Posts Made By: Dannon Vick

I'm looking to make my first scope purchase and will likely be spending around $1400.00 - $2000.00. I think I want a SC. Things that are important to me:

1. Size. Littler package, biggest results that can fit into the Jetta.
2. Accurate tracking/Goto function.
3. Good/Great resolving power.
4. Good condition.

Things that aren't as important:

1. New
2. GPS
3. Cooling down time (I'm in Florida)
4. Astrophotography (yet)

I'm thinking an 8" or 10" LX 200. (BTW How important is the UHTC?) Thoughts or suggestions would be quite helpful.

N00b question. What does the "EMC" designation mean on the LX200 series. Is it a good witch or bad witch....um, I mean feature.

Thanks,
Dannon

Well, kinda. I bought a Celestron 8i from an Astromarter, and I'm a complete newbie. The major issue I'm having is that when I do any type of alignment (mostly GPS, it came with the item) it will slew to the 1st alignment star and be somewhat off (no big deal, that's why you align) but once that is aligned it slews to the second alignment star by going completely vertical (eyepiece is parallel to the ground) then "flips over" where the eyepiece, GPS and finder scope are pointing nearly straight down.
Secondly, on the rare occasions that it does get both stars in, when it goes to an object, it's pretty far off (completely off the finder scope, and I have the red bull’s-eye finder.)
The previous owner told me that he is not familiar with what I'm talking about and (to his credit) the very first time it came on, it had some sort of slew warning that I had to override. I have restored factory setting, but it is still doing it. For the love of god, someone help me!

So I've been a good newbie, reading all of the eyepiece reviews I can find, searching the threads for advise, you know. So now it's time to upgrade the used Celestron Plossl set that I bought with my N8i. What I've settled on is the Meade SP 4000 1.25 set (6.4 9.7 12.4 15 20 32 40). Is anyone out there able to tell me what will be different? By this I mean how will DSO's and planetary objects look different with the new EP's. Does anyone have any dissenting opinions about this choice?
Also, what would be a good to average price for this set including case in new, unused condition?

First off, this is my first attempt at imaging, so I used the "hold the camera up to the eyepiece method", and it's only one frame, so don't kill me.

I went out tonight to look at the triple transit, and I thought I saw quadruple shadows. There are two on the NEB and two on east and west nothern "horizon" (look for the dark divots).

Thoughts (other than giving up imaging)?

In about two months, I'm going to be in the market for slighly used Nexstar 11 GPS w/ XLT. What would be a fair to good price to pay for one in near perfect condition?

New, there running about $3,500.

Thanks,
Dannon

Since objects in the Solar System seem to be where everyone cut their teeth, can someone tell me what I need to start imaging? I have:

N8i w/GPS and controller
Full set of EP's
Laptop
Asst. other nick-knacks

Thanks,
Dannon

Well, dare to dream, I guess.

I know this seems like a simple question, but N11 GPS's standard visual back is 2", correct? (i.e. Is the N11 OTA is set up to take a 2" diagonal right out of the box?)

Thanks,
Dannon