mwedel
super member
Reged: 12/16/07
Posts: 184
Loc: Claremont, CA
|
|
I thought it would be cool to get a list of inexpensive accessories together, for those who want their GScopes fully tricked out. There are probably cheaper alternatives out there for some of these things, and loads of stuff I haven't thought of, so feel free to add to the list, edit it, pass it along, etc.
Tripods
Digital Concepts TR-60N, $9.29 on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Concepts-TR-60N-Camera-Carrying/dp/B000093UDQ/
Davis & Sanford Traveler, $14.91 on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Davis-Sanford-TRAVLR-Traveler-Tripod/dp/B00000JI48/
Eyepieces
Kellner eyepiece kits from $3.50 (from $17.50 assembled), Plossl kits from $5.50 (from $22.50 assembled), at Surplus Shed
http://www.surplusshed.com/pages/category/eyepiecessets_1.html
OWL Astronomy used to have some killer deals on EPs, like OWL Black Knight Super Plossls for $18.95-22.95, but it's been a couple of months since I've been there and I can't get the link to work tonight. I hope it's just a temporary glitch.
http://www.owlastronomy.com/superplossl.htm
Diagonals
1.25" Mirror Star Diagonal, $10.75 at Surplus Shed
http://www.surplusshed.com/pages/item/l2177.html
Antares 1.25" Mirror Star Diagonal, $18.95 at Hands on Optics
http://handsonoptics.com/
Clear skies!
--------------------
Orion XT6 "Shaft"
Little Maks: Orion Apex 90, Celestron orange tube C90, Synta MC90
Edmund Astroscan "Baby Red"
76mm ongoing ATM experiment
Celestron UpClose 10x50
Celestron SkyMaster 15x70
10 Minute Astronomy
|
Zoeff
sage
Reged: 06/10/09
Posts: 258
Loc: Haarlem, Netherlands
|
|
Just a notice - It might not be possible to get the eyepiece into focus if there is a star diagonal in place. I can't remember if this is for infinity or for things relatively closeby.
Otherwise, nice list. 
--------------------
Telescopes: NexStar 8SE, 90ED f/5.5 doublet, Galileoscope
Accessories: Hyperion 36mm, GSO 32mm, E-lux 25mm, Hyperion 8mm,
DBK 41AU02.AS, 2x Barlow, 0.63x Focal Reducer, Solar Filter, UHC Filter
My (astro-)photos can be found on flickr.
|
Elias_Jordan
member
Reged: 12/26/08
Posts: 74
Loc: Derby, Kansas
|
|
Problem with the Diagonal is that the GS doesn't have enough "in" focus for Celestial and Most non Celestial Objects. (Anything far away). I've tried 20 or more already....
Cool List!
|
PiperKev
super member
Reged: 12/19/06
Posts: 162
Loc: Grafton, OH
|
|
Another CNer, erick, has come up with a way to use a modified diagonal with the Galileoscope:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=47260
Cheers,
Kevin
--------------------
Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic
Sears 4-6333 60mm f/15 refractor
50mm f/10 "Galileoscope" refractor w/Daisy Electronic Point Sight finder
TeleVue Plossls: 32mm, 11mm
Orion Sirius Plossls: 25mm, 20mm, 10mm
Astro-Tech Paradigm 15mm
Celestron Ultima 2x barlow
Orion LaserMate Deluxe + Meade 126 2x barlow
Telrad
|
PiperKev
super member
Reged: 12/19/06
Posts: 162
Loc: Grafton, OH
|
|
Well, I've just bought a Giant Mars Eye finder to try out on mine since it's really difficult for me to use the "rifle" sights that are part of the scope. Should be interesting to see if it helps!
Cheers,
Kevin
--------------------
Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic
Sears 4-6333 60mm f/15 refractor
50mm f/10 "Galileoscope" refractor w/Daisy Electronic Point Sight finder
TeleVue Plossls: 32mm, 11mm
Orion Sirius Plossls: 25mm, 20mm, 10mm
Astro-Tech Paradigm 15mm
Celestron Ultima 2x barlow
Orion LaserMate Deluxe + Meade 126 2x barlow
Telrad
|
GregAlt
member
Reged: 06/23/09
Posts: 30
Loc: Seattle, WA, USA
|
|
In the other thread, I mentioned a $14 plastic blueprint tube with shoulder strap that is a good fit for a carrying case:
http://v5.britlink.com/BL5/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=44829&Alias=thecompleteline&ItemID=1890033
Any recommendations on eyepieces or barlows? Sure I could spend $100+ and push the limits of what the galileoscope could do, but I figure you'd quickly reach diminishing returns. What's the sweet spot for wow-factor compared to the existing plastic lenses but on a budget?
It looks like for $40+shipping you could get both a replacement eyepiece and barlow from the Owl link above. Or maybe it would make more sense to just spend $18 for either the 10mm or 6.5mm eyepiece.
My (newbie) sense is the 6.5mm eyepiece would give me the most bang for the buck. I'd still have the options of 25x and 50x magnification with the plastic lenses, and the 25x seems decent by itself. But for looking at planets, I'd get a slight boost in magnification up to 77x, and it should be noticeably improved viewing with fewer and better quality lenses in the light path.
I'd also imagine that the limitations of the galileoscope would mean that it wouldn't necessarily be worth it to invest much more money. Would I be right to think that the biggest wow-factor jump would be in spending the $18, and that throwing another $50-$100 into an eyepiece/barlow would have less noticeable marginal improvement? And if we get up much more beyond that, then it would make more sense buying a whole new telescope with a bigger aperture.
Though some quick searching suggests eye relief would be a problem with such a short plossl.
Is there a workable option that closer to $20 than $40?
--------------------
Orion XT8i - 8" f/5.9
Nikon Action 10x50 Binoculars
Galileoscope 50mm f/10 (20mm ep + 2x barlow)
25mm, 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepieces (1.25")
12.5mm Black Knight OWL Super Plossl
2x Knight OWL Barlow
|
hamelph
newbie
Reged: 07/07/09
Posts: 3
|
|
For those in Canada, for the tube, you can try Omer Desserres, art supplies store. I bought this yesterday:
http://216.139.219.73/SITES/deserresca/index.asp?C=1&DB=012_deserresca&M=1&L=F&categorie=T2329
It fits perfectly. I used the foam packing from the lenses to pad the bottom of the tube.
Philippe
|
erick
member
Reged: 11/21/07
Posts: 77
Loc: Bacchus Marsh, Australia
|
|
I've picked up a tube from my post office. Cut the length down. Stuffed some "bubble-wrap" in the ends and pushed in the tube endcaps - indestructible carry case!
Have been experimenting with mounting the GS on a small tracking mount (an old Meade ETX base). Need a better support than the tripod mount. Was tracking nicely but with a bit of wind the other night Jupiter looked like a big mother firefly with four little baby fireflies buzzing around the FOV!  I have a design in mind - a bit of aluminium, some wood with V cuts, a few screws, some rubberbands.....
|
PiperKev
super member
Reged: 12/19/06
Posts: 162
Loc: Grafton, OH
|
|
Here's a question: Has anyone found a dust cap/lens cap that will work to protect the objective? I stopped by a local camera shop here in NE Ohio, and the "snap on" lens caps they had were 62mm, which was too small, and 67mm, which was too big. Right now, I have a Ziplock bag hanging over the dew shield just to keep dust off of the objective, but it looks tacky...
Cheers,
Kevin
--------------------
Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic
Sears 4-6333 60mm f/15 refractor
50mm f/10 "Galileoscope" refractor w/Daisy Electronic Point Sight finder
TeleVue Plossls: 32mm, 11mm
Orion Sirius Plossls: 25mm, 20mm, 10mm
Astro-Tech Paradigm 15mm
Celestron Ultima 2x barlow
Orion LaserMate Deluxe + Meade 126 2x barlow
Telrad
|
PiperKev
super member
Reged: 12/19/06
Posts: 162
Loc: Grafton, OH
|
|
Anyone??
--------------------
Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic
Sears 4-6333 60mm f/15 refractor
50mm f/10 "Galileoscope" refractor w/Daisy Electronic Point Sight finder
TeleVue Plossls: 32mm, 11mm
Orion Sirius Plossls: 25mm, 20mm, 10mm
Astro-Tech Paradigm 15mm
Celestron Ultima 2x barlow
Orion LaserMate Deluxe + Meade 126 2x barlow
Telrad
|
Zoeff
sage
Reged: 06/10/09
Posts: 258
Loc: Haarlem, Netherlands
|
|
I think you'll have to make one yourself.
--------------------
Telescopes: NexStar 8SE, 90ED f/5.5 doublet, Galileoscope
Accessories: Hyperion 36mm, GSO 32mm, E-lux 25mm, Hyperion 8mm,
DBK 41AU02.AS, 2x Barlow, 0.63x Focal Reducer, Solar Filter, UHC Filter
My (astro-)photos can be found on flickr.
|
Elias_Jordan
member
Reged: 12/26/08
Posts: 74
Loc: Derby, Kansas
|
|
Need something thats 63mm, thats how big the inside of the Dew Cap is...Hmm lets see if I can find something, or build something...
|
GregAlt
member
Reged: 06/23/09
Posts: 30
Loc: Seattle, WA, USA
|
|
So looking at the owl site again...
