Posts Made By: John Moore

I second the suggestion on getting knobs from FocusKnobs (check the Astromart home page for the link as they are a sponsor). I just got a set of knobs to replace the plastic ones (one of which is broken) on my CG-5 mount. They are first rate quality and not too expensive - look good, too!

It sounds like you need to adjust the worm gears. I have a CG-5 mount that suffered this same problem when I got it (used). Once I adjusted the worms, there was no side-to-side motion.

I don't know if the EQ mounts are adjusted the same way as the CG-5, but you should be able to find a procedure for doing this adjustment on one of the forums, or maybe someone here can offer some suggestions.

Astro-Physics 10" f/14.6 Maksutov-Cassegrain on a Software Bisque Paramount ME mount sitting on a Pier-Tech Tri-Pier portable/permanent pier - as long as we're dreamin'. Do we get a 'used' price after the year?

David: here's a photo I took using my TV-76. Admittedly, I had it cranked up with a couple of barlows and an extension tube on the ToUcam camera, and the planetary seeing was very good. But it should give you some idea of what the scope is capable of.

John

David: here's a moon photo with the TV-76. It's actually a composite of four photos. The mount used was a Nexstar 114GT mount and it wasn't very well aligned - a lot of movement during the photos, which is why they aren't tack sharp.

John

Searching another forum, someone posted that a 300mm focal length is the longest that will allow a full disk lunar view with a webcam. So, it doesn't sound like the 0.8x reducer will get me where I want to be as it only results in a 380mm f/l on the TV-76. Can anyone confirm that 300mm statement?

Do a google search on dew buster and keating and you'll find the site. Kendrick also makes a dew control system. I agree with Gary that the best way to handle this is not removal but prevention. Either of these systems allows you to do that if you fire them up at the start of your observing session. And these systems allow you a lot more control over the heat than the hand warmers. Too much heat will lead to poor seeing caused by air currents in and in front of your scope.

I've used both dew control systems - had the Kendrick first, and then got the Dew Buster. It allows you to set the heater temp just a couple of degrees above ambient to keep the heat distortion to a minimum - and the controller automatically adjusts as the ambient temp drops. More expensive, but I now prefer it. Plus it has more outlets.

John in NEOhio

Go to Lowes and get their TASK FORCE Aluminum Tool Case. It's a little smaller than you want (18x12x6) but it costs less than $30!!!! It comes with dividers and pluck foam, two key locks, and has a lifetime warranty. I've got five of them.

John in NEOhio

Yes, it's a tandem. I'm using a dual saddle from Ken Dauzat. Here's another pic that shows it a little better.

John in NEOhio

I managed to get a reasonable pic today from Massillon, OH during a sucker hole (a couple of hours long) that dragged me out in the sub-20°F temps.

John in NEOhio