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Posts Made By: Robert Schmall

September 8, 2004 03:06 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Reflectors as alternative to TV 85

Posted By Robert Schmall
I have an Intes Micro 5" F6 Mak-Newt from ITE that can compare to most any 4" refractor around. The test report shows a system correct to 1/6 wave, and I have used it at an easy 300x with a barlow. It still showed a classic difraction ring and an identical pattern on both sides of focus. All for $800 or so. Disclaimer: no connection, etc.

Bob Schmall

November 21, 2004 04:32 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Help, High power EP!!

Posted By Robert Schmall
I'll have to suggest none of the above. smile
Since you've said that FOV is not paramount, you might give some thought to University Optics orthos, which are at least as sharp as radians IME and about 1/3 the price. They come in an 18 mm FL.

Bob

November 23, 2004 11:11 PM Forum: A Day in the Life of the Administrator

Maybe a flat rate charge?

Posted By Robert Schmall
As of this writing there are 787 new users for AstroMart this month alone. If each of them had been charged $5 for an ANNUAL subscription, would the $4,000 per month revenue sustain the site? Only Herb knows...

Bob

December 2, 2004 06:55 PM Forum: A Day in the Life of the Administrator

Here is a thought

Posted By Robert Schmall
Brian:
Like you, I favor the annual fee for all. We may not agree on the details, go figure, but I respect your feelings and hope the dialog continues. For this reason I take issue with your use of the term, "nonsense." It isn't nonsense--it's a worthwhile, serious-minded discussion about a topic that is important to all of us. The final resolution to the fiscal crisis may not be what you or I would have done, but the discussion leading up to it will help Herb to make the most informed decision.
No doubt--as a reasonable man, he'll go with my ideas. wink

Bob

January 12, 2005 11:26 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

What has happened to Celestron quality and repair?

Posted By Robert Schmall
Doug:
This one's serious, and Celestron ought to know about it. Have you contacted them? They would certainly appreciate it.

Bob

February 7, 2005 02:31 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Is this refractor any good?

Posted By Robert Schmall
If you can get it for around $50 it's probably a good deal. I sold a 60's Tasco (hides face) that had been donated to ourlocal planetarium for $50 and thought it was a pretty good deal. Be sure to ask lots of questions of the seller: brand name, cosmetic condition, functionality, shipping cost. And check their feedback.

Bob Schmall

February 11, 2005 03:40 PM Forum: Politics

Male chauvenism not dead?

Posted By Robert Schmall
That quote should be on his headstone. Soon. wink

May 4, 2005 01:30 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Starting an Astronomy Club

Posted By Robert Schmall
Daryl:
I've been a member of three clubs, started one of them and will soon start another. A few ideas for you that are by no means exhaustive:
1. Be prepared to work. As much as the members may want to contribute, they'll need guidance. I headed up every event for three years to get the club off the ground. This is not to suggest that you'll do the same, but you will be putting in some time.
2. Lay the groundwork. The club needs a charter, a leadership structure (board) and money.
3. Let it evolve. My club began with its members in the low-level class, many of them beginners. After nearly 20 years of growth, we hosted the North Central Region of the Astronomical League last month. The club will become what its members want it to be, so give it time to become something.
4. Remember that a small percentage of any club does most of the work. Recruit, recruit, recruit.
5. Amid all of this, have fun. Otherwise why do it at all?

Bob Schmall

November 23, 2005 03:48 PM Forum: A Day in the Life of the Administrator

Life is not a free ride!

Posted By Robert Schmall
I agree completely, Floyd. It's only fair to ask for a few dollars to pay for the operation of a website that benefits the community as much as Astromart. It's the onlysecure and exclusive place I know to trade equipment and information. I appreciate the tight ship when it comes to people's money.

However, it's been free for so long that charging will be difficult. I learned a long time ago that asking people to pay for something they've been getting for free just doesn't work. And asking the heaviest users to subsidize the rest through contributions is just penalizing them.

Better to charge a small fee to everyone, let the complainers walk away, and not have to deal with the headaches.

Bob

April 29, 2008 07:02 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Southwest Observing Locations and Astronomy Clubs

Posted By Robert Schmall
I've been to the TSP, NSP, and a many other star parties and Bryce Canyon NP in southwest Utah has the darkest skies I've seen anywhere. It's at 8,00 feet with NO lights or pollution, and surprisingly steady skies. The park scientist measured the clarity at mag 7.4. His job is to travel to National Parks and work with them on astronomy programs.

bob

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