Anonymous
Unregistered
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I would love to see how everyone sets up their GPS or CPC telescope with all your accessories and gadgets. Please show off! Pictures and comments would be great! 
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southmike
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/22/04
Posts: 2828
Loc: Fayetteville, NC
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this should be a great thread..have a look at the Meade lx/rcx section and look for a post called show off your rig...It would be nice to see some black and orange versions out there
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group scope pic
my refractors
LX200 10"-St120
LX200 8" f6.3-Orion 80ed
LX200 8" f10-Orion 90 Mak setup pic
Meade 102ED LXD650
Sky Watcher 100 ED Triplet prototype
Nexstar 5
etx125
etx70's
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nreid
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/06/04
Posts: 1256
Loc: Highland Village, Texas
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Well as soon as the weather allows I will post a pic!
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Obsession 18" F4/5 with Moonlite Focuser
Stellarvue SV105
WO 66mm SD
WO EZ Touch setup
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JZaun
sage
Reged: 05/19/05
Posts: 262
Loc: Richmond Va. USA
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OK, Here is a quick one.CPC 8" XLT. Telrad, Orion 9X50 R/angle finder, Kendrick Dew heaters and controller,Celestron dew shield, Celestron Power Tank 17, 2" diagonal and 35mm Orion 2" EP.
Jerry 
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Orion 80mm ED
Losmandy GM-8
8" f4.5 home built Dob
10" f 4.5 home built Dob
Solarmax 40
Edited by JZaun (07/09/05 12:51 PM)
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Syzygy
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/01/04
Posts: 1693
Loc: New Jersey
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NS11 GPS XLT:
Losmandy rails
Orion ST80 piggyback refractor
Telrad
Antares 12x80 Finder
Starizona counterweights
Kendrick dew strips on corrector, Telrad, finder objective, refractor objective, refractor EP, and Bino EP's
Denkmeier Binos
Starizona spreader / accessory tray
Landing Pad
Wing Thing hand controller holder
AstroZap dew shield
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John
NexStar 11 GPS XLT
NexStar 130GT
Orion ST80
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Run
member
Reged: 07/08/05
Posts: 29
Loc: Maryland
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Hi Guys,
Well, Im new to the forums and just got my NS11 GPS XLT last week, and have yet to collimate it properly. So havent seen anything really. I built a power system into a roll around tool chest that should power the scope and dew heaters and my laptop for a day or so. It has about 50 Amp Hours so it should last quite awhile.
I am still waiting on some accesories but a quick list is as follows, DewBuster, AstroZap Dew shield, Televue Piggycam, Losmandy Counter balance, Dew-Not heaters, Rigel Finder (not mounted yet), Denkmeier X-Power Diagonal (not here yet) Kendrick Solar Filter, Anti Vibration pads and a WO Digiscoping device for my Canon SD500. Im looking to run the scope from my Tapwave Zodiac Palm device using Bluetooth with Astromist software. The Bluetooth dongle hasnt arrived yet though, so I havent tried it.
Also, I havent been able to get the scope to link to satellites yet so have a few things to work out before real observing can commence. Look forward to learning a great deal here and think this is a great thread idea.
Took this tonight while I was trying to get the GPS to link up
Almost forgot, thats Gus in the pic with the scope, he thinks its all for him:-)
Rick
Edited by Run (07/11/05 08:49 AM)
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rboe
Reged: 03/16/02
Posts: 45400
Loc: Phx, AZ
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Welcome to CN Rick! Nice scope, nice dog, good times ahead. 
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Ron
NS11GPS
Pronto
16" dob
15X70 Obies
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nreid
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/06/04
Posts: 1256
Loc: Highland Village, Texas
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The new tripod looks real good. I wish the came with a eyepiece tray!
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Obsession 18" F4/5 with Moonlite Focuser
Stellarvue SV105
WO 66mm SD
WO EZ Touch setup
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Burnim
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 04/05/05
Posts: 789
Loc: Hate-riot Nation
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Actually there are holes for 2in. and 1.25in. EPs in the club-shaped spreader piece.
B
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Run
member
Reged: 07/08/05
Posts: 29
Loc: Maryland
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Burnim is right, it does come with the Eyepiece tray, and it looks cool and works great. Here is a closer shot of it for those interested. I like the way it looks and mine seems to be cast aluminum which is quite heavy and helps stabilize the tripod. The other leg of the triangle has the 2" eyepiece holes in it.
