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M17 Swan-Omega Celestron C6 Hyperstar2

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Posts Made By: John Meiners

July 15, 2003 06:47 AM Forum: Celestron

Dust filter for SCT ??

Posted By John Meiners
Was wondering if I should invest in a dust filter for the rear of my C8 ?? Has anyone used one? and can give any feedback on if in fact it is really needed. I have a 2" visual back & a shorty TV Everbrite. I leave the cap in the center of the 1.25" adapter when not in use.. Thanks John M

July 15, 2003 07:00 AM Forum: Celestron

Best Balance System For Celestron C8 (Help)

Posted By John Meiners
Would like to balance out my C8. to where it doesn't drop suddenly when I release the DEC clamp. I have seen a rod & sliding weight system.. that spans from the rear cell to the front cell of the OTA. Is there a certain brand made for a C8 or is it a Celestron Factory item.. let me know if anyone has one or knows about them.. thanks all , JM

July 21, 2003 06:53 AM Forum: Celestron

Lowest X EP for C8.

Posted By John Meiners
Need to ask you Veterans who have been around the block a few times... What is the lowest recommmed power suitable for my Celestar C8? A meade 56mm. Plossl is 36x
A T Vue 55mm. Plossl is 37x
A GaryR 65mm. Plossl is 31x
Presently I have a 40mm. Scopetronix = about 51x
and a Apogee 30mm. Wide Scan II 84o AFV = 60x
I am looking for an EP that will capture the entire double cluster in Perseus.. so that it is framed by black sky. all I have been able to do is find myself in the midst of the Double.. any Ideas?? would a field flattener help.. JM

July 25, 2003 07:11 AM Forum: Pictures of Me and My Telescope and........

Upgrades to my older C8

Posted By John Meiners
First thing I replaced was the 1.25" Celestron Dia. Slipped in a Skylight dust filter, then a 2" Visual back, followed closely by a new TV Everbrite 2" Dia.

Next to go was the stock focuser, taking its place a new
Feathertouch MicroFocuser.

My lastest acquisition, a Dew shield & cap from AstroZap

On top I mounted a 70mm. Meade ETX refractor for my finderscope. Losmandy provided the plate & rings..

Moving along I attached a TV Starbeam to get me in the "ballpark".

From Scopetronix I received a 14mm. Wide Angle EP that threads directly into the filter threads of my NIKON 800
CoolPix, additionally I found here on the Mart a 40mm. projection EP. (sliding body) it required a step ring to adapt.

Now I am looking for some clear weather... clouds roll in here just like clockwork every evening after the Sun Sets, then burn off again as on cue at 10:00 am. Got to Move!

*John Meiners Astoria, OR. on the Coast
BTW the budding young Astronomer is Henry
age 4.5

August 3, 2003 05:23 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

6.3 focal Reducer question

Posted By John Meiners
Is this used mainly for CCD imaging & photography work, or can it be useful for visual application also, thanks John M

August 4, 2003 08:02 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

MARS, Closing in !

Posted By John Meiners
By Wed. Aug. 27 Mars will be 50% Brighter/larger than it appears today, closing at 7500 MPH. Aprox. 179,000 miles closer each day... I am heading to the Oregon Star Party ELV. 5K'.. Transparent skys! Although the Ice cap is shrinking it will still resolve quite well.. John Meiners

August 9, 2003 08:20 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Just Returned from 5K' Elev. E. OR.

Posted By John Meiners
Drove to Ritter Oregon, to Observe Mars from a friend's home 23 miles from HWY. 395. (that's a long driveway) well the sky was dark after the Moon settled over the Plateau Mesa.. Had great views of all my favorites.. Waited till Mars climbed high enough to get the clearest possible view... was disapointed to say the least.. all I could resolve was a Fuzzy/blurry Yellowish disk, with the faintest hint of coloration across the planet. (Using My C8 with a UO 7mm. Ortho) 290X. "Seeing" was just not steady enough at that low angle, hopefully 2 weeks from now when I return to Prineville for the Oregon Star Party things will have improved somewhat.. anyone else have less than favorable luck?? John Meiners, Astoria, OR

August 15, 2003 05:22 PM Forum: Celestron

Tripod (retro-fit) Help !

Posted By John Meiners
My C-8 Celestar came with a non-adjustable type tripod, am looking for one my wedge will bolt onto and that I can extend the legs, will a Nexstar 11 tripod work? Or will I need a new wedge ? Photo in next thread..John M

August 16, 2003 06:18 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Want to $ave some money on EPs??

Posted By John Meiners
I believe there will be a proliferation in sales of all the High X Orthos and the like soon after the MP (Mars Phenomenon) fades away, just as Mars will as it travels further on it's journey away from all our little Apertures.
Watch as x3 barlows pop up for sale at far less prices then they are presently going for.. Scopes also I imagine will appear back on the "block".. John M

August 18, 2003 04:24 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

Re: Mars/Meteorite Question?

Posted By John Meiners
No problem, no offense taken.. JM

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