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Posts Made By: Kenny Draper

August 28, 2003 02:23 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Semi-Newbie with Questions about dobs

Posted By Kenny Draper
I've owned a Meade ETX90 for about a year and I have a little aperture fever. I want a dob that is within my budget. The two front runners are the new Orion XT10 Intelliscope and the Discovery 10". Maybe even the Discovery 12.5 if I can swing it but I like the Intelliscope Push-To feature--always a trade off. Orion claims the primary in their new scope is American and Pyrex and that seems to be a big deal with Discovery. I've read the S&T myth article about the differences, or perceivable lack of, between plate glass and Pyrex.

What are the pros and cons of the metal tube and the sonotube? What is a sonotube actually made of? What about a truss system?

Any and all information is welcomed!

Damn clouds!

August 29, 2003 02:15 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Best EP for 10" Dob

Posted By Kenny Draper
I have decided to get the Orion 10" Intelliscope 1200mm/f4.7. It comes with a 25 and a 10 eyepiece. I currently have a relatively nice 14 I use in my ETX90. I do have a cheap 2x barlow and I am interested to know if replacing it with a better quality will provide benefit.

The new Orion has a 2 inch focuser.

Questions
1 - Which EPs are the best to use in this type scope? Planetary and lunar? DSO?
2- Any recommendations on a quality barlow?


September 3, 2003 02:48 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Barlow vs Powermate

Posted By Kenny Draper
I've read the televue website explaining the differences between a Powermate and a barlow. My question is there really a big enough difference to justify the costs? Is a a Powermate really better than a barlow? If the Powermate is so good then why does televue still make a barlow?

Why does televue make this freakin' odd 2.5x powermate that screws up the eyepiece set built on a 2x barlow? (I know they make a 2" 2x Powermate but I'm talking 1.25".)

September 3, 2003 03:00 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

8" vs 10" dob

Posted By Kenny Draper
I've been reading much information about different scopes. On the astronomics.com site it states a 10" dob is not very well suited for planetary and lunar viewing, especially from a light polluted location.

I'm ready to purchase a dob and I was all set to get the new Orion 10" Intelliscope but now I'm wondering if I should get something smaller. I live in a light polluted metro area (DFW) and want to view lunar detail and planets. I'm also interested in galaxies and DSOs. I know I will have better luck with some of these when I go camping and get to dark skies.

I've always heard buy the biggest aperture. The price difference between and 8" and 10" is not much. What can I expect to see with a 8" or 10" in a suburban area?

September 3, 2003 08:01 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Maximum Useful Magnification

Posted By Kenny Draper
I've read on the Televue website that the maximum useful magnification is limited by the atmosphere to about 300x. Is this is true?

What is the highest useful magnication in a 10" dob for different objects like planets, lunar, galaxies etc?

September 11, 2003 08:08 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Eyepiece Startup

Posted By Kenny Draper
I am awaiting the new Orion 10" Intelliscope. After much research and agonizing I have decided to go with this as my starter set of EPs.

It comes with a 25 and a 10 and I was planning on adding a Nagler 11mm along with a Televue 2x & 3x barlow. This will give me:
48x 25mm
96x 25mm with 2x barlow
109x 11mm
120x 10mm
144x 25mm with 3x barlow
218x 11mm with 2x barlow
240x 10mm with 2x barlow
327x 11mm with 3x barlow
360x 10mm with 3x barlow

I know the 11mm Nagler is close to the 10 that comes the scope but I think that range of mag is good and hopefully the Nagler will provide a better view than the supplied EP. At least it will have a larger AFOV.

Any suggestions?

October 20, 2003 04:19 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Panoptic 15

Posted By Kenny Draper
I am thinking about getting a Panoptic 15 EP. The FL is good for what I do but I want some feedback on its view and quality. I have a Panoptic 19 that is very crisp in my opinion. Just want something with a little more magnification.

I will use it in a Meade ETX90 and a 10" dob. Sometimes using with my 2.5x Powermate.

October 20, 2003 05:59 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

SkyMap Pro

Posted By Kenny Draper
I am looking at getting some software for my laptop. I would like to get someone's view on software packages.

I currently have an eval copy of MyStars and have looked at SkyMap Pro. I guess one of the biggest sellars is Starry Night. I have a Meade ETX90 that I would like the software to interface with if possible but it is not a requirement. I think Meade has a product also?


August 29, 2003 05:06 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Best EP for 10" Dob

Posted By Kenny Draper
Thanks for everyone's input!

I'm thinking of getting something in the 4-10mm range for the planets and moon. Something in the 175-250x range. And when seeing is good I can put that on a barlow for high mag.

What are thoughts on the Vixen Lanthanum EPs and the Meade 4000UWA?



August 30, 2003 08:44 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Best EP for 10" Dob

Posted By Kenny Draper
Thanks for everyone's input. As of now I'm leaning toward the 8mm Radian and the 2.5 Powermate. That will give me powers of 150 and 375 in the Orion 10" Dob.

Is this a good start for planetary and lunar viewing along with DSOs.


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