astroman68
member
Reged: 07/09/07
Posts: 84
Loc: West Yorkshire, UK
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I'm starting a post here to see how everyone else sets up their equipment, please post your pictures, etc, here.
My setup is a C8-NGT with a skywatcher capricorn 707 and meade 12mm illuminated reticule for guiding. My cameras are a Praktica TL5B SLR and a canon 300d DLSR for prime focus astrophotography.
Clear Skies, Paul
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eric_zeiner
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/09/06
Posts: 1386
Loc: Georgia USA 34 31'57.18N 83 53...
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Here you go.
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Hal Pollner
Reged: 08/30/05
Posts: 6567
Loc: Southern California Desert
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Here's my new 8SE, which I've had since July 10.
The first accessory I installed was the most important accessory for the way I use my scopes...a Green Laser Pointer! This one has a push-on, push-off switch, which will keep the beam in the sky while I manipulate the slewing buttons on my hand controller. The lasers on my other scopes have the momentary switch, which is not as convenient.
This is an indispensable navigational aid; projecting a laser beam and watching as it approaches and targets my alignment stars. Looking through a Red Dot finder or a Telrad is just too uncomfortable.
Next, I ordered the "Wing Thing" to further enhance my comfort while operating the Hand Controller.
My third enhancement was the addition of a 2" Meade UHTC diagonal, to enable me to use both 1.25" and 2" oculars.
More changes to follow!
HAL
Edited by Hal Pollner (07/22/07 06:24 PM)
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fishnbanjo
member
Reged: 08/21/04
Posts: 67
Loc: Maine
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Not shown is the Dew Shield and still waiting to get the Wing Thing.
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banjo
Celestron Nexstar N8i SE on Heavy Duty Celestron Tripod with JMI Megawedge, Rays Bracket, JMI NGF-S with motor drive, 2" Denkmeier with Dielectric coating and focal reducer, 9x50 Antares finder with dovetail mount and rings, GPS inteface with a Magellan SporTrak Color GPS
Olympus C5050z
Nikon D70
Nikon D2x
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GordonCopestake
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 03/02/06
Posts: 2714
Loc: Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK
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Heres my Nexstar 6SE. A few small mods:
Oversize focus knob (beats the little plastic nubbin supplied!)
182mm Synta tube rings (for better balance with a DSLR or binoviewers)
an Antres 9x50 RACI finder (1000x better than the plastic red dot finder)
2" Antres diagonal (I had a hard time finding a 1.25" SCT diagonal!)
Synta binoviewers (cheap and cheerful)
Even fully loaded it's lighter than any GEM i've owned!
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http://www.wareforge.com
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Hal Pollner
Reged: 08/30/05
Posts: 6567
Loc: Southern California Desert
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HEY GORDON...
Looks good, and that focus knob is a practical improvement!
I think I'll turn up an oversize focus knob on my Lathe!
Hal
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Edited by Hal Pollner (07/22/07 06:29 PM)
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ace50252
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/10/06
Posts: 1203
Loc: South Side Des Moines, Iowa
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Here is my 9.25" and the AT66ED in dual saddle configuration. I have since added the AT80D and waiting for the triplet lense to arrive from Hong Kong.
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ace50252
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/10/06
Posts: 1203
Loc: South Side Des Moines, Iowa
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And annother with dual refractors. AT66ED with the Orion 100 ST.
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ace50252
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/10/06
Posts: 1203
Loc: South Side Des Moines, Iowa
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I also have a snap of the 6SE geared up and ready to go. This OTA can work on the other mount for imaging.
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ace50252
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/10/06
Posts: 1203
Loc: South Side Des Moines, Iowa
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And another view.
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astroman68
member
Reged: 07/09/07
Posts: 84
Loc: West Yorkshire, UK
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Looks like this post I started has got the ball rolling.
Partically the variation and setup of equipment 
Keep them coming.
Regards, Paul
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GordonCopestake
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 03/02/06
Posts: 2714
Loc: Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK
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Hi Hal,
it is a big improvment on the original. Although it's a little too large with a 2" diagonal (i really only need a 1.25" diagonal but nobody seems to sell a 1.25" SCT.) The larger section is great for fine focus and the smaller section if fine for whizing to close focus quickly. It's a recommended upgrade. From memory the brass shaft is 15mm OD. Mine just has 2 little grub screws to hold it in place.
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http://www.wareforge.com
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bkushner
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/26/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Audubon New Jersey
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Quote:
Here's my new 8SE, which I've had since July 10.
Will it ever see light?
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Orion XT12i
Meade LX200 ACF
Mallincam Hyper Plus
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ace50252
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/10/06
Posts: 1203
Loc: South Side Des Moines, Iowa
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Quote:
Quote:
Here's my new 8SE, which I've had since July 10.
Will it ever see light?
It might after a couple of years because it's going to take him that long to build the knob. 
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Celestron ASGT 9.25"
Canon XL Rebel with 4 lenses
Astro Tech 80 Doublet converted to 80 Triplet
Ultimas 1.25" 5mm, 7.5mm, 2 @ 30mm, 42mm
Vixen LV's 4
Baader Hyperion Zoom 8 - 24
A bunch of filters
Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends, come inside, come inside. John
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Hal Pollner
Reged: 08/30/05
Posts: 6567
Loc: Southern California Desert
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HEY BRIAN:
For your satisfaction, no...it will never see light.
As you know, I never buy telescopes to use...only to HAVE.
HAROLD (Here's lookin' at YOU, Brian!)
Edited by Hal Pollner (07/23/07 10:44 AM)
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strgazr
sage
Reged: 06/22/07
Posts: 362
Loc: the mitten
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lol great pic Hal looks like you got the good stuff
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Evan
nexstar 130 slt
bigger is better right?