They have a deal for 3 eyepieces and a 3x barlow for $70. It seems like a lot of money to throw at a galileoscope, but if I ever upgraded to a 6" dob like everyone seems to think is a reasonable next step, the eyepieces would be usable and not too inferior of quality.
If that's true, then which to pick? They have 4, 6.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40mm
It sounds like the maximum usable magnification for the galileoscope is about 100x. If you got the 15, 20, and 25mm eyepieces with a 3x barlow, that would give you magnification of 20, 25, 33, 60, 75, and 100x. Alternatively, you could get 12.5, 15, and 20mm which would give you 25, 33, 40, 75, 100, and 120x.
Or, for $39, I can skip the combo deal and just get a 2x and a 12.5mm. Then I'd have 25x, 40x, 50x, and 80x - with a combination of the new 12.5mm and new 2x barlow and the stock 20mm eyepiece. Probably reasonable since the stock eyepiece isn't that bad, and there's probably not much benefit having more than 80x magnification.
Any thoughts? Also, standard 1.25" eyepieces fit, but if I'm looking at something high in the sky, would I have to worry about them dropping right out of the galileoscope? Or do they fit snug enough not to worry?
--------------------
Orion XT8i - 8" f/5.9
Nikon Action 10x50 Binoculars
Galileoscope 50mm f/10 (20mm ep + 2x barlow)
25mm, 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepieces (1.25")
12.5mm Black Knight OWL Super Plossl
2x Knight OWL Barlow
|
Zoeff
sage
Reged: 06/10/09
Posts: 258
Loc: Haarlem, Netherlands
|
|
Quote:
So looking at the owl site again...
They have a deal for 3 eyepieces and a 3x barlow for $70. It seems like a lot of money to throw at a galileoscope, but if I ever upgraded to a 6" dob like everyone seems to think is a reasonable next step, the eyepieces would be usable and not too inferior of quality.
If that's true, then which to pick? They have 4, 6.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40mm
It sounds like the maximum usable magnification for the galileoscope is about 100x. If you got the 15, 20, and 25mm eyepieces with a 3x barlow, that would give you magnification of 20, 25, 33, 60, 75, and 100x. Alternatively, you could get 12.5, 15, and 20mm which would give you 25, 33, 40, 75, 100, and 120x.
Or, for $39, I can skip the combo deal and just get a 2x and a 12.5mm. Then I'd have 25x, 40x, 50x, and 80x - with a combination of the new 12.5mm and new 2x barlow and the stock 20mm eyepiece. Probably reasonable since the stock eyepiece isn't that bad, and there's probably not much benefit having more than 80x magnification.
Any thoughts? Also, standard 1.25" eyepieces fit, but if I'm looking at something high in the sky, would I have to worry about them dropping right out of the galileoscope? Or do they fit snug enough not to worry?
The Galileoscope is an f/10, while most dobs are about an f/6 or so. This means that they've got a much wider field of view compared to the Galileoscope. Eyepieces that work for the GS might not work for the dob you're going to buy.
Personally, I'd recommend the second option you considered (without a future dob in mind). I don't recommend spending a lot on your first set of eyepieces, you might regret it later. Also, anything higher than 80x will make it extremely difficult to focus.
I wouldn't worry too much about eyepieces falling out, they do fit in quite nicely with friction alone. Unless of course you bought some heavy and/or expensive one...
--------------------
Telescopes: NexStar 8SE, 90ED f/5.5 doublet, Galileoscope
Accessories: Hyperion 36mm, GSO 32mm, E-lux 25mm, Hyperion 8mm,
DBK 41AU02.AS, 2x Barlow, 0.63x Focal Reducer, Solar Filter, UHC Filter
My (astro-)photos can be found on flickr.
|
Robert Cook
super member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 101
Loc: San Diego County, California
|
|
Zoeff wrote:
Quote:
The Galileoscope is an f/10, while most dobs are about an f/6 or so. This means that they've got a much wider field of view compared to the Galileoscope.
Are you sure? What you say about focal ratio would be true with all else being equal, but all else is not equal. In visual astronomy, the width of a telescope's maximum true field of view is ultimately determined by its focal length, the width of its focuser, and the width of the exit pupil. The Galileoscope's focal length is only 500 mm compared to the ~1200 mm of typical Dobs, and its maximum field of view with its 1.25" focuser is probably around 3.2 degrees (using a 32 mm Plössl with a 50 degree apparent field of view and a 3.2 mm exit pupil). This would be tough for a typical Dob to match even if we gave it a 2" focuser and ignored exit pupil width, which is actually the most severe limiting factor here.
By the way, although tiny tabletop Dobs may be able to match or exceed the Galileoscope in maximum field of view, they wouldn't be that much of an upgrade overall, if they are at all.
Zoeff wrote:
Quote:
Eyepieces that work for the GS might not work for the dob you're going to buy.
That's a valid consideration regardless of anything I've said above.
|
Zoeff
sage
Reged: 06/10/09
Posts: 258
Loc: Haarlem, Netherlands
|
|
I meant with the same eyepieces.
Or am I missing something here? 
--------------------
Telescopes: NexStar 8SE, 90ED f/5.5 doublet, Galileoscope
Accessories: Hyperion 36mm, GSO 32mm, E-lux 25mm, Hyperion 8mm,
DBK 41AU02.AS, 2x Barlow, 0.63x Focal Reducer, Solar Filter, UHC Filter
My (astro-)photos can be found on flickr.
Edited by Zoeff (07/31/09 03:46 AM)
|
Robert Cook
super member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 101
Loc: San Diego County, California
|
|
Zoeff wrote:
Quote:
I meant with the same eyepieces.
Or am I missing something here?
With the same eyepiece, the true field of view can be calculated by dividing the focal length of the telescope by the focal length of the eyepiece in order to get the magnification, and then dividing the apparent field of view in the eyepiece by the magnification. Using a 32 mm eyepiece with a 50 degree apparent field of view, for example, the Galileoscope would have a true field of view of 50 / (500 / 32) = 3.2 degrees, while a typical 8" f/6 Dob would have a true field of view of 50 / (1200 / 32) = ~1.3 degrees, which is narrower rather than wider despite the faster focal ratio.
A telescope's focal ratio does play a part in the equation, but only in combination with the width of the objective lens/mirror in determining the telescope's focal length. In the end, although it may seem strange at first, only the focal length matters when determining things like magnification and true field of view. The focal ratio is handy for calculating the width of the exit pupil by dividing the focal length of the eyepiece by the telescope's focal ratio. The exit pupil in turn limits the eyepiece focal lengths that can be used with a telescope because you'd want to be able to fit the whole image through the pupil of your eye.
All else being equal, it is true that a lower (faster) focal ratio results in a wider field of view because the image at the focal plane is smaller. However, in this case there is a large difference between the sizes of the objectives, which ultimately causes the image in typical Dobs to be larger than that of the Galileoscope (a larger objective means a larger image and more magnification) and therefore narrower in field of view. The only way to make them equivalent in maximum true field of view would be to use a 76.8 mm eyepiece, but then you would need pupils about four times larger than the ones you have, as well as a focuser larger than 2".
|
Zoeff
sage
Reged: 06/10/09
Posts: 258
Loc: Haarlem, Netherlands
|
|
Brain. It just died.
I'll have to study your post for a while before I understand it...
--------------------
Telescopes: NexStar 8SE, 90ED f/5.5 doublet, Galileoscope
Accessories: Hyperion 36mm, GSO 32mm, E-lux 25mm, Hyperion 8mm,
DBK 41AU02.AS, 2x Barlow, 0.63x Focal Reducer, Solar Filter, UHC Filter
My (astro-)photos can be found on flickr.
|
GregAlt
member
Reged: 06/23/09
Posts: 30
Loc: Seattle, WA, USA
|
|
Here's an online telescope calculator that puts it all together in a way that makes some sense to me:
http://www.stargazing.net/naa/scopemath.htm
Putting in the numbers for a galileoscope and a 6" f/6 dob suggest the optimum eyepieces for a galileoscope would be 20mm-40mm and for the dob would be 12mm-24mm, with the usable range (not counting focuser length, I guess, and assuming my 38 year old eyes) being 5mm-63mm for the galileoscope and 3mm-40mm for the dob.
--------------------
Orion XT8i - 8" f/5.9
Nikon Action 10x50 Binoculars
Galileoscope 50mm f/10 (20mm ep + 2x barlow)
25mm, 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepieces (1.25")
12.5mm Black Knight OWL Super Plossl
2x Knight OWL Barlow
|
Robert Cook
super member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 101
Loc: San Diego County, California
|
|
Zoeff wrote:
Quote:
I'll have to study your post for a while before I understand it...
Feel free to ask questions about anything I said, and I'll try my best to explain. Basically, true field of view depends on the aperture as well as the focal ratio. Multiply the two together and you get the telescope's focal length, which conveniently takes both factors into account simultaneously. The Galileoscope's focal length is 500 mm (50 mm aperture times focal ratio 10) while a typical Dob's focal length is 1200 mm (200 mm aperture times focal ratio 6), which means that the Galileoscope has a wider field of view (the shorter the focal length, the wider the true field of view).
|
Zoeff
sage
Reged: 06/10/09
Posts: 258
Loc: Haarlem, Netherlands
|
|
Looking at Starry Night Pro, the galileoscope does give me a bigger circle with the same eyepiece even though it's got the same focal ratio.
