Astromart

October 26, 2012 09:14 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Power Supply

I happened to be in my local Sam's Club today and noticed that the Stanley 12 volt "jump starter" is being sold for $30. I've used one of these since 2000 to power my SCT. Great tool and you can even use it to jump start a dead battery if you need it.

Pete

July 19, 2002 10:10 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

what telescope should I buy???????

Posted By Pete Samsury

John,

One thing that's been alluded to , but not really discussed so far are the "accessories!" In my case, I must use my glasses for viewing. I started out with a NexStar 5 and now have the 8" also. I love the GOTO, and have laerned my way around the sky as well. Set up is quick and the 5" is portable. However, I have invested in a new high performance diagonal, various filters, and several eyepieces. All of which more than equal the cost of my first telescope setup. Now I will admit I have bought mostly all TeleVue stuff, which is not the cheapest around.

The bottom line: look at your total budget and try to find a local shop that will be competitive and let you try out eyepieces.

Good Luck, Pete

July 31, 2002 01:29 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Panoptic or not?

Posted By Pete Samsury

Hi Charlie,

Your comment on eye relief triggered my response. I had a 19mm Panoptic and it was(!) probably the best DSO eyepiece I ever owned. However, the eye relief for an eyeglass wearer was just too bothersome. I traded it for an 18mm Radian and gave away very little performance and gained perfect eye relief. Both are still expensive units.

Good Luck, Pete

August 15, 2002 10:48 AM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

C/2002 O6, 2002/8/8

Posted By Pete Samsury

Dave,

I too hit the back deck at 4 am CDT. The comet finally cleared the new house begind me around 5am. Not very impressive, but not great conditions. At 12 degrees altitude a lot of haze. Could not find it in my 8x40's. Seemed to have a fairly bright core in my 8" SCT w/18mm Radian. Too late t go back to bed...off to get the paper and breakfast.

Also took another look at Hoenig. Even less impressive than the other night.

Pete ( North of Dallas)

September 5, 2002 01:23 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Mystery object in the west

Posted By Pete Samsury

Hi Mark,

I noticed the same thing here last night north of Dallas. At first I thought is was a airplane's lights, but then raelixed it was Arcturus. The time (CDT) was about the same as your location.

Pete

September 13, 2002 06:35 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

Dark site observation???

Posted By Pete Samsury

Inge,

Do you subscribe to 'AstroAlert' which forecasts the aurora activity along with all sorts of sun action?

Pete

September 16, 2002 09:39 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

books for beginners

Posted By Pete Samsury

In additon to 'Orion,' I also started with the Peterson Field Guide to Stars and Planets and Audubon Society, Field Guide to the Night Sky. I also recommend 'Touring the Universe Through Binoculars,' and 'Starware.'

Later, think about The Night Sky Observer's Guide.

Good Luck, Pete

September 27, 2002 08:13 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing