Image of the day

Captured by
Herb Bubert

Sun on June 20th

About Astromart

My Account

New to Astromart?

Register an account...

Need Help?

Posts Made By: Jeff Poplin

November 27, 2003 03:39 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Who has tried the Canon 300D (Digital Rebel)?

Posted By Jeff Poplin
Excellent, indepth (>20 pages) review here:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos300d/

One concern of mine is no mirror lockup.

Jeff

November 28, 2003 01:43 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Meade 2120 and LX200 10"

Posted By Jeff Poplin
The 2120 (10" - LX3 and LX5 series) are approaching 20 years old. My trusty LX5 2120 has been "rode hard and put up wet" many times in the past 15 years and countless folks have looked through the scope at numerous star parties. Stock 2120 scopes came with RA drive only, DEC motor was an option. Forks greatly undersized for the 10", vibration is a constant problem. Suppression pads a must! Doesn't get much use now, with at 20" Obsession in the house.

LX200 series are ~10 years younger scopes along with more up-to-date electronics, mounts, drives, coatings, etc.

Hope this helps,
Jeff

December 5, 2003 02:25 AM Forum: Telescope Making

How about another one?

Posted By Jeff Poplin
I've seen this scope in person (MASP 2002) and was immediately taken with the beauty of carbon fiber in the sunlight and the overall excellent craftsmanship.

Again, nice work David.

Jeff

December 5, 2003 02:31 AM Forum: Telescope Making

Carbon 16" in process

Posted By Jeff Poplin
Looking good, David. And I especially like the fan! Have to get one for the Obsession...

Jeff

December 6, 2003 02:31 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

I'M ABOUT TO LOSE MY MIND! HELP!

Posted By Jeff Poplin
David,
I'm no collimation guru, but I live near Winston-Salem and have a 20" Obsession. Drop me a line at jayteepee@att.net

Jeff

February 17, 2004 01:23 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

18" f4.5 or 20" f5.0 ?

Posted By Jeff Poplin
I was lucky enough to use an 18 and 20 on the same night at a star party. The 20 just "fit" me better - I'm 6'3". After years of SCT squatting and contortion, my back is much happier. Also, f/5 was the fastest I wanted to go, which did influence me a bit.

Another consideration is the size differences. My 20 with the stock eyebolts on the wheelbarrow handles would just clear the doorway to the house. I replace them with socket head bolts and press-on rosette knobs. After building ramps, the 20 rides nicely in the back of my pickup. I've seen 18s carried in Jeeps and small hatchbacks, but I wouldn't have enough room with all my astro stuff.

Either one should give you years of enjoyment!

Jeff
20" #747 - Torus primary

February 18, 2004 01:54 AM Forum: Star Parties

Star Party , Club ,in Southeastern North Carolina

Posted By Jeff Poplin
Look at the listings here (home page) or try this:

http://skyandtelescope.com/resources/organizations/?pos=1&category=9&city=&state=NC&country=1&txt=&go.x=19&go.y=6

Wilmington area has a nice club.
http://www.capefearastro.org/

MASP is great in the fall.
http://masp.org/

Tri-Star near Greensboro on March 6th.
http://technet.gtcc.cc.nc.us/comserv/cline/tristar.htm


April 1, 2004 12:16 AM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

What is it?

Posted By Jeff Poplin
Most likely a satellite.

With a few careful details (date, time, location), you can even find out which satellite you saw. One of my last (clear) nights, an astro-buddy and I manually tracked an old rocket body with a 20" dob for over 15 minutes. The object was spinning and flashed like a tiny strobelight about once a second. Software estimated distance around 35,000 km away from us at the time.

There are thousands of man-made satellites surrounding Earth in a variety of orbits. When the angles (observer-Sun-sat) are favorable, you can see small objects -within limits- very far away. Finding/tracking them is another enjoyable aspect of this astronomical hobby.

April 7, 2004 01:41 AM Forum: Telescope Making

10 Inch Dob Ghosting

Posted By Jeff Poplin
Looks like camera/scope vibration. Do you use cable release or internal timer for exposure? Do ALL your exposures of Venus exhibit same defect? I once took 4 dozen exposures of Saturn as it drifted through the FOV in an undriven dob and was able to use only 10 of the shots. (gotta love the digital camera!)

April 21, 2004 12:46 AM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Summer Preview

Posted By Jeff Poplin
Great shot, Ivan! But I really shouldn't look at all these neat Rebel shots. Makes the purchase urge a little too strong. smile

Summer skies bring the haze and humidity for us east coasters, so I cherish those rare great nights like the one you've captured.

Keep up the good work.

Funding Member

Telescopes, Astronomy, Binoculars

Sponsors


View all sponsors

Search