Posts Made By: Matthew Warren

Hi,

I am toying with the idea of buying a helical focuser for finer control of focus. One like http://www.telescope.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=11734&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=helical .

Has anyone made a focuser like this? This is designed to go into a 2" focuser. I've seen ATM sites where they made 1.25" helicals, but can a person readily make their own helical focuser for use in a 2" rack and pinion focuser? This would be for fine focusing at higher magnifications.

Thanks,
Matt

Greets,

I'm still finding my way around. I got a Chandler planisphere to help me find DSOs. I've had a great time viewing things like M31 (still can't find M33 to save my life), Double Cluster, M42, M45 and several other fantastic objects. Unfortunately my Chandler only shows a few Messier and NGC objects.

I'd like to find a Plansisphere that has the bulk if not all of the Messiers, and some of the more visible NGCs as well. Another nice feature would be to show the visual magnitude of the object and maybe the size of the object. If they really wanted to make it easy, maybe a little icon that indicates if it's visible by binocs or if requires a scope.

Anyone know of any planispheres that come close to this? Obviously there's only so much you can put on one, but this would be ideal to me. I sure like using Nightwatch, but it would be nice to only have to have a plansisphere out.

Thanks,
Matt

Wondering if there are any star parties scheduled in So. California any time soon?

Matt

As a seasoned ebayer, I have had several deals that were slightly shady (like "untested", meaning it was tested and smoke came out) but only one that was truly fraud. I nailed the guy from every possible direction. Fraud.org, USPS mail fraud, police, etc. They finally refunded after about 4 mo.

Leaves an aweful taste in your mouth but they finally made good. I'd consider the guy's rating. Also consider that these scopes can be a PAIN to ship, meaning custom boxes, packing material, etc. It may well be that it was more than he imagined. Or it may take time to source a box.

If he's responsive and empathetic to your stress, then that's a good sign. If not, go on the offensive in as many ways possible.

Matt

Greets,

When is getting a 2" eyepiece a must? What are the must have values? I'm thinking a 2" wouldn't make much difference in a 4.5" Newt, or am I wrong? Wouldn't they really be more appropriate for much larger scopes like maybe 12.5" or greater newts and larger refractors?

Matt

Greets,

I purchased a Meade ETX-90EC at Frys. It was an older model without Autostar. As those of you who have shopped Fry's know, by the time you get something there, chances are it's been opened, bought, ravaged and returned by the time you get to actually buy it. I got this for a good price, but today is the last day to return.

I finally got a chance to check it out. It's easily comparable to my 114mm Meade Newt in what it can see and the images are slightly better on planets. I'm quite inclined to keep it and get rid of the 114. Problem is that the straight through finder is impossible to use in most positions. I only have the table tripod, so it's awkward to use.

I like that it gives nice views and can be used in equatorial or alt/az mode. I like the portability, but that may be moot as my 10" dob that I'm building will also be reasonably portable.

Right now, the cards are stacked against keeping it even though it's a nice scope. If I do keep, I'll need to get a right angle finder, carry case/bag, tripod and possibly the 497 Autostar, because even though I can get a right angle finder, it's still a very small 8x25 view.

Either the 114 (plain jane motorized Newt) or the ETX has to go.

Any thoughts highly appreciated!

Matt

Can anyone recommend a technique to patch extraneous screw holes in a sonotube dob? I'm kicking around mixing wood or sonotube dust with wood glue and filling. Maybe epoxy? Then want to paint over. Any wisdom appredciated.

Matt

Hi, asked this in Equipment but maybe more approp here since more people here have worked with the stuff. Any suggestions on repairing small holes such as screw and bolt holes in a sonotube scope?

Thanks,
Matt

Greets,

For those of you who have telrads on your scopes (Rigel and Apogee competitors ok as well), I'm curious.

How many use the telrad exclusively and no longer use a finder.

What are the skies like in your typical observing session?

I'm curious because I just ordered a Telrad (goody!) and wonder if I can just replace it entirely. I'm in a suburban, light polluted area, so I'm thinking I'd benefit more from having both available. But would like to hear from others.

Matt

Have an older (maybe 10+ yrs) white 6x30 Meade finder. Its eyepiece screws off. Is there an easy way to convert to RA?

Thx,
Matt