Astromart

January 27, 2007 04:56 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Advice Needed Regarding Barlows

I am currently using a televue 32mm plossl and 19mm panoptic and would like to get a barlow to gain the 16mm and 9.5mm focal lengths. I have read good things about the Celestron Ultima 2x and it is frequently available in AM classified ads. Has anyone tried these combinations yet and been successful?

Thanks,

Mike

February 23, 2007 12:56 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Burgess/TMB Planetary 6mm and 8mm

Posted By Michael Tencza

It is probably a bit early for the 6mm, but the 8mm has been out for a while and I would be interested in any comments by those who have tried it.

March 21, 2007 12:48 AM Forum: Eyepieces

TS - HR Planetaries?

Posted By Michael Tencza

OK folks, what's up with these? They look remarkably like the Body Odor product we are all used to and are being advertised in the eyepiece classifieds here on Astromart.

April 6, 2007 02:25 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Barlowing Orthoscopics

Posted By Michael Tencza

I enjoy using orthoscopic eyepieces and keep a small set in addition to my other eyepieces. The focal lengths I have are 25 mm, 18 mm, and 12.5 mm. The 12.5 mm has the minimal eye relief I am comfortable with so I do not own shorter focal lengths. I am considering a barlow to get 9 mm and 6.25 mm at this time, but there are so many choices. Any recommendations would be appreciated. I would prefer to keep the cost under $ 100. Thanks in advance, Mike

April 25, 2007 08:02 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Orion Helical Focuser

Posted By Michael Tencza

Can anyone provide feedback for the Orion Helical Focuser?

Thanks,

Mike

May 5, 2007 03:46 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Collimation Tip for Beginners with Refracors-Do It

Posted By Michael Tencza

I have only been at this for a bit over a year and like most beginners I have been wary of making adjustments to my scope (mostly for fear of making things worse). Well a couple of points:

1) Vendors lie: Most of the instructions that come with new refractors claim perfect collimation from the factory. Not necessarilly true. Bumps in shipping etc. can put your scope out of collimation easily.

2) Collimation for a refractor is relatively easy with a little research, trial and error and effort. There are ample resources on line to guide and help you learn. Just type the words collimation and refractor into the search engine of your choice.

3) Few tools are required to do the job. All you need to collimate an adjustable lens cell in a refractor is the proper sized allen wrench and a cheshire eyepiece (make sure you get one made for a refractor). I did this for the first time this morning and achieved very good results in less than 15 minutes. I'm sure those out there who are at all handy can do the same.

Clear Skies,

Mike

June 18, 2007 11:48 AM Forum: Eyepieces

Favorite Filters

Posted By Michael Tencza

After Floyd's recent post regarding the Baader Contrast Booster I thought it would be worth asking if anyone else has a favorite filter that is not common knowledge.

July 25, 2007 10:12 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?