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Posts Made By: Rod Nabholz

February 17, 2006 03:44 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Manual Dob Setting Circles

Posted By Rod Nabholz

I have added a page to my web site about my experiences with the manual push to altaz setting circles that I built into my dob.

I thought some of you might be interested, if so, you can find it here:

http://www.indytel.com/~rnabholz/ManualDobsonianSettingCircles.htm

Thanks


March 21, 2006 04:36 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Re: Jason 60mm

Posted By Rod Nabholz

Here is what I did with a Jason 60mm.

With a hybrid diagonal to allow the use of 1.25" eyepieces and the new mount, it is a nice little scope and the kids are having a ball with it.

You can read more about the transformation here:

http://www.indytel.com/~rnabholz/kidpeek/index.htm

Good Luck

April 4, 2006 03:09 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Easy AltAz Mount Modification

Posted By Rod Nabholz

In April 2005, Sky and Telescope ran an article by Alan Adler called " A Simple Altazimuth Tripod Adapter" that described a simple solution for the balance problems associated with a scope on a traditional tripod head.

His solution was really simple and easy to make, and so I put one together for my Pronto.

It really works well, so I thought I would share the results with anyone who might be interested.

You can read about it here:

http://www.indytel.com/~rnabholz/stool/EasyAltAzMountModification.htm

Thanks

April 13, 2007 05:20 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Digital Inclinometer Deal

Posted By Rod Nabholz

If you have been shopping for a digital inclinometer for a push to setting circle system, I just noticed that Sears has their digital Inclinometer on sale for $29.00

I have not used this model, but have read of folks using it with success.

One tenth of a degree accuracy and a magnetic base make it pretty attractive - especially at less than $30.00

You can find it here:

http://tinyurl.com/yo2cb2


April 23, 2007 01:09 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Cheap and Simple Red Dot Finder Mount

Posted By Rod Nabholz

I had been looking for a simple solution for adding a couple of Daisy Red Finders to some of our club scopes to make them a little more beginner friendly.

I gave it some thought and came up with the following:

First "The Kit"

May 17, 2007 01:27 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Premium Focuser or Electronic Focus?

Posted By Rod Nabholz

First, I need to preface this by saying that I have not had the opportunity to use some of the high end focusers like the Feathertouch and others so I come to this question truly without practical experience to draw from.

I have a reverse crayford focuser on my f4.5 dob. I am satisfied with the smoothness of the mechanism - so no issue there. But as I read the comments on the premium focusers, most of the advocates cite the accuracy of focus (especially with the 2 speed focusers) that can benefit fast focal length scopes.

Also mentioned frequently is the light touch required in using these focusers.

Of course the cost of entry on some of these 2 speed focusers is considerable ($200 and up).

My question (Finally!) is: Can one achieve the same advantages with a good adjustable, smooth, and slow electronic focus motor?

It would seem to me that the hands off, slow and precise focus adjustment these motors provide would approach the functionality of the premium focusers at a much lower cost considering for instance Orion's electronic focus motor retails at around $50.

Again - I am wide open to considering all of the user advantages of these great focusers that I am unaware of as I have no practical experience using them. So please let me have the benefit of your experience.

Thanks!

July 24, 2009 03:54 PM Forum: Telescope Making

Kid Peek II

Posted By Rod Nabholz

My 9 year old asked if we could build a scope together for his birthday - I was only too happy to oblige. We finished the project and had a lot of fun in the process.

For those interested in a simple and fun project, the results can be seen here:

http://www.homebuiltastronomy.com/downbino/HomeBuiltAstronomyProjects-KidPeekII.html

Rod

September 1, 2009 03:37 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Telrad Dew Shield - Easy and Inexpensive

Posted By Rod Nabholz

I had occasion to make a couple of dew shields for my Telrads recently, and thought I would make a template and simple instructions available to anyone interested.

You can see them here:

http://www.homebuiltastronomy.com/downbino/HomeBuiltAstronomy-TelradDewShield.html

It is a very simple project, and the cost was less than $3.

Clear Skies,

July 12, 2014 06:54 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Scope Mounted Green Laser

Posted By Rod Nabholz

Just added a Scope Mounted Green Laser project to my site. Inexpensive, simple and a great tool.

You can see it here:

http://www.homebuiltastronomy.com/glp/index.htm



Thanks

May 3, 2004 06:13 PM Forum: Telescope Making

Help with Mirror Cell

Posted By Rod Nabholz

Thanks for all of the responses. I have placed an order for Kriege's book and will review that closely before moving forward.

I may still take you up on those offers of help as I move forward.

Thanks again.