Posts Made By: don vescio

I had a really interesting conversation with a Coronado representative yesterday. For the past year, I have been using double-SM40s on my Pronto; recently, I purchased a SM60 on A'mart and sold one of my 40s. It was my original intent that I'd purchase an internal module for the Pronto and place the 40 inside of the OTA, with the 60 remaining outside. This would give me the benefits of a double-60, but at a lower cost. (It would function a lot like a bigger version of the PST/SM40 combination).

The Coronado representative pointed out that I'd have greater flexibility by double-stacking the 60s, if I could afford it. By double-stacking the 60s, I always can remove one of the filters to brighten prominences, while using both will give more surface detail and enhance contrast.

As a result, I've just purchased another SM60. Anyone else double-stacking 60s out there?

Don

A really nice looking 60 and an interesting 40--might want to check them out

Don

About two weeks ago, I took delivery of a Moonlight dual speed focuser that was adapted for my dedicated Pronto/Coronado solar scope. The craftmanship is fantastic and the new focuser gave me the valuable in-focus that I need when using my BF30. I highly recommend Moonlight!

Details on the scope itself--
Televue Pronto with Moonlight focuser; Isle of Man Coronado BF40 and 60mm filter, Tmax tuner added; current Coronado 60mm filter and Tmax; Coronado 1 1/4" standard diagonal; Universal Astronomics Unistar Deluxe mounted on a Meade field tripod. I'm getting fantastic surface detail with this setup.

Don

As a long-time refractor user, I've recently acquired a nice 8" truss dob. Could someone point me to instructions on how to make a fabric light shroud for it? If a properly fitted light shroud is in place, does this help mitigate potential dewing issues?

I'm thinking of some sort of lycra-like fabric sewn in a simple tube--am I on the right direction?

Thanks!

Don

I have had a number of different Coronado filter/scope combinations; I've settled on a double-stacked Maxscope 40 for its portability. The only thing that I don't like is its drawtube and helical focuser. Does anyone know of information on how to replace the stock Coronado focuser with a crayford?

I've been looking online for a guide that will help me identify the Vixen EQ mount that I have. It's an older mount that doesn't take dovetails. I think that it might be a SP; I'll post an image this evening, but I'm not finding a lot of reference material on these older series of mounts.

Thanks!

The Sol-Searcher is pretty good. Normally, though, I just use the 'scopes shadow and adjust 'til it's minimized. This just takes a little practice--if you want, email me your address and I'll send you mine gratis.

D

This is an interesting forum. During the past few years, I've used Astromart to "rent" various scopes to learn what my longterm preferences are. Star parties and clubs were a very good start; on the other hand, actually having to set up a scope, learn about its design compromises, and use it on a nightly basis taught me a great deal as to what I find acceptable, as well as what type of observing that I like to do.

I started out quite a few years ago with a 6" equatorial reflector. After being away from the hobby for several years, I purchases a Meade ETX 90, which I liked for it's sharp views, but disliked because of the noise and added complexity of its electronics.

The ETX was sold to buy a C8; this, too, was nice, but I didn't like the long cool down or the size of the scope. On a whim, I purchased a Celestron 80 achromat and liked the scope's form factor. The C8 was sold, the Celestron 90 given to a friend, and I bought a Pronto.

I really liked the Pronto a great deal. It was small, easy to use, and offered great views. The desire for more aperature hit, and I sold the Pronto and bought at TV85.

The TV85 was a great scope--the only problem was that I discovered that I like solar observing and it was difficult to reach the Coronado tuner while observing because of the length of the tube.

I now have two scopes. A TV76, which I primarily use for H-alpha solar observing and the occasional peek at night; a MiniBorg 50 fitted with a white light filter that I keep in my office for quick views of the sun during the workday.

This was a somewhat winding path, but I finally discovered the scopes that are best for me. Think carefully about the types of observing that you plan on doing and how much time that you can realistically devote to the hobby.

Now, if I only can get that *second" SM60 filter....

Don

I wasn't too impressed by the mount--you might find that TV's Telepod or Universal Astronomic's Unistar Light will give you much better performance.

Ken's Rings came through with a very elegant solution. Thanks, Ken!

Don