Astromart

April 9, 2008 04:32 PM Forum: Pictures of Me and My Telescope and........

Joe Castoro painted my AP tube

That's some beautiful work! 8)
Enjoy it!

April 9, 2008 08:09 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

LAAS Saturday night, M101

Lovely shot Floyd! 8)
I really like the "field size" that the larger chip gives you... (man, I'm gonna have to start saving to get me a larger chip camera...)

April 9, 2008 08:10 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Friday night at LAAS Leo's Triplet

Posted By Ivan Gastaldo

I like it!
Very nice processing & detail, well done! 8)

April 10, 2008 08:36 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Markarian's Chain

Posted By Ivan Gastaldo

Wondeful image Taylor! 8)
Lovely detail...!

Thanks for sharing, and for the hard work!

April 15, 2008 02:57 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Looking at a Meade 10" SCT LX50

Posted By Ivan Gastaldo

Hello Michael!

The coatings are actually EMC, and are actually pretty good...
As far as a mount goes, the 10" SCT is pretty heavy, and with another scope on top, it would be quite a task for anything short of an Orion Atlas (IMHO)... (unless you want to go even higher end)

The Atlas is rated for 40lbs (NOTE: for astrophotography I would try to stay close to half of that).
The 10" SCT + small refractor + dovetails + rings = close to 20-30lbs

Hope this helps a bit,

Clear skies! 8)

April 15, 2008 03:16 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

First shot of the season.

Posted By Ivan Gastaldo

That's a nice first shot for the season, Charles!
Even though focus seems a little soft, I'm sure that's something that you'll resolve in your next shots...

Thanks for sharing, and keep'em coming! 8)

April 15, 2008 03:18 AM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky