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Posts Made By: Joe Bergeron

December 28, 2006 05:48 PM Forum: Refractors

Do classic achromats outperform modern APOs?

Posted By Joe Bergeron

First off, I don't think that particular scope is really a Unitron, since it doesn't have the original objective. Others might disagree if they feel that a Unitron is defined only by the mechanical parts, since they seem to have gotten their lenses from multiple sources.

The seller quotes impressive surface accuracy figures for the replacement lens. In that sense, it might be superior to a run-of-the-mill Chinese doublet "apo". Or maybe not.

I have observed with a purebred 4" Unitron, and was not very impressed.

January 7, 2007 09:10 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Humboldt from last night

Posted By Joe Bergeron

The thing that impresses me about this image is the way you can see the contours of the topography even without any shadows to emphasize them. I think high sunlit areas of the moon are unfairly neglected.

January 27, 2007 04:49 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Is GOTO worth it?

Posted By Joe Bergeron

I think a GM8 would groan beneath the burden of a Meade 10" SCT. That's a pretty heavy scope.

February 3, 2007 02:01 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Puppis cluster, NGC2477

Posted By Joe Bergeron

It's a very nice object. As I recall, it's similar to 7798 in Cassiopeia, a dense cloud of faintish stars. I'll take another look at it from Winter Star Party if all goes well.

March 16, 2007 12:08 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Telrad Base Removal

Posted By Joe Bergeron

What kind of tube does it have? If metal, you should be able to just pull it off with some effort. Warming it in the sun or with a lamp (don't melt it) will help. Rock it at first to loosen the tape. The residue can be pulled away, rubbed of, or removed with GooGone (or so I hear).

If it's a cardboard tube...better ask someone else.

April 28, 2007 08:00 PM Forum: Astro-Physics

Pics from NEAF

Posted By Joe Bergeron

New 130mm "Traveler". F/6.something, oiled triplet. Tube can be disassembled into three sections for packing as an airline carryon.

Apparently will be offered to those on the 130 list, not the Traveler one, despite the name.

July 10, 2007 07:26 PM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

barred owl

Posted By Joe Bergeron

Very nice. Too bad we can't make pets of them as we do cats.

October 26, 2007 10:14 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

a spectacular comet!

Posted By Joe Bergeron

That's the best photographic approximation of the visual appearance of this weird comet I've seen yet.

October 30, 2007 07:35 PM Forum: Astro-Physics

Pushing my luck??

Posted By Joe Bergeron

Not a chance. Based on what I've seen, the Mach1 is only adequate even for carrying a 160, in terms of pure stability. The combo you're talking about probably calls for a 1200.

January 7, 2008 03:33 PM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Barred Owl

Posted By Joe Bergeron

Nice bird. I'd like to get good look at one of those.