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M20 Trifid Nebula in LRGBHa

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Posts Made By: Bob Polcyn

May 23, 2004 01:21 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Moving a big dob/storing in garage

Posted By Bob Polcyn
My 18"Dob has been kept, assembled, in an attached garage for two years, under a silvered mylar cover (Desert Storm?). The primary mirror is a bit dusty but looks otherwise perfect.
I'd be happier having the scope hermetically sealed but I'm not aware of a problem with the way things are.

Bob Polcyn

May 26, 2004 04:45 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Spectroscopes for Small Telescopes

Posted By Bob Polcyn
Hi Mark --

I've been threatening to build one for a while and have managed to acquire a diffraction grating and assorted other spectroscope related pieces, just about all thru Astromart classifieds.
There seem to be quite a few design options and there has been some recent discussion on the topic. Check the Astromart archives and a short forum string titled 'Hey Rick" a few days ago. I've also found a few useful references via Google.
Good luck.

Bob Polcyn

June 14, 2004 12:18 PM Forum: Telescope Making

Refractor Problems...what have I done?

Posted By Bob Polcyn
Hi Bill --

You need to check out collimation. Might you have shortened the tube too much? With all else the same your focusser will need to be racked out to compensate for the shortening.
It has to be a solvable probem.

Bob Polcyn

July 7, 2004 12:47 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

July DSO List

Posted By Bob Polcyn
Hi Dave --

I enjoy working thru your lists. Thanks. What reference do you advise for finding RA and dec and other info for the 'B' and 'LDN' objects?

Bob Polcyn

July 29, 2004 12:41 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Astigmatism - why a problem?

Posted By Bob Polcyn
Hi Gary --

I have astigmatism too and notice what look like defocussed stars in parts of scope views which correspond (I assume) to the worst areas of astigmatism. Wearing my glasses corrects the problem.
This is just me. It's my guess that everyone's astigmatism will affect viewing differently.
Prior to a year ago I always viewed without glasses but since then the image quality problem has been obvious which may mean that age also has something to do with it.
If your astigmatism isn't a problem, enjoy!

Bob Polcyn

October 1, 2004 04:14 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Binoviewing downsides

Posted By Bob Polcyn
Hi Dick --

I'm still trying to decide between mono and bino viewing. The stereo-like experience with my Denk II's is really nice especially if I'm going to spend a lot of time with a single object. But a lot of my viewing is object hopping and for this I like to try a variety of magnifications and for this I like full access to my eyepiece set.
So ..... for my tastes there's going to be a time for both mono and bino viewing.

Bob Polcyn

November 5, 2004 01:49 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Venus and Jupiter!

Posted By Bob Polcyn
Yes! It was a very nice view. I looked up the identity of the less bright but close star, Porrima -- nice also to see the relationship to Arcturus and the Big Dipper.

Bob Polcyn

November 18, 2004 04:54 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

M31 with 80mm TMB triplet

Posted By Bob Polcyn
Hi Dominique

I agree with the other responders. WOW!
M31 is a jewel and so is the TMB optic.

Bob Polcyn

November 28, 2004 02:11 PM Forum: Telescope Making

Classical Cassegrain optics?

Posted By Bob Polcyn
Hi William --

I have optics which date back to ~ 1980. I shouldn't have bought the set because I didn't have the time to follow thru with construction.
I've also lost (or can't find) documentation.
The optics were designed to be used in Cass or Newtonian configuration and the primary now sits in Newtonian mode in a very rough tube. The primary is mounted in a Novak cell.

I don't use the scope enough to really need it but don't have any idea of its current value.
If you want to try to work something out, let's talk -- [email protected]

Bob Polcyn

January 6, 2005 04:55 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Moon Challenge

Posted By Bob Polcyn
Hi Eric -- Since no-one has responded yet I'll share my experience gathering lunar images. By far, most came via Google image search; NASA's APOD site has a good search function with many good lunar images; then there's the LPOD site (www.lpod.org/lpod- archive with daily lunar images and info for the past year.
Lot's of good quality stuff out there.
Good luck with it.

Bob Polcyn

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