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Hal Pollner
Reged: 08/30/05
Posts: 6567
Loc: Southern California Desert
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Well...you know...I mean like hey, why not, Man?
HAL
Want your camel to gallop? Just whip him 3 times on the withers with your riding crop and shout: "HUT HUT HUT!"
Edited by Hal Pollner (08/02/07 08:20 PM)
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 15715
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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topic? 
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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Magellan
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/26/06
Posts: 696
Loc: Dartmouth, NS Canada
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This is my heavily modded Nexstar 102SLT
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Jeff D
Skywatcher 12" Collapsible Dobsonian
Coulter Odyssey 2 8" Dobsonian
Celestron Nexstar 102SLT
Antares EQ-5 Mount
Celestron Skymaster 15x70
Messier Certificate Count: 110/110
RASC's Finest NGC: 1/110
St. Croix Observatory RASC-Halifax
Edited by Magellan (08/04/07 01:12 AM)
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Where can I purchase a "Wing Thing" and will it work with my NexStar 6 SE?
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 15715
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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They sell it at "S&S Optica" 303-789-1089. They're not open on Monday. You can ask them if it'll work with the 6SE.
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Thanks Randy. I'll give them a call. I would think it should work with six incher. Aren't the remotes identical? How does it mount?
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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BrianRG
Skippy
Reged: 10/22/06
Posts: 690
Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio
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The 6SE and the 8SE use the same mount, so it should work.
Brian
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 15715
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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There you go.
There is a shaped plate that fits in the Hand Controller slot and a knob that tightens the plate against the angled flange on the Wing Thing. You can angle the WT to any convenient position. The HCs are the same, so there's no problem with it fitting.
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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BrianRG
Skippy
Reged: 10/22/06
Posts: 690
Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio
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Time to breathe some life back into this thread. Here's a picture of my 8SE I took tonight in my backyard while I was waiting for it to get dark. We finally got a clear night again in NE Ohio, but there's a little too much skunk activity tonight for my liking. This scope is 100% stock (aside from the dew removal equipment), but Hal has inspired me to replace the RDF with a SV F50. The 24mm Pan matches up great with this scope.
Brian
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Flying_Fox
sage
Reged: 09/12/05
Posts: 295
Loc: Halifax, NS Canada
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How come I am late for such a thread? 
Here is mine:
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Nick
Celestron NexStar 8i SE XLT (with Ray's Bracket) on Heavy-Duty tripod
Stellarvue F50 finder
Starlight Instruments FeatherTouch Microfocuser, JMI EV-1C focuser + RoboFocus
DBK 21AU04.AS + Baader UV/IR cut filter
Denkmeier S2 Power Switch diagonal, Stellarvue BV3 binoviewer, Canon 10x30IS, Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 binoculars
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Very nice!
I'm still waiting to receive my Wing Thing from S&S Optica. I ordered it over a week ago.
And I ordered a Meade My Sky, but was told the wait could be as long as three months. It seems everyone wants one.
I take it you like the Stellarvue binoviewer. I looked at a pair today at my local optical store.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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A.J.
super member
Reged: 08/22/05
Posts: 155
Loc: Central Valley, Ca
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^Oh you too. I'm going to call them as Cathy specifically said that it was going UPS ground and should be there by Tues. Well, it's just about a WEEK late. No way UPS is late. Someone screwed up.... 
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8" NexStar 8i SE SCT
W/ SkyAlign
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Hal Pollner
Reged: 08/30/05
Posts: 6567
Loc: Southern California Desert
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Here's my 8SE:
I have it on my bench for a calibration check of the Sidereal drive rate. It's only about 9 seconds fast per hour, (which is 0.25 percent, or 1 part in 400), so no need to adjust the two phase-lock trimpots.
HAL
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Edited by Hal Pollner (08/20/07 12:13 PM)
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Astroboy86
sage
Reged: 01/28/07
Posts: 444
Loc: Southeastern Virginia
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Quote:
I have it on my bench for a calibration check of the Sidereal drive rate. It's only about 9 seconds fast per hour, (which is 0.25 percent, or 1 part in 400), so no need to adjust the two phase-lock trimpots.
Hal,
Just curious, how does one bench-test the calibration of the sidereal drive rate, or locate a procedure for doing so? I couldn't find anything here or on Michael Swanson's NexStar site. Thanks.
-Harry
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Our ever-growing equipment collection:
Celestron CPC 925 GPS XLT (The Precious)
EarthWin PFS-D binoviewer w/dielectric coatings
Meade ETX-125AT (Shadow Lass)
Meade DS-2130ATS-LNT (Mr. Magoo)
Meade 114NT/500 (Foggy Bottom)
StellarVue M4-style EQ mount
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Me too. When I called Cathy on Saturday she informed me they shipped it out the day before which was a week after I placed the order. Still waiting. Hopefully I'll get it by Tuesday.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Hal Pollner
Reged: 08/30/05
Posts: 6567
Loc: Southern California Desert
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Before I lead you guys too far astray with this "caliibration check" stuff, I should let you know that the photo was staged, and the text is baloney!
Being a retired electronics engineer/technician, I used to perform bench checks all the time on aircraft communications, navigation, and weapons control systems.
I just couldn't resist the deception!
HAL (You may now curse me!)
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Edited by Hal Pollner (08/20/07 04:18 PM)
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Astroboy86
sage
Reged: 01/28/07
Posts: 444
Loc: Southeastern Virginia
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Quote:
Before I lead you guys too far astray with this "caliibration check" stuff, I should let you know that the photo was staged, and the text is baloney!
Being a retired electronics engineer/technician, I used to perform bench checks all the time on aircraft communications, navigation, and weapons control systems.
I just couldn't resist the deception!
HAL (You may now curse me!)
That was excellent, sir.  Swallowed it hook, line, and sinker! 
