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Posts Made By: Steve Sands

April 7, 2011 06:04 PM Forum: Antique/Classic/Vintage Optical Instruments

Schaefer Mount Restoration

Posted By Steve Sands
I am just about complete in restoring, mechanically, a Bill Schaefer mount and need some direction/ help regarding getting new drive motors and wiring installed. The mount was completely disassembled (it had been out in the weather for a long time), bead blasted, powdercoated, all new stainless hardware and many new stainless components (i.e. counterweight shaft, dec drive screw). It is a beast. It had two Hurst motors on the RA and one on the Dec with a control box containing some electronic components. They are all toast. This is a pre-1980 mount - no Schaefer lettering anywhere. BTW...how can I tell which model this is...12x vs 16x?

Anyone out there who can assist with information or resources for getting this mount fitted with new motors and wiring? I am not interested in GOTO, just a simple drive, perhaps a stepper drive system.

Thanks! I will post a couple of pictures later. They will have to be scaled down so they upload to AstroMart.

June 26, 2011 11:15 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Portable Pier Advice

Posted By Steve Sands
I am looking for a portable pier to use with my Losmandy G11 and G8 mounts. I currently have the Losmandy HD tripod, but the legs do not fold, it is very heavy, it has to be disassembled and I don't like the way I have to adjust the height...it is difficult to get it exactly where you want it. Losmandy makes a folding tripod, but it also looks very heavy.

The other only choices I see out there is the Astro-Physics Eagle 6/8 (looks awesome!) and PWT, but PWT doesn't appear to be around anymore?

Are there any other manufacturers of higher end portable tripods out there?

July 14, 2011 03:30 PM Forum: Antique/Classic/Vintage Optical Instruments

Cave 6" f/4 R.F.T

Posted By Steve Sands
Would anyone happen to know how to fairly price a Cave 6" f/4 R.F.T. on an Edmund medium duty equatorial mount (Stock Number 85,309, I believe...Mount; w/ pedestal; w/ clock drive)?

I am trying to help a lady whose husband has passed and really don't have any good reference point to work with. It has signed letters from Thomas Cave regarding the order from the original purchaser as well as all of the documentation (mount & telescope). The OTA is in excellent condition. I would rate the mount as very good, with the "standard" Edmund gray krinkle paint and clock drive. The telescope is attached to the cradle with two adjustable straps.

If anyone has knowledge of these instruments I would appreciate some advice.

Thank you! smile

February 23, 2012 11:47 PM Forum: Solar System Observing

Lubbock, TX Connections for the Eclipse?

Posted By Steve Sands
A friend of mine is looking to connect up with a person and or group to view the annular eclipse from Lubbock, TX. He is planning on driving from near Springfield, MO. He tried to contact the local university and astronomy club, but didn't receive any responses back. Anyone know anybody or group down that way I could get him into contact with? Thanks!

February 9, 2013 12:36 AM Forum: Coronado-Lunt-DayStar Solar Filters

DayStar Quantum Control Connection Woes

Posted By Steve Sands
Anyone out there have some words of wisdom on how to get the DayStar Quantum Control software to connect to my Windows XP Pro laptop? I have tried everything I know to no avail. It wants Com Port 3 which I have made available to it, but it still fails to connect. I just get a blank white screen. I just flashed the firmware on the hand controller and motors on my Celestron NexStar 8SE using a comm port (3) so I know it must be possible to connect via serial to USB! :S

June 18, 2015 12:37 PM Forum: Stolen Equipment - Please Help

Camera Gear - BEWARE of what you purchase!

Posted By Steve Sands
Ask to see serial numbers and check the provided spreadsheet before buying! This stuff has to show up somewhere!

http://www.lensprotogo.com/serial-numbers-of-stolen-gear-from-half-million-dollar-rental-heist/

March 10, 2003 01:40 PM Forum: Binoviewers

Denkmeier questions for owners

Posted By Steve Sands
Hi Anthony,

I own the Denkmeier standard model with a 2" OCS. I use it on my 4" APO, 10" dob and 20" dob. It is an incredible setup! I am amazed at what the folks at Denkmeier can do, not to mention the unsurpassed customer service. I plan to upgrade to the premium model because I am looking for the "ultimate experience" in binoviewing and think that the improvements will be quite noticable. You can always upgrade later if you purchase the standard now. The price difference is the same $200.00, unless that changes down the road - Russ could tell you.

March 20, 2003 02:13 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

STOLEN EQUIPMENT ALERT - ST.LOUIS REGION

Posted By Steve Sands
Thank you, everyone. The support from the astronomical community has been nothing short of amazing! I have received more e-mails today than in the past month combined! According to my insurance carrier, they plan to cover the loss under our homeowners' policy minus $250 deductible...not bad since the losses have exceeded $8500 thus far!

June 3, 2003 05:39 PM Forum: Coronado-Lunt-DayStar Solar Filters

Ok has anyone cleaned their Coronado yet?

Posted By Steve Sands
On the laminated card I received with my SM90 under the topic of Care of the Filter, it states: "Clean with a good quality lens cleaner or the Coronado filter cleaning kit. Never use acetone." You might check with Coronado to see what their filter cleaning kit is comprised of.

June 10, 2003 05:44 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Re: 8X50 finder

Posted By Steve Sands
Vic,

I second John's opinion - it is an excellent finder. I purchased one with a couple of bases so I can switch it out between different scopes. It was rated as the "Cadillac" of finders in a recent review of 10 finders (either S&T or Astronomy, I can't remember).

Steve

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