Astromart

December 9, 2004 12:40 AM Forum: Star Parties

Where to go for a South Cal newbie

Ben,
Check out the Los Angeles Astronomical Society at www.LAAS.org too.
We gather in Frazier Park near Mount Pinos every Saturday closest to the new moon (12/11 is the next one) for a star party. Between 15 to 60 people attend those with a lot of different scopes to look at and thru! Of course during the winter months, the site tends to be less crowded... Great group of people and a lot of fun observing!
I'll be there this Saturday... You're most welcome to join!

November 29, 2005 05:04 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

I got my $ back on the RCX, so now what do I buy?

Posted By francois regembal

Can you describe the many problems you've been experiencing with the RCX?
This will be of interest to a lot of us.
thanks,
Francois

January 14, 2006 08:59 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Gemini GOTO RA Motor Stall Question

Posted By francois regembal

Hi Chris,
What you describe is typical of a "goto" speed with is set too high. You should scroll down the Gemini menu to Set Up - Hand Controller - Speed - Goto speed and set it up to a lower value. Try 600 for example. Hope this helps.
Francois

October 31, 2006 09:30 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

H-alpha filter question

Posted By francois regembal

I am in no way an expert in filters so I just want to share my experience with you.
I have been using an "Astrodon Schuler" filter for a year now with great success. It's a 9nm 1.25" dia H alpha filter which you can find a description of on Astrodon's web site. I have mounted it in a filter wheel but before that, I have been using it straight screwed on an adapter. I am imaging with a ST2k camera and WO 80ED refractor. At $199, I think this filter is doing a great job.
Francois

November 9, 2006 08:45 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

C14 (case with wheels)

Posted By francois regembal

I have installed some wheels on the original Celestron trunk. One wheel at each corner. Cheap and efficient!

October 2, 2007 07:13 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

I took the plunge!

Posted By francois regembal

Hi Floyd,
Great to hear that you had a good deal!
In addition to my AP1200, I also have a G11 (which I bought on Astromart...) and I have to say that I have been enjoying every bit of it! It's a great mount, very precise with good tracking capabilities. I would advise you to utilize the polar alignment routine which is built in the hand controller. It works very very well to secure a good polar alignment.
Manuel who is always at the Lockwood Valley dark site is astro-imaging with a G11 (and a Televue 101). He can show you tips on how to use that routine at the next star party in just 10 days if you are there.
Looking forward to enjoying your images: your first attempts were quite impressive already!
Francois

October 22, 2007 02:40 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Scopebuggy for a G-11 ???

Posted By francois regembal

Hi,
I took delivery of a Scopebuggy about two weeks ago for my G11. I have installed the G11 with the tripod half extended on it because I don't need to have it higher than that (this is for CCD imaging).
I'm sure that the Scopebuggy can accomodate the G11 tripod fully extended because there is still plenty of room on mine to fit the tripod.
Scopebuggy is a joy to use. You'll be happy!
Francois

April 27, 2008 04:02 AM Forum: Equipment Talk