Thanks for spilling the beans before I dragged my trusty (and dusty) o-scope, freq counter, & function generator out of storage. Obviously, I was blinded by my eager anticipation of a great excuse for cracking open my wife's new telescope and poking around in its guts.
Now that I look at the photo a bit closer, your scope's mount enclosure does look suspiciously intact.  
-Harry
PS: My dad would have enjoyed your little practical joke. He was a retired QA Supervisor at Naval Air Rework Facility Norfolk, where he inspected EA-6 radio & missile guidance system repairs. He and the bench techs were known to play little jokes on each other...but never when he was holding that little red rubber stamp!
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Our ever-growing equipment collection:
Celestron CPC 925 GPS XLT (The Precious)
EarthWin PFS-D binoviewer w/dielectric coatings
Meade ETX-125AT (Shadow Lass)
Meade DS-2130ATS-LNT (Mr. Magoo)
Meade 114NT/500 (Foggy Bottom)
StellarVue M4-style EQ mount
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Hal Pollner
Reged: 08/30/05
Posts: 6567
Loc: Southern California Desert
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Thanks for stringing along that far anyway, Harry! I can tell you're not THAT gullible!
(Never mess with QA!)
HAL
p.s. Is Norfolk still known as xxxx City?
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Edited by Hal Pollner (08/20/07 08:03 PM)
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Nick,
How is it that your heavy-duty tripod has what appears to be black anodized legs when the Celestron website only shows it available with silver legs?
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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spaceydee
Postmaster
Reged: 04/16/04
Posts: 16125
Loc: Where the Kittens Are
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I have moved the last number of "Wing Thing" posts and created a new thread with those posts in this forum. Let's try to keep this one on topic! 
Thanks!
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Dee
space-scientist
student violinist
Nexstar8i,SV80S,80/9D,FC100,94 Brandon,TMB92SS,GM8
8" f/7 Discovery,12.5" Portaball, PST
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Flying_Fox
sage
Reged: 09/12/05
Posts: 295
Loc: Halifax, NS Canada
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Yes, that's all black legs heavy-duty tripod that was used with NexStar GPS series. It had the version with the mounting plate for NexStar 8i and this version is discontinued now. I bought one last year from the remaining stock.
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Nick
Celestron NexStar 8i SE XLT (with Ray's Bracket) on Heavy-Duty tripod
Stellarvue F50 finder
Starlight Instruments FeatherTouch Microfocuser, JMI EV-1C focuser + RoboFocus
DBK 21AU04.AS + Baader UV/IR cut filter
Denkmeier S2 Power Switch diagonal, Stellarvue BV3 binoviewer, Canon 10x30IS, Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 binoculars
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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It looks great. Too bad it's no longer available.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Clint M
member
Reged: 06/03/07
Posts: 28
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Finally managed to get around to this ...
Nothing too special here - a plain ol' 8SE. The only thing that's new is an Orion 9x50 finder mounted where the old finder was. The old finder was moved a screw-hole down and is used for quick aiming.
For fun, I tried my take at using a camera with the scope tonight. Keep in mind this is me holding my digital camera up to the eyepiece and keeping my fingers crossed, so show mercy
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Clint
Madison, WI
NexStar 8SE
Edited by Charlie Hein (05/10/08 05:39 PM)
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DerekDRP
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/16/07
Posts: 903
Loc: Michigan
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Hal is that an Old rc car on the shelf in your testing station room?
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My Website
http://astroderek.wordpress.com/
My Sky Clock.
Quote By David H levy
Astronomy is an Art, Not a hobby.
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Hal Pollner
Reged: 08/30/05
Posts: 6567
Loc: Southern California Desert
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HEY DEREK:
Yes it is. It's an R/C model of an Army Fast Attack Desert Recon Vehicle. (Unofficially called a "Whisky Buggy")
It mounts an M-60 machine gun.
HAL
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Edited by Hal Pollner (09/02/07 02:14 AM)
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DerekDRP
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 07/16/07
Posts: 903
Loc: Michigan
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Quote:
HEY DEREK:
Yes it is. It's an R/C model of an Army Fast Attack Desert Recon Vehicle. (Unofficially called a "Whisky Buggy")
It mounts an M-60 machine gun.
HAL
Very cool Hal. One of my friends got to drive one of thease in real life with a radio control unit.
he was in the army or which ever branch he was in to be able to drive the driverless car via radio. and he said it was a thrill of a life time.
Now where in the heck would I be able to get of thease little guys?
I'm an R/C nut.
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My Website
http://astroderek.wordpress.com/
My Sky Clock.
Quote By David H levy
Astronomy is an Art, Not a hobby.
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Erix
Toad Lily
Reged: 12/25/04
Posts: 22358
Loc: Ohio, USA
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Hal can pm you with the details, Derek. Let's get this thread back on topic. Any further discussions of R/C, etc will be removed.
Thanks guys. 
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Erika
Automatic doors make me feel like a Jedi. 
Zhumell 16", 10" LX200 Classic,Orion ED80, ETX70-AT, DS Maxscope 60mm
My CN Gallery * 2007 July - tracking NOAA10963
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Post deleted by Starlighter
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Post deleted by Starlighter
Edited by Starlighter (09/02/07 02:36 PM)
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Post deleted by Starlighter
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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This is my Nexstar 6 SE:
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
Edited by Starlighter (09/02/07 11:03 PM)
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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As you can see, I mounted the Wing Thing and got it to be almost perpendicular to the arm at its center before it curves inward.
I have several eyepieces. My current favorite for close-up viewing is Celestron's 10mm X-Cel series. I also have a Superview 15mm Wide View Four Element along with the two eyepices that came with the scope. I also have several eyepieces that came with Celestron's accessory eyepiece/filter kit. Add to that both AC and DC power cables.
