Posts Made By: Robert Kovacs

I am having a hard time trying to decide between either a Refractor or SCT as a good first quality scope. I want to be able to view crisp clear images. With the opportunity to do some, not much, astrophotography in the future. My interests are viewing planets, nebulas, Messier objects, and comets. I am also somewhat limited in space, so a Dob is out of the question for now. I have been looking at the Orion SkyView Pro 120mm EQ refractor, as well as the Astroview 120mm ST EQ refractor vs the Meade LX 90. A Takahashi is way out of my price range. Looking at spending under $2000.00. What are the advantages of a short tube refractor vs a long tube refractor?. And viewing objects through a Refractor vs a SCT. I'm fairly new to Amatuer Astronomy, but I did take an introductory astronomy course in college. Thanks!.

How good is the advanced series Celestrons vs the GPS/CPC versions. I can see that the advanced series is alot cheaper with the same optical tube. I you plan on doing some but not much astrophotagaphy in the future, is the advanced series the way to go, vs something like the 8i.

What is up with the Astronomical League these days. I became a Member at Large back on Feb 17, 2005, as well as ordering a subscription to Sky and Telescope at the discount for league members. When I recieved my welcome packet, my id card had someone elses name on it. I also had not recieved certain documents that were suppose to be part of the welcome packet. I contacted both the Executive Secretary, and the person responsible for purchases made at the online store. I did not recieve an e-mail for almost 2 weeks.
Then I finally recieved an e-mail back from the Executive Secretary. And she said she would take care of it. It is now March 17, 2005. Sky publishing still has know payment information for my subscription to Sky and Telescope, from my Astronomical League order, and I have yet to recieve the missing documents as well as correct id for my membership. So far I am very dissapointed in the way the Astronomical League deals with orders and memberships. I probably should have just joined the Planetary Society.

Right now Anachortes seems to be very low in stock with many Schmitt Cassegrain telescopes. Which is a better place to buy OPT or Telescopes.com.

Have any of you ever thought of using a baseball bat case as a tripod case. I just picked up a padded Nike Baseball bat case for my C9.34 AS-GT tripod and it fits perectly. Just tripod no mount installed of course. Plus the bottom is padded. Only costs around $30.00, compared to around $80,00 for official ones. Just a recommendation.

In the manual that came with the scope it talkes about loosing 2 mirror lock knobs on the back of the rear cell befor turning the focus knob. I don't have these knobs on my rear cell. Only four tiny screws, that attach to a plate , where the main focus knob is located. What are they talking about.

I have been trying to figure out on what to use for a case for my CG 5 Mount (AS-GT Series)any recommendations would be helpful.

I have read in the past about people having some problems with Celestron Ultima eyepieces and Orion filters. Threads were not quite compatible. but this was back around 1998. I have been looking at the Orion basic color filter set, and Ultrablock. But I also own a 10mm Ultima and 25mm e-Lux eyepiece that came with the scope. Does anyone know if their will be a problem with Ultima and Orion filters. 8)

Will this case be big enough to hold the CG5-Mount head.
http://www.planomolding.com/1404-00.html

I have a AS-GT 9.25, with an Astrozap dew shield. I also have a
Celestron 25mm E-Lux, and a Celestron 10mm Ultima eyepiece. I just
picked up an Orion variable polorizer for lunar viewing an a Thousand
Oaks UHC for deepsky. What important accessories should I get next.