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RICHARD COFER

Lunar Occultation of Jupiter (Egress)

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Posts Made By: ted channel

October 19, 2003 05:50 PM Forum: Home Observatories

Observatory in the Attic

Posted By ted channel
I have just finished a small room in the attic, with a removeable skylight, which I will use for an observatory. My question has to do with the high temps during the summer months. How hot is too hot for the telescope, Meade LX200?
Nothing will be in direct sunlight, and there is an attic fan, but I would quess the high summer temp will be +/- 120 degrees. I called Meade and really did not get any temp. ranges. If someone has experienced similar high temps, I would like to hear from you. Thanks, Ted

October 22, 2003 08:02 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Maybe Its my poor eyesight?

Posted By ted channel
This is a hard question to put into words. If someone could email me I could explain further, but I bought a used Meade LX200 all seem to work okay, however I can't seem to get a clear focus. Maybe 90 percent? I have tried all eyepieces, etc. and the best focus is still not clear. I am farsighted, maybe I just need reading glasses?
Thanks, Ted [email protected]

November 3, 2003 07:28 PM Forum: Solar System Observing

New at this.

Posted By ted channel
Thanks to the forum for earlier help, I have a used Meade LX200 10" f/10. I believe, I now have good collimation. I am in the city so seeing is not great. What can I try to improve detail and contrast on the planets. Jupiter even on the best of nights only show three rings and not very clear. The planets seem very very bright, as if too bright, like a tv with the brightness way up and the contrast down. The edge of the planets seem even and clear, no halos. The moon however, seems perfect, great detail, great contrast. But mars, no snowcap or any detail, and Jupiter only three faint bands. Saturn no detail. I am using as a comparison my old 10" Newtonian, which I sold, but showed much greater details. Thanks, Ted

April 5, 2004 02:52 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

New at two star alignment

Posted By ted channel
I have a Lx200 Meade 10", got it all setup but having one small problem. When I do a two star alignment, all goes well but I seem to be off-accuracy if I "goto" a part of the sky 180 degrees from my last object. The scope is level, and my time is accurate+- 5 secs. If I stay in the same general area the accuracy is fine, and the object is in the eyepiece, but if I go about 180 degree the object is in the spotting scope, but off center. Any suggestions, or is this normal?? Thank, Ted

April 14, 2004 03:33 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

correct time site

Posted By ted channel
I am looking for a good www. to set and maintain my clock so I can get the most accurate time for my telescope. I see lots of internet sites, any suggestions? Thanks, Ted

July 19, 2004 03:50 PM Forum: Solar System Observing

Solar System Simulator

Posted By ted channel
I would like to find a solar system simulator, for my computer. Perhaps a free, simple download. Screensaver or other type. Just something which shows the sun, planets and, their orbits and positions. 3d and antimated, with different times, would be great. Thanks, Ted

October 23, 2003 03:21 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Maybe Its my poor eyesight?

Posted By ted channel
This is interesting, I just got the scope, so I have no experience using it. I did not let it get to temp, it went from 65 to 50 degrees, and in 5 mins I was focusing. I was going to try all the suggestions posted this am but the clouds rolled in. How does the cooler work? Tonight? I will try letting it sit, to equalize, also the other ideas, and report back. Thanks,Ted

November 16, 2003 04:41 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Any Observers Had Laser Eye Surgery?

Posted By ted channel
Tom, I too had it done to both eyes, three yrs ago. I am an old guy?, 59 I have been very pleased, but it is not for everyone. I have one close-up eye and one distance eye. This I love. With my close-up eye I can read with no reading glasses, and I use it for the telescope. I use the other eye for distance. This sounds un-natural, but it is automatic and I know it was the right way for me. In my situation both eyes were targeted for 20/20, which would have required me to wear reading glasses, even for the computer. Weeks after I had it done, One eye pulled back to 20/50 which allow me to use it for close up.
The Dr. said he could redo that eye for 20/20 for free. But I wanted to leave it just as is. Very, very good for me. Ted

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