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Posts Made By: Michael Sandy

July 17, 2003 11:40 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Re: 3-step process

Posted By Michael Sandy

Been lurking around.....but this topic caught my eye.

I think there are two types of people: 1) those not involved in the hobby 2) those planning their next scope purchase. IMHO that is exactly what you would expect given the type of people that get involved in this hobby - cause every scope is a compromise of some sort - in some degree. Want to do widefield imagining.....then capture a tight shot of M 57? Want something portable and quick to set up......but then you start thinking about all the aperture you had to give up. How about setting up for visual, and then wanting to do a little CCD work - and there is always the next step up in aperture......

Everytime you can't do something well with the scope you use all the time, you have to deal with the negative part of the compromise made with that scope. But the expected benefits of that new wonderscope you're lusting after tends to mask all the potential downsides. That's why people wind up with multiple scopes or they trade equipment all the time. There is a bright side......it funds places like Astromart, and keeps the market for new equipment hot enough to encourage new product development.

It easier to accept once you give in to the dark side - stop resisting - wanta deal on a nice 6" APO?

Mike (yes another one)


August 8, 2003 05:38 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

ToUcam Pro advise

Posted By Michael Sandy

Hi Rich,

Join this yahoo forum:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/QCUIAG/?yguid=94237614

Lots of background and information there.

Enjoy

Mike

www.DarkSights.com

August 17, 2003 03:23 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Brain Nebula??? Not Mars though

Posted By Michael Sandy

Nice image (but don't you have a nice Mars image you can post ;-) ). What subexposures did you use here? Nice to see your weather is giving you a break, and you're getting some time on your FRC. Clear Skies!

Mike

http://DarkSights.com

September 20, 2003 05:27 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

CCD for under $2000?

Posted By Michael Sandy

You really need to get a mount that can guide if you are serious about this. Hand guiding will last for your first image or so (I suspect it won't last that long). Forget the guide scope and use the money to buy a solid mount (it is the most important component in an imaging system IMHO).

The auto guide feature of the SBIG camera will get you started. Look for a parellel port ST-7 (they run about $1000-1300 and an CWF8 for $700-900 and you are there. Trade your mount with some $$$ for a Takahashi EM10 (or something similar) and you are in the imaging game.

Oh - Software - you'll need some image processing software. I'm sold on MaxIm CCD, but you'll likely get CCDSoft with the camera, and that will get you started.

That about all......You'll spend more than $2000 on this, but if you are careful it won't be much more. But just to be sure I was clear....get a mount that will guide!

Regards

Mike

http://www.DarkSights.com

September 25, 2003 02:38 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Moon mosaic Sep 19

Posted By Michael Sandy

That is VERY impressive! Amazing resolution. Thanks for sharing it!!

October 3, 2003 04:30 AM Forum: Binoviewers

Binos at a star party

Posted By Michael Sandy

Great story Tom! I have had the same experience introducing folks to the night sky using binos. It is a great feeling, to be sure!

Mike

October 3, 2003 04:32 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Mosaic of Veil complex

Posted By Michael Sandy

WOW!!! Nothing more needs to be said!

October 19, 2003 09:50 PM Forum: Binoviewers

Just snagged a pair of 9 Nagler type 6's

Posted By Michael Sandy

Hi Tom, I think you'll like the 9mm Naglers - they are one of my favorites! I also use the 13mm Naglers and 19mm Pans (and sold a set of 16mm Naglers earlier this year - as I liked the 13's over the 16's). I struggle with the same questions relative to which eyepiece sets to own and just how close together should the sets get before there isn't enough difference to justify owning them. I've been thinking of adding a set of 24mm Pans - but I wonder if they are too close to the 19's???? I'm viewing through a 780mm fl refractor, and tend to view mostly planetary - with the occasional widefield pass through the Milkyway. What do you think of the 19's vs the 24's?

November 7, 2003 07:39 PM Forum: Pictures of Me and My Telescope and........

new mount

Posted By Michael Sandy

Looks like the classic "grab-and-go" scope ;-)

Sweet!

Mike

http://www.DarkSights.com

November 9, 2003 08:31 AM Forum: Binoviewers

Merging Image

Posted By Michael Sandy

Hi Michael,

Are these new units, or did you get them used? I had a problem merging images with my AP Baader, and was able to adjust the collimation fairly easily to correct the problem. I thought Denkmeirer included instructions covering how to do this adjustment, as well as offering to do it for you for free. In any event I'm sure it is an easy fix if you get ahold of them.

Mike

http://www.DarkSights.com