Rick
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NS11 GPS XLT Denk X-P Diag, DewBuster, d-Not heat, Losm weights, TV PCam, AZ shield, L Pad.
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 15711
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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My setup is posted elsewhere in this topic. I just added a "FeatherTouch" to my TV-85, it's "SWEEEEEET".
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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Run
member
Reged: 07/08/05
Posts: 29
Loc: Maryland
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BTW Thanks to all for the warm welcome, I know Im going to learn a lot here and have a great time doing it. I have already garnerd a great deal just reading old posts, so thanks for that too:-)
Clear Skies to all! 
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NS11 GPS XLT Denk X-P Diag, DewBuster, d-Not heat, Losm weights, TV PCam, AZ shield, L Pad.
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garyc11
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/20/04
Posts: 2835
Loc: Niagara Falls,NY
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that power station is nice what tool box did you use and where did you get it.
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CGE 1400
CPC 1100
MallinCam Hyper Plus Color
Celestron 100 ED
CG5-GT
Celestron C-8 Newtonion
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Run
member
Reged: 07/08/05
Posts: 29
Loc: Maryland
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Hi,
Yea I really like the way the power station turned out. I got it at a fire sale from Home Depot, they actually had a fire and it was smoke damaged. Anyway, its a Husky and there is no model number on it and I think I paid like 30 dollars for it. Presently I have 3 - 12Ah and 3 - 7Ah Gel Cell batteries all stored in the bottom compartment. The bottom compartment is a bin and not a drawer per say. When you pull the handle the bin rotates towards you pivoting on it's bottom. I could probably get about 75 A hours of batteries in there but it would be way too heavy to lift using the handles. The top of the tool box comes off and is a small carry around that I stuffed with pick & pluck foam and a heater pad for eyepieces. The drawer below that holds all my heaters and the dewBuster. I went looking for stuff from Husky for it like accesories and never found anything. matter of fact I never found their main website. It has accessories you could get for it but I dont know where you get them, neither does Home depot, Go figure:-)
Thanks
Rick
PS, when you going to post your NexStar pics? 
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NS11 GPS XLT Denk X-P Diag, DewBuster, d-Not heat, Losm weights, TV PCam, AZ shield, L Pad.
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CheesyD
member
Reged: 07/04/05
Posts: 53
Loc: Maine
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Here's my GPS 11 and my new Scopebuggy. I'm using Starizona's weight system, Landing Pad, and accessory tray. I also have a 22 Pan, 35 Pan, 12 Radian, WO diagonal and focuser, Astro Physics 2" visual back . And I use a Telrad and the Powertank 17.
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andersee
member
Reged: 08/16/05
Posts: 34
Loc: Springville, Utah
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Nice looking rig. It looks like you have both a telrad and the stock finder installed. I'm curious how you attached the telrad? My shiny new CPC 800 XLT arrives tomorrow and I was figuring I'd just need to replace the stock finder with the telrad... Having both like you have would be very cool indeed.
-Erik
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Celestron 8" CPC-800 XLT
Nikon 10x50 Action Extreme
--This message was written using 73% post-consumer electrons--
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JZaun
sage
Reged: 05/19/05
Posts: 262
Loc: Richmond Va. USA
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Erik,
Look up a few replies and you will see my cpc 8 XLT with the Telrad. I replaced the stock finder (it will not focus the cross hairs) with the Orion finder off my 13" dob. I like to have both. I even use the Telrad for the initial alignment step. Its easier and faster than the finder.
The Telrad attaches with 2 sided tape already on its base. Works well.
Jerry
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Orion 80mm ED
Losmandy GM-8
8" f4.5 home built Dob
10" f 4.5 home built Dob
Solarmax 40
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nreid
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/06/04
Posts: 1256
Loc: Highland Village, Texas
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Works well till the tape pulls off! I hate that when it happens.
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Obsession 18" F4/5 with Moonlite Focuser
Stellarvue SV105
WO 66mm SD
WO EZ Touch setup
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 15711
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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I haven't had that problem, it's always taken "goo gone" or peanut butter to get the stuff off my OTAs.
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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andersee
member
Reged: 08/16/05
Posts: 34
Loc: Springville, Utah
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Cool thanks. I must admit to being a bit hesitant about attaching the telrad with tape. Seems like it'd end up sortof wobbly. I guess I'll try it that way, and if it ends up not as solid as I like I can always try attaching it some other way...
