Image of the day

Captured by
Craig Bobchin

Coathanger CR 399

About Astromart

My Account

New to Astromart?

Register an account...

Need Help?

Posts Made By: Mike Gibson

August 18, 2002 07:46 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

TV-101, FS-102: side-by-side comparison?

Posted By Mike Gibson
I own the Tak FS102, and have compared it to the TV101, TV102, and NP101. At f/5.4, the TV101 is a superb wide field performer in a much smaller, more portable package. The TV102 is a better comparison scope, and I find the color correction to be about equal. The 101's Petzval design should give up a tiny bit of brightness, but it is not a practical loss. The 101's collimation is more complex and best left to Uncle Al. The Tak has a more stout 2.7" focuser, but with added weight penalty. You can skip this comparison by getting the NP101!

August 25, 2002 12:35 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

TV Plossls vs. UO Orthos

Posted By Mike Gibson
They are both excellent, especially in slower scopes. However, the TVs have a field lens baffle not found on the UOs ("Circle T"). Finish quality favors TV, hence the higher price. UOs are the better value in a true Abbe ortho. Contrast is better for me with the TVs and a binoviewer, so I have two complete sets. I put faucet washers in my UO pairs for baffling.

I like the UOs because they share a direct lineage with my first quality EP purchase in 1971, an Edscorp 6mm Ortho.

August 29, 2002 01:57 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Good time to buy?

Posted By Mike Gibson
The 14GPS is not shipping yet, and is a direct assault on ailing Celestron. Ruthless! Maybe Meade will offer carbon-fiber tubes? US customers get the Series 4000 Super Plossl eyepiece set for $99 with the purchase of a scope. Yes, a great time to buy.

August 30, 2002 06:31 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Dob encoders

Posted By Mike Gibson
Not that I'm aware of. You need to interface the encoders with your PC's RS232/serial port to use most of the common software packages. This can be done with a "B box" like Orion's #7810 CTI ($150). You can also build your own if so inclined.

September 4, 2002 03:23 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

4" instrument, a serious planetary scope it is!

Posted By Mike Gibson
After lurking on several boards with this interesting thread, just wanted to point out that Fred Price's "The Planet Observer's Handbook" supports the idea that 4" of quality refractor can do serious planetary work. Today's 4" apo instruments would have seemed magical to the 19th century observer.

September 6, 2002 12:06 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Apoklaas

Posted By Mike Gibson
Ron, I think the answer is on the next page. Klaas Compaan is a renowned Dutch physicist and Rutten is referencing one of his doublet designs. Compaan is partly responsible for development of today's compact disc.

September 6, 2002 04:40 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

AstroPhysics Refractors

Posted By Mike Gibson
While not inexpensive, AP prices are actually lower than many competing products of similar world class quality; the waiting list reflects much higher demand than supply for hand figured optics from a master optician. Yield is not 100% from the production floor, and many people discount the superb mechanical construction of the OTAs, mounts, and accessories. AP's products are integrated as a total visual or photo system. They will not compromise quality for higher production rates.

For a more qualitative reason, look at the Double Cluster with an AP155 and a 31mm T5!

September 6, 2002 02:53 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

What is the technology behind?

Posted By Mike Gibson
The Collins I3 Piece works as advertised, but the images can be garish compared to regular visual. Definitely useful for special applications. Here is a link to general theory:

http://www.x20.org/nightvision/nightvisionTHEORY.htm

September 7, 2002 06:57 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

collimation again?????????

Posted By Mike Gibson
Had the same problem with my old 2120 LX5. Sorry to say, the best choice for me was to collimate without the diagonal, which was later found to be defective. Ended up using a visual back and refractor diagonal. Watch out for gross mirror flop and sloppy focuser, as collimated in one position may not be in another. Too much play on the baffle tube can wreak havoc!

September 7, 2002 10:51 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Re: TeleVue 102/101 how great?

Posted By Mike Gibson
Roger that. I use the MN61 to great effect on planets. It's like a TV102 on steroids, with a wider field at f/6 vs. f/8.6. There is a weight penalty (21 lbs) that can be offset with the lighter MN66, but some cooling is still required. Better than most MKs IMHO.

Funding Member

Sponsors


View all sponsors

Search