When in my backyard, I always power it by the AC adapter. What bugs me is how the power cord tends to get twisted around the base since when the scope moves, so does the socket. I understand with their ETX series, Meade has its plug where it remains stationary. I wish this was the case with this otherwise fine scope.
I replaced the less than satisfactory star diagonal that came with the scope with one made by Lumicon. The difference was quite noticeable. I went with the LumiBrite Dielectric Coated Diagonal which reflects 98 percent of the light coming in.
And I bought the necessary dew shield, this one made by Astrozap.
Next purchase will be Meade's My Sky whenever I can find one. It must be great since there's a long waiting list.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
Edited by Starlighter (09/02/07 11:11 PM)
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BrianRG
Skippy
Reged: 10/22/06
Posts: 690
Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio
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Looks good, Starlighter. I recently replaced my stock diagonal, too, with a WO dielectric. It does make a difference.
Brian
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Here's a larger photo of my Nexstar 6 SE:
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
Edited by Starlighter (09/02/07 09:53 PM)
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ngphotog
member
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 63
Loc: Wichita, Kansas
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My week old Nexstar 8se!! Other items: StellarVue 9x50(F50M), 50S mounting brackets, JMI controller bracket. Lots more to do as time goes on I suspect. 
--------------------
Sam
Nexstar 8SE
Celestron, TeleVue, Vixen eyepieces
9x50 RACI
WO Diagonals
Wichita, Kansas
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Nice setup.
How easy was it to mount the Stellarvue? I'm thinking of purchasing one.
I tend to prefer the look of the JMI controller bracket over my Wing Thing. Yours tends to look like it mounts more perpendicular to the arm. I had a heck of a time fooling around with mine to make it straight up and down and it's still slightly canted to the right.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
Edited by Starlighter (09/03/07 09:20 PM)
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Tel
Post Laureate
Reged: 03/31/06
Posts: 3984
Loc: Wallingford England
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For what its worth Starlighter, I also have a JMI HC holder on my N8i. Once bolted together at the desired angle, the fitting to the mount arm requires no screws. You merely compress the sprung steel within the hand and slip it into the gap left by the HC. You then just mount the HC in the holder.
The downside is however, finding the holder's taper in the dark ! I'm in fact thinking of red light illuminating mine because I find it a frustration to use for this reason.
Regards,
Tel
--------------------
Truth is the cubed root of Verbosity.
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ngphotog
member
Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 63
Loc: Wichita, Kansas
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StellarVue went on with the regular screws where the factory red-dot went. This purchase was influenced by Hal and a few others and man am I glad I did that. The 9x50 made life much much easier. 2 minute aligns... 
--------------------
Sam
Nexstar 8SE
Celestron, TeleVue, Vixen eyepieces
9x50 RACI
WO Diagonals
Wichita, Kansas
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Well, if it's that easy to mount the Stellarvue finder, looks like I'm making another purchase.
Thanks Tel and Sam for the info.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
Edited by Starlighter (09/03/07 09:20 PM)
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fireman
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/27/07
Posts: 665
Loc: Houston, Texas
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OK, After reading Dee's instructions VERY carefully, I'll try this again.
Here is my Nexstar 5. All I've added is the 9x50 finderscope
--------------------
Rick H
Obsession 12.5, #1543
Argo Navis DSC
ServoCAT Jr
31T5
Ethos 6, 8, 13, 17
Astro-Tech 80EDT
Mead LXD (GEM)
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BrianRG
Skippy
Reged: 10/22/06
Posts: 690
Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio
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By way of update to my previous post, I've now added the following "aftermarket" accessories to my 8SE:
1. "Wing Thing"
2. William Optics 2" Carbon Fiber Diagonal
3. Stellarvue 9x50 RACI Finder
Brian
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Nice setup.
Do you find the Stellarvue to work better than the red dot finder? I think the red dot works well myself. My only problem is remembering to shut it off.
The tongue of the insert of your Wing Thing needs to be seated at the base between the two protrusions. That way it'll be a little straighter. I fooled around with mine and got it to be almost perpendicular.
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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BrianRG
Skippy
Reged: 10/22/06
Posts: 690
Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio
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You're right about the Wing Thing, Starlighter. I eventually did get it to seat correctly.
I think the red dot finder works well, too. Ideally, I'd like to have both the RACI and the RDF, but the way Celestron positioned the accessory screws on the SE series makes that difficult -- although they're positioned fine if you're using the OTA on a GEM. So I'm going to add a mounted laser pointer to use for quick targeting and alignment.
Brian
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Give me ambiguity, or give me something else.
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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I've seen some people move the red dot finder to the other side affixing it there with double-stick tape. That route doesn't appeal to me in the slightest. Unless there's a way to use the single remaining screw, I doubt I'll buy an additional finder. The red dot works just fine for my application and I wouldn't want to lose its quick function. But that big RACI does look great mounted on your scope.
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13815
Loc: CyberSpace
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Very Nice!!
--------------------
Sony Digital Media player..
MX 460 earbuds
Celestron 2x Barlow Lens
Orion Collimation Eyepiece
Rigel Quick Finder
Assorted Bino's 
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BrianRG
Skippy
Reged: 10/22/06
Posts: 690
Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio
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Here is my 8SE's OTA in its alternate incarnation -- mounted to my Vixen GP2 with RA drive. For the most part, when the 'scope is mounted on the GEM, it's possible to use both the RACI finder and the RDF (or some other unit finder). With the addition of the RACI, the two-inch diagonal, and the larger eyepieces, I suspect the GP2 is approaching its rated load limit of 7kg.
Brian
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rick rian
The Lockster
Reged: 08/03/04
Posts: 21212
Loc: Upper Midwest
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Here's one from two summers ago ... I need to get newer shots! 