You learn something new everyday!
--------------------
Telescopes: NexStar 8SE, 90ED f/5.5 doublet, Galileoscope
Accessories: Hyperion 36mm, GSO 32mm, E-lux 25mm, Hyperion 8mm,
DBK 41AU02.AS, 2x Barlow, 0.63x Focal Reducer, Solar Filter, UHC Filter
My (astro-)photos can be found on flickr.
|
GregAlt
member
Reged: 06/23/09
Posts: 30
Loc: Seattle, WA, USA
|
|
Quote:
Here's a question: Has anyone found a dust cap/lens cap that will work to protect the objective? I stopped by a local camera shop here in NE Ohio, and the "snap on" lens caps they had were 62mm, which was too small, and 67mm, which was too big. Right now, I have a Ziplock bag hanging over the dew shield just to keep dust off of the objective, but it looks tacky...
I found a cap that fits perfectly. The rubber lid off of a Clabber Girl 10 oz can of baking powder. If you're lucky like me, you already have a can in your cupboard - just wash the lid first, of course. And now my baking powder looks tacky with a baggy/rubber-band over it.
I was hoping for a black lid, but the Ben and Jerry's 3 oz ice cream and playdough cup lids were just a tad bit too small. Maybe someone can wonder around a grocery store with a can of baking powder looking for a more asthetically pleasing size match?
--------------------
Orion XT8i - 8" f/5.9
Nikon Action 10x50 Binoculars
Galileoscope 50mm f/10 (20mm ep + 2x barlow)
25mm, 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepieces (1.25")
12.5mm Black Knight OWL Super Plossl
2x Knight OWL Barlow
|
erick
member
Reged: 11/21/07
Posts: 77
Loc: Bacchus Marsh, Australia
|
|
I've often walked around the supermarket with a set of calipers checking diameters of bottles for binocular dew shields etc! I wonder what those monitoring the security camera footage make of that? 
|
yitping
journeyman
Reged: 06/24/07
Posts: 6
|
|
Hi everyone, I'm curious. What is the limiting magnitude of Galileoscope? I was observing from my room (no street lamp outside) and managed to see stars as faint as 8.6 magnitude. Any sharing is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
|
Elias_Jordan
member
Reged: 12/26/08
Posts: 74
Loc: Derby, Kansas
|
|
Depending on the skies, 9 would be the faintest.
|
PiperKev
super member
Reged: 12/19/06
Posts: 162
Loc: Grafton, OH
|
|
Awesome find, Greg! I stopped by Wallyworld on my way to work this morning and picked up a can (well, I actually bought their "Great Value" brand instead. $1.08 instead of $1.47. Woohoo.). I don't mind it not being black, but at least it's not yellow or green!  The translucent color won't look too bad, methinks!
On an unrelated note, I am going to pick up a Daisy BB gun "red dot" finder this afternoon, also at Wallyworld. I bought a Giant Mars-Eye finder used last week, but I somehow bolluxed the red LED so it only works intermittently, and I don't really care for the green. I figure that $9.97 is a cheap investment for my little scope...
I also have a 20mm Orion Sirius plossl on the way from a fellow CNer which set me back a whopping $24, so I can get rid of the plastic lens and barlow and look through pure glass! Should be interesting!
My 6" dob is starting to feel neglected while I play with my Galileoscope... 
Cheers,
Kevin
--------------------
Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic
Sears 4-6333 60mm f/15 refractor
50mm f/10 "Galileoscope" refractor w/Daisy Electronic Point Sight finder
TeleVue Plossls: 32mm, 11mm
Orion Sirius Plossls: 25mm, 20mm, 10mm
Astro-Tech Paradigm 15mm
Celestron Ultima 2x barlow
Orion LaserMate Deluxe + Meade 126 2x barlow
Telrad
|
PiperKev
super member
Reged: 12/19/06
Posts: 162
Loc: Grafton, OH
|
|
Here's my small bit o' pimpage:
My $1.07 lens cap:
Daisy Electronic Point Sight:
The whole thing so far, sitting on the Walmart OSN MX2000 tripod (legs retracted):
Not much, but it's a start!
Cheers,
Kevin
--------------------
Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic
Sears 4-6333 60mm f/15 refractor
50mm f/10 "Galileoscope" refractor w/Daisy Electronic Point Sight finder
TeleVue Plossls: 32mm, 11mm
Orion Sirius Plossls: 25mm, 20mm, 10mm
Astro-Tech Paradigm 15mm
Celestron Ultima 2x barlow
Orion LaserMate Deluxe + Meade 126 2x barlow
Telrad
|
erick
member
Reged: 11/21/07
Posts: 77
Loc: Bacchus Marsh, Australia
|
|
You've seen my diagonal addition in another thread? Needed a 2x barlow lens (off a cheap barlow) screwed on the front to reach focus.
What I'll really like is this Stellarvue diagonal with erecting prism and, wait for it, a helical focusser!
This one:- #D1026AF On this page:- http://www.stellarvue.com/diagonals.html
I haven't found anything similar locally as yet, sadly.
Helical focuser - solves all the focussing woes.
Erecting prism - much more intuitive for newbies trying to locate objects and also holding the image stable while focussing. Also for terrestrial viewing.
Who can check this out? I reckon there might be a market for a cheap version of this with appropriate barlow lens screwed on the front. Perhaps 1.5x would be enough to achieve focus with a 20mm eyepiece?
|
bsim
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/04/08
Posts: 1060
Loc: New York City
|
|
Erick, The D1026AF erecting diagonal works with the GS. I did have to screw in the 2x barlow lens. And it does solve focusing issues. The only caveat is that the prism is really meant for lower power viewing. At high powers the Amici prism introduces artifacts (light spikes) on bright objects. I would prefer to use a regular diagonal with a helical focuser.
|
erick
member
Reged: 11/21/07
Posts: 77
Loc: Bacchus Marsh, Australia
|
|
bsim, that's good to hear. Focussing seems to have been the main difficulty people have faced. With the prsim problem, when you mean "at high powers", do you mean the GS 20mm eyepiece with the 2x barlow in place - or shorter focal length eyepieces?
Is there a standard mirror diagonal with helical focusser? Or do you have to buy a separate helical focusser (eg. Borg) and try to mate it with a diagonal?
Thanks
Eric
|
mwedel
super member
Reged: 12/16/07
Posts: 184
Loc: Claremont, CA
|
|
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for keeping this thread rolling, and many thanks to those who have posted pictures. We need to see that scope-bling!
--------------------
Orion XT6 "Shaft"
Little Maks: Orion Apex 90, Celestron orange tube C90, Synta MC90
Edmund Astroscan "Baby Red"
76mm ongoing ATM experiment
Celestron UpClose 10x50
Celestron SkyMaster 15x70
10 Minute Astronomy
|
bsim
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/04/08
Posts: 1060
Loc: New York City
|
|
Eric, I don't have many issues with an Orion Sirius 25mm plossl and the Stellarvue erect diagonal with the 2x barlow. A 20mm should be OK. The Orion prism diagonal which I prefer gives crisper images. I don't know of any regular diagonal mated with a helical focuser.
Last night, I viewed the moon and Jupiter through my window with a 25mm plossl. My window isn't optically perfect and a bit dirty, but the image was surprisingly good. With both diagonals (erect and prism) I could clearly see the Moon and Jupiter with the four Galilean moons. I saw the North and South equatorial bands of Jupiter with both diagonals. The regular diagonal was a bit crisper.
|
KD5NRH
member
Reged: 06/21/09
Posts: 50
Loc: Stephenville TX
|
|
Quote:
Looking at Starry Night Pro, the galileoscope does give me a bigger circle
Okay, using a telescope to look at Starry Night has to be the height of lazy astronomy. Try dragging it outside and looking at the sky with it.
|
Zoeff
sage
Reged: 06/10/09
Posts: 258
Loc: Haarlem, Netherlands
|
|
Quote:
Okay, using a telescope to look at Starry Night has to be the height of lazy astronomy. Try dragging it outside and looking at the sky with it.
You can simulate the FOV of any telescope with Starry Night.
--------------------
Telescopes: NexStar 8SE, 90ED f/5.5 doublet, Galileoscope
Accessories: Hyperion 36mm, GSO 32mm, E-lux 25mm, Hyperion 8mm,
DBK 41AU02.AS, 2x Barlow, 0.63x Focal Reducer, Solar Filter, UHC Filter
My (astro-)photos can be found on flickr.
|
erick
member
Reged: 11/21/07
Posts: 77
Loc: Bacchus Marsh, Australia
|
|
OK, for Australian readers, you need to buy some Jalna yogurt or some Bulla cream. Both these fit, the yogurt top being tightest and probably most long lasting. The Bulla cream fits well but is fairly thin plastic and may well crack in due course.
