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Posts Made By: Michael Tencza

August 27, 2007 11:54 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

So what's the next "big thing"

Posted By Michael Tencza
We just had a lecture from an engineer in Apex, NC who has built an observatory in his yard. He intends to fully automate his system to the point that he can operate and view from it using his wireless laptop from anywhere as he is on the road often.

October 8, 2007 12:34 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Choosing from whom to buy

Posted By Michael Tencza
When you buy a fine product at a premium price you ought to expect fine performance. I don't think a billionaire would buy a Rolls and diagnose the engine to make sure of its specifications (though they might pay someone to do it).

However, many of us are curious by nature and just can't help measuring and tinkering with our equipment. Its in our nature. This hobby draws a lot of people with scientific and engineering backrounds and checking the specs and quality becomes part of the fun. Just my 2 cents.

October 11, 2007 04:38 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Expectations for Resolution

Posted By Michael Tencza
Thanks for the information everyone. Now all I need is a listing of how many arc seconds seperates some popular double stars I know to test my optics. Does anyone know the seperation in the double-double in Lyra for example?

October 22, 2007 02:43 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

eyepiece

Posted By Michael Tencza
I use both wide fields and orthoscopics in my f/8.3 refractor and like them both for different reasons. If cost is a factor then you may want to think about 12.5mm orthos or similar sized high quality plossls. You will see fine images but will have to adjust your dob more often to keep them in view. Unfortunately if you want wide field it is expensive for quality at f/4.7.

October 29, 2007 12:19 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Good Starting EP's for AT80 non ED Achromatic?

Posted By Michael Tencza
I have a WO Megrez 80mm f/6.2-500mm coming soon which is similar to your scope. In my current 120mm f/8.3-1000mm the GSO 42 and 30mm Superviews work very well for inexpensive low power views (you can get them used here on Amart for $35-45). In about a week I will let you know how they work at f/6.2. The plossls are a good deal but don't rule out orthoscopics. Many prefer them including me. Consider also the Celestron Ultima (2x)and UO Klee (2.8x) barlows to stretch your eyepiece dollars. One final suggestion is a violet blocking filter to tone down chromatic aberration on bright objects. I like the the William Optic VR-1 because it does not introduce as much yellow color as others.

November 13, 2007 09:16 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Info on Megrez II?

Posted By Michael Tencza
Sorry to jump in on the thread late guys, but I just bought a used 80mm Megrez II SD and I'm interested in the apo upgrade. How would it compare to the triplet?

November 20, 2007 12:50 PM Forum: Refractors

WO 80 FD vs Sky 90

Posted By Michael Tencza
No matter what the comparison I'm glad you feel the WO 80mm FD is a fine telescope. I just bought the upgrade to transform my SD to the FD and can't wait to see first light.

Mike

November 22, 2007 04:57 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

The most perfect telescope I have owned. You?

Posted By Michael Tencza
Sounds like my kind of scope. Does 15 lbs. include the finder, diagonal, and eyepiece though?

December 6, 2007 01:16 AM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

How to Determine Refractor FOV

Posted By Michael Tencza
Thanks guys. You added to my knowledge base.

December 12, 2007 02:17 PM Forum: Eyepieces

The best and the brightest

Posted By Michael Tencza
Floyd did a nice review that included Pentax XLs, Televue Radians, UO orthos, BO Planetaries. I believe the XLs just edged the Radians with the orthos and planetaries not too far behind. In my brief experience I have found all of these eyepieces useful and have examples of all of them in my armamentarium. Just the other night I was doing a brief comparison on Mars and feel confident that the XLs put up the best image based on overall contrast and light throughput. The Zeiss Abbes were not in Floyd's comparison BTW but I have read many comments from those that believe these to be the gold standard. Also you might look into the TMB supermonocentrics which are highly regarded and less costly than the Zeiss Abbes.

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