--------------------
Rickster
NexStar 8i
TV85
Canon 15x50is Bins
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BrianRG
Skippy
Reged: 10/22/06
Posts: 690
Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio
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Rick:
How do you have your Dew Buster controller attached to the mount?
Brian
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rick rian
The Lockster
Reged: 08/03/04
Posts: 21212
Loc: Upper Midwest
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Quote:
Rick:
How do you have your Dew Buster controller attached to the mount?
Brian
Hi Brian,
I am using a 2" x 3" velcro pad ... sticky surface to the mount and sticky surface to the back of the controller. Use the "furry" type velcro and it will work like a charm. The plastic "bristle" type velcro holds TOO well.
Hope this helps ...
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Rickster
NexStar 8i
TV85
Canon 15x50is Bins
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BrianRG
Skippy
Reged: 10/22/06
Posts: 690
Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio
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Thanks, Rick. I'm all over that idea -- good thinkin'. 
Brian
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Give me ambiguity, or give me something else.
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rick rian
The Lockster
Reged: 08/03/04
Posts: 21212
Loc: Upper Midwest
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You're welcome sir ... good luck! 
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Rickster
NexStar 8i
TV85
Canon 15x50is Bins
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Psyire
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 06/24/07
Posts: 980
Loc: 55* North
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I have done the exact same thing in the same location and it does work great.
--------------------
Celestron CPC 1100 XLT, Sky-Watcher Equinox 80ED
TV 31T5-Nagler, 8&13mm-Ethos
EarthWin Binoviewers w/ 24mm Panoptics
Elusive Photons.com
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Brian,
How did you mount your 8 SE to the Vixen? I was thinking of doing the same with my 6 SE.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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BrianRG
Skippy
Reged: 10/22/06
Posts: 690
Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio
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Quote:
How did you mount your 8 SE to the Vixen?
Hi, Starlighter:
The dovetail bar on the SE series OTA fits right in the slot on Vixen mounts. No muss, no fuss!
Brian
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Give me ambiguity, or give me something else.
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Great! Thanks.
Once mounted on the Vixen, I assume you find it a lot easier to simply point it at something. That's the single drawback to the Nexstar system.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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BrianRG
Skippy
Reged: 10/22/06
Posts: 690
Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio
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Quote:
Once mounted on the Vixen, I assume you find it a lot easier to simply point it at something.
You got it. For me, if I know where I want to go, or simply want to randomly scan the sky, nothing beats an EQ mount with RA drive.
Brian
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Give me ambiguity, or give me something else.
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ace50252
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/10/06
Posts: 1203
Loc: South Side Des Moines, Iowa
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My upgraded 6SE with a dew shield, Stellarvue 9x50 finder scope, and my GPS.
--------------------
Celestron ASGT 9.25"
Canon XL Rebel with 4 lenses
Astro Tech 80 Doublet converted to 80 Triplet
Ultimas 1.25" 5mm, 7.5mm, 2 @ 30mm, 42mm
Vixen LV's 4
Baader Hyperion Zoom 8 - 24
A bunch of filters
Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends, come inside, come inside. John
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BrianRG
Skippy
Reged: 10/22/06
Posts: 690
Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio
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I added a Jasper Always green laser pointer and Jasper Swivel Mount to my 8SE (I also posted close-up pictures of the mount on the Equipment forum). I find that the combination of laser pointer and RACI finder really facilitates alignment. Plus, once I've got an object in the telescope's eyepiece, I can turn on the laser and easily show the area of the sky where the object is located.
Brian
--------------------
Give me ambiguity, or give me something else.
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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I had no idea the GPS unit was that large. How long does it take to grab the signal and input it into the computer? I thought about getting one, but I don't know if it's worth $200 + tax + shipping just to get the correct time and date. Unless I take my scope to a distant location, the latitude and longitude remain the same. I see where Orion sells a GPS unit for $149, but I assume it will not work with a Nexstar.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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ace50252
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/10/06
Posts: 1203
Loc: South Side Des Moines, Iowa
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The GPS doesn't take long to input the info maybe 5 - 10 sec. I have 2 of them and need to move one. I received my ASGT 9.25" scope with one and before I bought it I had bought a BNIB 6 months prior to this.
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Celestron ASGT 9.25"
Canon XL Rebel with 4 lenses
Astro Tech 80 Doublet converted to 80 Triplet
Ultimas 1.25" 5mm, 7.5mm, 2 @ 30mm, 42mm
Vixen LV's 4
Baader Hyperion Zoom 8 - 24
A bunch of filters
Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends, come inside, come inside. John
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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How did you mount the GPS to your 6 SE? Does it need to be on top in order to receive the proper signal?
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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ace50252
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/10/06
Posts: 1203
Loc: South Side Des Moines, Iowa
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No it does not need to be on top. I used the 8SE bracket and siliconed (automotive) it to the OTA. The 8SE has holes for the bracket and the 6SE doesn"t.
--------------------
Celestron ASGT 9.25"
Canon XL Rebel with 4 lenses
Astro Tech 80 Doublet converted to 80 Triplet
Ultimas 1.25" 5mm, 7.5mm, 2 @ 30mm, 42mm
Vixen LV's 4
Baader Hyperion Zoom 8 - 24
A bunch of filters
Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends, come inside, come inside. John
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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I had to add a finder scope. You know how it is. You can never let anything remain untouched. I bought an 8x50 by Lumicon that has right image. I stuck the red dot on the other side using double-stick tape. I figured it would be convenient to still have it.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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ace50252
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/10/06
Posts: 1203
Loc: South Side Des Moines, Iowa
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Looks great starlighter!!!
I don't blame you for wanting to leave the RDF on the scope. I did the same to mine. I use it alot because I can use it with 2 eyes when aligning the scope. If you use just the RAF you could run into problems on trying to get your scope aligned quickly. But have both type of finder is even better than just 1.
