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Jupiter IO Transit 12-10-26

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Posts Made By: Darren Hiebert

June 8, 2004 12:45 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

The best focuser just got a little better

Posted By Darren Hiebert
I knew about this new design back in February when I ordered one of the first prototypes to be installed on my new 18-inch Plettstone (to be received in about 2-3 weeks). I figured the 2-inch compression holder would be *much* safer for holding my binoviewer.

July 1, 2004 01:22 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

New FeatherTouch Focuser - Any Vendors Have Them?

Posted By Darren Hiebert
How about direct from Starlight Instruments? I just received my new one yesterday with my new 18-inch Plettstone scope. Wow, this Feathertouch is a dream; and the new compression holder on both the 2-inch and 1-1/4-inch holders are beautiful.

August 31, 2004 03:54 AM Forum: Binoviewers

I have a beef...

Posted By Darren Hiebert
So, is this a private fight, or can anyone join in?

September 20, 2004 03:40 AM Forum: Telescope Making

2" eyepieces and secondary mirror

Posted By Darren Hiebert
What matters is to what degree the image formed at the field stop of the eyepiece is illuminated. You can calculate the field illumnation here:

http://www.efn.org/~mbartels/tm/diagonal.htm

October 3, 2004 05:04 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Orion Atlas AKA EQ-6

Posted By Darren Hiebert
I have an Atlas 10EQ, purchased in April 2003. I purchased a binoviewer to use with it a few months after I bought it, so I have loaded more weight onto the 10EQ than the mount is rated for (nearly 20 lbs more; 3.5 lbs for the binoviewer, another 3.5 lbs, for tube counterweights, and another 11 lb. weight for the mount). The mount seems even more stable with the extra weight. I must say that anti-vibration pads made a big difference. Prior to using these pads, adjusting the focuser created too much vibration for my liking, but the pads reduced vibration to probably 1/4 of what it was.

However, I have never tried astrophotography with it, so I cannot comment on that aspect.

October 17, 2004 09:27 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Collimators - one more time

Posted By Darren Hiebert
I have the Catseye collimation system and love it.

http://www.catseyecollimation.com/ceyeflr1.html

October 19, 2004 11:56 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Feathertouch Question

Posted By Darren Hiebert
I have a prototype of the new Mark V version of the Feathertouch. It has compression holders on both the 2" and 1-1/4" holders. The set screw (which clamps the compression ring) on the 1-1/4" adapter fits through a notch in the 2" holder. This means that the 1-1/4" adapter must be aligned with the notch when inserting, but it is trivial to do and not weather dependent.

I must say that the Feathertouch is definitely worth the price. It is an absolute dream to use. It was more than I expected. The fact that you can spin the fine focuser knob (10:1 reduction) with a single finger is impressive.

November 11, 2004 02:59 AM Forum: Eyepieces

Rini EP opinions?

Posted By Darren Hiebert
I just bought a pair of Rini 30mm 1-1/4" eypieces for knock-around public star party use in my binoviewer on my 18" f/4.2 scope. The OCS on the binoviewer slows the scope to f/5. I was impressed how well these $29 eyepieces did at f/5. Much better than I anticipated. I was happy with my purchase.

November 17, 2004 04:30 AM Forum: Eyepieces

Inexpensive EP 26-30 for Binoviewer?

Posted By Darren Hiebert
I recently purchased a pair of the 30mm Rini eyepieces from Ganymede Optics for public star party use with my binoviewer. Very large eye lenses with good eye relief. While I have only used them once, I was surprised at how well they performed, considering their $29 cost. Not bad at f/5. I would need more opportunities before I could give a more elaborate review.

The only item of note was that I had to keep my eyes on axis of they would black out, which was probably more noticable because they do not come with rubber eyecups. So I just ordered a pair from Scope Stuff to see if it helps keep my head better positioned.

November 18, 2004 04:05 AM Forum: Telescope Making

Adding Digital Setting Circles

Posted By Darren Hiebert
Michelle Stone and Albert Highe experimented with an inclinometer on my Highe-design Plettstone scope because it would better suit the elegant design of the scope. However, they abandoned the idea for a number of reasons. You can contact Michelle through her web site if you want details on why it was abandoned.

http://plettstone.com

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