Posts Made By: Nathan Lidia

Hello all. I just got a C102HD from this site and wanted to see if I could get a little info on it. I am pleased with the scope for the price I paid and what I wanted from a scope. I've read a few things where people don't talk real good about China optics and this one is model #21016 and made in China. Just wanted to know what other peoples opinion was on these. And does someone know what the best dual drive system would be for a CG5 mount? I one that on the back has a sticker that says, Dual EQ3. Doesn't seem to track verry long at all. Saturn at 175x goes from center to out of the FOV in about 4-5 minutes. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you much.
Nate.

Hello all. I just got a C102HD from this site and wanted to see if I could get a little info on it. I am pleased with the scope for the price I paid and what I wanted from a scope. I've read a few things where people don't talk real good about China optics and this one is model #21016 and made in China. Just wanted to know what other peoples opinion was on these. And does someone know what the best dual drive system would be for a CG5 mount? I one that on the back has a sticker that says, Dual EQ3. Doesn't seem to track verry long at all. Saturn at 175x goes from center to out of the FOV in about 4-5 minutes. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you much.
Nate.

Hello all. I just bought a used Meade 312 (80mm f/11.25, Japan,80's model) from A-mart and was wondering what I should expect from it. I am very pleased with it for what I paid for it and what I wanted. But here is a couple of things I want to know about it. I have a Lanthanum 5.2 that I used to look at Mars and could not get much detail at all(172x). I was thinking that would be about the max but nevertheless I thought I would be able to get more details. Saturn and Jupiter was the same. Jupiter was low in the sky and I know that had something to do with it. But I could not see much on Saturn either, not even the division really. I'm thinking a 6-7mm would show more details but then again, I thought the 5.2 would too. I tried it in front and back of focus on a few bright stars to they looked totally different. Not sure if I did it right though as that was my first time to try a star test and not sure what I should look for. So I'm wondering if this scope should be kept at 150x or lower or might it need collimated or something. I also used a Meade MA 25mm and a cheep short barlow in front of the 90 and still not much detail. I must say that M42 was really nice with the 25mm but yet still not much detail. I have read that this scope is quite nice but I'm not sure if I am expecting more than it will do or does it need adjusted. Again, I am pleased with it but I want to make sure a I get the most out of it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much for the time.

Nate.

I don't have my software with me and I know about M42 and the planets and that's about it. It's about 9:50CST here and I was facing kind of NE and looking up at about a 60* angle or so. I was free handed slewing with my 80mm f/11.25 on an alt/az and something pretty bright and long came across. I locked the mount and centered it in with the slow mo cables. I grabbed my 7x50 Nikons and I could see it with those too. Looking through the Nikons, it's length direction looks like it goes from slightly northeast, to southwest. Can anyone make anything of this? I'm using an older Japan made Meade 312 and a very lousy MA25mm. An eyepiece suggestion for this "item in the sky" would be appreciated. Something in the $50 used price range and maybe a "little" more power. Thank you very much for the time.


Nate.

Nate.

What is the really brite light in the south-west sky at about 6:00P.M.? Venus?

Nate

I've never done any solar observing but the other day, I think Sun. or Mon., I was walking to car in the local W-mart parking lot and thought I saw a spot on the sun. Don't worry, the sun was low and not bright through the thick haze here in Mississippi. It was about 15 min. till 8:00 P.M. whe I saw it. At first glance I thought it was a bird or something in the distance but when I continued to look at it for several minutes I realized it was not moving at all. The best I can remember, it was kind of at the top left side of the sun. Can someone please tell me that nobody slipped something in my diet coke that afternoon? I just baught a Meade 390 and I may be interested in a solar filter. Thank y'all for y'all's time.

Nate.

Hey all,

I have a Meade/Polaris 90mm f/11.4 that I was told is a Japan model. I like the scope but have limited accessories such as a well used MA25mm that the optics appear to have been cleaned several times with a shirt tail, and a very cheap Meade 2x barlow. I looked at M42 last night at 41x and with the barlow at 82x. I could see some shape to M42 and that cool little fuzzy ball behind it. I understand that a short focus refractor will give a lot better details than a long focus. So, I have a couple of questions. One, do you think a better quality ep and barlow would bring out some good detail or do I really just need to save up for a short tube? And two, if the answer is go for the short focus, what is best? I think I’ve read somewhere once that something as big as 6” f/5-6 achro might be less impressive than a 100mm or 120mm f/5-6. Is this true or would the 6” really light things up good? And I am talking about for deep space only. Keep in mind that I would be saving up the most of about $400. Oh and one more thing. Does the focus tube cut off the aperture on some of these bigger short tube scopes? I know the answers will be both facts and opinions and all are welcome and appreciated. I thank y’all for y’alls time.


Nate

Hello all. I'm about to receive my first Newt and think I will build a dob mount for it. I think I can figure out the Alt bearings if someone can tell me where to get the ebony star and teflon. Or is ebony star nothing more than formica? Well, my main concern at first is going to be the base. I know it will be 2 sheets of wood with bearings in the middle but again, I'm not sure what or where to get the materials. And what is recommended to use as some type of center shaft for them? Bolt and nut? Please help if you can. Thanks in advance.

Nate

What exactly is the difference in parabolic and spherical? Is there a web site that explains it good and maybe with pictures? I'm good with understanding pictures! I thought they both had the "inside of a bowl" shape. Please help my confused brain. Thanks in advance.

Nate.

Can someone please tell me where to find the best detailed information on grinding and polishing mirrors? And what would be the best kind of glass to use as a test run? I saw an ad for some large plate glass blanks for a pretty low price. Is plate glass better for 1st attempt or is it better for a "good" mirror? I am really struck with this desire to make my own mirror and I'm not sure why, but I can't stop thinking about it. If anyone can help please do.
May the clouds part when you exit the door with your scope betwixt you hands.

Nate