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Posts Made By: Rex Cox

May 10, 2009 08:29 PM Forum: Reflectors

importance of the primary mirror being centered

Posted By Rex Cox
A friend who owns a 15" Discovery dob has a primary mirror that is mounted in the tube somewhat off center. I haven't looked at it, so I don't know how much off center it is.

How important of a matter is this? I realize that if it is grossly off center, then it is an issue. But, how close does it have to be? Doesn't collimation account for such things? It has always been my understanding that the tube on a Newt is a mechanism for holding the optical train in place, and not so much as a mechanism for centering the optical train, and that collimation, secondary placement, proper focuser shimming, and such takes care of the rest.

If I'm wrong, I'm sure I'll be educated here.

July 15, 2009 02:57 PM Forum: Guns and Hunting Optics

Springfield XD

Posted By Rex Cox
Has anyone here had a chance to shoot the Springfield XD pistol? I purchased a new one a few weeks back and love it. I got the .40 cal. I've taken it to the range a few times and put 250 rounds through it so far. The slide was stiff at first, but it's broken in a bit since I purchased it. Very easy to disassemble and clean.

July 26, 2009 03:48 PM Forum: ASTRONOMY

bifocals

Posted By Rex Cox
This is a question for you astronomers who wear bifocals. Do you prefer line or no-line bifocals? How does one or the other get in the way of your observing, either at the eyepiece or naked eye observing, if at all? I've reached that point in my 40's where I am going to have to start wearing bifocals. At the telescope, I usually take my glasses off, but on occasion, I leave them on when other folks who have good vision are using my scope so that I don't have to make changes in focus when trading off at the eyepiece.

I'm nearsighted. In the past, I've always been able to see fine at close and distant ranges with my glasses on, but now, I have to take my glasses off to see things that are close. It has become a real hassle.

Seems there might have been some disscusion on this some time back, but I can't find it. I would appreciate hearing your experience or advice on this topic.

September 7, 2009 05:01 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

Red Static Cling Film

Posted By Rex Cox
I was at Auto Zone this weekend purchasing things I needed to do an oil change on my pickup, and I was looking at the little static cling oil change reminder decals that they give you. I wonder if this material can be purchased in red, and in large enough sizes to cut to shape for computer screens and such? I found one outfit on the internet, but it looks as though they only sell it in large lots. I just need a little.

Does anyone know where this material can be purchased? I think it would be great for astronomy use.

September 9, 2009 03:53 AM Forum: Sports

Oklahoma State Cowboys!!

Posted By Rex Cox
My Cowboys are off to a great start. They've made the cover of SI twice in less than a month! GO POKES!!


October 10, 2009 11:04 PM Forum: Beginning Astronomy?

Re: Could a plexiglass mirror work for a reflector

Posted By Rex Cox
Scott Kennon said:

If I figured out a way to bend a piece of plexiglass to a perfect concave shape, and polised and coated it, could it possibly work in maybe 12" aperture or larger??????????????? Plexiglass is like $5.00 for a 12" x 12" sheet. So, would be worth my time?

Aren't you the guy who, a few weeks ago, asked why anyone would want to own a refractor, then came back and claimed to be smashed drunk when the question was posted? Are you at it again? :S

October 22, 2009 12:33 PM Forum: AstroMart FAQ

Picture of the day...

Posted By Rex Cox
Anyone having difficulty accessing the picture of the day? For the last few days, whether at work or home, I get a message saying "There is no web page matching your request".

October 26, 2009 12:50 AM Forum: Takahashi

TOA-130s focuser

Posted By Rex Cox
Can a TOA-130s with a 2" focuser be refitted with a 4" focuser?

November 5, 2009 01:46 AM Forum: Off Topic Discussions

shipping how-to?

Posted By Rex Cox
I didn't know what forum to put this in, so I figured this was the one.

I plan on selling a C-11 soon, and am not sure as to the best method to ship. I've been told that getting UPS or FedEx to pay on an insurance claim is extremely difficult, unless you let them pack it. I don't trust them to pack it as well as I would. If I pack it, it will survive a trip over Niagra. But, the guy at the UPS store said that UPS will pretty much cough up on insurance if they pack it. But his packing estimate was about $95. That's too much. And, I'm not sure if USPS would ship a parcel that large.

So, what I would like to know from some of you wheeler-dealer experts who have a lot of experience at this, what is the best way to ship something like this? Who is the most reliable? Cheapest? Someone like Bruce Karbal would probably have some good answers. I know he's bought and sold a lot of astro gear.

November 30, 2009 05:06 PM Forum: ASTRONOMY

Changes in S&T

Posted By Rex Cox
I noticed a few changes in the January issue of Sky & Telescope. The marketplace ads in the back are gone. That was usually the one of the first sections that I turned to. Also, the essay that was always on the last page, which was usually sent in by a reader, isn't there. And last, the monthly planisphere is no longer a pullout.

I've noticed in the past that when one of the magazines makes changes, they'll mention it in the editors comments, but no mentions of the changes in the January issue.

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