Image of the day

Captured by
Philip Imbrogno

Jupiter

About Astromart

My Account

New to Astromart?

Register an account...

Need Help?

Posts Made By: Dave Lowe

May 28, 2002 05:15 PM Forum: Maksutovs

MK-67 Focuser and Collimation Help

Posted By Dave Lowe
I need help with two things on my Mk-67.

Focuser - I've never used a Crayford before and I'm having trouble adjusting it just right. There are two thumb screws on the underside that seem to adjust the tension, but I can't seem to understand their operation. Can someone either explain this to me, or point me to some other resource?

Collimation - this seems to be much more difficult than on my old Dob. I can't seem to get it just right. My star test shows a slight tail on every star and the difraction rings are slightly of center. I've tried tweaking the seconday, but frankly I'm afraid of screwing it up even more. Any advice?

Thanks,
Dave

June 24, 2002 11:24 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

8" or 10" Dob?

Posted By Dave Lowe
This will not be my first scope. I've owned several, including an 8" Dob (Orion XT8). After experimenting with other types of scopes, I've come full circle to wanting another Dob. The question is which size and which brand.

An 8" is pretty much the perfect size for my use. I'd like to go to a 10", but I'm concerned about the added size and weight.

Orion's XT10 is much smaller than the Discovery 10", but what about perfermance?

I think I would narrow down my choice to either the XT10 or the Discovery Premium 8" (2" Crayford, Pyrex Mirror, upgraded base).

Are the extra 2" of apeture worth the bulk?

Regards,
Dave

August 25, 2003 09:04 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Zoom Barlow?

Posted By Dave Lowe
Let me first say that I am a fan of my 8-24mm Zoom EP. For my casual use it serves me very well. I like the ability to zoom to just the right f.l. without changing eps. That said, there are two things I would like to improve.

1) the narrow FOV
2) the focal length range doesn't quite fit my needs

What was thinking would be perfect is a 1-3X Zoom Barlow. Then I could use it with any EP I wanted.

Does anythging like this exist?

Thanks,
Dave

October 20, 2004 08:23 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Discovery 8" Premium DHQ Dob

Posted By Dave Lowe
I posted this in the Discovery group, but since this group seems to get the most traffic, I thought I'd try here too.

Does anyone have any first hand experience with this scope? I've owned an 8" dob before (Orion), and I'm wondering if the upgrades on this model are worth the extra money. Basically you get a crayford focuser, pyrex mirror, baltic birch mount, ebony star bearings.

I have read some general complaints about Discovery's quality control, but looking for some specific feedback on this particilar scope.

Thanks,
Dave

June 11, 2005 06:27 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

DSH-10 Mods

Posted By Dave Lowe
Just received my new DSH-10. It looks to be a real winner, but the Az movement definately needs help. What's the best fix for this? I've read about adding felt pads to increase the tension. How thick should the be? What about replacing the roller bearing entirely with the standard magic sliders and milk carton washers like on the old XT scopes?

Your experienced advice is welcome.

Thanks,
Dave

June 12, 2005 02:14 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Right Angle Finder

Posted By Dave Lowe
Does anyone sell a small diagonal to convert a standard straight-through 50mm finderscope to Right-Angle?

Thanks,
Dave

June 12, 2005 02:17 PM Forum: After Dark

Center Spotting a Mirror

Posted By Dave Lowe
What is the easiest way to center spot a 10" mirror? Can it be done without completely removing the mirror from its cell?

Thanks,
Dave

June 12, 2005 05:08 PM Forum: Reflectors

Center Spotting a Mirror

Posted By Dave Lowe
What is the easiest way to center spot the mirror on my Hardin DSH-10?

I'm thinking of making a template to lay over the mirror, but not sure what material to use that won't damage the mirror. Felt? Also, what should I use to mark the center? Can I simply make a dot with a Sharpie?

Thanks,
Dave

June 13, 2005 01:49 PM Forum: Eyepieces

EP recommendations for my DSH-10

Posted By Dave Lowe
I'm looking for something in the 13-15mm range that delivers a wide FOV and won't break the bank.

Unfortunately I'm cursed with Champagne taste on a beer budget.

Thanks,
Dave

June 24, 2005 01:58 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Meade 5000 EPs

Posted By Dave Lowe
I have not seen any reviews of the new series 5000 Plossls. These look interesting to me with their 60deg FOV, adjustable eyecup, and attractive price. Anyone tried one?

Thanks,
Dave

Funding Member

Sponsors


View all sponsors

Search