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Celestron 8" CPC-800 XLT
Nikon 10x50 Action Extreme
--This message was written using 73% post-consumer electrons--
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Run
member
Reged: 07/08/05
Posts: 29
Loc: Maryland
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I am not too crazy about the tape aspect myself. I have the Rigel and the stock finder and the rigel tape just came off twice, so now I have two different lines of tape *Word deleted by the gnaughties gnomes* on the scope. Whats Goo gone and is it any good? I would love to find something that would remove the tape residue from the rear cell. Also, Im getting ready to piggy back a Orion ED80 so will probably get rid of the Celestron Finder all together.
Rick
PS Nice Scope and how do you like the Scope Buggy? I have access to welding rigs and was thinking of making something like it, but with ten inch wheels to let it go across fields and such.
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NS11 GPS XLT Denk X-P Diag, DewBuster, d-Not heat, Losm weights, TV PCam, AZ shield, L Pad.
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 15711
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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you should be able to get "Goo Gone" in a grocery store, or Wally World or such. It releases adhesive and I have never seen it damage a surface. Doesn't mean it won't but haven't seen it do anything other than remove adhesive.
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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ForgottenMObject
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/11/04
Posts: 3606
Loc: Maryland, US
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Goo Gone is incredible - it removes glue that nothing else seems to tough. Lighter fluid also works, but Goo Gone is better. Note that it is an oil-based goo-remover, so you need to clean it up once you are done with it, but it works miracles.
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Matthew
IDA member
XT8i, 10x50 binoculars, lots of eyepieces
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 15711
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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Peanut Butter works also. Makes you wonder if "Goo Gone" is a derivitive of PB or if PG contains GG... Mmmmm, think I'll go have a PBJ for lunch.
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Hi everyone,
There's new pictures and updated info about the CPC 9.25 and CPC 11 at Celestron website. They're both pretty cool looking.
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nreid
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/06/04
Posts: 1256
Loc: Highland Village, Texas
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Don't worry about the telrad. It stays put I just seem to catch the base on something everytime I put it up for the night.
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Obsession 18" F4/5 with Moonlite Focuser
Stellarvue SV105
WO 66mm SD
WO EZ Touch setup
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Run, about your Telrad tape problem: Here was my solution.
You can read about it in my post. here
Velcro Rocks for these solutions. I always liked realigning my Telrad anyways any time i take it off the base.
Edited by RandyR (11/24/05 07:45 PM)
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Run
member
Reged: 07/08/05
Posts: 29
Loc: Maryland
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David,
Great solution, thanks for sharing it. I havent gotten the time to get the goo gone stuff to remove the excess tape yet, its on the list of things to do though and now so is some of those straps.
Thanks again
Rick
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NS11 GPS XLT Denk X-P Diag, DewBuster, d-Not heat, Losm weights, TV PCam, AZ shield, L Pad.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Alright everyone, I think we should give this thread another shot.
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 15711
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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I've made THIS thread "Sticky" so as not to lose the continuity of a thread that was already started. SO, sorry for any confusion, but let's post our pictures of our setup HERE>>>
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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haleymon
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/10/05
Posts: 1234
Loc: Spring, Texas N.W. of Houston
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Here is my CPC 800 XLT About 2 hours before a star hopping session with friends.
Seen is...
CPC 800 XLT
Heated Dew Shield
Kenrick Heat Controller
Telrad
Power TanK 17
IBM Think Pad w/ Starry Night Pro 5.1
NexImage
This Scope...
Took This Picture
God I love this Hobby!!!!
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Clear Skies to all
Dave
Celestron CPC 800 XLT
2" Astro Tech Dielectric Diag.
Orion Shorty Plus Barlow
Telrad
Canon 40D DSLR (On Its Way)
NexImage w/LE Mod
Starry Night Pro 5.0
5mw GLP
-------Haley's Haven Observatory-------
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Nocturnal
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/14/05
Posts: 1028
Loc: CT, USA
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I've had a Rigel attached to my C8 with plain ol' electricians tape for two months now. It's not rock solid but when I do my polar alignment I simply adjust the rigel a tad once the scope is centered and it doesn't give me any trouble.
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Best,
Sander
C11-HyperStar on Atlas EQ-Q driven by EQMOD
William Optics M110 With FR-III/TRF-2008
DS2090 guide scope
QHY-8, DSI-Pro and DSI cameras
watec 802h video camera with KIWI OSD
Astro stuff: http://www.tungstentech.com
My Astro Photos
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Nocturnal
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/14/05
Posts: 1028
Loc: CT, USA
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Here's a pic of the business end of my Super C8+. You can see the homemade bracket for my laser and tape attached Rigel. Good thing it's dark at Starparties!
