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Lagoon and Triffid Celestron C6 Hyperstar4

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Posts Made By: David Colton

September 27, 2003 02:40 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Wheels for SCT

Posted By David Colton
I'd like to make a set of casters for my LX90. The setup described on the Cloudynights site is a bit too big for what I have in mind. Does anyone know of any sites that describe how to build a wheelie bar or install individual casters on the tripod legs?

Thanks.

October 20, 2003 11:59 PM Forum: TeleVue

Orion finder scope for TV102

Posted By David Colton
I need a optical finder for my TV102 and I'm thinking of buying the Orion 6x30 right angle, correct image finder scope with mounting bracket. What is the best way to mount the Orion style bracket to the TV tube ring?

November 6, 2003 09:42 PM Forum: Meade

Tripod leveling and alignment for LX90

Posted By David Colton
I hope this question makes sense. In order to ensure proper alignment during setup, do I need to level the mount and the OT or just the OT? I am using a bubble level for this.

November 12, 2003 08:12 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

EZ Focus Kit

Posted By David Colton
I've been thinking about buying a Crayford focuser for my LX90. However, in looking through this forum's archives, I've also read some positive feedback about the EZ Focus Kit and the fact that it can produce the same results for much less cost.

At the same time, I don't consider myself much of a tinkerer and the idea of opening the scope up and "jiggling" things around has me worried. Some words of encouragement and perhaps clarification about the installation process would be appreciated.

November 25, 2003 10:32 PM Forum: Eyepieces

University Optics Orthoscopic

Posted By David Colton
I’m interested in getting a high power eyepiece for my scope (4mm or 5mm) and understand that in order to use a larger lens, some of these eyepieces are barlowed. I’ve read good reviews of the University Optics Orthoscopic eyepiece and was wondering if that is how they work. i.e., through the use of an internal Barlow.

December 3, 2003 12:25 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Which North?

Posted By David Colton
I just came across a nifty gadget. The Align-Mate from digitalastronomy.com is an "eyepiece button" with a compass on one side and a bubble level on the other that is used when setting up an LX90. According to the description, you "rotate the instrument until the 'N' on the compass lines up with the telescope tube" and then make "a small local adjustment for your true north deviation."

I assume this means that you adjust for the difference between magnetic and true north. My question is "how do you make the small local adjustment?" The instruction manual for the LX90 simply states "turn the telescope horizontally until it points North" and the instructions even recommend not paying "undue attention" to precise polar alignment.

So, how precisely do I need to make the north alignment and if I use a compass, how do I make the "small local adjustment" referred to above. Thanks.

December 14, 2003 06:55 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Filters for Planetary Viewing

Posted By David Colton
My TV102 is giving me nice, crisp views of Saturn and Jupiter, but there's not much color to speak of. Jupiter is pretty much white with grayish bands. I've been experimenting with color filters, but don't see that much difference. Any suggestions, or is this just something to expect given the aperture and the fact that the eye can't capture as much as a camera?

December 29, 2003 10:32 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Worth the price?

Posted By David Colton
I'd like to get a high power eyepiece for planetary observing, without breaking the bank - i.e., I can't afford a TV Nagler or Radian at this time. Would it be worth the cost to purchase a University Optics 5mm Orthoscopic or would I get the same views through my Meade 9.7mm Plossl 4000 series and Orion 2x APO barlow?

Any other suggestions for under $100?

January 29, 2004 09:50 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Personal Solar Telescope

Posted By David Colton
I've always thought it would be great to observe solar flares and prominences, but the cost of the equipment is way out of my league. However, in this month's Sky and Telescope I saw where Coronado is now marketing a 40mm "Personal Solar Telescope" for $499. That's still not pocket change, but it is much more affordable if I did want to take the plunge. I realize this is a brand new product and so may not be in anyone's hands yet, but when some of you do make that purchase I would certainly like to read a review of this little scope.

January 31, 2004 02:51 PM Forum: Eyepieces

UO Ortho - Eye Relief Question

Posted By David Colton
University optics does not list the eye relief of the Abbe Orthoscopics on their website. I'm thinking of getting a 5mm and was wondering if anyone knows what the eye relief for this eyepiece is rated at.

Also, I read where the eye relief on the Celestron Ultima 5mm is 4mm. Is that possible? Wouldn't that mean you'd have to have you eye about 1/8th of inch away from the eyepiece lens?

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