Astromart

June 22, 2009 10:10 AM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

A Job For Middle Aged Man: Fixin' the Necessary

It sounds like a little water is slipping past the flapper and causing the ballcock to call for water as the water level in the tank drops. Either the flapper is a poor fit or there is a void in the seat of the flapper. Make sure the flapper seat is free of obstruction and the chain isn't getting between the flapper and seat. Make sure there is plenty of slack in the chain as well. There is no need to rebuild the tank! Good luck, Martin (plumber 23 years)

July 8, 2009 10:27 AM Forum: After Dark

Hmmm. Not sure what I saw tonight...

Posted By Martin Willes

A Russian supply ship. See spaceweather.com Martin

July 11, 2009 03:21 AM Forum: Chinese Optics Imports

Enough said

Posted By Martin Willes

Floyd the post you originally wrote was fine and made a good argument that Chinese instruments are good enough for most. I've seen these kind of post's escalate like this one did where now economics in the US and China are being discussed and I can definitely see the reason why. What's happened is that 90% of the forum post's are being written by a handful of Astromart users and most of them have pretty nice stuff and definitely have an opinion. Enjoy your equipment!

Clear skies, Martin

July 25, 2009 07:42 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Another image using the AT8RC, M27 RGBL

Posted By Martin Willes

Floyd I think that looks really sweet! Martin

August 8, 2009 07:29 PM Forum: Astro-Physics

Am I crazy?

Posted By Martin Willes

I bought my 130 f/8 second hand and the paint was well worn. I painted the refractor white with grey ghost flames and a light violet metallic clear coat. The result was a paint finish I really wanted and I didn't care much about resale. If I ever sell the scope the new owner can easily remove the paint and restore it to Corvette white. The glass is more important than the paint and I think hey it's your scope, really make it yours and not #??? of a lot run. I wish I saw more custom paint on refractors because they look so cool when a owner steps out of the norm and takes a chance. Martin

August 27, 2009 10:06 AM Forum: Refractors

AP 155 EDF vs TOA 150

Posted By Martin Willes

This is a no brainer, AP 155. Both will have a similar view but the AP will retain its value. Martin

August 30, 2009 12:06 PM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Female Ruby Throat Hummer

Posted By Martin Willes

Ron I don't know why we can get so close to the hummingbirds here in New Mexico? It sure looks like the same species we have. It's very common to get as close to a few feet of these birds as they feed on my porch. Last week a buddy was standing about two feet away from the feeder and a hummingbird hovered between his head and the feeder. by the way that really is a beautiful picture!

November 4, 2009 10:47 AM Forum: Refractors