Posts Made By: Floyd Blue

Ok, OK, so I can't follow instructions! I never said I was a genius.
Now, this final pic shows them from over 5' up and straight above with black caps on each. :S
So, what about this one? I guess this should be right.
Still, the results seem about the same. XL, Radian, Nagler, UO, UWA, Parks in that order it would seem. But I still would wonder about the deep red of the XL, is that good or bad? Is it better to have a little red and other colors like the Radian or not?
Floyd

Ok, so I thought it might be cool to do this test on other items in the box.
Take a look and see how the different EPs and other accessories fair.
I did a number of items that I thought might be of interest.
Note in the 2"-1.25" EPs you can see the step down to the 1.25" barrel in them (14mm UWA and 12mm T4).
The 31mm Nagler shows the field stop ring.
T-4 Naglers look the best on the test.
Paracorr and balow look very good to me.
Floyd

Well the binoculars came in by DHL from Illinois in only 3 working days and a weekend, They actually arrived in the same amount of time that USPS Priority Mail took to deliver the EPs in the trade. Got to say the DHL for the price just might be the way to go. Over $11 for USPS and $4 for DHL Ground and the same time for delivery!
Well, now I don't have to tell you that the day they arrived the clouds arrived do I? But that is life.
I did get a chance to look through the glory holes last night and things looked pretty good. Hand held was a little shaky though and today I made an adapter fro the camera tripod so I can steady them for the next try.
If they work out I will start to build the Parallelogram Mount that I have plans drawn out to build. I have a friend that builds them I have bee working on my own design just for fun.
I will let you know what I think about these binoculars after I get a chance to thoroughly test them.
Just tried them out on some birds in a tree about 100 yards away. Man, you could see every feather with clarity. So far so good.
Floyd

How many here use a tripod and how many use a Parallelogram or othr mount?
Why? What do you like best about your mount?
I am trying to decide which I want to build.
Thanks,
Floyd

Anyone know anything about this scope, I am looking at one right now. Any information that you could give me would be appreciated.
Floyd

http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/details.asp?classified_id=307726
Makes one think! :S
Floyd

Well, I finally got my tripod for the Binoculars and I thought I would post a picture of the setup.
The head is a pistol grip ball head that allows quick adjustment and aiming.
The Red Dot Finder above the Binoculars is a 30mm gun scope that is mounted on an extended L-bracket that I made.
The Tripod is of good quality and construction is quite rugged. I got it for $67 on the auction site, they normally cost $139 from the manufacturer wholesale, so I got a good deal I think.
I tried it last night, worked fine. Height fully extended is about 80". So I can get to anywhere in the sky.
I may still make a Parallelogram mount, but for now I will give this a chance first.
Floyd

Hello Harold,
Long time no see.
I think that the Achro 6" from Meade is a nice scope, but I think that you would not be happy with it after the 12" SCT.
Perhaps you could think about a 12" Truss Dob or something that is less heavy per piece.
Or maybe the 8-9.25" Celestron SCT would be a good choice. I have the NS8GPS and it is not heavy at all. Quick to set up and the handles make it quite balanced.
I have a 12.5" Dob too and it is very easy to handle. Has very good image quality and is easy to use.
I agree the 12" SCT is a heavy little beasty and it is hard to hang by yourself. I have two friends that own them and they both struggle with them.
Floyd

Hello Harold,
I would also agree that interests go through highs and lows for everyone. I have gone through many hobbies in my 58 years.
Only one has lasted all my life, and that is Motorcycles, and I must admit that I don't ride as much as when I was younger.
I think that you have had an experience that I have seen in this hobby, I would call it "Aperture Letdown". This is the opposite of "aperture Fever" and is a result of the latter. Many people I have met went through the aperture ladder and then started to fall back down the steps. With each step and the resultant loss of perspective, the "Aperture Letdown" becomes more depressing. Sometimes this leads to the loss of interest in Astromomy.
The large aperture scopes are very additive, but unfortunately, they are also much more demanding in regards to transportation and setup. The time and effort required and the lack of exceptional nights for viewing with these large scopes can cause people to leave them in the garage or just not go out at all. The views afforded those who own them make the smaller scopes pale in comparison and this is the beginning of the "Aperture Letdown" syndrome. The progression of steps down the ladder makes one doubt his interest in the hobby. Each time the image gets less detailed and less bright leaving you dissatisfied. The only cure is the realization that you must have a scope that fits your ability to use it. Then you can be satisfied with what you can accomplish and realize that you can always look through a friends "Big Gun" at the site anyway.
I would hope that you might consider a cool down period and maybe just hold on to you 12" or sell it and just participate in local activities rather that give it up completely.
If your love for Astronomy is the equipment, then maybe you should take up a project scope and build one for the enjoyment of the task. Heck you could make your own mirror or buy a lens assembly and create a refractor from your imagination.
Good luck in your quest and enjoy life.
Floyd

I am one of the lucky ones that got one of the 5 that were offered here in the classifieds. I will post what I think of it when it arrives. I know they are not in stock yet, but will be received soon. Maybe sometime this month.
Floyd