johanson
I tried a new T-ring on my brand new Canon 30D today and later in the day the 30d died. Just stopped powering up. It had twice before acted erratically, shutting itself down and not repowering up until I removed and then replaced the same battery. I tried both my Canon batteries this afternoon to no avail.

Anyone heard of a T-ring causing any problems?

I have babied the camera and was really enjoying it. Now it will be headed to Canon's Factory Service with little chance of seeing it before Christmas...Grrrrr

April 3, 2008 10:43 PM Forum: AstroMart FAQ

No contact from high bidder??

Posted By David Johanson
I auctioned off a pair of Garrett Binoculars (Auction # 4258 ) and have had no contact from the winning bidder. It's been 36+ hours.
What are my options?
Thank
Dave

August 14, 2005 08:51 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Crayford or MicroFocuser

Posted By David Johanson
I just bought an Intes MN56 that is fitted with a JMI NGF-DX-1 2" 2-Speed Crayford Focuser. All I can say is WOW. It functions infinitely better than anything I have touched before. Incredibly smooth and precise.

Funding Member

Sponsors


View all sponsors

Search