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RICHARD COFER

VdB 141 Ghost Nebula

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Posts Made By: Rod Nabholz

August 1, 2004 08:26 PM Forum: Telescope Making

Hexagonal Star Test - Ideas??

Posted By Rod Nabholz
Thanks for your thoughts Bill.

The scope uses a "two vane" V shaped spider configuration yielding an x shaped diffraction pattern.

I will check the clips, although they are positioned 1/8 to 1/4 inch above the mirror and don't hold the mirror down. I don't think it could be stressing the mirror, but anything is possible and I will take a look.

Thanks

Rod

January 24, 2005 07:02 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

what type of focuser should i get??

Posted By Rod Nabholz
http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/details.asp?classified_id=326480

January 31, 2005 07:44 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Inexpensive mounts..

Posted By Rod Nabholz
As others have recommended, it is pretty easy to build something that will work great.

Astronomy magazine published an article entitled "How to Redeem a Department Store Telescope" that details a simple to build AltAz mount. A Google should turn up a link for you.

I used those plans with a couple changes to build this mount for a 60mm refractor for my kids. You can see more pictures at: http://www.indytel.com/~rnabholz/kidpeek/index.htm

Good Luck

February 1, 2005 08:26 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Common Objects converted to Astro Use

Posted By Rod Nabholz
I'll throw in one of my own.

I made a set of antivibration pads for my refractor by cutting a foam keyboard wrist rest into three pieces.

The pad was a cheap promotional logo'd wrist rest. The foam is a closed cell rubber like compound and has great dampening properties. I can't stand to use the refractor without them now.

February 3, 2005 12:09 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Common Objects converted to Astro Use

Posted By Rod Nabholz
Here's another handy item

My eyepieces reside in a hard sided case for transport, when I am observing I find it handy to have an extra eyepiece and barlow out of the case within easy reach. The natural tendency is to slip them in your pocket, but we all know that is not a good idea.

I found this product is a great solution to this need:

http://www.duluthtrading.com/items/54044.asp

It is an eyewear case that works wonderfully for my purpose. The inside is designed to hold optics so it is quite soft. It is long enough to hold my Meade 140 barlow with an eyepiece inserted. The belt clip is industrial strength. Although it is hard to see in the illustration, it opens with a generous patch of velcro that is easy to secure.

With one eyepiece in the scope, and the barlow and 2nd eyepiece on my belt I have 4 magnifications available without leaving scope side. It has been a nice addition to my kit.


February 4, 2005 10:22 PM Forum: Pictures of Me and My Telescope and........

Scopes Please 2

Posted By Rod Nabholz
Here is my Two Tube 13.1" f4.5, a rebuild of a Coulter Odyssey One.

Weighs in at 65 lbs (45 lbs mirror box and focuser board, 20 lbs rocker)
Not ultra light by any measure but just over half as heavy as the 125lb original configuration
Much more transportable.

Those interested can see more pictures and construction notes here:
http://www.indytel.com/~rnabholz/twotube/index.htm

February 15, 2005 08:51 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Disgusted --- Bought a Planetarium!!!

Posted By Rod Nabholz
Things aren't much better just south of you in Iowa.

I did buy a Spitz Junior Planetarium ( see it here: http://antiqueradio.org/art/spitz01.jpg ) at an auction with the idea that I would use it with my kids ( 8, 6, and 4 ) to teach then their way around the night sky.

They love it. We darken one of the bedrooms and pile on the bed and I use a red laser pointer to point out the constellations and tell them a little about the story of each one.

I was really surprised one night when we happened to be outside when they all pointed up at the real thing and started to tell me the constellations they were seeing. It was a Proud Daddy Moment if there ever was one.

So enjoy your planetarium, and if there are kids around make sure you share.

March 10, 2005 03:25 PM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Eastern Kingbird

Posted By Rod Nabholz
Thanks for the kind words everyone. I enjoyed watching these two spar and was lucky enough to get a couple of keepers.

Thanks again

April 21, 2005 09:51 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Buying New Scope

Posted By Rod Nabholz
Have you cosidered the 3 tube scopes of Plettstone?

Extremely portable, the 12.5 f5 is just 50 lbs. Simple set up.

Well under your $5000 limit.

Worth a look.

Good Luck

April 23, 2005 01:43 AM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Greater Prairie Chickens: Displaying Male #1

Posted By Rod Nabholz
Very cool series of images of a fantastic subject. Congrats!!!

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