Edited by erick (08/08/09 01:21 AM)
|
erick
member
Reged: 11/21/07
Posts: 77
Loc: Bacchus Marsh, Australia
|
|
one more (ps. How do I attach multiple images to one post?)
|
erick
member
Reged: 11/21/07
Posts: 77
Loc: Bacchus Marsh, Australia
|
|
Second last
|
erick
member
Reged: 11/21/07
Posts: 77
Loc: Bacchus Marsh, Australia
|
|
last photo. Like my iceinspace sticker? www.iceinspace.com.au
|
yitping
journeyman
Reged: 06/24/07
Posts: 6
|
|
Hi erick, thanks for the tip. I just bought myself a bottle of Jalna yogurt and now can't wait to finish it to salvage the cap.
|
erick
member
Reged: 11/21/07
Posts: 77
Loc: Bacchus Marsh, Australia
|
|
I had to recover mine from our recycling bin!
|
erick
member
Reged: 11/21/07
Posts: 77
Loc: Bacchus Marsh, Australia
|
|
Re attaching images. Only one I think. I have to host them somewhere (eg. tinypic) and provide the links, it would seem.
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
I've been emailing with erick, but this thread looks like the info I've been looking for. So, a couple of questions...
The Daisy BB gun finder.....how'd you mount it, and in general, how does one use a laser finder?
Anyone try a Hartmann mask for focusing?
My main issues (and frustrations) are focusing and getting an object into view (considering adding an alt-az mount to my photo tripod) and keeping it there.
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
GregAlt
member
Reged: 06/23/09
Posts: 30
Loc: Seattle, WA, USA
|
|
Quote:
Or, for $39, I can skip the combo deal and just get a 2x and a 12.5mm. Then I'd have 25x, 40x, 50x, and 80x - with a combination of the new 12.5mm and new 2x barlow and the stock 20mm eyepiece. Probably reasonable since the stock eyepiece isn't that bad, and there's probably not much benefit having more than 80x magnification.
Well, I got the eyepiece and barlow from owl and tried it out a bit. There's definitely an improvement, and 80x magnification of Jupiter doesn't seem to be overkill. I haven't yet tried the new barlow with the stock plastic 20mm eyepiece, but that should be interesting to compare.
On the downside, focusing and aiming at 80x is much trickier than with the stock 50x eyepiece+barlow. You have to be very steady to not zing jupiter out of view when trying to focus, and then it can take a while to find again - I think the higher quality eyepiece/barlow removes some of the glow that you get when your bright target is slightly out of view. The other downside is the eyepiece requires you to get closer, and that combined with the eye cup makes it more likely to bump the scope sending jupiter out of view.
I've gotten quite good at getting jupiter in view and focused at 50x - taking maybe 30 seconds. At 80x, it probably took me 5 minutes and quite a bit of frustration.
If I were to invest in anything more now, it would probably be something to help with focusing. Hopefully someone can figure out how to get a relatively cheap helical focuser to work with the galileoscope, or maybe some sort of DIY gadget to use leverage to get some fine-tune adjustment out of the stock focuser. I don't have any solid ideas yet, but it seems like you should be able to clamp something onto focuser and onto the galileoscope and then have some kind of exoskeleton that pushes and pulls the mount points to focus without jarring everything out of view.
--------------------
Orion XT8i - 8" f/5.9
Nikon Action 10x50 Binoculars
Galileoscope 50mm f/10 (20mm ep + 2x barlow)
25mm, 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepieces (1.25")
12.5mm Black Knight OWL Super Plossl
2x Knight OWL Barlow
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
This is in response to GregAlt...
I do woodworking, and am tempted to figure out some sort if micro adjuster like is used for tuning fences. I'm likely to try the helical focuser that erick mentions above. The only issue I have with it is that it rotates, and I'm trying to mount a camera, too. I've found another helical focuser, but it's twice the price, so haven't jumped for it.
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
Edited by DavidD (08/13/09 05:43 PM)
|
PiperKev
super member
Reged: 12/19/06
Posts: 162
Loc: Grafton, OH
|
|
As far as mounting the Daisy red dot finder, it was simple for me because the Giant Mars-Eye finder I bought for it previously came with a mount. From what I've read, you can get a standard "dovetail" mount for a couple of bucks from your local sporting goods store (probably even Walmart) for a couple of bucks. I just used double-sided sticky foam tape to attach the mount to my Galileoscope. Of course, I can't disassemble the scope now, but I planned to leave it assembled anyway.
I've also seen folks rubber band the finder to the scope, but that just looks tacky to me.
Hope this helps,
Kevin
--------------------
Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic
Sears 4-6333 60mm f/15 refractor
50mm f/10 "Galileoscope" refractor w/Daisy Electronic Point Sight finder
TeleVue Plossls: 32mm, 11mm
Orion Sirius Plossls: 25mm, 20mm, 10mm
Astro-Tech Paradigm 15mm
Celestron Ultima 2x barlow
Orion LaserMate Deluxe + Meade 126 2x barlow
Telrad
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
That's what it looked like to me, double sided tape.
So, if I want to put something relatively inexpensive on the GS to sight with (I'll try to find the Daisy sight)......how do I use it? I assume I somehow have to calibrate it, and then, I point the red dot at what I want to view? I'm really a beginner at this part. I can use the rifle sight, though can't see it well. I have used a spotting scope on a cheap telescope with limited success. So, trying to find a possibly better solution at aiming the GS.
David
|
PiperKev
super member
Reged: 12/19/06
Posts: 162
Loc: Grafton, OH
|
|
Hi, David!
Basically, the Daisy sight (or any red dot finder) uses an LED to put a red dot on a clear screen. The finder will have screws (in the case of the Daisy sight) or knobs that you use to adjust where the dot appears on the screen. The best way to calibrate it is to point your scope at a fixed object, such as a light, center it in your eyepiece, then look through the finder. You use the knobs/screws (there are usually two - one for horizontal adjustment, one for vertical) to zero the dot in on the object you have centered in your eyepiece. It can work with Polaris, too, since it is relatively stationary. After you have adjusted the dot, you use both eyes, with one looking through the finder, and point your scope so that the dot is superimposed on whatever you want to observe. The object should then be centered in your eyepiece.
The Daisy sight is a bit bright, even at the low setting, and the screen is tinted, so it's not the perfect choice of finder, but it will work. Some ambitious folks have modified the Daisy finder so that the LED is dimmer and they remove the tint from the screen:
Daisy Red Dot Finder--The Easy Way
Modify the $12 Daisy Red Dot BB-Gun Sight for Astronomical Use
Daisy also offers a finder similar to the Giant Mars-Eye finder that has a brightness control (Max View Electronic Point Site, Item 7811), but I haven't been able to find one locally.
Hope this helps,
Kevin
--------------------
Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic
Sears 4-6333 60mm f/15 refractor
50mm f/10 "Galileoscope" refractor w/Daisy Electronic Point Sight finder
TeleVue Plossls: 32mm, 11mm
Orion Sirius Plossls: 25mm, 20mm, 10mm
Astro-Tech Paradigm 15mm
Celestron Ultima 2x barlow
Orion LaserMate Deluxe + Meade 126 2x barlow
Telrad
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
Kevin,
Thanks for the links and the explanation. I think I saw similar sights at Harbor Freight the other day. I'll stop by on the way to work.
I didn't envision an overlaying dot. I pictured a red stream into the sky, and didn't quite see how that was aim-able.
David
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
I've had in mind to add more support under the scope, even more than erick's mount, by making taking a strip of wood, routing out a spot for the scopes mount, putting in a 1/4" bolt to attach the scope, and either add cradles or rings to hold the ends. Then, put a sliding dovetail on the bottom. Second piece is a block of wood with a dovetail dado, and a 1/4" thread to mount on the tripod. Add a side screw to lock the scope in place. Slide the dovetails together and find the balance point and lock it in.
Then in surfing the web today, I realized there are probably existing milled metal parts to do the same thing. So, not knowing any better, is there any reason that my woodworking solution won't work as well as the commercial parts?
David
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
OK, I'm on a roll. I'm a little late to this party, but I'm personally still kicking around ideas to make the GS better. So, to stimulate some more ideas and conversation.....
I ran across this focuser in my searching.
http://www.meridiantelescopes.com/images/telescopefocuser/fcr07b.htm
Logic tells me this won't work, as the ID of the focuser end of the GS is about 1 7/8". But, I also know that there are tricks of the trade in building scopes, and something could maybe be rigged to use this.
I'm also interested as I do have a ~2" tube and a 2nd GS kit, and maybe could get the focuser to fit this tube somehow. Again, it's smaller than the spec....the ID is around 2.1-2.2", but it's at least closer.
And.....there is a focuser on the 2" tube, but it's too small to use in the GS without dismantling it, and sawing it to bits to make something usable. However, I've pretty much determined this scope is useless, so I'm willing to do that and do some experimenting.
Comments??
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
PiperKev
super member
Reged: 12/19/06
Posts: 162
Loc: Grafton, OH
|
|
Quote:
Kevin,
Thanks for the links and the explanation. I think I saw similar sights at Harbor Freight the other day. I'll stop by on the way to work.
I didn't envision an overlaying dot. I pictured a red stream into the sky, and didn't quite see how that was aim-able.
David
Sure thing, David!
Actually, there are green laser finders on the market now that incorporate a green laser pointer and a mount. It does aim a beam of green laser light into the sky, but I've never seen one actually in use. Interesting concept, though!
