Posts Made By: Todd Gray

Maybe in addition to providing what objects viewed and focal length of telescope someone should come up with a "blind taste test" for eyepieces. Build a cardboard box around the focuser so the observer can see the EP, but still see through. Then we will know who likes pepsi better than coke. Only then will you get a truly unbiased opinion. I know if I compared a $80 wide field with one of my naglers and the image was better in the lesser I would be throwing up all sorts of excuses and scenarios in my subconscious as to why my nagler was not performing well that night. :S

Todd

Jim,

I built a eq platform last year. I never did have time to work out the kinks and am currently rebuilding my dob to alt/az with goto capabilities. The kinks where in my woodworking skills and building of the north and south bearings. The drive system itself worked fine. I use 2 Hurst 3004-001 stepper motors with a drive system including a hand pad with potentiometer for fine adjustments and full speed, stop, and 2x speed. One motor is capable of being plugged in. This took out any backlash if one waits 15 seconds to plug the second motor in after the drive is turned on. I used Dan's site www.geocites.com/birchardvilleobservatory/AstroEQP/
search there for details. I would be willing to sell the two motors and drive system for $100 + shipping. I can send pictures.

Hey Tom,

Thanks for the chart. This saves me the trouble, as I was just about to start on my own charts and I am at 36' here in TN too.

much appreciated,
Todd

Bill,

I have the same camera. I used a reverse macro adapter ring, which gave me the locking bayonet and 58mm threads. Then I added a 58mm to 48mm step down ring. I glued these together into an old eyepiece barrel I had(surplusshed has the eyepiece barrels for cheap) to make a very sturdy prime focus camera adapter for my 2 inch focuser. I believe I found the adapters on e**y, everything costing me about $10. I am sure you can find a different step down ring for the T-mount if you know the thread size.

good luck,

Todd

Some more pics