Posts Made By: Scott Mellis

December 21, 2010 02:22 PM Forum: AstroMart FAQ

Used equipment sources

Posted By Scott Mellis

Just curious (new to AM and finding this all very interesting): While it seems some sellers are amateur astronomers upgrading (or recovering revenue) from their stuff, it appears that some are more professional in their trading of used equipment. Where does all this stuff come from?

January 24, 2011 01:37 AM Forum: AstroMart FAQ

account doesn't stay "signed in"

Posted By Scott Mellis

..despite checking the box.

Please help

February 18, 2011 08:14 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Plossl vs. Ortho

Posted By Scott Mellis

Apologies for the very basic question, but could someone(s) help clarify the relative merits of these two types? I will be viewing both night sky and daytime birds (at a distance of 20-1000 M) using 80-90 mm refractors of ~500-900 mm FL. Any additional recommendations would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Scott

March 10, 2011 03:49 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Grabbing and going

Posted By Scott Mellis

Hi all,

Is it safe to keep a scope on a mount when driving to a viewing destination or should it always be dis-assembled and stored in case first. Is standing up a scope in back of minivan inviting disaster?

Thanks,

Scott

March 22, 2011 12:57 AM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

My first share-able bird image

Posted By Scott Mellis

Hairy Woodpecker

Coolpix P5100/UR-E20 Adapter/TV 28MM digiadapter-32mm Plossl-60 degree diagonal-TV-76

...plenty of room for improvement, but seeing those feather barbs has got me hooked. I guess if these scopes can split double stars at 50 light years, they can resolve a bird across the deck.

Thanks, AM Community, for helping make this fun possible.

March 24, 2011 03:35 AM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Mark Kilner's Amazing Kestrel

Posted By Scott Mellis

Please open in a new tab/window as link will take you out of AM.

Best viewed extra large.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/60298464@N00/3223288812

He took this with a TV60. He's also written a nice monograph on bird photography with the scope...a free download:

http://www.lulu.com/product/file-download/bird-wildlife-photography-with-a-small-wide-field-refractor/5550687

April 13, 2011 02:42 AM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Anhinga - Naples, Florida

Posted By Scott Mellis

Coolpix P5100 handheld to eyepiece of Vortex Razor 85mm spotting scope

Eagle Lakes Community Park (amazing in the a.m.!)

April 13, 2011 02:47 AM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Burrowing Owl

Posted By Scott Mellis

Standing Guard - suburban corner, Marco Island

another old fashioned hand-held digiscope

April 13, 2011 02:52 AM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Sanibel Sunset (with bird)

Posted By Scott Mellis

Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge April 10, 2011. (Glad the Gov't didn't shut down or the park would have been closed)

April 17, 2011 02:37 AM Forum: DVDs and Music and Books That You Recommend

Rio - 3D (in the movies)

Posted By Scott Mellis

Pleasantly entertaining, well-cast, beautiful 3D animation, a nice 96 minute escape.