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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The only problem is it's getting heavier and not as easy to carry.
Lumicon no longer makes that particular finder. They replaced it with a newer model that has a shorter dew shield that's all black. I picked this one up for a reasonable discount. The problem was finding proper screws to mount the bracket. Fortunately, my scope store dug into their inventory of parts and found me two black hexagonal screws that were just long enough and the correct thread size to work.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Huge
member
Reged: 05/13/07
Posts: 11
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Here's my 6SE, with PMF (peg micro focuser) and cardboard dew shield. I would get a wing thing but they're not easy to come by in the UK so I've stuck (pun intended) with velcro pads, which work surprisingly well.
The 7mm Pentax XL EP is my favourite when viewing the Moon and Planets. Wish I could afford more of them...
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Huge
member
Reged: 05/13/07
Posts: 11
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Ok, so here is the picture this time ...
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Huge
member
Reged: 05/13/07
Posts: 11
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Have you tried in the scope setup menu? It is supposed to "safeguard aganst the scope slewing more than 360 deg in azimuth". I missed this at first as the default setting is OFF when in altazimuth alignment mode. Sorry for the delay in posting, I've just been browsing this thread.
Cheers
Hugh
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BrianRG
Skippy
Reged: 10/22/06
Posts: 690
Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio
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Looking good, Hugh. It looks like you've got a nice place to observe there, too. Nice eyepiece!
Brian
--------------------
Give me ambiguity, or give me something else.
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Huge
member
Reged: 05/13/07
Posts: 11
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Thanks Brian,
My garden faces S and there's not too much light pollution so it's ok for a grab and go session. I have to go a mile or so to get a good dark site though...
I was showing off my favourite ep, it works well on the moon and planets and is about the right mag for the conditions most of the time.
Regards
Hugh
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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You can do almost anything using velcro.
Nice setup. I like your dew shield. It looks a lot better than mine.
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Huge
member
Reged: 05/13/07
Posts: 11
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Yup, velcro is great if you can't get a wing thing. The dew shield looks ok but won't last I'm afraid, the cardboard and duct tape are already showing signs of wear...
I can see me buying a heated dew shield soon.
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bcuddihee
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 11/04/06
Posts: 1402
Loc: Cincinnati Ohio
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How do you get all that good stuff to clear the mount?
B Cuddihee
--------------------
B Cuddihee
--------------------------
1968 Jason Empire 60X700mm refractor (my buddy from way back)
Celestron Nexstar8SE aka "The Bumblebee",(there is no way this scope should perform as well as it does...but it does)
Feathertouch Microfocuser
Stellarvue 50mm "Sparrowhawk" finder
Denk bino's with Power x switch
Pair of Smart Astronomy 19 EF's (great ep's for binos)
Pair of Edmund 28 plossls
Pair of Edmund 28 RKE'S
Pair of tv 20mm plossls
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Tel
Post Laureate
Reged: 03/31/06
Posts: 3984
Loc: Wallingford England
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If you're interested Hugh, Seeview Observatory (Cambs.) sell an equivalent to the "Wing Thing".
Here's the link :
www.seeviewo.org/
Take a look under miscellaneous accessories (part number ML 1051), they might have just what you want.
Regards,
Tel
--------------------
Truth is the cubed root of Verbosity.
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Huge
member
Reged: 05/13/07
Posts: 11
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Thanks Tel,
Now I'll have to work out how badly I want one...
Cheers
Hugh
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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I'd stick with the velcro and save the money towards buying a Nagler.
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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mattyfatz
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/27/06
Posts: 1296
Loc: Boise Idaho
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nextstar5...
but I slod it to Hammerhead
Edited by mattyfatz (10/23/07 06:19 PM)
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gasendi
member
Reged: 08/30/07
Posts: 30
Loc: Alicante (España)
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This is my nexstar 8i with the moon to the bottom.
Regards.
Luis
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http://gasendi.blogspot.com/
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strgazr
sage
Reged: 06/22/07
Posts: 362
Loc: the mitten
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mine
--------------------
Evan
nexstar 130 slt
bigger is better right?
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strgazr
sage
Reged: 06/22/07
Posts: 362
Loc: the mitten
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mine 2
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Evan
nexstar 130 slt
bigger is better right?
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Huge
member
Reged: 05/13/07
Posts: 11
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Quote:
I'd stick with the velcro and save the money towards buying a Nagler.
I like your thinking Starlighter - actually, I am probably going to build my own heaters, should be fun!
Hugh
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Please let us know how they work out.
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Huge
member
Reged: 05/13/07
Posts: 11
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Will do Starlighter
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StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13815
Loc: CyberSpace
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My 114 GT small but noble..
--------------------
Sony Digital Media player..
MX 460 earbuds
Celestron 2x Barlow Lens
Orion Collimation Eyepiece
Rigel Quick Finder
Assorted Bino's
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b1g bleu
super member
Reged: 11/14/07
Posts: 127
Loc: Lawn Gisland, NY, USA
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Hey guys, I'd love to show mine off, but I don't have one yet. Prices are crashing on ebay as we read.
The wing thing looks good, does it swivel flat against the OTA? The green laser pointer illuminates where you're pointing naked eye? I can't imagine it projecting a beam without a gazillion watts of power. As far as the laser pointer, I can't see laying on my back to sight objects that are really high up. Light pollution is a real problem where I live. A finder scope with a 90deg eyepiece I guess would be the alternative.
Hal, nice DVM, about $20? I guess that's how you afforded the cello.
--------------------
Paul
Nexstar 8 SE
OMNI 40mm 93325 - X-CEL 25mm 93302
GO SWA 15mm FOV 72Deg
Burgess 6MM TMB
University Or 9MM
GO ND96-0.6 Filter
Celestron stuff
94112A 45Deg Erecting Prism
94119-30 4PC Filter Set 96-0.3, 23A, 38A, 58A
94162 Solar Filter (real tight fit)
93626 2" Univ Camera Camera Adapter
Homemade 17AH portable power supply
Swift Ranger Model No. 706 - (6-18x30mm)
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Quote:
The wing thing looks good, does it swivel flat against the OTA?
