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Posts Made By: Samuel DiRocco

August 28, 2002 10:37 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Refractor Opion Needed

Posted By Samuel DiRocco
I am currently looking to get a refractor to compliment my LX90 and to use as a grab and go scope. I am looking at the Orion Astroview 120ST and the Apogee Widestar 127. Any recommendations onthese 2 scopes? Or any recommendations for a different refractor in the 400-600 dollar price range?

May 19, 2004 11:01 PM Forum: Telescope Making

Mirror Scratches

Posted By Samuel DiRocco
I am about 2/3 of the way through a polish of a 12" mirror. While rinsing things off for the night a found 3 small scratches. Each is about 3mm long and I figure about 12micron size deep. Should I go back and grind these out? Will this actually affect the performance of the mirror? Or is it just a matter of pride?

Sam D

May 21, 2004 12:42 AM Forum: Telescope Making

Foucault Knife-Edge question

Posted By Samuel DiRocco
I am just about finished with my Foulcault tester and am in the process of adding the Light Soure and the Knife Edge. Does the Knife edge cut into the light beam from the Light Source or the beam returning back from the mirror? Meaning, do I place the Light Source directly behind the Knife Edge or can I put it at the edge of the tester? This will place the Light Source approximately 3.5" away from the Knife Edge.

Thanks

Sam D

May 26, 2004 09:31 PM Forum: Telescope Making

How do you shorten the Focal Length

Posted By Samuel DiRocco
A friend just bought a 8" mirror that was pregenerated to f/6. He would like it to be closer to f/5. Is it MOT or TOT to shorten the Focal length?

Sam D

July 4, 2004 11:45 PM Forum: Telescope Making

weight and mirror polishing

Posted By Samuel DiRocco
I have just aquired a polishing machine on loan. Small problem though. I have a light hydrostone tool and a comparatively light mirror, it is only 3/4" plate glass. Anyway I intend to polish Mirror on top. If I place a 7" diameter 10lb. weight in the center of the 12" mirror will this cause problems? The way the arm was design I can't get anything larger diameter o the mirror. Any other suggestions?

Sam D

August 22, 2004 02:32 AM Forum: Telescope Making

How do you find the center of a Mirror?

Posted By Samuel DiRocco
What is this easiest and most accurate way to find the center spot of a mirror?


Sam D

May 4, 2009 09:07 AM Forum: TeleVue

Need Some Help; Need some dew shield size info.

Posted By Samuel DiRocco
I have the opportunity to by a Coronado HA filter at a really good price. I am trying to find an adapter plate to fit my scope. The plates that I am finding that are made to fit the SM40 seem to be mostly fit to Televue scopes. Can a few of you please post the O.D of the dew shields for the Televue scopes in the 60mm-80mm range.

Thanks in advance!!

--> Sam D

August 31, 2002 02:21 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Refractor Opion Needed

Posted By Samuel DiRocco
Thanks everyone for all the advise. After reading all the replies I have decided on the Stellarvue AT1010. I originally wanted the bigger aperature, but decide on the Stellarvue for portability and quality and I can piggyback it onto my LX90. I still may buy the Orion 120ST for its widefield views at a later date. Thanks again everyone.

Sam

September 15, 2002 10:51 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Cleaning SCT corrector

Posted By Samuel DiRocco
Mike, as Rolando said it really isn't necessary to clean your optics, but if you absolutely must, check out Dr. Clay's Site at :

http://www.arksky.org/

On the right-hand site click on "Guides" his optic cleaning guide and cleaning solution is top-notch!!

Sam

May 25, 2004 01:09 AM Forum: Telescope Making

How long?

Posted By Samuel DiRocco
You also subtract another 10-12" from the 56. This is half the diameter of secondary cage plus the ditance of a half racked out focuser. (I believe the is correct from memory). Even this is cutting it close to you 44". So take Dan's advise and get some longer tubes

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