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Lawrence Parchman

Sculptor Galaxy (NGC 253)

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Posts Made By: Dan D DuBal

August 29, 2003 05:09 AM Forum: Solar System Observing

Mars - Best Ever

Posted By Dan D DuBal
Pretty-darned cool, aint it?

Keep looking, Darren -- yeah, as if I had to tell you that! :-) You'll see more and more detail as you continue to log those hours at the eyepiece.

And they who say those 4.5ers aint no good?!? --Well, they be WRONG!

Best wishes and continued "wows."
-Dan

September 1, 2003 04:16 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

smallest scope & least mag. for Mars detail?

Posted By Dan D DuBal
Here's what I experienced, back in July:

http://www.astromart.com/messages.asp?message_id=88889&page=
http://www.astromart.com/messages.asp?message_id=88888&page=
http://www.astromart.com/messages.asp?message_id=88883&page=

No doubt, things would be a bit easier if I tried the experiment again, over the next few days.

...Hmmm... Maybe I will. :-)

Cheers.
-Dan

September 6, 2003 03:49 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Eyesight

Posted By Dan D DuBal
Are these conclusions based on *like*-aperture scopes, Rob?

I'm asking only because I honestly don't know which thread(s) you're referencing (they hold ZERO interest for me).

It's not impossible for *larger*-aperture scopes with secondary obstructions to equal or better smaller unobstructed scopes in the realm of image contrast and "sharpness."

Cheers and best wishes.
-Dan

September 6, 2003 03:55 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Quality EP's

Posted By Dan D DuBal
WHY do you feel your view has sucked? WHY do you think the eyepieces are to blame? What scenario(s) and/or experience(s) led you to believe this?

Not doubting you -- just wondering about the basis of your conclusion.

Best wishes.
-Dan

September 6, 2003 04:03 PM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

A Modest Proposal:

Posted By Dan D DuBal
Better luck visiting WalMart and buying an Astro-Physics Traveler off the shelf.

I have no trouble avoiding the "flame wars."
It's very much like T.V. -- if the program's synopsis (subject line) rolls your eyes, don't select the channel.

Best wishes.
-Dan

September 11, 2003 04:54 AM Forum: TeleVue

Powermate vs. eyepiece only

Posted By Dan D DuBal
Yes, the afov of the Powermate-d eyepiece is maintained.

In terms of fidelity and critical low-contrast resolution, the Radian will have the advantage over the Powermated 9mm Nagler. -Not that the 9mm Nagler is bad, mind you -- it's just that the Radians are -- simply -- a *healthy* step ahead, in terms of planet-viewing fidelity.

The Powermate/Nagler combo *will* certainly be bulky and a bit ungainly, and would perhaps overwhelm a not-so-robust focuser.

If I were looking specifically for a 4-to-5mm "solution," I'd opt for the Radian (or another reputable planetary eyepiece). However, if I were shooting for a modular 2.5X accessory, the Powermate would be my choice.

Not sure if that helps.

Best wishes and luck, whatever your choice.
-Dan

September 11, 2003 03:07 PM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

The new attitude on the forums

Posted By Dan D DuBal
To be honest, I typically find myself completely "out of the loop" when it comes to most arguments which occur across the forums. As an example, I was oblivious to the recent exchanges which Herb had likened to S.A.A. If Herb hadn't spoken up, I'd never have known the thread had degraded as such.

Once I feel a thread is "done," or if it digresses or sinks into dead-horse-beaten territory, I simply move on. Only rarely do I return to "see what's new" (since, typically, there *isn't* anything new).

This "change the channel" approach seems to help filter things quite nicely for me.

Best wishes.
-Dan

September 12, 2003 02:20 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

tasco refractor focuser upgrade?

Posted By Dan D DuBal
Apogee Inc. offers a 1.25-inch focuser for "60mm tubes." I'm not certain, but I believe it's a straightforward replacement for standard/typical 60mm refractors.

If you forward an email with the diameter of your Tasco's tube, they should be able to confirm whether or not the focuser will fit.

Best wishes and luck.
-Dan

September 12, 2003 07:50 PM Forum: TeleVue

Two inch Powermate and AP Diagonal

Posted By Dan D DuBal
You don't have to buy a Tele Vue diagonal.

Barrels on the Tele Vue accessories are designed to seat in Tele Vue's own diagonals. Even though the Maxbright and Everbrite share the same mirror source, their housings are indeed different. The Maxbright is obviously "shorter," but it does utilize a machined lip as a 2-inch accessory "stop" (to prevent 2-inch barrels from contacting the mirror).

There should be no problems associated with installing either 2-inch Powermate in the Maxbright.

One note, however: the Maxbright's thumbscrew lock ring may or may not engage the safety recess on Tele Vue barrels. (Someone else can verify this; I don't have own 2-inch TV accessories.) Some folks might be concerned if the ring and recess do not engage. I myself would deem it an annoyance, rather than a problem.

Hope I haven't confused things.
Best wishes and luck.
-Dan

September 22, 2003 09:09 PM Forum: TeleVue

Televue 76 Planetary views

Posted By Dan D DuBal
I don't have the TV76, but my Pentax 75 EDHF is comparable.

See the "Image of the Day" thumbnail to the left (Mr. Yen's Mars image)?

If I stand ~15-20 feet away from my own screen (15-inch CRT set at 1024x768 resolution), I get a fair simulation of what the EDHF can show me on *good* nights. My usual magnifications are in the 100-150X range. Accessories include: Ultima Barlow, 2.5X Powermate, 6mm Pentax Abbe, and 10mm Clave.

Hope that helps, if only a little.
Best wishes.
-Dan

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