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Best,
Sander
C11-HyperStar on Atlas EQ-Q driven by EQMOD
William Optics M110 With FR-III/TRF-2008
DS2090 guide scope
QHY-8, DSI-Pro and DSI cameras
watec 802h video camera with KIWI OSD
Astro stuff: http://www.tungstentech.com
My Astro Photos
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Nocturnal
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 09/14/05
Posts: 1028
Loc: CT, USA
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Here's one with the laser attached. 10 mW to point the way!
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Best,
Sander
C11-HyperStar on Atlas EQ-Q driven by EQMOD
William Optics M110 With FR-III/TRF-2008
DS2090 guide scope
QHY-8, DSI-Pro and DSI cameras
watec 802h video camera with KIWI OSD
Astro stuff: http://www.tungstentech.com
My Astro Photos
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stevecoe
"Astronomical Tourist"
Reged: 04/24/04
Posts: 2645
Loc: Arizona, USA
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Howdy all;
I am just getting the NS8 GPS set up in my observatory, so I will post it later. Here is my 11 incher that I take to dark skies. Often it has the Orion 100mm f/6 refractor piggybacked. I have an Orion red dot finder, Starizona landing pad and eyepiece tray and weight system.
Lots of fun;
Steve Coe
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TeleVue 102 refractor on CGEM mount
10 inch f/4.7 Newtonian
Author "Deep Sky Observing" Springer-Verlag
Author "Nebulae and How to Observe Them" Springer
Canon Xt astrocamera with Hutech modification
Edited by RandyR (01/02/06 04:43 PM)
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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The Orion ED80 has since been sold, soon to be replaced with a William Optics ZenithStar 66mm APO. Its space is now occupied with a Canon Digital Rebel (mere mortal, not XT) and a 75-300mm zoom lens on the Losmandy dovetail mount thingy.
(clicky img to see full size and be in awe)
Also my new garage isn't quite as messy.
And it's in Arizona versus Pennsylvania.
And it's ~70F here today.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Hi everyone,
Here are some pictures of my CPC 800 GPS XLT. Including orion ez finder II, celestron dew shield, william optics 2" 97% reflectivity diagonal, and William Optics 40mm SWAN eyepiece(just arrived today).
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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and another picture of the rear cell...
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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...and here are my newest toys: Wiliiam Optics 2" 97% reflectivity diagonal and William Optics SWAN 40mm 2" eyepiece, my first 2 inch eyepiece!
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LivingNDixie
Lord of Ferrets
Reged: 04/23/03
Posts: 16254
Loc: Hoover, AL
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Nice scopes guys and uh matt do you sleep with your scope or do you just like keeping it close to ya when your taking a snooze 
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Preston
Celestron 11" Nexstar GPS XLT
Tak FS 78
Tak Teegul-Lapides
Lunt LS60T/Ha 60mm f/8.33
Vixen Porta Mount
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Haha Preston, Yes I agree that it is strange to have the scope in my bedroom. I actually only have it in my bedroom because of the really cold and cloudy weather we've been having. And it's not all that popular with the rest of the family when its in the living room...I'll have to get them hooked on astronomy then I can keep it wherever I want!
And plus, it would probably hog all the covers.
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LivingNDixie
Lord of Ferrets
Reged: 04/23/03
Posts: 16254
Loc: Hoover, AL
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Matt,
Wives hate telescopes, espically ones that don't look good next to the China cabinent My wife didn't like my old 10in f/6 dob that I kept next to the TV in the family room. She kept telling me to move it to the back bedroom and I told her that Mars was at opposition (this was in 2003) and that I would be going out that night to look at it, and I didn't want to try and bring the scope through the hallway. Well my wife is a sharp lady and when Mars starting getting smaller after opposition she tried again, so my reply was, "but honey Saturn starting to come up and by midnight is going to be well placed for viewing." Eventually I sold the dob On the other hand the wife doesn't mind the LX200 too much, since it looks like a telescope and not a cannon
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Preston
Celestron 11" Nexstar GPS XLT
Tak FS 78
Tak Teegul-Lapides
Lunt LS60T/Ha 60mm f/8.33
Vixen Porta Mount
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LivingNDixie
Lord of Ferrets
Reged: 04/23/03
Posts: 16254
Loc: Hoover, AL
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Matt,
Wives hate telescopes, espically ones that don't look good next to the China cabinent My wife didn't like my old 10in f/6 dob that I kept next to the TV in the family room. She kept telling me to move it to the back bedroom and I told her that Mars was at opposition (this was in 2003) and that I would be going out that night to look at it, and I didn't want to try and bring the scope through the hallway. Well my wife is a sharp lady and when Mars starting getting smaller after opposition she tried again, so my reply was, "but honey Saturn starting to come up and by midnight is going to be well placed for viewing." Eventually I sold the dob On the other hand the wife doesn't mind the LX200 too much, since it looks like a telescope and not a cannon
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Preston
Celestron 11" Nexstar GPS XLT
Tak FS 78
Tak Teegul-Lapides
Lunt LS60T/Ha 60mm f/8.33
Vixen Porta Mount
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Preston,
I can definitely relate to that! It started getting too hard to come up with good excuses so I was eventually forced to move it. But once the snow starts to melt and spring arrives, you can be sure the scope will be back downstairs need the door once again!
