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Posts Made By: Jim Schoonover

June 5, 2003 04:21 PM Forum: Telescope Making

It's been a real eye opener for me

Posted By Jim Schoonover
Well, after seeing how some people literally changed the words I've posted, and completely altered the intent of my original post, making it into something it never was; I too have finally decided to throw up my hands and call it quits on the forums. I wish all of you the best,
Goodbye.

July 20, 2003 02:12 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Re: Meade LXD55

Posted By Jim Schoonover
I don't think any 10" scope with counterweights, would be light enough for the LXD55 mount to effectively handle. It's just too small for that kind of weight.


September 6, 2002 04:29 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

AstroPhysics Refractors

Posted By Jim Schoonover
I own an Astro-Physics 155 f7 EDF with 4" focuser, flattener.
It is the best 6" scope I've ever looked through, bar none.
Taks are great too, but in all honesty, I can't justify paying nearly double the price of the A-P for a 6" f7 Tak.
This is why there's virtually no wait for the Tak's, and a four year wait for the A-P's.
It's interesting, using my 6" A-P with an St-10 MXE ccd, even a 30 sec. exposure of M51 shows 10 times more detail than one can see visually through a 36" reflector on the same object. Neat.



September 6, 2002 04:39 PM Forum: Telescope Making

focusers

Posted By Jim Schoonover
I've owned and used several focusers, and believe the JMI basic 2" for about $159 is tough to beat. Orion sells the same one at the same price, without JMI's name on it.
I have a Feathertouch on my 36", and found that although it is extremely smooth, it deflects as much or more than the JMI when using a Binoviewer, or other heavy loads. So, I'd stay with less expensive one if I were you.

September 7, 2002 04:57 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

AstroPhysics Refractors

Posted By Jim Schoonover
Herb, I've looked through both, and I stand on what I've stated. When I first considered purchasing either a Tak 6"f7 or an A-P f7, I was willing to pay the considerably higher price for the Tak, if it was clealy superior.
The fact was that it was NOT. And that's not just my opinion. Sorry, but that's it.
Jim S.

January 5, 2003 05:08 PM Forum: Home Observatories

Re. Flooring in observatory?

Posted By Jim Schoonover
Mark, if you truly have the option, try to go with an elevated floor of OSB or thick plywood on top of floor joists connected to supporting beams held up by concrete piers. You can then cover the floor with indoor/outdoor carpet; looks and functions great.
The telescope piers should go into the ground at least 3-4 feet, and be isolated from the floor by about an inch around the pier, with that gap filled in with a soft, expandable material. This type of floor will have low density and mass, and therefore adjust to changing temperature much more rapidly than a concrete slab.

February 13, 2003 06:43 PM Forum: Astro Binoculars

Vixen 125mm 20x or 30x Binocular scope?

Posted By Jim Schoonover
I have owned a pair of the Vixen 25x-75x-x125's for about three years. I like them a lot. The variable power and 45 degree viewing are really nice.
They do show some color on extremely bright stars and the Moon, but that truly doesn't bother me much.
I use mine on a modified Grandview parallelogram mount, with a rubber-gripped handle attached to the binos, for one handed control. They are also equiped with eyepiece heaters and DSC's. These are a real hit with visitors to my observatory.

March 14, 2003 01:51 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

XT10 vs. Hands On Optics

Posted By Jim Schoonover
I looked through an Orion XT10 last week at Lowell Observatory, where some amateurs had their scopes set up. It was very good!
If I were in the market for an affordable 10" Dob, the Orion would be the one. I believe they are currently $599. You couldn't make a 10" for that. Not a bad scope!

April 11, 2003 11:09 PM Forum: Astro Binoculars

Larger Than 100MM Binoculars ?/ Please read!

Posted By Jim Schoonover
Orion doesn't seem to offer Vixen 125mm binos anymore. I would advise you to try to find a Vixen dealer (ATWB?) and see if they can get a pair of the 125's that allow you to use your own 1.25" eyepieces with. Orion offered these just before discontinuing the entire line. That would be the best setup, as you could use wide angle EP's or even Naglers and get superwide fields. And the 45 degree viewing is nice. I own a pair of the Orion/Vixen 25x75x125's, and I wish they (Orion) had offered the interchangeable eyepiece version when I ordered mine, as I would prefer that over what I have.
Orion seems to be constantly discontinuing product lines of late. Seem to now offer pretty much only their "Orion" (Chinese made) binocular optics.

April 24, 2003 06:26 PM Forum: Telescope Making

What Size Mirror to Purchase (Make)?

Posted By Jim Schoonover
David, go to as many star parties as you can, and look through as many scopes as possible. After attending several large star parties, like RTMC or similar, you will have a much better idea of what type and size of scope would suit your needs.

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