Cheers,
Kevin
--------------------
Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic
Sears 4-6333 60mm f/15 refractor
50mm f/10 "Galileoscope" refractor w/Daisy Electronic Point Sight finder
TeleVue Plossls: 32mm, 11mm
Orion Sirius Plossls: 25mm, 20mm, 10mm
Astro-Tech Paradigm 15mm
Celestron Ultima 2x barlow
Orion LaserMate Deluxe + Meade 126 2x barlow
Telrad
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
I found the Daisy dot finder at Wallyworld for <$9. All HF had were spotting scopes. There was a rack for a laser finder under the Daisy, but it was empty. Will try it out soon.
David
|
erick
member
Reged: 11/21/07
Posts: 77
Loc: Bacchus Marsh, Australia
|
|
Many amateurs make use of a green laser pointer. Green is used because the eye is more sensitive to this wavelength than the common red laser pointer. If skies are dark enough, a 5 milliwatt green laser pointer is sufficient power. To have a red laser pointer to be as visible, it has to be much more powerful.
USE:- If the laser beam is pointed at the dark sky when your eyes have adjusted, the beam hits all the dust and fine water droplets in the sky and scatters back so one can see the beam going off into the sky - sort of Star Wars Light Sabre-like! If people are standing close to the person with the laser (within say 10 feet) they also see the beam. The trigonometry is such that they all perceive the end of the laser beam to be at the same infinite point. So if the person holding it points it so that the end of the beam seems to them to be on a star, the others see the same thing. So it is really useful for someone to show other people things in the sky or to indicate a point they want to look at.
Now, if you mount a laser beam on your telescope (there are special laser pointer holders that you can buy) and align it properly with the axis of the scope (like aligning the Daisy Dot finder) then, if you move the scope so the laser beam seems to end at the object of interest, it will be in the field of view of the scope. It is really easy.
One point to mention. Green lasers stop "lasing" at low temperatures. My experience that this is down around a few degrees above freezing (in my case around 3-5 deg Celsius). Many people think it is their batteries going flat or cold, but it is the laser itself. You need to keep it warm. Best way is, between uses, put it in an inside pocket against your body.
SAFETY:- Which leads us to safety. A mis-used green laser pointer can be a significant problem. Shone into someone's eyes can cause a problem. Usually the blink reflex prevents serious damage, but with the more powerful lasers (I have seen these lasers sold up to 100 milliwatts), who knows. At least they will distract a pilot or a car driver and un-intelligent people have done this with them. They should not be in the hands of children or anyone who does not understand and won't use them responsibly and safely. Hence keeping it in your pocket between uses so no one else touches it. A second problem is avoiding getting thumped by an astrophotographer whose image was ruined by the flash of a green laser pointer beam through his/her field of view. Be careful if others are taking images.
LAW:- In various jurisdictions, there are laws that deal with these devices. For example, in my State of Australia, any hand-held laser pointer of greater than 1 milliwatt emittable power is a "prohibited weapon". I have a licence from the Police to possess and use my 5 milliwatt laser pointer and I had to justify its use and adhere to certain conditions and pay a licence fee.
Do a bit of goggling of green lasers and astronomy and safety and law and you'll find all you need.
Edited by erick (08/15/09 06:20 PM)
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
erick - thanks for the explanation. I'm always a bit leery about lasers anyway. I worked on fiber optic telecom equipment for years. Kids using the red ones for pranks just irk me.
Kevin -
Let me curb my excitement, but - wooooohooooo!!!!!
I might regret this later, but my Daisy sight had two rails on the sides, making the dovetail square. I just loosened these up a bit an fit the finder over the gun sight, the tightened them back down. All seems to be secure, and they look like the clamp just at or a bit lower than the V, so I don't think they'll break the gun sight with the clamping pressure. You can also still use the original sight - you just have a triangle to aim with instead of a V.
And, IT WORKS! I've only sighted with it in the daylight, but I can easily aim the scope now. This will make things a log easier for me.
BTW, this finder switch has two positions, a low power and normal power. I'll have to try it at night, but I think the low power will work fine. And, as you state, since you use both eyes, the tinting on the sight is now really an issue.
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
PiperKev
super member
Reged: 12/19/06
Posts: 162
Loc: Grafton, OH
|
|
That's very cool, David! I never thought to clamp it directly onto the existing sight! I may have to give that a look so that I CAN take the scope back apart in the future. Thanks for the idea!
Cheers,
Kevin
--------------------
Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic
Sears 4-6333 60mm f/15 refractor
50mm f/10 "Galileoscope" refractor w/Daisy Electronic Point Sight finder
TeleVue Plossls: 32mm, 11mm
Orion Sirius Plossls: 25mm, 20mm, 10mm
Astro-Tech Paradigm 15mm
Celestron Ultima 2x barlow
Orion LaserMate Deluxe + Meade 126 2x barlow
Telrad
|
RatOmeter
journeyman
Reged: 08/13/09
Posts: 8
|
|
Quote:
erick - thanks for the explanation. I'm always a bit leery about lasers anyway.
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
I've added the above sticker to the front of my scope ;-) Anyone looking back at me has been warned.
I tried out the finder last night. It was fine with my 20mm EP in, but not close enough with a Barlow. I tweaked it a bit, and I think it at least gets me in the middle third of the field of view. I really have to thank you for this info. It makes things 10x, no 100x easier for me to aim the scope.
I went to the hardware store on Saturday with a digital calipers looking for things that might work for things that would work for lens caps, etc. I bought a few things in the plumbing dept, but they were all oh so close, but not close enough. A 1.5" rubber cap will fit the back of the scope with no lenses inserted. I found some test caps that almost fit the front. These are knock outs, and I punched the center out of one, and put a cross made of tape over it. It will hang off the end of the scope as a mask. I can see the spikes, but they are faint enough that I can't get much closer in focus. I also figured out that when focusing, the biggest issue is the jiggling and trying to keep the object in view. BTW, I did find a sewer grate that just didn't quite fit the end. But, holding it manually, I see a bunch of images that converge when in focus, so my guess is, it'd work if it'd fit.
So, still thinking about focusing....any way to rig a simple Crayford setup to roll the tube in and out, losing a minimum of inward travel?
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
mwedel
super member
Reged: 12/16/07
Posts: 184
Loc: Claremont, CA
|
|
Quote:
So, still thinking about focusing....any way to rig a simple Crayford setup to roll the tube in and out, losing a minimum of inward travel?
I wonder if the PVC Crayford described here could be adapted for the G'Scope?
--------------------
Orion XT6 "Shaft"
Little Maks: Orion Apex 90, Celestron orange tube C90, Synta MC90
Edmund Astroscan "Baby Red"
76mm ongoing ATM experiment
Celestron UpClose 10x50
Celestron SkyMaster 15x70
10 Minute Astronomy
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
I apologize for not quoting all my replies. I hope everyone reading can figure out what my posts refer to.
Quote:
I wonder if the PVC Crayford described here could be adapted for the G'Scope?
This is closer than anything I've come across. The challenge would be to make it slim enough so that you don't lose any focus length. I hate to say it, but something could probably be hacked into the tube itself. You'd keep the inward range, but lose some outward range.
I have searched to find a linear bearing that was slim, say 1/4"-1/2", but haven't come up with one. Everthing I've found is too long, or rotates instead of sliding.
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
I might have half of the solution for a lightweight Crayford. I haven't tried anything out yet, but decide to post this to see if it generated any ideas. Shower curtain rings with bearings on them. I bought the cheap ones at the local hardware store to work with. Not sure what to use for the friction roller, though. I'd like to do this with off the shelf parts, as that helps anyone else that might want to make one. I could use wood to give it somewhat of a frame to hold the roller. Am thinking of using two of the rings and the roller in between. The other issue is how to mount it to the scope so that it has something to work against.
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
PiperKev
super member
Reged: 12/19/06
Posts: 162
Loc: Grafton, OH
|
|
Quote:
I tried out the finder last night. It was fine with my 20mm EP in, but not close enough with a Barlow. I tweaked it a bit, and I think it at least gets me in the middle third of the field of view. I really have to thank you for this info. It makes things 10x, no 100x easier for me to aim the scope.
You're quite welcome! I had to do something since it was pretty difficult for me to use the rifle sights to home in on anything besides the moon. I use a Telrad on my XT6, so I figured a red dot finder would be a near-perfect solution for my aiming problem. Hmmm, I wonder how a Telrad would fit on the Galileoscope...
Cheers,
Kevin
--------------------
Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic
Sears 4-6333 60mm f/15 refractor
50mm f/10 "Galileoscope" refractor w/Daisy Electronic Point Sight finder
TeleVue Plossls: 32mm, 11mm
Orion Sirius Plossls: 25mm, 20mm, 10mm
Astro-Tech Paradigm 15mm
Celestron Ultima 2x barlow
Orion LaserMate Deluxe + Meade 126 2x barlow
Telrad
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
[RE Crayford focuser]
The shower rings I bought last night were a bit on the small side of the diameter needed. I found some better ones this morning. I have a resemblance of a friction roller....1/4 threaded rod, "well nuts", bushings, and knobs. Still not sure how to fit everything together. My goal is simple and small/light. I can see that I could make something much larger that would work. In the end, I'm not even sure I can generate enough force to move the tube. So, someone tell me if I should just drop this!!!
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
hale_bopp
journeyman
Reged: 03/11/09
Posts: 7
Loc: Tucson, Arizona
|
|
Remember there is a field stop in the Plossl eyepiece of the Galileoscope. This makes the field of view about 1.5 degrees. It will get a little larger if you remove the field stop (I think it is close to 2 degrees without the field stop...maybe a touch under, but the image is a little ragged at the edge of the field if you do this).
|
Howard H
newbie
Reged: 08/18/09
Posts: 1
|
|
Never heard of Jalna yogurt. I used the cover from a 4.5 oz can of Mauna Loa macademia nuts. It fits real well.
|
erick
member
Reged: 11/21/07
Posts: 77
Loc: Bacchus Marsh, Australia
|
|
Quote:
Never heard of Jalna yogurt. I used the cover from a 4.5 oz can of Mauna Loa macademia nuts. It fits real well.
And much more fun to eat the nuts than plain yogurt! 
|
Robert Cook
super member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 101
Loc: San Diego County, California
|
|
hale_bopp wrote:
Quote:
Remember there is a field stop in the Plossl eyepiece of the Galileoscope. This makes the field of view about 1.5 degrees. It will get a little larger if you remove the field stop (I think it is close to 2 degrees without the field stop...maybe a touch under, but the image is a little ragged at the edge of the field if you do this).
That's true and a good thing to keep in mind, although I was talking about its maximum theoretical true field of view using an example eyepiece other than the 20mm one that is included.
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
I received my Stellarvue helical focus diag today. Will try it out soon and post the experience. I ended up getting it directly from Stellarvue.
So, in the mean time, dropping the Crayford experiment, though I think it could/should be combined with the sturdier mount project. BTW, can anyone give me the dovetail measurements of a typical setup (yes, I know there might not be anything typical). I first need to know if I have a router bit with the correct angle, then will need to know the width and depth. If I do this right, it should be useful for a tripod/mount with a dovetail. Also, I thought the rail was on the scope side, but now think it's on the mount. Anyone confirm which it is?
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
and my alt-az fine adjuster came, too.
Just in time for the weekend.
Of course, after a week of crystal clear (but light polluted) skies for a week, it's a good chance of clouds tonight. I might have to try these out in the day light first.
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
erick
member
Reged: 11/21/07
Posts: 77
Loc: Bacchus Marsh, Australia
|
|
Is the attached what you want, David? I measured up my EQ5 mount dovetail rail holder and a dovetail rail itself. drawing not to any scale. Measurements in mm.
I was surprised at how shallow the left hand side angle is on the mount, but with the screws tight against the other side beveled edge of the plate, it is rock solid.
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
Quote:
Is the attached what you want, David? I measured up my EQ5 mount dovetail rail holder and a dovetail rail itself.
Thanks, Eric! Yes, this is what I wanted, and I'm glad I asked. This surprises me, too. I had pictured a sliding dovetail! But this makes sense, so that it can drop in at any point. The socket is on the mount (rail on the scope)? The rail is symmetrical?
No one has answered my question as to whether making this from wood is a bad idea.
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
erick
member
Reged: 11/21/07
Posts: 77
Loc: Bacchus Marsh, Australia
|
|
The dovetail rail (plate) is symmetrical.
Yes, the socket is on the mount. The rail is fitted to the scope. Usually two "rings" are mounted on the rail. The rail and rings are mounted first, then the rings, which are hinged, are opened up, scope is placed in and rings are closed and pulled tight.
With a galileoscope's lack of any real weight, wood would be fine if you can make it work.
Quote:
Quote:
Is the attached what you want, David? I measured up my EQ5 mount dovetail rail holder and a dovetail rail itself.
Thanks, Eric! Yes, this is what I wanted, and I'm glad I asked. This surprises me, too. I had pictured a sliding dovetail! But this makes sense, so that it can drop in at any point. The socket is on the mount (rail on the scope)? The rail is symmetrical?
No one has answered my question as to whether making this from wood is a bad idea.
David
Edited by erick (08/21/09 11:33 PM)
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
First impressions (terrestrial viewing)...
The Stellarvue diag is nicely made. I did notice, however, that there are specs/spots in the coating on the prism. I don't know if these show up in viewing and probably wouldn't have noticed them if I weren't examining it to see how it disassembles. This diag is image correcting. I took the Barlow off the other diag and put it on the Stellarvue. I added my 20mm Galileo lens. In working the helical focus, I noticed the lens bottoms out. If you loosen the set screw and continue turning, the lens ends up proud of the top edge (5mm?). I locked it in this position. I aimed at the most distant palm tree, and rough focused with the slider, getting it close, but not worrying about perfection. I finished focusing nicely with the helical focus. I should note that I set the helical barrel midway before starting all this. I was able to get satisfactory focus. In fact I could really sharpen the crevices in the palm tree trunks. I got it as close to perfect focus as I think my eyes will let me, and noting that there is still shimmering in the view, though much less than when using the slide focus. And the palm trees themselves were moving a bit, so that didn't help.
The treads of both end pieces don't appear to match my other diag - smaller diameter. The scope end has filter threads needed to attach the Barlow. I didn't try it with my camera mount. I'll do that some other day.
I also added the alt-az head to my tripod. It is much smaller than I thought it would be. The mounting area is about half what my tripod has. I didn't use this to aim. I sighted as usual with my tripod controls, then used the fine adjustment knobs on the head to tweak the field of view. It worked exactly as I had anticipated.
I had also bought a nice, though a bit more expensive, bino mount that also takes a spotting device (I went to another Wallyworld and bought three more - one for the bino mount, one for each of the two kids) in the order with the alt-az head. The container it comes in is a nice plastic double cylinder with a helical twist.....focuser??
More clouds forecast for tonight, so it'll be a few nights before I can use this combo for viewing.
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
mwedel
super member
Reged: 12/16/07
Posts: 184
Loc: Claremont, CA
|
|
Quote:
I had also bought a nice, though a bit more expensive, bino mount that also takes a spotting device (I went to another Wallyworld and bought three more - one for the bino mount, one for each of the two kids) in the order with the alt-az head. The container it comes in is a nice plastic double cylinder with a helical twist.....focuser??
Beats me. This doesn't sound like anything I've seen at Wallyworld, but then I haven't looked in a while. Do you have a name or number for it, or is it on their webpage? I'm interested in checking it out.
Thanks in advance,
Matt
--------------------
Orion XT6 "Shaft"
Little Maks: Orion Apex 90, Celestron orange tube C90, Synta MC90
Edmund Astroscan "Baby Red"
76mm ongoing ATM experiment
Celestron UpClose 10x50
Celestron SkyMaster 15x70
10 Minute Astronomy
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
I somehow lost my last two posts, so I'll combine here.
Matt - to clarify, the Daisy target sight is from Wallyworld. The alt-za mount and bino mount are from an internet order. The helical packaging was for the bino mount. PM me if you want more info on any details.
The clouds cleared up somewhat last night, and I'd messed up one board on the router and decided to stop woodworking for the evening.
The Stellarvue diag performed exactly as I thought it would. I used my 20mm Plossl and not the GS EP. I used the slide focuser to get close to focus, then used the helical to fine tune. I can get much closer now, without throwing the object out of view. However, I think I'm really just lousy at focusing. There is a range in which I can't seem to figure out which way to go to make things better. I tried my homemade mask, but I really can't get enough light in to make the rays useful for focusing. BTW, the coating irregularities I mentioned above don't seem to be an issue, but I don't expect I'll "see" them until I try to take some photos.
The alt-az mount was a dream. I can aim close with my tripod controls, lock in, and use the alt-az from there. I still get some jiggles from touching the mount, but it doesn't throw the aim off.
I started the evening off at Jupiter. It eventually had high clouds over it, so I turned to the north. I actually have a very thin strip of sky to observe from my convenient location, which blocks a great deal of the surrounding light. I pulled in Mizar and split it - had to tweak the helical to get a better view. I went to a brighter star to the west - Arcturus? Then I decided to see how flexible my setup really was and went for Vega. It was a pain to aim, but once there, nice view. I should note that besides having the alt-az on the tripod, I switched the tripod alt handle to be away from me, so it didn't limit how far up I could point. I eventually went back to Jupiter as the clouds cleared again. I "think" I observed that the moons had moved a bit. I can see all the moons, and two darker bands on Jupiter w/ the GS.
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
GregAlt
member
Reged: 06/23/09
Posts: 30
Loc: Seattle, WA, USA
|
|
I happened upon this and thought I'd share - some clever galileoscope owner devised a lego focuser mod:
http://bespokeblog.wordpress.com/2009/08/25/galileoscope-modification-lego-focuser/
I really like the design. I wonder how tough it would be to clamp onto the scope rather than permanently glue it on.
--------------------
Orion XT8i - 8" f/5.9
Nikon Action 10x50 Binoculars
Galileoscope 50mm f/10 (20mm ep + 2x barlow)
25mm, 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepieces (1.25")
12.5mm Black Knight OWL Super Plossl
2x Knight OWL Barlow
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
Quote:
I happened upon this and thought I'd share - some clever galileoscope owner devised a lego focuser mod:
http://bespokeblog.wordpress.com/2009/08/25/galileoscope-modification-lego-focuser/
I really like the design. I wonder how tough it would be to clamp onto the scope rather than permanently glue it on.
This really helps with the ideas I have been kicking around in my head, using wood. I'd pretty much decided to cannibalize the focuser on my cheap scope to use the rack and pinion, but know that doesn't help everyone. Using Lego parts for the rack and pinion would be more universal (and I have a storage box full of Lego parts!). I was also considering routing the rack into wood, which would have been time consuming and not entirely trouble free.
I think hose clamps are a good alternative to holding something to the scope body (though I'm considering making "rings"). I haven't quite figured out the focuser end...want to lose as little area as possible.
BTW, I use SketchUp to do my woodworking designs, and will likely start throwing ideas together. I can share those, if others are interested (and willing to critique). In fact, I could break down and sign up for online storage so that I can just point to the files. SketchUp is free via Google.
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
GregAlt
member
Reged: 06/23/09
Posts: 30
Loc: Seattle, WA, USA
|
|
How about this for an idea. There's the groove on the eyepiece end of the focuser tube, where you put the rubber o-ring: http://unawe.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=418&Itemid=139
What if you had a square made of wood, plastic, or metal, thin enough to fit in the groove, with a circle precisely cut out so that it fit inside the groove and clamped the tube together tightly so that it wouldn't come loose when pulling or pushing with it. I'm imagining something like medieval wooden stocks, split in the middle so you can open it up, and then some means to clamp it closed: http://www.costume-company.co.uk/assets/room-set-up/stocks-pop.jpg
If that could be made to work, you wouldn't lose any range of focus.
And, yes, on the scope, you could probably wrap some cut bike inner tubing around to protect the scope and just tighten the focuser on with a hose clamp.
--------------------
Orion XT8i - 8" f/5.9
Nikon Action 10x50 Binoculars
Galileoscope 50mm f/10 (20mm ep + 2x barlow)
25mm, 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepieces (1.25")
12.5mm Black Knight OWL Super Plossl
2x Knight OWL Barlow
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
I was thinking of a thinner ring that slid onto the dovetail and locked. Don't know if it'll provide enough force to move the tube. Of course, I don't know if anyone has noticed, but if you loosen the retaining ring a bit (one night mine kept wanting to come off) the sliding is much easier, though sloppier.
In looking for dust caps, I came across some plumbing fittings that are rubber and have the hose/pipe clamp already in place. I think it was the 1.5" (plumbing fittings are never the size they say they are, and ID/OD are used very loosely) that would work. Might need trimmed a bit (the one I have is 3-4" long).
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
The container at this link looks to be the same type that my bino mount came in, but smaller. I don't see any containers of this type offered standalone, but this would probably be a better size to rig a focuser with. Anyone seen these offered by themselves? Anyone identify the origin of the lens?
http://www.surplusshed.com/pages/item/l3585.html
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
This link has a better view of how the container is threaded:
http://www.surplusshed.com/pages/item/l3325.html
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
My focusing diag went back yesterday. I'll give a report on the new one, when I receive it. I'm on vacation next week, so likely won't be until after that.
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
DocC
newbie
Reged: 09/05/09
Posts: 2
|
|
We've ordered enough galileoscopes so that each student in the eight grade can take one home. Haven't seen one yet, but I'm trying to anticipate so we can jump on the moon phase. To send them home I'm considering a bubble wrap + 3"x25" mailing tube 'case'. My question: will it fit? I'm concerned about the sighting ridges which look like they rise above the dewshield.
Thanks for any guidance you can give.
-Craig
|
erick
member
Reged: 11/21/07
Posts: 77
Loc: Bacchus Marsh, Australia
|
|
Craig, I'll measure mine up tonight and post back here unless someone else can post the dimensions before me. Eric
|
Zoeff
sage
Reged: 06/10/09
Posts: 258
Loc: Haarlem, Netherlands
|
|
Just did some quick measurements, the sights do indeed rise above the dewshield. Counting the bottom of the dewshield and the top of the front sights, they still stay below the 3 inch mark on my ruler but only just.
It'll be a tight squeeze but with a bit of effort it should be possible.
--------------------
Telescopes: NexStar 8SE, 90ED f/5.5 doublet, Galileoscope
Accessories: Hyperion 36mm, GSO 32mm, E-lux 25mm, Hyperion 8mm,
DBK 41AU02.AS, 2x Barlow, 0.63x Focal Reducer, Solar Filter, UHC Filter
My (astro-)photos can be found on flickr.
|
erick
member
Reged: 11/21/07
Posts: 77
Loc: Bacchus Marsh, Australia
|
|
There you go. I suggest a plug of bubble wrap at each end is all the padding you need, protecting the eyepiece and objective lens. The scope body is robust enough to survive un-padded in the cardboard tube.
|
DocC
newbie
Reged: 09/05/09
Posts: 2
|
|
Thanks!
-Craig
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
My Daisy dot finder got switched on somewhere along the way, and the batteries died. Anyone replaced their batteries yet? I don't see an obvious way to open it up - I just see the adjustment screws.
David
(Still waiting for my diag to come back from Stellarvue...)
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
Nevermind.....I didn't notice the roundish panel at the FRONT of the finder. I have new batteries now.
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
Nebulocity
super member
Reged: 09/22/09
Posts: 107
Loc: Northwest Florida, USA
|
|
I just got my G'scope in last night! Woot!
Now, to just check out thos emounts you mentioned at the beginning of the thread, so i can let my daughter use it, and not drop it, while daddy uses his big "space gun" to look at the sky (as my 3 year old is so apt to call it, lol)
--------------------
- Celestron NexStar 8 SE 8” go-to SCT
- NexImage Solar System Imager
- Celestron 5x 1.25" Plössl EP set, 2x Barlow, 7x 1.25" filter set
- Celestron AC Adapter
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
Have fun with it! I had mine out last night at darker skies and had some nice views. Mostly looked at Jupiter.
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
I got oh so close to having a working helical focuser. I'd encountered a posting that used a light fixture that we apparently don't have in the US. So, I looked around some more as this was an ACE Hardware that I usually don't go to.
I came up with a few plumbing parts that looked like possibilities. Two of the parts appeared to be a good fit. One had a flange that fit nicely over the end cap that holds the scope together at the viewing end, and had a male thread. The other had a female thread and a 1.5" OD on the other end.
Well, I had to take the scope apart to get the close in piece onto the focus tube, and it went in with a snap, but I didn't see any damage (ABS is tough!). The other piece was ever so slightly larger, and would go over the rim and o-ring with no problems. The threaded part gave me about 1" of play. I rigged a couple more o-rings, one inside the contraption, and one over the o-ring/lip on the focus tube. It almost allowed both an inward and outward pull. No problem, I could always push it in, and use the threads to work it back out.
So, I mounted up with the 20mm GS lens in place, aimed at Jupiter, and started to focus. Problem, sigh. It needed to go in further. I tried my diag with the Barlow lens. Still needed to go in further. I worked with it for about an hour to no avail. There just wasn't enough inward movement with the threaded pieces in place.
So I proceeded to take it apart. That proved to be MUCH more difficult. I had to reverse that "snap" I'd encountered in getting the focus tube halves together in place. I ended up hack sawing the part I'd added and finally got to where I could get the two focus tube parts nested, and finally got them out.
I reassembled the GS, and it's none the worse for the stress, EXCEPT....now the focuser is even more contrary to get in and out, and the edges click against the inside of the scope more than before. So, at some point I'm going to have to take it apart again and smooth things out (I'm thinking teflon tape.
Oh, well....I've been told my focusing diag will be back soon.......
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
Edited by DavidD (10/23/09 12:55 AM)
|
The_Vagabond
member
Reged: 10/27/08
Posts: 25
Loc: Jacksonville, Florida
|
|
I've just ordered by GS, and am looking to address the diagonal problem using something other than barlow lenses. It seems to me that the GS operates best at lower than 80x; adding a barlow starts tipping towards higher magnification rather quickly.
What I want to do is come up with a solution that is simply and sturdy, something that the novice can use but be strong enough to take the punishment a novice might inflict on it.
So, before my GS arrives, quick preliminary question here; what sort of plastic is used for the main tube?
EDIT - Just found on the galileoscope.org site that the main tube is ABS plastic.
Edited by The_Vagabond (10/26/09 04:14 PM)
|
The_Vagabond
member
Reged: 10/27/08
Posts: 25
Loc: Jacksonville, Florida
|
|
As stated in my previous post, what I want to achieve is a modification that can be done by the average person with some average tools. In my experience, any modification to any telescope is possible, all it takes is the right amount of work. However, it is easy to overlook what the beginner may or may not have on hand. I'm sure that the approach that I'm looking at (shortening the tube) can be accomplished by anyone with even modest tools, But what about the person who has very few?
I also worry about straying too far afield from the spirit of what the Galileoscope represents. It is, ultimately, a beginners telescope, and perhaps more a "volkscope" than the ubiquitous 60mm. Don't get me wrong, adding a few accessories is a wonderful idea. However, where does one stop? I worry that, in the end, all that might be left in such a conversion are the optics. I'm sure that is the fate that is awaiting a number of these telescopes. For me, though, the challenge exists in what can be done with the instrument as is, and how can this be applied so that others can make those same changes, and can be done without Herculean effort.
