Posts Made By: C. Raleigh Amos

In my reading I’ve seen reference to “digital indexing” of dobson mounts, but can’t locate that reference or additional information. Can anyone help me with info on what this is exactly and where this kind of system can be purchased?

Background - I purchased my first scope in April of this year, an Orion XT6 (Dobson). I have just ordered my second, an Orion XT10 (Dobson). I’m an old fart getting into this hobby (addiction?) - 50yr old, mechanical engineer. Not interested in photography. Love the ease of use of the dobson mount. In reading, either in this forum or one of my books, I’ve come across the idea “digital indexing” for the dobson. That might not be the right term, as I can’t find the reference again. Again, any help in running this down, would be appreciated.

Is it worth the extra money to purchase the Televue Panoptics versus a less expensive widefield eyepiece (e.g., Orion Optiluxe) for someone who is a beginner at using a scope? Is the potential of a Panoptic eyepiece lost on a beginner, and should I start with something “simplier”?

From my reading it would appear that the 35mm is an appropriate match to my scope?

I have an Orion XT-10, f4.7 (second scope). I’ve been at this for about 8 mo, learning as I go. I’ve been doing it long enough to know that I’ll stick with this for good (not a passing interest). While I can afford a Panoptics (wife may not agree), there are some things that are “lost” on beginners.

Thanks, Raleigh

First, I want to thank everyone that has responded to previous questions, not only my own. Mainly I’m a lurker, and have learned quite a lot from the enthusiastic and informative responses here.

Next, is there a recommended book(s) for what I’ll call “Idiot's Guide to Optics for the Backyard Astronomer”? Specifically, the optics of a telescope; what terms like “fast scope”, “exit pupil” and similar concepts mean to a beginner learning to look at the nights sky.

In reading thru the threads, I’m gradually picking up concepts like fast scope (smaller focal length ratios) and exit pupils (the light diameter your eye can see), but usually I don’t understand what these mean to a beginning backyard viewer. I’ve found some websites informative, but usually the information is diffuse and hard to pull concepts together coherently. I’m a mechanical engineer, so I’ve done optics, (circa Gerald Ford in the White House), but I’m looking more for the basics with the connection to what it means, in a practical way, to viewing the heavens.

Thanks,
Raleigh

I'm looking for a scope to take backpacking. I will use a tripod.

For the scope - Weight limit approx. 6lbs. Length limit about 12". I want a decent scope, but recognize the trade offs. I have been looking at the Celestron C5 spotter and the Orion Apex 127. Either of these appear to meet my parameters.

I would appreciate other ideas or opinions regarding those two options.