Mine doesn't.
Quote:
A finder scope with a 90deg eyepiece I guess would be the alternative.
Yep, but keep the RDF. It does come in handy. Or chuck it and buy a Telrad. They're cheap and quite effective.
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Bob Griffiths
Postmaster
Reged: 10/10/05
Posts: 6590
Loc: Frederick Maryland
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Actually I now have all three finders mounted on my 8i
(Telrad/RACI/GPL) and now after a couple of months of playing with this configuration The Telrad is coming off due to lack of use..
The GPL works like a charm
easy to stand up and point the scope right on Jupiter etc, Then IF needed just bend over and use the RACI finder to center it..
The Wing Thing does NOT fold flat against the arm..it does however swivel up and down, so you can position it whereever you like.. To me its a MUST have accessory.
BTW: Be careful using a GPL if you have lots of air craft in your area ..I do so I stop, look and listen for them, before I turn the laser on.
Bob G.
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CPC1100
Nexstar 8i + GPS & Rays Brackets
Denk S1 power switch
Orion 100 mm Refractor
Meade LXD 55 ...AR-5 127 mm Refractor
Exploradome Observatory S.I.E. (Smiling Irish Eyes)
Gerbring Heated Motorcycle clothing in the winter
39*21'03" N
77*28'12" W
The sky over my head....
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jonathanCR
sage
Reged: 07/02/07
Posts: 208
Loc: Costa Rica
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Here is my 4.5" powered by a 12V battery
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Meade 10" LightBridge
Lumicon 2" UHC Filter
Celestron NexStar 114 SLT
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jrosario01
member
Reged: 11/23/06
Posts: 17
Loc: Miami, Fl
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My first post (I have been lurking for years) thanks to all
members of this forums for the invaluable info !!!
--------------------
Celestron Nexstar 8se
Celestron cn-16 GPS
Orion RACI finderscope
Jmi Motofocus
Jmi Hand Control Holder
Astrozap Aluminum Dew Shield
Dew-Not heaters and Controller
Z-Bolt GLP
Celestron 6.3 Focal Reducer
WO 1.25 dialectric diagonal
Orion Stratus 24mm 17mm 8mm 5mm
Orion UHC and other filters
Bob's Knobs
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Nice set up.
Looks like you went with JMI's version of the Wing Thing as well as their motorized focuser. Is the motor focus controller held in by the upper portion of the mount or did you use some velcro? Which dew shield did you buy?
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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jrosario01
member
Reged: 11/23/06
Posts: 17
Loc: Miami, Fl
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Hi, The Motofocus controller is residing in the fork Arm, the wing thing from JMI makes a nice cradel for it. The Dewshield is the Astrozap aluminum model (125.00) I had money to burn on this scope so I got all the goodies with it, it balances the ota in the sense that it is front heavy so Goto Aproach settings on altitude aproach is set to negative (the factory default). The Gotos so far are right on the money!
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rick rian
The Lockster
Reged: 08/03/04
Posts: 21212
Loc: Upper Midwest
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Nice setup Jose and a warm welcome to Cloudy Nights!
A couple of questions:
1. Where do you mount your cn-16 GPS?
2. It looks like your Astrozap dew shield has a notch for the dovetail. Correct?
Once again, welcome!
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Rickster
NexStar 8i
TV85
Canon 15x50is Bins
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jrosario01
member
Reged: 11/23/06
Posts: 17
Loc: Miami, Fl
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Thanks, I thought it was time I repaid all I have learned here at Cloudy Nights.
The dewshield does have the notch, however after I installed it I realized that for the 8se the notch (at least in the aluminum model) is not not needed since it will not reach all the way down to the dovetail bar, I think the front assembly holding the corrector lens is deeper than the 8I where the notch is needed.
The cn-16 is held next to the RACI finder (which replaced the red laser pointer) by the two accesories screws (the ones that protudes) and using the mounting base that came with it, here is a pic.
ps: below it is the z-bolt GPL
regards
Jose
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Celestron Nexstar 8se
Celestron cn-16 GPS
Orion RACI finderscope
Jmi Motofocus
Jmi Hand Control Holder
Astrozap Aluminum Dew Shield
Dew-Not heaters and Controller
Z-Bolt GLP
Celestron 6.3 Focal Reducer
WO 1.25 dialectric diagonal
Orion Stratus 24mm 17mm 8mm 5mm
Orion UHC and other filters
Bob's Knobs
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rick rian
The Lockster
Reged: 08/03/04
Posts: 21212
Loc: Upper Midwest
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Very sweet! Thanks for posting another picture. I have my cn-16 GPS mounted on the tripod leg since I've upgraded the HC to the version 4 model. I'll try to get some newer photos posted soon ...
Once again, thanks Jose!
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Rickster
NexStar 8i
TV85
Canon 15x50is Bins
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Smeds
member
Reged: 11/09/07
Posts: 35
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Here's mine:
(Sorry if the pic is huge, I tried resizing it when I hosted it but it keeps timing out the connection)
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Idiot for losing my telescope bits. Got half of them replaced.
>Celestron Nexstar 130slt
>Mk 1 Eyeball
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Rich Prior
super member
Reged: 06/30/07
Posts: 147
Loc: Greenville, SC
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My new 8SE came today and I'm so stoked!!!!! Now if only I could only get these gathering clouds to change their minds and go away...
Rich.
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Celestron NexStar 8SE
Orion Vista 10x50
SkyScout
EyeBalls™
Border Collies rule!
