Posts Made By: Greg Nezat

Of course I worked through the problem right after posting the message.

Thanks anyway,

Greg

Anthony,

I have nearly the exact setup you are describing--maybe I can give you some insight. I have a Tak FC-100 with the 8x50 finder, Tak clam shell tube holder, and a two inch diagonal used to hold mostly older style (heavy) Naglers. It is mounted on a Vixen GP GEM supported by a wooden tripod. Just remember, the Tak fully "dressed" as above weighs about 15lbs--the stated limit of the GP is 16lbs. I consider my setup barely adequate. Specifically, when I have a 4-5mm EP in the diagonal, I have some difficulty focusing as the image moves some. I usually have to focus twice to obtain a sharp image (once for rough focusing, once for fine focusing). When using 7mm and larger EPs, I have no problems. Please remember that the wooden tripod adds significant stability to the mount. I should also note that I observe standing, with the tripod extended to about 60 inches. I think if you observe sitting, the system will work much better.

So what's the bottom line. I think the GP is an adequate mount as long as you use a more rigid tripod than the one supplied or use the stock aluminium tripod with minimal extention. I think the GP-DX is the ideal mount to use with this scope.

Let me know if this helps.

Greg

Anthony,

If you would like to email me, use the below listed address:

[email protected]

Greg

Charles,

In the midpower range, I use the old 20mm Nagler, type II. With my FC-100, it gives me a little more than a two degree FOV. Two nights ago I was able to observe Jupiter and most of M44 in one field--it was great. The EP is a little heavy, but if you have a mount sturdy enough for the FS-102, the extra pound or two shouldn't cause problems. On the used market, they run about $300. As an alternative, the 16mm Nagler, type II is also an excellent EP yielding a FOV of 1.64 degrees. As a bonus, it is significantly lighter than the 20mm and costs about $200 used.

Hope this helps,

Greg

Fred,

While I've never used the Meade GOTO system, I've owned two others including the Vixen SkySensor system and the Gemini system used on the Losmandy mounts. I've encountered your problems with both of these systems only to find that I incorrectly set one or more of the startup parameters. I suggest that you double check these. They include:
1. your correct geographic location--if you don't have a GPS, you can find your approximate location (lat/long) using a web search. A nearby large city is close enough.
2. be sure you have selected operation in the northern hemisphere
3. be sure you set your local time correctly. I suspect this is your problem. On many systems, you have to set your local time based on universal coordinated time (UTC)--a new term replacing the older GMT. This can be a little tricky. Again, do a web search and find UTC. Once you find it, you will have to subtract a certain number of hours from this time. For example, if you live in central standard time, you will need to subtract six hours. If UTC is 0806, your time should be 0206. If you live in eastern standard time, subtract five hours, etc. Also check to see if your system uses a 12 hour clock or a 24 hour clock. This could also be a source of error.

In regards to your second question, I would suggest looking around Astromart for a complete set of Meade 4000 Plossl eyepieces. They are of very good quality are readily available on the used market. I suggest this specific brand not because I think it is better than its competitors (e.g. Celestron), but because Meade recently offered this complete set at a low price with the purchase of some of its higher end scopes and I suspect there are a number of these EP sets for sale at very good prices.

I hope this helps. I would also suggest joining a local astronomy club and observing with others as you will gain access to their collective knowledge--you'll also find a great deal of enthusiasm!

Welcome to the hobby,

Greg