--------------------
I have loved the stars too dearly to be fearful of the night...
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
The entire scope body is ABS (oops.....I see you know that now). Note that the body is tapered, though, so cutting off the end will also increase the diameter. There is also a "stop" that keeps the focuser from sliding all the out.
My experience in using the diag with the Barlow lens has been quite positive. I've not confirmed anything, but I "think" the diag makes the Barlow around 2.5x. Using a 20mm lens (either the one with the scope, or a Plossl) gives me around 66x magnification. Could be 75x. I can confirm it's more than 50x. I don't have any other lenses, but I'd say viewing in this configuration is comfortable.
I have been trying to NOT modify any of the original scope parts. I've added things on, and replaced the lens (though I still use the 20mm original at times). I haven't cut into any of the parts, though I know that would be a possibility.
Now, if you can figure out a way to focus I'd be much happier......
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
My diag finally returned this week! This one has no blemishes on the prism. The helical focus is making the GS fun again. I get close with the tube focus, then use the helical to fine tune. This isn't a cheap upgrade, but here's the link if anyone else is interested:
http://www.stellarvue.com/diagonals.html
4th one down....
David
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
nugget
member
Reged: 07/30/09
Posts: 51
|
|
Ok so after trying a couple of times to use my GS I found not having a diagonal is a pain. So I was wondering since I've heard that there is just not enough "in-focus" travel would I be able to add an extender then a diagonal to solve this problem? I'm trying to think of something that would help without completely decimating the original body. Or maybe I don't know what I'm talking about.
--------------------
Current Gear:
-10x50 Alpen binoculars (Wal-Mart clearance $15) and Tripod adapter
-50mm GalileoScope Kicks and giggles
-76mm Celestron FirstScope IYA 2009 Kicks and giggles too
|
Zoeff
sage
Reged: 06/10/09
Posts: 258
Loc: Haarlem, Netherlands
|
|
Quote:
Ok so after trying a couple of times to use my GS I found not having a diagonal is a pain. So I was wondering since I've heard that there is just not enough "in-focus" travel would I be able to add an extender then a diagonal to solve this problem? I'm trying to think of something that would help without completely decimating the original body. Or maybe I don't know what I'm talking about.
Unfortunately it's the other way around, by in-focus they mean that you'd need to move the focusing tube inside the body.
Some have taken apart a star diagonal to directly connect a eyepiece to the mirror. This seems to reach infinity focus.
--------------------
Telescopes: NexStar 8SE, 90ED f/5.5 doublet, Galileoscope
Accessories: Hyperion 36mm, GSO 32mm, E-lux 25mm, Hyperion 8mm,
DBK 41AU02.AS, 2x Barlow, 0.63x Focal Reducer, Solar Filter, UHC Filter
My (astro-)photos can be found on flickr.
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
Read posts up higher. Unscrew the lens off of a Barlow and screw in onto the diag. This will change the power by something more than 2x of the eyepiece, but lets you use a diag. Much more comfortable viewing.
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
I don't know how much the GS needs to focus with the diag without the Barlow, but, I have a 20mm Plossl I use. It has a barrel on the bottom that unscrews. I wonder if taking that off and dropping just the lens in the diag will be enough.
Since I'm happy with the Barlowed diag, I'll likely not try it.
BTW, I have no issues with viewing through the GS with the Barlowed diag and a 20mm Plossl. The "limit" for magnification is higher than what that combination gives.
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
nugget
member
Reged: 07/30/09
Posts: 51
|
|
Ahhh ok well thanks for the help guys... I guess I'll just have to suffer till I get money around for a nice scope. Tax season starts soon so I'll have another job for a few weeks to save some money from so I hope it will be soon enough for me to get a new scope.
--------------------
Current Gear:
-10x50 Alpen binoculars (Wal-Mart clearance $15) and Tripod adapter
-50mm GalileoScope Kicks and giggles
-76mm Celestron FirstScope IYA 2009 Kicks and giggles too
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
Just a note -
There are reasonably priced diags and Barlows around. Search through this thread for some links. And, consider that both can be used on a future scope. You'll end up buying them eventually, so why not now and enjoy the GS for a while.
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
I did some experimenting last night. I've ended up with a Barlow that does not have a removeable lens. I put that into the focus tube, inserted the diag, added the EP. There is enough focus for this to work. The tube is at least a finger width out of the scope.
A warning....learned the hard way....either come up with a way to snug the Barlow into the focus tube (I'm going to try a hose clamp) or make sure to remove all the lens structure before moving the scope on mount around. I was moving mine inside last night and the Barlow slipped out and Barlow/diag/lens hit the concrete. Yes, this is my good Stellarvue diag. It does not appear that anything is damaged. The diag has a chip on the corner, but the optics appear ok. It landed on the side and the screws took most of the impact (along with the diag corner).
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
I found a hose clamp today that has a thumb screw. It holds the Barlow in nicely, and is about the distance of the focus point. The side benefits.....the focus tube appears to be a bit more stable with the Barlow barrel locked into it, and the thumb screw gives you something more to grip when focusing.
I had nice views of Jupiter with a 25mm and 20mm Plossl. I tried my other Barlow with the 25mm, but need to go further in to focus. I also couldn't get my 12mm to give a good view. So, if the full Barlow in front of the diag gives 3x, I had good views at 60x and 75x, but the view broke down at 125x, which is well beyond the 100x theoretical limit. I should note that I could focus the 12mm, and the moons were sharp pinpoints, but Jupiter look larger, but fuzzier than at 75x.
My current plan is to just leave this Barlow in the focus tube.
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
DOTrevino
newbie
Reged: 11/16/09
Posts: 4
|
|
Thank you all for your suggestions. I can't wait for my GalileoScope to arrive. I found a focuser on surplus shed. I will give that a try and report.
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
Details please!! I had looked there but not found one that would work. I'm also looking for one to use to rebuild a 2" tube with the GS lens (second scope).
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
DOTrevino
newbie
Reged: 11/16/09
Posts: 4
|
|
I have ordered two GalileoScopes. One I will keep in original condition, the second one I will modify. I found an inexpensive focuser at surplus shed
http://www.surplusshed.com/pages/item/l3631.html
While the focuser is somewhat larger in diameter, I don't think it should be too dificult to adapt it to fit the tube of the GS. I will need to cut the tube anyway so there is enough in-travel to support the use a a diagonal that I already have. I hope t hat is the level of detail you wanted.
--------------------
12 inch Homemade
4.5 inch "cheapscope"
Celestron FirstScope
SV66ED
GalileoScope
8x42 Binoculars
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
I'm going to reply before I should......
I looked at that focuser, and it was the smallest diameter I could find. I'll remeasure later, but it was still too large for the GS without modifying one or the other. It is also too large for the 2" tube I have, if I remember right. But, I'll keep it in mind. I have looked at some other things on that site, and might put together an order one of these days.
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
DavidD
member
Reged: 07/23/09
Posts: 64
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
|
|
Here are the measurements:
Focuser: ID 32mm (1.25"), OD 38mm (1.5")
Focuser end: ID 38mm (1.5"), OD 45mm (1.75")
The focuser end tapers so to give you an idea of the slope:
At 1" from focuser end: OD 46mm
At max: OD 53mm (2")
And just in case you are interested:
Objective lens end: ID 47mm, OD 53mm (2")
Dew cap outside end: ID 63mm (2.5"), OD 70mm (2.75")
The mm measurements are rounded to the nearest mm. The inches measurements are closer to accurate.
So, the focuser you point to would need to be fitted outside the tube instead of inside, and the focus tube needs to be 1.5" or the optical tube will need to be trimmed until it fits - it'll need to be trimmed anyway to allow the tube to focus (or a Barlow lens will need to be put on the inside end of the tube, or embedded in the tube).
It doesn't fit the other tube I have, either, which is about 2" ID, and a hair more OD. But, in it's case, I can probably trim the focuser down a bit to fit. The tube is likely too long to boot, so I'll have to figure that out.
Let me know if you get the focuser and get it to work. I've got too many other projects going right now, so won't get to it for a while.
--------------------
Sky-Watcher GreatStart 114N-EQ2
Galileoscope
Stellar diagonal w/ helical focuser w/ OPT Barlow
OPT diagonal (w/ Barlow)
20mm OPT Plossl
Sony P71 w/OPT Camera Adapter
Photo tripod
Nikon Action 10x50 binoculars
Dakota 8x32 binoculars (focus is now broken)
(Old Edu-Toys scope to use for something else -
well, now it's just a tube!)
|
DOTrevino
newbie
Reged: 11/16/09
Posts: 4
|
|
The focuser has arrived. I am waiting for the galileoscope to arrive. In order to provide sufficient in-travel for the use of a diagonal, I am expecting to have to cut the tube at some point. Worse case is to just take the main objective lenses and put them at the end of another tube that fits the focuser ;-)
--------------------
12 inch Homemade
4.5 inch "cheapscope"
Celestron FirstScope
SV66ED
GalileoScope
8x42 Binoculars
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
[Re: 