Posts Made By: John Roehrig

Okay, my curiosity is killing me. What is it about these telescopes that makes them command such a high price and elicit such a long waiting list?

Thanks,

John

Well, my last question about Astro-physics telescopes engendered quite a lively discussion! Now let me try another (possibly controversial) topic - the use and response to "WANTED" adds on A-mart.

Since I am a relatively new user to the system, some things are clear to me:

1. This is an EXTREMELY valuable resource, and I applaud Anacortes for its availability.
2. I have only had good experiences with it.
3. The use of "time-stamped" replies to "SELL" ads helps sort out the prioriy of the selling order.

That being said, is there any such priority order for "WANTED" buyers. I often see "SELL" adds listed almost directly next to "WANTED" adds for the very same item. I don't understand that (unless the seller wants to start an auction). Is there any "unwritten" rule or system courtesy that says before you list an item for sale you should take the time to determine if anyone has an active "WANTED" add for that same item? If the seller wants to initiate an auction, I think that fact should be stated in the seller's add.

I think I know the answer to all this, and its probably no, but I thought I'd ask it anyway. If there is no such understanding, I question the value of placing a "WANTED" add at all. I have, in fact, had one positive sale that started with a "WANTED" add I placed, but in general I don't find that process very helpful, especially for very popular items. Actually I recently purchased an EP from a lister when I had an active "WANTED" add for that same item. Maybe a "WANTED" waiting list - like APs telescope waiting list - would be helpful. That's probably beyond the scope of A-marts mission, however.

Looking forward to comments. Please forgive me if this has been discussed in the past. I could find no similar topics in the archives. Perhaps an email from Herb could rapidly dispell my confusion. Thanks!

John

Hi all,

Does anyone know what gives with this Astromart sponsor? I ordered an EZ Star collimation device from them online August 31, 2002. My account was charged. I inquired via email on September 18th and was told that there was no reason the item had not been shipped, and that it would be shipped immediately. I called a week later and was told the same thing. I followed up with an email - no reply. As of today, still no EZ Star. Is this their normal mode of operation? If not, anyone have any clues as to what might be going on?

Thanks,

John

I am curious as to your impressions of the commercial Dobsonian scopes. In particular:

1. Starmaster
2. Obsession
3. Discovery
4. Port-a-ball
5. Starsplitter

Any opinions on how these scopes compare one to another would be appreciated!

Thanks,

John R.

I recently got a used Traveler off A-Mart. It did not come with a carrying case. Does anyone have experience with second party cases useful for the Traveler?

Thanks,

John

Anyone try these yet? How to they compare to the 3-6mm zoom?

John R.

I recently purchased a used AP 105mm Traveler as my grab-and-go scope. It is currently mounted on a TV Panoramic mount/tripod. This mount does not appear to me to be adequate for this scope. I am not convinced that the TV Gibralter would be a great improvement. Any suggestions as to other reasonably priced, relatively portable Alt-Az type mounts that would be satisfactory for this scope.

Thanks,

John R.

Anybody seen or used one of these new Celestron CG-5 mounts yet?

John R.

Are there any off-the-shelf clamshell OTA holders that fit the 105mm Traveler?

Thanks!

John

There are a number of things you can do to avoid mosquito bites. To treat your own clothing, permethrin spray can be found in camping stores under the label Permanone. Just select the clothes you want to treat and follow the directions. It works well. You may want to use DEET on the parts of your skin that remain exposed. You do not need to use 100% DEET. The higher the concentration the longer it lasts. 25% DEET will last around 5 hours.

If you have more questions you can look at the CDC website: www.cdc.gov, and follow the links to the Q and A's for West Nile virus.

John R.