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Captured by
Douglas Rollain

Lion Nebula SH2-132 - RC71

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Posts Made By: Ron Bee

June 9, 2003 11:17 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

The truth, finally: Conventional Wisdom

Posted By Ron Bee
That's very interesting story, Mike! I guess if I were to be so bold as to conclude then that the morale of your story is: astronomy is not a hobby for everyone (some likes collection stamps with stars/moon/planets in stamp collection better ;-)?

Ron B[ee]

June 10, 2003 06:41 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

North American Nebula

Posted By Ron Bee
I can't say positively I've seen it with my 4" TV-102 APO refractor. That is, until after I got my UHC and O-III filter; I really recommend the filters - so much better view! After I remove the filter, surprised - I could now see at least the "New England" portion.

Ron B[ee]


June 11, 2003 05:04 PM Forum: Solar System Observing

first Mars attempt 5/21/03

Posted By Ron Bee
That's a real nice first sketch, Vincent! You may want to deploy a #23 or #25 filter to bring out the contrast on those albedo. The band can be easier under the red or orange filter.

Ron B[ee]

June 12, 2003 10:37 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

APO v. Achro

Posted By Ron Bee
Why not go look through both types yourself, Leif? You may find that the achromat won't bother you at all or you may find you don't want an achromat. Why not let your eyes guide you (and spend some time - not just a quick look).

Ron B[ee]

June 13, 2003 06:10 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Masking a Refractor and Focal Length

Posted By Ron Bee
It is NOT a "dumb" question, Ed. Let's do some analysis. Masking down from 5" to 4" still yield the same tube length and thus the focal length stays the same. However, the focal ratio has now consequently increased! In an achromat, all of the sudden the chromatic aberrations is also less.

Ron B[ee]

June 28, 2003 01:08 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Let's talk 8" Newtonians

Posted By Ron Bee
I just picked up my 8" f/6 Discovery PDHQ today and it is very well made with real plywood base and not the back breaking compressed/particle board. I especially like the Crayford focuser with the metal knob rather than plastic focuser. It was stiff to me (I'm so used to my buttery smooth Tele Vue focuser) but after I loosen the two tiny hex screw just a little, it's now quite smooth. The mount seems very smooth and balance quite well with my heavy 6mm Tele Vue Radian eyepiece.

I also asked Bill Larsen the owner today and he told me that Discovery buys the blanks and then grind it off first with machines. From then on, the mirror gets only hand treatment which I suppose is why the delivery time is so unpredictable ;-). Discovery sends out the mirror to be coated though and the PDHQ gets me enhanced coating. So you can see that Discovery really makes custom scopes. I even got my focuser on the left hand side instead. I'd go with Discovery over any brand, short of those premium ones like Starmaster, Mag 1, etc.

Ron B[ee]

June 30, 2003 12:27 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

4" TV-102 kicked 8" Discovery Dobs

Posted By Ron Bee
Hello Everyone,

It appears that the title offended some people. Since this was the furthest thing from my mind, I'd like to offer an apology to those who felt offended. You'll notice the new title.

I also to like to thank everyone for the comments, especially those who provided tips.

Ron B[ee]

June 30, 2003 06:19 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Mars at the LHSC

Posted By Ron Bee
What's your opinion on the apodizing screen, Dave?

Thanks,
Ron B[ee]

July 1, 2003 08:01 PM Forum: TeleVue

New TV102

Posted By Ron Bee
Congratulation David, you had worked on the discount much wisely! I look forward to you sharing your experience with your "light MUG" with us ;-).

Unfornately, now you need a Starbeam finder, Tele Vue eyepieces (Nagler, Radian, Panoptics, Plossl) and hosts of other accessories to go feed your new TV-102 :-(. You'll definitely want to get either a 41mm Pan or 40mm Pentax XL to give you the stunning 3d FOV for that North American Nebula and host of other large objects.

Last but not least, I'd like to extend an invitation to you to join one of the most fun filled eGroup on the planet.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TeleVue/

Ron B[ee]

July 7, 2003 06:18 AM Forum: Solar System Observing

Huygens Challenge Revisited (pt. 3)

Posted By Ron Bee
That was a fine Challenge++ met, "Jason", oops I meant Dan ;-)! Gosh, you could make out the Mares as well! My Light Cup's lit off to you, Sir. Indeed, it was exciting for me too to try to relive history. I shudder now to think what you'd be able to see through your fine and cute MK67!

I'd be darned, same birthday! There are many who believes
in reincarnation. If it's not too personal, do you by any chance have Dutch ancestry perhaps, Dan?

Ron B[ee]
PS - I edited this reply quickly as part 3 seemed to arrived before I saw part 1 :-(. Now that I've read all 3 parts, my admiration for your visual acruity now knows no bound! I love your note about Mars being too bright with 60mm aperture, an experience which I share with you which is a surprise in this days and age of the 6"-8" Dob being the norm starter scope.

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