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Captured by
Douglas Rollain

Lion Nebula SH2-132 - RC71

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Posts Made By: Robert Watters

September 30, 2002 10:48 PM Forum: Celestron

G 9 1/4 Optics

Posted By Robert Watters
It's not the scope but more the mount it came with. The mount (CG5) usually comes with a cheap tripod that is nowhere near stable enough. The 9-1/4 is on the heavy side for this mount too. I would up-grade to a better mount like a GM8, EQ6 or simular. If you can't afford that option then as least change the weak aluminum tripod legs with the wooden type. This is reported to help quite a bit.


Robert W.

October 17, 2002 10:23 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

ISS - STS112 AWESOME

Posted By Robert Watters
I was enroute to our observatory for a meeting and caught the last half of it just as I arrived. Pretty neat! I also got to see a -8 Iridium about 20 minutes later (thanks Rick).



Robert W.

October 18, 2002 09:22 PM Forum: Deep Sky Observing

How to see the GRS?

Posted By Robert Watters
The "Great Red Spot" isn't all that red any more. I haven't got out to observe it yet this fall but the last few years it has looked more like a very pale salmon color. You need a insrument with good contrast to see it well and I think that is one of the mak-newt's traits. I have seen it regularly in a 8" F6 newt (now a 7" F6.7) and my C8 but is can be a challenge sometimes because of less than optimal conditions.
Keep at it you'll eventually see it, it's just not going to jump out at you.



Robert W.

October 19, 2002 05:14 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

M45 - D60 and TV102

Posted By Robert Watters
Now that is truely amazing work with a hand held type camera!! This is notoriously a hard object to get on film with good results and you make it look so easy.

Keep up the beautiful work!!


Robert W.

October 21, 2002 10:22 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Where to find it.............

Posted By Robert Watters
Mark Harry does just what you want. Highly recomended!!
Check him out, he has a link on the AstroMart home page.


Robert W.

October 22, 2002 09:38 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

C14 and G11

Posted By Robert Watters
I think the C14 alone would be pushing the G11 to its capacity for photography. Fine for visual use but when you add a quality 90mm refractor and all the other goodies you'll need it will probably be over its weight capacity for photo work. Yea, you might be able to make due but if your really serious I think a more robust mount is in order. Look into the Mountain Instruments line or an AP 900/1200.



Robert W.

November 14, 2002 04:53 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Super-sized portable power supply

Posted By Robert Watters
Hi Paul, I like your idea. I have almost the exact same rig I made up this past year. About the only difference is I mounted a 3 plug splitter on the top and use a normal car battery. I hard wired a plug for the charger as well so the top never has to come off.
Your looks a little nicer with the plugs mounted right into the lid and the power monitor, nice touch!

I guess I'll have to make a trip down to Radio Shack.


Robert W.

November 26, 2002 12:36 AM Forum: Film Astrophotography - Imaging and Processing

M42 and horsehead

Posted By Robert Watters
Depending on how dark your site is, you probably got pretty good results with the 5-10min exposures and the 800 ASA. The longer the better (usually). I would shoot some test shots, each one being 5-10 minutes longer than the last to see where you reach your sky fog limit for that particular lense and film. It also depends on your film and how sensitive it is to the reds.


Robert W.

December 13, 2002 11:28 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

old orange tube c14 fork-mount tracking error?

Posted By Robert Watters
If it is at all possible get it polar aligned and put a guiding reticle in it (maybe even barlow it). That should give you a real good idea on wether or not it will be suitable.


Robert W.

December 24, 2002 05:04 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

G-11 coiled cord??

Posted By Robert Watters
I don't know of anyone selling them but I've made one up to power my ST-4 autoguider with a coiled cord that I salvaged from something else. That wasn't too bad to do because it only consisted of 2 wires. If you can find a 6-wire coiled cord then all you need is a RJ-25 (6-contact) male plug and a crimp tool (of which Radio Shack sells both). It might take some soldering on the hand control side but the other end is a simple crimp.

I plan on trying to find the nessisary cord and making one up as soon as the holidays pass.


Robert W.

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