Astromart

June 15, 2007 03:45 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Manual or Motorized Focuser for Astrophotography

Is there any concensus from astrophotographers regarding what type of focuser to get. I need to purchase one to put on a 8" Newt setup that I will use for connecting to a Canon 20D DSLR and the new Orion StarShoot II.

I know touching the scope for focusing can create a shaky image which makes it harder to focus. But at the same time everyone is now selling these focusers with 1:10 gearing, etc.

Also, what is everyone using or recommending for focusing? I see STI advertising a lot but are there cheaper and better methods or just go with the STI?

Any recommendations?

July 10, 2007 09:22 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Where Can You Buy A Modified Webcam w/Peltier?

Posted By Gene Griggs

I'm hoping to find a modified webcam with peltier cooling. I've seen several links out on the web about modifying a webcam and adding peltier cooling but cannot find anyone that sells these. Any chance someone knows somebody who will do this modification?

July 30, 2007 04:44 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Vixen Sphinx to Meade Pictor 201XT Wiring Help Nee

Posted By Gene Griggs

I know this is a long shot but hoping someone with basic technical experience with either of these products could help me out..

I have a Meade Pictor 201XT Autoguider with the #520 Meade Electronic Relay box for using with non Meade mounts. I'm connecting this to a new Vixen Sphinx mount.

Here is the Vixen Sphinx input info: http://www.vixenoptics.com/PDF/Autoguider_Port_Pins.htm

I'm also willing to pay for this service and mail out this Meade #520 Electronic Relay / instructions but hoping since it's just some basic soldering I can do this myself. So I need to wire this loose end to a standard phone cord type of jack that plugs into the Vixen Sphinx.

Any help is greatly apprecaited.

October 15, 2007 11:01 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Meade RCX400 Versus A Real RC (anyone)?

Posted By Gene Griggs

I've looked around the web for a review comparing the Meade RCX400 RC to a real Ritchey Chretien. While it's public knowledge that Meade is in trouble for calling their new RCX400 a Ritchey Chretien I would like to know how it stacks up against someone like RC Optical or similar companies.

Is it really comparable or even superior to the standard RC scopes in optical and CCD performance? Or just a slightly better designed Schmidt-Cassegrain that will fail in comparison to a real RC system..

October 31, 2007 03:08 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Optimizing a Newt for Astrophotography

Posted By Gene Griggs

I recently acquired a 14.25" Quartz Obsidian Optics Primary Mirror and matching secondary mirror. The previous owner had the distance from mirror to mirror at 54.5 inches in a dob format. While I will do some stargazing with this scope my main goal is astrophotography.

Are there any article or rules I need to follow during the building process to optimize this? Should I get the mirrors spaced an extra inch closer together or further apart or leave it at original spacing where it was used for just stargazing?

My camera is a modified Canon 350D with a Alpine Astro Coma Corrector.

September 8, 2003 01:51 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Borg 76ED?

Posted By Gene Griggs

Since Orion doesn't state where the ED scope is made... I would guess the Orion refractor optics are made in China. I own a Borg 76ED and it's a very nice scope. I'd wait for the reviews on the Orion alternative before taking the plunge on an unknown.

Some of the Chinese made achromat optics have been very good but are willing to make a $400+ bet at this point?

December 30, 2003 09:35 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Apo v. Achro question

Posted By Gene Griggs

Clifton it sounds like you're going through the same learning curve I went through regarding Achro vs. APO. Some of the D&G Achros are suppose to be very good but still show the false color. As someone already advised it's the type of glass and price combination that allows you to get a better optics. Even in the higher end Stellarvue achros you'll see a good bit of color (even though the ads and claims might suggest otherwise!).

If you're wanting an APO type view from a scope but don't want to spend $4,000 - $6,000 for a nice OTA then go with something like the Meade 7" Mak LX-200. It'll go head-to-head with a high end 5" or 6" APO refractor. Usually in side by side comparisons the 6" APO refractor that costs $6,000 will win but it's an extremely close call.

January 26, 2004 08:38 PM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos