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Posts Made By: John Cassella

March 27, 2009 12:58 AM Forum: Takahashi

My New Tak - Just Arrived

Posted By John Cassella
Greetings all,

My latest acquisition just arrived - TSA102S. Very windy tonight, but hope to get it out under the stars soon to see how it performs.

John

March 30, 2009 01:20 PM Forum: Refractors

Star Test Symmetry

Posted By John Cassella
Greetings all,

I have a question that I am sure has been discussed a bit, but would appreciate some input on.

Should a triplet apo have symmetrical star test? How about a doublet?

I have read Roland's article on the subject and it seems to say that they should not be symmetrical. So if a triplet has a symmetrical star test there is something wrong with it?

How about an ED doublet.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Take care,
john

April 7, 2009 10:55 PM Forum: Astro-Physics

Baader/AP Bino

Posted By John Cassella
Just ordered a Baader/AP binoviewer and had few questions.

1. I ordered a 2.6 compensator, which means I'll have the 1.25 and the 2.6. Will these focus with a TSA 102? How about a Mewlon 180? Or will I need the Barcon?

2. What is the difference in effect between the Barcon and a compensator (besides magnification) as it regards the quality of the optical output?

3. Will using the Barcon AND a compensator degrade the image quality?

Thanks in advance - and I hope you don't mind me posting this here instead of the Bino Forum - thought it might get a little more attention hear.

Thanks again,
john

April 28, 2009 12:37 PM Forum: Refractors

TV Made in America

Posted By John Cassella
I was curious about the origins of my TV85. It has a sticker that indicates the product was "Made in America". But I was under the impression that the lens was made eleswhere. Given that the lens is the heart of the telescope, is it appropriate to put made in America on the instrument?

If the lens is indeed made in America, can anyone tell me where?

Thanks,
john

May 14, 2009 03:33 AM Forum: Eyepieces

18mm Mark V Binoviewer Eyepieces

Posted By John Cassella
Greetings all,

Wondering what the opinions are concerning 18mm Takahashi LE's vs. 18mm Baader Orthos for my Mark V Binoviewer.

I am particularly interested in anyone who has used both, but welcome all opinions.

Thanks,
john

June 21, 2009 02:04 PM Forum: Refractors

4" Refractor Shootout

Posted By John Cassella
Greetings all,

Daniel Mounsey had posted a 4" refractor shootout on CN. I think they removed it because Daniel didn't say TV made the best scopes wink. Does nayone know where I can get a copy.

Thanks,
john

June 23, 2009 04:32 AM Forum: Eyepieces

18mm Binoviewing Eyepiece

Posted By John Cassella
Greetings all,

Still have not pulled the trigger on a set of 18mm eyepieces to use in my Mark V's. Did receive some Tak Orthos but some issues prevented their use (the two eyepieces were apparently of different vintages).

So I am considering the following:

1. Baader Orthos
2. Tak LE's
3. TV Radians

My only concern with the Radians is that I had considerable reflections off my eye with the 6mm on Jupiter. But the 18mm has a different design - fewer lenses, so I don't know if that would be a problem.

Anyway, some input would be great.

Thanks,
john

July 2, 2009 03:48 AM Forum: Eyepieces

Ethos Eyepiece Prices - Just An Observation

Posted By John Cassella
Seems the Ethos eyepieces have very quietly settled in at new price points. I didn't note a "sale" title on the Anacortes listing. Haven't looked elsewhere but seems they have settled in a bit below their original prices.


Just an observation.

August 2, 2009 11:09 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Effects of HEat on Equipment

Posted By John Cassella
Greetings,

I have a question I hope someone has some experience with. I live on the edge of Phoenix metro where day time highs in the summer get into the 110's. So I am wondering, and I asked this on the Tak yahoo group, can I leave a Mewlon and EQ mount outside in that kind of heat without damaging them? If not, it will be a pain having to set the whole thing up every time I want to use it, which may mean I chose a different type scope.

Thoughts? Any desert dwellers dealing with this issue?

Thanks,
john

August 11, 2009 04:25 AM Forum: Astro-Physics

DiD GT130 Sell?

Posted By John Cassella
Anyone know if the GT130 sold from the auction? How much?

Thanks,
john

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