Astromart

May 6, 2003 02:32 PM Forum: Telescope Making

Thanks Mark Harry

Congratulations on your new mirror. I had a very similar first light experience with my Mark Harry 7" F6.7 mirror about a year ago. It still amazes me!

You can't go wrong with a mirror from Mark.

Robert W.

May 9, 2003 02:15 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Mount suggestions

Posted By Robert Watters

I would look into the Losmandy HGM Titan, a used AP1200 GTO, or the MI-250/MI-500. The Paramounts are nice (and extremely expensive!!) but they are more for a permanent type setup because there is no polar scope (or even a spot for one) and no clutches. You have to totaly dis-engage the drive train to move it manually. Both of these short commings do not make it too user friendly in the field.

The AP-1200 would be my first choice.

http://www.losmandy.com/hgm-titan.html

http://www.mountaininstruments.com/

Robert W.

May 9, 2003 11:38 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

An excellent paper of effect of seeing!

Posted By Robert Watters

Ron,

Excellent and very infromative, thanks for the link.

Robert W.

May 13, 2003 11:16 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

spider vanes??

Posted By Robert Watters

Someone else mentioned this, but here is a link.

http://www.1800destiny.com/telescopetubes.html

Robert W.

May 18, 2003 05:45 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Oldie Goldie Laptops?

Posted By Robert Watters

How about the "AstroNOT - Non-Astronomy Items" section??? I see some other computer related items in there.

Robert.

May 24, 2003 03:26 PM Forum: Film Astrophotography - Imaging and Processing

Autoguiders

Posted By Robert Watters

The ST-4 would be the one to go with ($500-$600 used) or the newer STV (expensive). Don't even waste your time with the 201XT.
But first you need to find out if your mount is even able to use it because I really have my doubts. It doesn't look as if that drive system will be autoguider compatible.

I also think that mount would be very under rated for your 8" scope and photography, especially when you add the extra weight of the guide scope and autoguider. If I were you I would look into upgrading to a beefier mount first and then do the autoguider at a later date.

Let us know what you find out,

Robert W.

May 28, 2003 02:18 AM Forum: Birding Optics and Photos

Marsh Wren (I think?)

Posted By Robert Watters

Outstanding image!

A couple of questions if I may. Is this Swarovski scope you are using an apo? What nikon camera is it and do you use auto focus to achive your super crisp focus?

Keep them coming,

Robert W.

May 28, 2003 02:44 AM Forum: Film Astrophotography - Imaging and Processing