Posts Made By: Joe Ramacciotti

Floyd,

I think you did a great job on the image! The Flame looks awesome.

Hello Everyone.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm finding it really hard to narrow down the choices. I started to make phone calls to talk with the various dealers, and posted on a local group to see if anyone has any of these telescopes that I can look through.

So far I’m impressed with the APM scopes for two reasons: price/features, and availability. Has anyone used the sliding draw tube that houses the focuser (on the 130 f/6 LW tube), I’m wondering if there will be any play/slop that might cause issues with the focal plain.

I wish I have an extra $40K to buy them all and compare, but seeing I only have $39K ;-) I’ll have to do more research. I think my best approach is to try to find fellow astronomers who own these scopes and actually use them. I do plan to take my time and make the best decision I possible can. For me, this next purchase most likely will be my last refractor purchase for the next 5~10 years, maybe longer.

Any other input is greatly appreciated. Again, thanks for the feedback thus far!


R,

Joe

Len,

My recommendation is to not rush your decission. Take your time and do your homework. Post in a forum and see if there is anyone near you that has one of the scopes you're interested in and try to get some viewing time. This is the one way you are least likely to go wrong. Also, most owners that post here on AM are usually willing to trade emails and even talk on the phone to help. I've doen this a number of times and it sure helps.

Hope this helps.

R,

Joe

Hello Michael.

I use a Canon Rebel, otherwise known as the 300D. It's an older 6.3mp camera with all the features you would need for AP and normal life imaging. I've seen them sell here on AM for $300. The camera will only take 30 second images stand alone, and will need to be controlled externally for longer exposures. Either a Canon timer or a computer with special cables and a program like DSLR (Digital-SLR).

Also, you can download Ron Wodaski’s CCD Calculator and play with the various imagers/telescopes to get an idea of what the FOV and resolution would be for a given combination.

Hope this helps.

Joe

Hello.


I’ve used the LXD-75 for about 2.5 years now and I can say all my experiences with it have been very positive. GOTOs are always in the FOV, with many dead center (when properly polar aligned), and tracking is very good too. I’ve used a variety of scopes on it visually such as an Intes M703 @ 20 lbs with accessories, APM-130 CNC II at about 23 lbs with accessories, and my 80mm Super APO which is a rock solid combination. For visual the APM-130 was acceptable with about 1.5~2 seconds of vibration when focusing or touching the scope, but if did a good job overall. The mount would not do a good job imaging with the APM-130 as it’s just too heavy.

As for imaging, I’ve used the mount countless times with my SAPO and the results have always been satisfying. I was able to shoot just over 1 minute without guiding. With guiding I’m sure it would be capable of longer durations, but I’ve not attempted this.

You will need to do a very good job at programming the PEC as the mount does have noticeable errors. This is the single, most significant enhancement you can easily make so take you time and do the best you can. I'm sure the other mounts you've noted will require the same.

Remember, I am shooting with an 80mm F6 (480mm) at prime focus, so the FOV is very wide and very forgiving. With my Canon 300D the image scale is 3.18 arc-seconds per pixel, very forgiving. If you plan to shoot at a much lower image scale any errors will be magnified, or if using a heavier telescope it may introduce unwanted vibration.

Also, I recommend that you keep the total weight down to about 50~60% of the mounts capacity when imaging.

Overall, the mount is a solid performer, and considering it’s price, it’s a great bargain, but like any mount you need to stay within its limits.

Hope this helps.

R,

Joe

Ivan,

You and the 80mm are doing a great job!


R,

Joe

Tom,


Wonderful image! Excellent color and detail. I'm looking forward to the deeper image!

R,

Joe

Joe,

The dark nebula looks really cool! Good image!

R,

Joe

One of my favoirtes is Romana, Mary Tamm, from the early Dr Who series.

Very nice image Charles.

I posted an M57 image I took last w/e, but your image is far better!

Keep up the good work!


R,

Joe