Image of the day

Captured by
Craig Bobchin

Coathanger CR 399

About Astromart

My Account

New to Astromart?

Register an account...

Need Help?

Posts Made By: Floyd Blue

February 4, 2005 07:15 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Good viewing areas around Bakersfield, CA

Posted By Floyd Blue
Ben,
Well, we are pretty well under a large light dome here. There is a place just outside of town on the east hills. It is on Breckenridge Road, 6 miles east, off of Alfred Harrell Hiway-Comanche Drive.
I have put up a map site here.
http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?ed=quteSup_0TqoP9rYxRlyeo39PwCg2Ii1vfdqQ.8r7uuG.zBFtkCsA8x1MUaB&csz=bakersfield%2C+ca&country=us&new=1&name=&qty=
Get in touch with me by private message and I can tell you more about it.

April 9, 2005 07:21 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Eyepieces

Posted By Floyd Blue
Hi Michael.
Buy the 2" Diagonal of good pedigree and a few better quality EPs, with the longer ones being 2". You can get by with 3-4 great EPs and see everything you would like to with good solid performance.

April 22, 2005 04:41 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Moon Collimation Test

Posted By Floyd Blue
Hi Mark,
Use the star test to check collimation. It doesn't have to be perfect conditions to see if the center spot is surrounded symmetrically with circles. Testing optical quality requires a bit more clarity in the diffusion rings, but checking the collimation is a bit simpler.

April 23, 2005 06:19 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

What is the distraction I see in the EP?

Posted By Floyd Blue
This could be an internal reflection in the EP or an external reflection on the lens from your eye or another object.
Try putting a towel over your head or some other cloth. If it disappears then it is a reflection off your eye most likely. If it does not then it is an internal reflection.

May 12, 2005 06:21 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Did I ruin this lens?

Posted By Floyd Blue
This is common with compressed air in a can. Some use hydrocarbons for a propellant. Never tilt a can when in use. I use canned air, but I am careful to test fire the can before using it on something and them only with the can leveled.
The stain should be on the outside of the lens, I don;t see how it could have gotten on the inside. If it did then it must have been condensation from the propellant cooling the lens. If it is on the inside then it will have to be disassembled to clean it. The stain can probably be removed with pure alcohol or if there is no plastic you could use acetone.
I assume you have tried to clean the stain already with the cleaning solution you have. So if it is on the inside, you may want to get some one that is experienced in disassembly and cleaning to do this for you.

May 22, 2005 05:48 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

with your significant other

Posted By Floyd Blue
I observe with my wife. Here we are this last weekend as we setup the Starmaster.

July 29, 2005 10:19 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

12 inch Dob Counterbalance

Posted By Floyd Blue
You have a steel tube, and magnets will stick to it. You might look for magnets that you could use and then put felt on the magnets to stop the scratches.

August 8, 2005 04:16 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Blurred Images

Posted By Floyd Blue
This sounds like scatter, have you looked at the EPs and filters to see if they are dirty? How about the mirror, is it covered in dust?

October 27, 2005 04:38 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

The new coolest toy I have to get

Posted By Floyd Blue
Looks like it is available with red LED as well, could be nice. Here is a $2.50 light I bought a Wal-Mart. It is hanging around my neck. It gives a great diffuse red glow that will light up a whole large chart without blinding anyone. The tube does glow red and I added a little black tape at the top to cover a bright area near the LED. The tape was not needed but I just thought it made it better. Comes with a pocket clip and neck cord. Twist on and off at the top and runs for 24+ straight hours if left on so they say.
I am not responsible for the Meade hat! 8) Our club was given a bunch of them and I ended up with one.

November 27, 2005 06:21 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

ZIPPER

Posted By Floyd Blue
Look up the local uphostery supply shop, where they sell fabric and supplies. They sell zipper by the yard in at least two sizes. I buy it all the time.

Funding Member

Sponsors


View all sponsors

Search