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Posts Made By: Dennis Freeman

March 25, 2008 06:54 AM Forum: Eyepieces

Am I crazy or just foolish?

Posted By Dennis Freeman
I recently got some eyepieces in a package deal and they were filthy. I cleaned the outer surfaces of the field lens and the eye lens (correct terminology?) but I can see some things on the inner surfaces that I can't get to.

I could sell them in their current condition, but I like to make things as good as I can. Thinking of taking them apart but never attempted this before. Is there a primer I can refer to. Looking for ideas on technique. Obviously clean surface is mandatory but what about gloves, tools, special cloth to lay pieces on, etc.? Any place to get diagrams of what to expect? Probably a bunch of questions I haven't even thought of yet.

Any tips you can recommend besides "ARE YOU NUTS? This should be left to a professional."?


May 22, 2008 08:42 PM Forum: Camping and Outdoors

Midwest locations?

Posted By Dennis Freeman
Unfortunately, not all of us can live out West where I feel there's more opportunity for darker skies.

Wondering if anyone's found a nice family camping tent camping location within 3-4 hours of Chicago? Members of my club, NAA, like Green River which is near Sterling, IL and dark green on the CSC pollution map (which isn't bad for around here).

The family likes Devil's Lake up in Wi. because of it's proximity to the Dells and the camp site we usually get is close to the "head", but it's only orange. We're going to try Governors State Park near Madision in Sept. which is dark green. Anyone have any other ideas? Specific campsite suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

July 24, 2008 10:39 PM Forum: AstroMart FAQ

Changing terms of offer

Posted By Dennis Freeman
Just wondering how others feel about this. How would you feel if you answered an ad expressing interest in an offer and asked a couple of questions.

You receive a reply from the seller that he is closing the sales process to those that expressed interest and then starts an auction, with the item going to the highest bidder.

Personally, I can see both sides. The seller wants to maximize his price, but he's changing the terms. OTHO, no commitment was made so why couldn't he? Or would you consider this a form of "bait and switch".

BTW, all specific information as to who the buyers and seller are will remain aynonamous. Not looking to stir things up, just wondering what the mainstream thought is.

August 3, 2008 04:57 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Central Obstruction

Posted By Dennis Freeman
Ok, I need some verification here.

I'm trying to make a spreadsheet demonstrating the increase in light-gathering ability as a scope's primary mirror increases. I'm thinking I should be concerned with the area of the secondary blocking the light rays as opposed to the diameter of the secondary. I'm I missing something?


September 1, 2008 06:05 AM Forum: Camping and Outdoors

Decent WI site

Posted By Dennis Freeman
Just came back from a short trip to Governors State Park. Highly recommended for dark starved astronomers. Mag 6.2-6.5 skies which blew me away compared to the suburban Chgo. area I'm used to.

Sites in the upper "Hollow Cox section best. I had site #53 right next to a playground area that offered a pretty good view all the way around the horizon. Good foilage coverage around the entire perimeter so you don't bother campers and you have some privacy. The campsite itself wasn't bad although the north and east coverage wasn't as good as west and south.

Park amenities are nice for families-2 beaches, good trails, and a real challenge for bikers. Water, showers, and real bathrooms are nearby.

February 18, 2009 03:37 AM Forum: Mounts

Quickset tripods?

Posted By Dennis Freeman
From what I've read here and elsewhere, Quickset tripods have a great reputation for quality and sturdiness. I'm thinking of getting one, probably a Samson or Hercules, but haven't ruled out the Gibraltar. Anyone like to share their experiences with one of those models?


February 18, 2009 03:47 AM Forum: AstroMart FAQ

New Forum?

Posted By Dennis Freeman
We have forums for scopes by type, several on AP, mounts, etc. Herb's done a pretty good job of covering the major catagories and then some. But we don't have one for all the miscellanous equipment we use in the hobby like finders, dew control, light screens (You lucky guys out West probably don't have to know about them), etc.

I suspect the Beginers Forum handles these issues as a catchall. Should we have a general "Equipment" forum or am I trying to "fix something that ain't broke"? Any thoughts?


April 4, 2009 05:04 AM Forum: Eyepieces

Inexpensive low power EP?

Posted By Dennis Freeman
I'm making up a set of low-cost EPs for public viewing sessions and/or keeping them with a scope at a distant location. I've got the 8mm,13mm,17mm Hyperions and a 21mm Stratus. I'm looking for one more at the low power end. I've heard a number of times the 24mm Hyperions are a different design and not up to par with the rest of the line so I've eliminated this one for consideration.

The goal is to maximize wide-field views. Right now I'm thinking a used TV 32mm plossl but I'm wondering if I may be overlooking something with a wider AFOV.

Would like to spend no more than $100 if that's even doable and I'm not opposed to used equipment. The EP would be used in f/7 refractors or f/10 SCTs. Anyone want to offer some recommendations?


April 23, 2009 03:48 AM Forum: Eyepieces

Choose the EP

Posted By Dennis Freeman
Ok, you have a choice of the Orion Q70-38mm (@$100), an AT TitanII-35mm (@$140), or a Hyperion 31mm or 36mm (@$190). Which do you choose? I've read one review that covered the Q70 and a Titan 40mm. The Titan generally had a slight edge except the Q70 seemed to go a little "deeper". Anyone with some practical experience/observations on these?

Other facts that may,or may not, be pertinent. You already have a 35mm Pan and 26mm-T5 so don't go there. You'll use them primarily in a f/10 SCT and perhaps a f/7 refractor a couple times a year. The EP would be exposed to Cub Scouts (we're talking 7-11 yr. olds). You don't wear glasses but maybe you should at these low power views. You have a Paracorr and a focal reducer.

February 28, 2006 09:31 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

What type of telescope?

Posted By Dennis Freeman
Thank you for your quick and good advice. Between your comments and some additional "homework" I think one of the Orion IntelliScopes in the 6-10" range would be a great choice.

My only concern at this point is portability, not so much day-to-day use, but on trips. We can only pack so many things in the van and with two kids it fills up fast. These scopes offer a lot of bang for the buck, but they are big compared to SCs.

How are these scopes typically protected for transport? In wooden crates protected by foam? Do you pack the base as well?

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