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Jupiter (clearer) Nov 5th 2023 w/Mewlon 180c

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Posts Made By: Mike Gibson

September 9, 2002 04:07 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Coronado rocks my world!

Posted By Mike Gibson

Holy flare Batman, break out the weenies and buns! Beautiful work!

September 11, 2002 03:25 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

C8+ Used Value?

Posted By Mike Gibson

Collectors aside, you are competing with the price of new 8" SCT optics with fresh coatings and warranty. In excellent condition with good coatings, the package you describe may fetch $650 - $850. The DSCs and wedge are a definite plus. Research ebay for similar C8 packages sold at auction. Consider selling the filter accessories separately to return more value. Good luck!

September 12, 2002 04:29 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Affordable Planetary Eyepieces

Posted By Mike Gibson

Yes, try the new Orion ED-2 at 9.5mm ($69) and/or Barlow a longer EP that has decent eye relief.

September 14, 2002 11:01 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Astrostack

Posted By Mike Gibson

It is kind of quirky that way. Try a three digit index scheme like "moon601.bmp, moon602.bmp, moon603.bmp".

September 19, 2002 03:10 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Tripod: Meade Giant field tripod

Posted By Mike Gibson

The giant field tripod ships with the 12" LX200; it weighs 50 pounds plus. The leg spreader design uses a T-handle instead of a star pattern knob found on the deluxe field tripod.

September 21, 2002 05:03 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

meade 16'' dob

Posted By Mike Gibson

The optics are generally very good in the big Starfinders. Everything else is low grade to help keep the cost down. Finder, focuser, tube, bearing stiction, mirror cell, etc. will drive you nuts. Plus the 16" is huge and eyepiece height at the zenith can be an issue (step stool). This is a good aperture value for DSOs, but is so bulky and heavy you may not use it much. The 12.5" is a nice compromise.

September 22, 2002 02:25 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

What scope to buy? - opinion PLEASE

Posted By Mike Gibson

If you don't like ladders but still want sweet DSO and planetary views, a good choice would be a Starmaster 12.5 or 11" ELT. You will get a Zambuto mirror and truss tube portability. Feet can stay on the ground.

A 6" Mak-Newt will do everything the 4" apo can do but brighter with only a cool down penalty. If portability is prime, skip to the Tele Vue NP101.

September 24, 2002 04:32 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

schmidt-newtonian vs sct

Posted By Mike Gibson

The principle advantage of the SN is a wider field of view (FOV) than the f/10 SCT with better coma correction than a classic fast Newtonian, say f/4 or f/5. With spherical first surfaces, in theory the SN's optics are cheaper to produce with precision. The SCT retains the form factor advantage for weight, size, and eyepiece position. Both designs require frequent collimation for best performance.

Meade has produced SNs in the past with mixed results. The old fork armed SNTs were not very successful, but the LXD series is an imrovement.

September 30, 2002 08:09 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

recoating and insurance questions

Posted By Mike Gibson

Your packing sounds fine. Make sure the box material is rated to withstand the crate/weight and fill voids with packing peanuts. Label the box to keep the first surface up (not bearing weight) and make sure it is wrapped in optical tissue or equivalent before putting in styrofoam packaging. Make sure the mirror will not shift in the foam container. Photograph packaging in stages if needed for a claim.

Insurance is a tougher call. Contact Bob Royce (R. F. Royce Optics) for an estimate to replace your Cass system.

October 1, 2002 04:30 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Ultima 9.25 Question

Posted By Mike Gibson

Yes, it is possible to convert the Ultima 9.25 OTA to a GEM using various dovetail plates, depending on mount type. For instance, Losmandy makes the DC9.25 to mount the scope on a G-11 (saw one for sale on Astromart yesterday). Your Ultima was a premium scope package in its day.

The fork mount will be harder to move separately, but there is someone out there who can use it if the price is right. BTW, I moved my Meade 10" 2120 LX5 OTA to a G-11 and the increased stability is significant. Good Luck.