Astromart

August 17, 2003 02:27 PM Forum: Binoviewers

What am I missing?

Hello,

I just received a premium pair of BVs and I'm using them with a 10" Newt and a 4" refractor. At similar powers I cannot see a difference between them and and a monocular view. I've tried them on the moon, Mars, and terrestrial. Even when I close one eye and re-open it the view is no different. Is the BV experience intangible or is it possible that I'm doing something wrong?

Thanks,

Steve

September 28, 2003 04:49 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Discovery DHQ 8"f7?

Posted By Steve Stonehill

Hi Gang,

Does anyone use this scope? I'm giving it some serious consideration as my weekend planetary scope. I had an 8" Star Hopper with a tapered Discovery primary and was wondering what the new ones are like. Are they tapered and what is the overall quality?

TIA,

Steve

October 10, 2003 11:43 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Fan Diameters

Posted By Steve Stonehill

Hi Gang,

Does anyone know the dimensions of the Orion cooling fan?

Thanks,

Steve

October 11, 2003 08:35 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Fan Installed!

Posted By Steve Stonehill

Hi Gang,

I want to thank all of the people who gave great advice and encouragement on fan installation. People like Tom H., Gene B., Floyd B., and all of the others who spend so much effort to help fellow astronomers. THANKS GUYS! I installed a fan today and just looking at a sign 700 feet away with and without the fan running was amazing! I did cut a 3" hole in the tube and left the opposite side alone. The exhaust comes out of the back end from around the primary. I used a Radio Shack brushless 2500 rpm fan and mounted it with sorbothane and double sided tape. I sealed the edges with black electricians tape. The fan does have slight noise but I couldn't detect any vibration at 240x. The next clear night should be interesting.

Thanks Again and Clear Skies,

Steve

November 30, 2003 07:11 PM Forum: Binoviewers

Binoviewing in Ha!

Posted By Steve Stonehill

Hi Gang,

Whatever BVs you use viewing the sun in Ha is incredible! The contrast and perceived gain in resolution is, IMO, even greater than when used on planets. The Solarmax 40 renders the sky jet black and the BVs REALLY enhance the contrast between the prominences and the sky. We had some neighbors out with us today and the "OH WOWS!" were non-stop.

Clear Skies,

Steve

December 4, 2003 12:37 AM Forum: Wildlife Photography

Flower at night

Posted By Steve Stonehill

Hi Gang,

I took this pic with a 4mp el cheapo Mustek digicam. I had my wife shine a light so I could find the proper distance and shot it with the flash.

Clear Skies,

Steve

December 4, 2003 01:46 AM Forum: Wildlife Photography

Turtle's Lucky Day

Posted By Steve Stonehill

I found this spotted turtle (clemmys guttata) cowering in the middle of a busy road this spring. I took him home took a few photos and released him back in the coastal marsh that I found him near.

December 5, 2003 02:11 AM Forum: Wildlife Photography