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StarsAbove
sage
Reged: 09/09/05
Posts: 224
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I keep mine in the living room (CPC 800). My says that we can call it "art"! 
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David
CPC 800 XLT
102mm f/7 Achromat
41º32'N 81º32'W
http://astro.lightarts.net
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LLEEGE
Running out of Oxygen
Reged: 03/03/05
Posts: 9078
Loc: Cloud-chester,NY
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Well, I know its not a CPC/GPS rig, but it is a Celestron and this is the closest forum to post it on. Plus, I think it is sweet!
C.925 on a CGE with a WO FLT110 guidescope. 
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"Okay! You draw the straws. I'm-a taking the parachute."
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Jeff_Richards
professor emeritus
Reged: 04/22/03
Posts: 551
Loc: Virginia Beach, Va
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VERY nice!
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Jeff Richards
NexStar 11 GPS with APTAstro wedge
Borg 77 ED and mini-Borg 45 ED on a CG-5GT
http://www.bluemoon737.com
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Very nice setup!
I think this thread should be open to any other Celestron owners that want to post their setup photos, not just CPC/GPS.
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LivingNDixie
Lord of Ferrets
Reged: 04/23/03
Posts: 16254
Loc: Hoover, AL
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Awesome setup!
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Preston
Celestron 11" Nexstar GPS XLT
Tak FS 78
Tak Teegul-Lapides
Lunt LS60T/Ha 60mm f/8.33
Vixen Porta Mount
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LittleDob
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/10/04
Posts: 1444
Loc: Here or there
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WOW Luke, that is just superb! The 9.25 for long focal lengths and the FLT110 for short - what a combo!! Also, from what I hear, the CGE tracks really well for it's price class. I think you've got an excellent setup there.
Jason
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Jason
"Civilization exists by geological consent, subject to change without notice." Will Durant
NexStar 11 GPS 
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LLEEGE
Running out of Oxygen
Reged: 03/03/05
Posts: 9078
Loc: Cloud-chester,NY
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THANKS! 
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"Okay! You draw the straws. I'm-a taking the parachute."
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 15711
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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Here's a new pix of mine with the DenkII on it, and a slightly different angle than the others in the thread.
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
Edited by RandyR (03/05/06 01:34 AM)
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LLEEGE
Running out of Oxygen
Reged: 03/03/05
Posts: 9078
Loc: Cloud-chester,NY
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Thats purdy!
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"Okay! You draw the straws. I'm-a taking the parachute."
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ScottS
super member
Reged: 04/01/05
Posts: 161
Loc: Central Ohio
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I FINALLY got around to taking some images of my setup to share with the gang! I’m lucky that I have 2 good scopes, a CGE 1100 XLT and a NexStar 11 GPS XLT. I use my CGE for imaging, and while it and the computer are doing their thing, I use my NexStar for visual observing.
My equipment list is as follows:
Scope Setup:
CGE 1100 XLT w/GE Mount
Celestron C80 ED piggy back for guiding
Losmandy Dove Tail and Rings
Telrad Finder
USB Hub mounted to scope helps cut down on cable mess.
