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RICHARD COFER

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Posts Made By: Bernard Kean

February 1, 2005 12:47 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

gm-8 stepper motors - a problem?

Posted By Bernard Kean
Hi Dave
I have a GM8 but I'm no expert with with it and I recieved it with the Gemini servo motors. I have been a member of several Losmandy and Gemini forums and from everything I read from others is that the C8 and C9.25 should be no problem. The only time the D&G might be a problem is if the tripod becomes loose or if the worm and gear becomes worn or out of adjustment. With the long tube and at very high powers with the tripod or worm/gear issues during astrophotography there could be problems.
I have no problem with a TV101 with 2" diag and large eyepieces at about 18# maximum. Maybe others that are using other long refractors can help out here.
Hope this helps
Buck

February 6, 2005 11:25 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Help, Truss tube dilemma!!

Posted By Bernard Kean
Hi Michael
First I think I would strip the stuff off that is on there. The spray bed liner from Home Depot I have heard works. My Starmaster has black heat srink tubing over the truss tubes, works great. I've also seen black foam pipe insulation but I'm not sure I like the looks of it and it must be a bear sliding a shroud over them. I know paint them in barber pole stripes, just kidding.
Just a few thoughts
Buck

February 8, 2005 12:51 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Info on hard-to-obtain shipping boxes

Posted By Bernard Kean
Hi Dan
I was in the shipping supply business for many years and if you look in the yellow pages under shipping supplies there should be companys that sell these items. Mailing and shipping stores all sell boxes also the moving companies like U-haul all sell corrugated boxes. Some might have double wall (much stronger) boxes. Off hand if you call any of these places and ask them if they have a golf bag size shipping box that should get you about the right size.
Hope this helps
Buck

February 24, 2005 06:44 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

laser collimators

Posted By Bernard Kean
Hi Mario
The big advantage of a 2" model over a 1.25" model is you eliminate any error that might come from the 1.25"/2" adapter. I think most believe that you should use the same size as the focuser. One word of caution about laser collimator's is that even new ones have to be checked for collimation so be sure what ever brand or model you get can me adjusted for collimation. I bought off Amart a 2" Kendrick with the 45* face with grid. When I got it I set it up in a V block and found that the collimation was way out which is probably why the seller sold it. After a bit of adjusting it works perfect and it has held collimation with no farther problems. I can recommend the Kendricks however I've never used any of the others.
Buck

March 4, 2005 04:47 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Is there a way to view all of a thread at once

Posted By Bernard Kean
Hi Dan
As Alex said, in the Forums box to the left in display preferences then under the forums section you need to look at the selections that are "Threaded". These will show all the messages in the thread but do not expand each message.
Hope this helps
Buck

March 10, 2005 01:54 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Too lazy???

Posted By Bernard Kean
Hi Inge
I always use my shroud. I use it for blocking light AND to help limit dust and debree from blowing in and settling on the mirror, but one of the main reasons is so I don't accidentally drop something down on the mirror.
Buck

March 15, 2005 03:25 AM Forum: Telescope Making

Stainless Steel "J" Bolts

Posted By Bernard Kean
Hi Ed
McMaster-Carr has them. Search their site for anchor bolts then look for the J bolts, they have SS in large sizes.
Hope this helps
Buck

March 19, 2005 05:25 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Right Angle, Erect Image Finders

Posted By Bernard Kean
Hi Alan
I have an Orion 9x50 RACI that I just picked up off Amart. I'm waiting for a bracket to mount it so I haven't really used it except to hold it against a solid tripod and it looks pretty good for the money. I had a simular straight thru 8x version on a Hardin dob with the 2 screw/spring/oring type bracket and it worked fine. Easy to remove and easy to collimate with the scope.
Just my $.o2
Buck

March 23, 2005 03:11 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Help Please-Tube Ring Question

Posted By Bernard Kean
Hi Dave
Why not replace the felt with thicker felt or just add another layer of felt?
Just a thought
Buck

April 4, 2005 03:57 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

OT Halley's Comet

Posted By Bernard Kean
Thanks Russ and Maurice, I took one from each...perfect.
Bernie

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