Posts Made By: Wayne McCormick

December 2, 2005 07:25 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

1.25" mirror diagonal suggestions

Posted By Wayne McCormick

Hi All,

I'm trying to upgrade the optics on my ST80 without spending too much. I would like to hear your suggestions for a 1.25" mirror diagonal with compression ring thats a good buy for under $100.

Thanks,
Wayne

December 13, 2005 02:30 AM Forum: Equipment Talk

ST-80 Mounting Question - Dovetail help?

Posted By Wayne McCormick

I'm looking at mounting a ShortTube 80 on a Vixen Porta Mount. (I know, it's overkill for a cheap scope..but I'm thinking upgrade down the line). Any suggestions for a mounting plate to use with a Porta Mount? I'm a little confused by all this dovetail and scope rings business. Thanks..Wayne

February 4, 2006 07:38 PM Forum: Eyepieces

Meade vs. Celestron EP's - What do I have?

Posted By Wayne McCormick

Hi All,

I have a couple of Meade EP's that came with an ETX-90 purchased about 5 years ago. A 26mm and a 15 mm Plossel. Are these Meade series 3000 EP's? I also have the Celestron 5 EP kit w/filters. The Celestron Plossel EP's say "fully multi-coated." The Meades only say "multi-coated." Which do you think are the better eyepieces?

To me, the Celestron's appear to have a brighter image.

February 18, 2006 08:22 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Using a refractor on an EQ mount

Posted By Wayne McCormick

Hi all,

If I'm just using a refractor for visual observing on an EQ mount...how do I keep the eyepiece in a comfortable position to view if polar aligned? Do I loosen the scope rings and rotate the scope until the EP is facing up? ..Or should I set up the mount in an Alt/Az mode? What are the pros and cons of each?

Thanks,
Wayne

March 7, 2006 01:29 AM Forum: Equipment Talk