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 15715
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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Quote:
^Oh you too. I'm going to call them as Cathy specifically said that it was going UPS ground and should be there by Tues. Well, it's just about a WEEK late. No way UPS is late. Someone screwed up....
Almost all UPS deliveries that originated in Denver last week were delayed because of a snow storm here. My son works in a UPS store and has been handling complaints about late deliveries the last 2 days.
If Cathie said it shipped - it shipped. She'll be happy to provide you with a tracking number so you can trace it yourself.
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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osbourne one-nil
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/03/06
Posts: 710
Loc: Cumbria, England 54.5ºN 2.5ºW
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12 hours old and the new love of my life.
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Celestron NexStar 6SE
http://www.greatasby.co.uk
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rick rian
The Lockster
Reged: 08/03/04
Posts: 21212
Loc: Upper Midwest
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Nice looking scope Piers ... be good to her and she'll treat you right.
Enjoy the views.
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Rickster
NexStar 8i
TV85
Canon 15x50is Bins
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starry nights
member
Reged: 11/25/07
Posts: 20
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here's my baby...
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Celestron NexStar 130 SLT
Edited by Charlie Hein (05/10/08 05:53 PM)
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strgazr
sage
Reged: 06/22/07
Posts: 362
Loc: the mitten
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boy you all kinds of expensive toys i see the top of your laptop as well as a Dyson and a flat screen lol but the scope beats them all
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Evan
nexstar 130 slt
bigger is better right?
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skyward_eyes
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/12/06
Posts: 2102
Loc: Arizona
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Nice Stuff guys, I will post mine later.
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Does this count?
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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osbourne one-nil
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/03/06
Posts: 710
Loc: Cumbria, England 54.5ºN 2.5ºW
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Here's my boy enjoying the telescope tonight (looking at M31 at the time I think) braced against the bitter chill of an English winter's night. Imagine what he'd have been wearing if it had been any lower than 7C.
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Celestron NexStar 6SE
http://www.greatasby.co.uk
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rick rian
The Lockster
Reged: 08/03/04
Posts: 21212
Loc: Upper Midwest
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Nice photo Piers,
I'll wager that hat helps your son "cut through the wind" too ... 
Cheers
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Rickster
NexStar 8i
TV85
Canon 15x50is Bins
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osbourne one-nil
professor emeritus
Reged: 07/03/06
Posts: 710
Loc: Cumbria, England 54.5ºN 2.5ºW
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Oh yes.....the vicious bite of a gentle south-westerly wafting up from the Azores!
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Celestron NexStar 6SE
http://www.greatasby.co.uk
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jason_milani
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/03/04
Posts: 1736
Loc: Northeast Ohio
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Here's my setup:
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Celestron C-14
Celestron C-8
Celestron C-5
Orion/Vixen ED114SS APO
William Optics Megrez 72mm ED
Celestron CGE mount
Discmount DM-4
Mallincam Hyper Color Plus
Baader UV/IR Modded Canon 40D
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4494
Loc: Sunny California
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Nice color match.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Smeds
member
Reged: 11/09/07
Posts: 35
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Unfortunately since taking the photo of mine I have sort of lost all the bits for my 130slt; everything except the tube itself, mount/tripod and power tank. Looked everywhere, to no avail. My dad is going to help me get replacements, an expensive mistake, but I will hopefully get a good selection of decent eyepieces/filters plus a case to keep my bits in.
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Idiot for losing my telescope bits. Got half of them replaced.
>Celestron Nexstar 130slt
>Mk 1 Eyeball
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strgazr
sage
Reged: 06/22/07
Posts: 362
Loc: the mitten
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sorry i have to ask how did you lose this stuff??
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Evan
nexstar 130 slt
bigger is better right?
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 15715
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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Quote:
sorry i have to ask how did you lose this stuff??
Ya, "Enquiring minds want to know..."
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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Smeds
member
Reged: 11/09/07
Posts: 35
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Well, technically they were placed in a precise location and since then have vanished. They were kept in a carrier bag (I know it's possibly the worst place to keep them, but it was either that or keep them loose) which I always kept with my power tank. For weeks it's been fine but now something has happened to them, it's probably me and I've forgotten what I did (but every possible place they could be has been checked, so it's left the house by some means, charity shop or rubbish are the options) or a member of my family has done something with them. (It's my stupid fault for not keeping them somewhere that wasn't my bedroom floor.)
I keep thinking I did something with them to stop them getting lost, and lost them by forgetting what I did. But if they're not found by friday, we're going to start going about getting replacements.
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Idiot for losing my telescope bits. Got half of them replaced.
>Celestron Nexstar 130slt
>Mk 1 Eyeball
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THEPLOUGH
Sir Ducksalot
Reged: 01/11/08
Posts: 6231
Loc: Carlisle, Cumbria, ENGLAND
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Quote:
Unfortunately since taking the photo of mine I have sort of lost all the bits for my 130slt; everything except the tube itself, mount/tripod and power tank. Looked everywhere, to no avail. My dad is going to help me get replacements, an expensive mistake, but I will hopefully get a good selection of decent eyepieces/filters plus a case to keep my bits in.
I don't think this would be out of place in the BEGINNERS
FORUM under the dumbest thing thread...
Geoff...---
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Geoff...
Nexstar 8SE ...Plus bits & pieces
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Smeds
member
Reged: 11/09/07
Posts: 35
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Just put it there, it's a good start to astronomy...
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Idiot for losing my telescope bits. Got half of them replaced.
>Celestron Nexstar 130slt
>Mk 1 Eyeball
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strgazr
sage
Reged: 06/22/07
Posts: 362
Loc: the mitten
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  well sorry to here that good luck getting replacement parts
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Evan
nexstar 130 slt
bigger is better right?
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skybsd
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/01/08
Posts: 601
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