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Posts Made By: Roo Phillips

July 7, 2008 01:42 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Good mount for a Celestron CPC 11" (GPS)

Posted By Roo Phillips
I am building a roll-off-roof observatory for my Celestron CPC 11" telescope (Pocatello, ID). I will be pouring the foundation for it in the next month. So now I need to decide what kind of pier and mount I want for it. I'm leaning towards a GEM pier from astropier.com and a GEM mount. I've heard that the gears in the fork mount of my Celestron are not that great, particularly if I want to do more than 3min. exposures. So I'm leaning away from doing a wedge. Any thoughts?

Roo

July 11, 2008 02:45 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

How do I remove my OTA from my CPC fork mount?

Posted By Roo Phillips
I have an 11" CPC in it's factory GPS fork mount. I need to take it out because I'm going to sell the mount by itself. How do I do it?
I've already taken out one screw and now there is a loose nut falling around inside the OTA, is it possible to put back?

Please respond ASAP!
Thanks

July 12, 2008 05:49 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

How much for a CPC 11" with accessories and JMI ha

Posted By Roo Phillips
What is a reasonable price to ask for a barely (10 times in 2 years) used Celestron CPC 11" with JMI hardcase and heavy duty tripod. I'm seriously considering selling but I don't know a price that would likely sell it without ripping me off.

Roo

July 13, 2008 04:16 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Celestron CGE vs. Losmandy G-11 ???

Posted By Roo Phillips
I am interested in getting a GEM for my C-11 to do astrophotography. My budget will allow me to get a used CGE mount version 3.01 which is not upgradeable (about 4 years old). This is about $1800 w/tripod & counter weights...OR I can spend about $2500 for a Losmandy G-11 (about 2 years old). Both mounts are in good condition and have GOTO. Which should I buy? Money is an issue, but I don't want to buy a mount (CGE) that I would regret in a few months. It would also be nice to put the extra money towards a CCD or something...what do you think????


July 14, 2008 12:44 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

CGE vs G11 for astrophotography

Posted By Roo Phillips
Is it true that the CGE mount doesn't track across the meridian? So for astrophotography should I stick only with the G11?

July 15, 2008 11:33 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Good starter Camera under 2K???

Posted By Roo Phillips
I'm just getting started into astrophotography and would like advice on a good CCD setup that's not too expensive. I (will) have a CPC 1100 OTA on a Losmandy G-11 mount (GOTO). I want to be able to take pictures of everything from the moon to deep space. I hope to make this system automated too. It will be placed in a roll-off-roof observatory in southern Idaho. What recommendations do you have on a good starter camera setup? Also, I would like to avoid one shot color photos.

Roo

July 15, 2008 11:34 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Good starter Camera under 2K???

Posted By Roo Phillips
I'm just getting started into astrophotography and would like advice on a good CCD setup that's not too expensive. I (will) have a CPC 1100 OTA on a Losmandy G-11 mount (GOTO). I want to be able to take pictures of everything from the moon to deep space. I hope to make this system automated too. It will be placed in a roll-off-roof observatory in southern Idaho. What recommendations do you have on a good starter camera setup? Also, I would like to avoid one shot color photos.

Roo

July 25, 2008 07:38 PM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

How to setup a Rebel XTi with CPC 11"

Posted By Roo Phillips
I have both a Digital Rebel XTi and a Celestron CPC 11". I want to start doing astrophotography but I don't know what (specific) accessories I need and how to set it up. Any suggestions??

Roo

July 29, 2008 04:08 PM Forum: Home Observatories

How to build roll-off foundation??

Posted By Roo Phillips
Hello Everyone!!

I am about to begin construction on a roll-off roof in south eastern Idaho. I need some technical specifics if you got them:

Electrical...
1. Where I want to place the observatory is about 20 feet or so from a power transformer. Will that affect tracking, astrophotography, etc?

2. When putting conduit into the observatory is it important to have separate conduits for data transfer and power?

Pier...
3. What is the best way to pour a permanent concrete pier? We need to go 4' deep to get below the frost line, but how should I design it? Should the base be a big rectangular slab with the 12" pier coming up out of that for stability, etc.?

Any pictures and instructions on how you've built your roll-off roof would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks,

Roo

July 29, 2008 04:24 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

SBIG ST2000XM Comparison

Posted By Roo Phillips
Hello Everyone!

I am interested in purchasing a CCD camera for my C11 on a G-11 mount. I want something that can take impressive pictures without going too expensive. I've looked at and am considering the ST2000XM (retails $3500). For that price range is there a better camera? I want the monochrome too so I'm staying away from one-shot color cameras.

I welcome any feedback from people who may have a similar setup and what works for them.

Thanks!

Roo

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