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Ralph Ford

M31 with Redcat 51

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Posts Made By: Dick Darn

August 1, 2003 04:30 PM Forum: Star Parties

UK Star Party

Posted By Dick Darn
For UK observers wanting a really dark sky star party (23-26 October) on their own doorstep, please check out

http://www.richarddarn.demon.co.uk/starcamp/

This inaugural three-night event in Northumberland is located in the darkest and remotest spot in England amidst 150 million spruce trees.

Vendors including Green Witch, Pulsar (Optical) and Telescope House will be displaying the latest equipment on the main day - Saturday 25 October. You can also reserve seats for talks. 18th century Kielder Castle is the Star Camp base. Pic attached.

Richard


August 8, 2004 04:07 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Mounting Options

Posted By Dick Darn
I'm looking to mount an 80mm short-tube on my C14. Anyone know of any economical piggy back mounting options, ie rings, hardware etc? I see Scopestuff sells a $70 package. I don't need maximum rigidity, just a system that works. Any shouts for Scopestuff? Thanks in advance,

Rich

September 24, 2004 04:40 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Wheely Bars

Posted By Dick Darn




Sorry for this really dumb question, but I've never seen any wheely bars and want to get some JMI ones for my CGE mount.

1. When you've wheeled the scope into position, how do you keep the rig stable? Brakes on the wheels?

2. Do wheely bars affect the overall stability of the scope/mount when stationary? I'll have a C14 on top.

3. I need to traverse some short grass - the wheels are 5" diameter, which probably sounds ok. Right?

Many thanks in anticipation.

Richard

September 30, 2004 10:20 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Binoviewing downsides

Posted By Dick Darn
I'm thinking of getting a pair of Denks or such like for use on my C14. Binos seem to be the fashion of the moment, which makes me a bit wary. To balance all the good stuff I've been reading, anyone gone back to one-eyed viewing after a less than stellar bino experience and if so, why?

Many thanks,
Rich

October 3, 2004 05:41 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Ortho question

Posted By Dick Darn
Anyone know if the Antares Orthoscopic 1.25" eyepieces being sold by Scopestuff, etc, are the self same as UO's HD version?

Thanks,
Rich

December 31, 2004 08:36 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Saturn

Posted By Dick Darn
I had a stab at webcam astronomy the other night and got (to me anyway shocked) ) a decent image of Saturn through a C8. There's a nice view of the southern belt in the globe's atmosphere, but I've also just managed to get hints of another band around the equator. But is this a real "surface" feature, or the shadow of the rings on the planet? Many thanks,
Rich

February 7, 2005 05:28 PM Forum: Star Parties

UK Star Party

Posted By Dick Darn
A date for your diary. The Forestry Commission and Sunderland Astronomical Society are staging the 2005 Kielder Forest Star Camp from 8 - 11 September. The venue remains the Kielder Campsite in the heart of Northumberland, England, and the main day will be on 10 September at 18th century Kielder Castle. Last year's main day was a great success and once again we will have trade stands and top speakers. The star camp website is up and running at www.richarddarn.demon.co.uk/starcamp/ , including booking information. Last year's event was over-subscribed, so early booking is advised. Thanks for your time.

August 24, 2004 12:46 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

meade lx200 vs. celestron cge

Posted By Dick Darn
You need to do plenty of research, especially on the CGE option. Join http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CGE-TelescopesUNCENSORED/ to find out more. The Celestron offering looks great on the surface, but has plenty of problems that could lead to fustration. If photography is your aim, then a Dob isn't a great option.

Rich

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