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Posts Made By: Joe Bergeron

October 31, 2005 04:20 AM Forum: Astro-Physics

Collimation of AP Starfire 152 f/9

Posted By Joe Bergeron

I used to have a scope identical to the one you have now. I colllimated it once and made notes. Of the three pairs of screws you noted, the small ones push and the big ones pull. However, note that the outer, curved wall of the lens cell also has screws. There are two rings, and each has three screws. The ones on the rear ring secure the celll to the tube and should not be loosened. The ones on the forward ring lock in the collimation. In other words, unless you first loosen these slightly, the collimation screws will do nothing good!

No one can tell you which way to move the collimation screws. I wouldn't try collimating it on a star; use a Cheshire collimating eyepiece instead. Adjust the push-pull pairs until all the donut reflections you see in the Cheshire are concentric, then tighten up that forward trio of screws.

That's the way it worked for me, anyway...

December 21, 2005 05:01 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Why Don't You Ever See Any Used Parks Telescopes F

Posted By Joe Bergeron

I hardly ever see a Parks telescope at all, new or used. I can't remember ever seeing one. I don't think they exactly sell them like hotcakes.

December 31, 2005 04:19 AM Forum: Chinese Optics Imports

Is Roland Ever Wrong!!!

Posted By Joe Bergeron

I think the title of your post is ambiguous at best. It implies that Roland was really, really wrong about something. I think you really wanted a terminal question mark.

January 2, 2006 04:25 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Impressions of Orion Skyquest XT8

Posted By Joe Bergeron

The moons of Mars are a major challenge with a scope like yours under the best of circumstances, which are now past. Don't expect to see them. The Clown Nebula will be bright in your scope, but you might be surprised by how small it appears. At low powers you might mistake it for a star. The Horsehead demands pristine skies, considerable observing skill, and benefits from a nebula filter, either a UHC or H-Beta type. It can however be seen without any filter under dark skies.

January 7, 2006 12:17 AM Forum: Astro-Physics

AP 160 on a G-11

Posted By Joe Bergeron

It should be fine. I use one with my 155 f/9 EDT, which is a bit lighter but also longer than the 160. No problems for visual use. You might want to add the 12" pier extension to your purchase, otherwise the eyepiece will wind up being uncomfortably close to the ground when viewing the zenith.

January 10, 2006 08:24 AM Forum: Astro-Physics

New mount under test

Posted By Joe Bergeron

Roland, it's considered good manners for manufacturers to send free samples of new products to the moderators of their forums. Just thought I'd mention that. This is so that we moderators can, um, make sure these new products aren't, er, vaporware. Or something.

Yeah.

January 17, 2006 05:19 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Lunar crater Hainzel

Posted By Joe Bergeron

That's very impressive. How much of that can you see when you eyeball the moon with your scope?

January 18, 2006 07:36 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Celestron Sky Scout & Duct Tape

Posted By Joe Bergeron

The Sky Scout is meant to be used hand held, is it not? If so, how much resolution can it possibly have? You're holding it by hand. If you have to aim it within 30 arc minutes before it acknowledges your target, then it will be difficult to aim it by hand and keep it there. If aiming it within 2 or 3 degrees is close enough, then it won't be accurate enough for aiming most telescopes. Don't get your hopes up too much.

March 3, 2006 01:58 AM Forum: After Dark

Ground Telescopes Useless by 2050

Posted By Joe Bergeron

I doubt that we'll have the fuel to permit mass air travel in 40 years.

March 5, 2006 10:51 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

reflector/refractor, planetary-wise

Posted By Joe Bergeron

The answer depends largely on the quality of your reflector. At a recent star party, my 6" apo refractor was set up next to a very fine 10" f/6 Dob which was noticeably superior on planets. I also spent some time with a very nice 15" f/4.5 Dob which gave exquisite planetary images far beyond what my refractor can do. On the other hand, if your 10" is mediocre or worse, it might not take much of a refractor to surpass it on planets.