Astromart

June 14, 2007 09:18 PM Forum: Takahashi

Tak FC-76/FCT-76 Comparo

I own one too and completely agree

What a nice scope smile

One would think the FCT should be slightly better color corrected but looking through the FC it must be only something a camera might pick up.

June 14, 2007 10:10 PM Forum: Takahashi

I did not own them at the same time but found the difference more then subtle and surprising due to the fact they came from the same manufacturer

The problem with a lot of scopes is not with the equipment but with our eyes. My eyes were not thrilled with the FS-78 I owned but are absolutely delighted with the FC-76

I did read that the FC was done with the Fl lens as the secondary and was the original design where the the FS has the FL first and this was done to reduce the cost. How true this is and how this could make that much difference is beyond me. Maybe I just had a bad one. smile

June 18, 2007 10:28 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

First autoguided images - M13 and M51

Posted By John A. Maher

Hi Eric,

I agree that the RA errors could come from the polar alignment and this should be checked. If you have a cross hair function on your software turn it on and rotate your camera so the movements on your mount will parallel the lines (orthogonal). Put a star on the line that corresponds to the RA access and turn "OFF" the motor. Take a 2 minute image and see if the star becomes a line that follows the cross hair line.

The other most common cause I am aware of is your mount needs a little weight on the side that the RA motor is driving into. Some mounts will float near the ecliptic or just bounce if the motor is not "LOADED". It is an easy fix. When you balance your mount in RA make it a little heavier on the east side. wink

June 23, 2007 10:57 PM Forum: Takahashi

Notice: New Article about the Teegul mount.

Posted By John A. Maher

That is an excellent upgrade, It would be nice to see Tak either consider it an option or someone like BT make a kit.

smile

June 27, 2007 02:11 AM Forum: Takahashi

Getting started M250 imaging

Posted By John A. Maher

Hi Paul,

http://www.robincasady.com/Astro/tandemlength.html

The Mewlons should have a corrector to provide a flat field. There is a reducer version and I highly recommend slowing that puppy up with what you have in mind. You will need a "metal back spacer" too. This will go between the corrector and your camera to provide the correct spacing which is also important.

Fun is important to so don't forget that either. grin