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RICHARD COFER

VdB 141 Ghost Nebula

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Posts Made By: James McSheehy

January 25, 2009 03:50 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Anyone Using a Netbook???

Posted By James McSheehy
The Atom-based netbooks are surprisingly capable in terms of raw performance, but most have 1024x600 screen resolution and size issues with the keyboard and trackpad. I have an Aspire One that runs TheSky and other camera control apps better than an older HP laptop it replaced. In the observatory it's hooked up to an external mouse, keyboard, and monitor so I don't have to deal with the limitations of the built-in stuff.

January 25, 2009 04:50 PM Forum: Eyepieces

TV Powermate?

Posted By James McSheehy
140X should be enough to see the E & F stars in the Trap. I think you might have overestimated the seeing conditions, or your lens wasn't cooled down.

I've used the 2X Powermate as a focal length doubler for photography and it works very well in that role. The build quality and coatings are top notch and I doubt it will limit the performance of your AP130GT in any way.

February 10, 2009 02:18 AM Forum: Telescope Making

Powder coating

Posted By James McSheehy
Powder coatings are very durable, but they have limitations. The objects have to be able to withstand high temperatures (> 300F) and the coating is somewhat thick. Color selection is limited.

IMO a high-quality, two-part epoxy paint can be almost as durable as powder coat finishes, and it's a lot easier to apply. Preparation and use of a good primer system are key to a long-lasting finish.

February 10, 2009 02:21 PM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

Anyone Else Having Problems With Scopetronix?

Posted By James McSheehy
I don't know about the discount SNAFUs in your order, but the standard order I placed on Saturday shipped on Monday.

February 14, 2009 05:29 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Is it better not to have IR cut filter on planetar

Posted By James McSheehy
Greg Bradley said:

With DSLRs they perform better without the restrictive UV/IR cut filter.

Is this true with planetary cams?

I see the Imaging source cameras often have theirs removed. Is this a special
feature that other cameras don't have?

Greg.

An IR/UV cut filter more important with refractors and CATs than with reflectors. Even Apo lenses cannot image UV & IR properly, and these will blur the image because the CCD is sensitive to the out of focus wavelengths.

February 24, 2009 03:47 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Recoating 15" Galaxy mirror

Posted By James McSheehy
Spectrum did a mirror for me in 2001 and their work has held up well. IIRC the turnaround time (including the two-way UPS ground shipping) was several weeks, but I wasn't in any hurry.

February 25, 2009 04:32 PM Forum: Digital SLR AstroPhotography

Which Camera from Canon?

Posted By James McSheehy
I've used a cannon 5D (unmodded) for a couple of years. When I bought it I rationalized the expensive purchase by thinking I was getting a dual-purpose camera for both regular and astrophotography uses. There is nothing wrong with the 5D, it's a great camera with many options and lenses, but without a cooled sensor, nothing I do will ever make it equivalent in performance to a dedicated astro camera for deep sky imaging.

If I were buying a Canon body today for use with a scope, I'd opt for something like the XSi or the 50D.

March 23, 2009 01:08 PM Forum: Astro-Physics

155 EDT vs APQ 150

Posted By James McSheehy
William Green said:

How could the Zeiss possibly have better correction?

Bill

Better beer? Better wurst?

March 25, 2009 08:52 PM Forum: Politics

GOP=Got 0 Plans

Posted By James McSheehy
They have all the rope they need. What now, you expect the GOP to help them tie the noose?

LOL - maybe someone will be kind and teach Mr. Obama to tie his shoes.

April 3, 2009 03:24 AM Forum: Politics

Reciprocity

Posted By James McSheehy
The use of logic is a western tradition that serves to subjugate and control less fortunate peoples, and therefore the entire article can be disregarded. Furthermore the author's intent, when deconstructed, leaves only words typical of hate speech patterns. Mr. London is obviously a sick and possibly demented person who must be isolated from society for security reasons. His rehabilitation is possible, but it will likely require many years in a special facility. 8)

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