CCD/Imaging:
Meade DSI Pro w/Filter kit
Mead DSI Color
(I will be replacing both DSI’s with either the ST-2000XM this week!!!)
f/3.3 & f/6.3 CCD Focal Reducer/Field Flattener
Meade #647 Flip-Mirror
Meade #1209 Zero image-shift Microfocuser
Vibration pads
Dell Inspiron 1150 P4 w/512MB RAM 17” monitor
Dew/Power
Kendrick # 2082 12A/18AH Power Pack
Kendrick Premier Digital Dew Controller
Kendrick heaters for both scopes and eyepieces
Kendrick controller software package
Astrozap aluminum Dew Shield
Loads of 1.25” and 2” eye pieces, adapters etc. Last but not least, an A/V cart and 3 large hard shell cases to carry/store it all.
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ScottS
Celestron CGE1100 XLT w/Celestron C80 ED APO Piggy back
Celestron NexStar 11 GPS XLT
ST-2000XM w/CFW8A Filter Wheel
Celestron F/6.3 & F/3.3 Focal Reducer
Meade Zero Shift Micro Focuser
DSI Pro w/Filter & DSI Color
Canon 5D MarkII un-modified
Kendrick 2081 Power Pack 12v 18aH
Kendrick Premier Dew Controller
Telrad Reflex Sight Finder
MaxIm DL, Starry Night Pro Plus
HP G70-460US Laptop
http://www.teamastro.com
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ScottS
super member
Reged: 04/01/05
Posts: 161
Loc: Central Ohio
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Here is another image!
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ScottS
Celestron CGE1100 XLT w/Celestron C80 ED APO Piggy back
Celestron NexStar 11 GPS XLT
ST-2000XM w/CFW8A Filter Wheel
Celestron F/6.3 & F/3.3 Focal Reducer
Meade Zero Shift Micro Focuser
DSI Pro w/Filter & DSI Color
Canon 5D MarkII un-modified
Kendrick 2081 Power Pack 12v 18aH
Kendrick Premier Dew Controller
Telrad Reflex Sight Finder
MaxIm DL, Starry Night Pro Plus
HP G70-460US Laptop
http://www.teamastro.com
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Impressive setup Scott! That CGE is one solid looking mount.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Randy, Nice set up!
Do you have problems getting enough back focus with the denks with the reducer lense?
Mine would never reach focus with that crayford taking up precious back focus. I have to use Denks special attachment to reach focus with the reducer lense.
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 15711
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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I haven't had that problem...
--------------------
"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Quote:
I haven't had that problem...
That's great Randy - you got a great scope there!
For those considering the vernable 9.25 - some 9.25 scopes have more back focus than others. Now, this is no problem if you just use single EP's or a binoviewer without a focal reducer.
BUT, if you use a binoviewer with a focal reducer you may get a 9.25 scope that will not reach focus. A focal reducer (like denkmeier's Star Sweeper) is a wonderful screw in lense that will give you a very wide expansive view -- it's very cool and one of my favorite ways to use the scope!
This is a fairly specific problem but if you are a bino junky like me - it's something to contend with.
If I had known this was an issue that was different on different 9.25's, I would have returned my scope for one with more back focus like Randy's.
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 15711
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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In most cases with my scope, when I try to go to a magnification which is too low, I end up with the dreaded "central obstruction" black spot.
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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strgzrSulli
super member
Reged: 03/04/06
Posts: 197
Loc: Jackson, MI 49203
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I finally took a photo of my Nexstar 9.25 GPS XLT that I can live with. It's not easy getting decent photos of black shiny objects.
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Ó Suileabháin
-------------
Nexstar 9.25 GPS XLT
Celestar 8 w/optical encoders
C5+ w/optical encoders
ST80 on EQ1
Celestron Reducer/Corrector-f6.3
Lumicon Sky Vector II DSC
Starbeam
Stellarvue MRF
no Televue eyepieces
no 2" eyepieces
no binoviews
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strgzrSulli
super member
Reged: 03/04/06
Posts: 197
Loc: Jackson, MI 49203
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Lets try that again, this time with the photo.
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Ó Suileabháin
-------------
Nexstar 9.25 GPS XLT
Celestar 8 w/optical encoders
C5+ w/optical encoders
ST80 on EQ1
Celestron Reducer/Corrector-f6.3
Lumicon Sky Vector II DSC
Starbeam
Stellarvue MRF
no Televue eyepieces
no 2" eyepieces
no binoviews
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Flashy
member
Reged: 08/31/05
Posts: 29
Loc: Mykonos-Rhodes, Greece
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guys do you also give names to your babies??? 
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Current Equipment
-------------------
Celestron CPC800XLT
Celestron Nexstar 4GT - Maksutov-Cassegrain 4"
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The Loafer
super member
Reged: 10/16/05
Posts: 107
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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I did, I named My CPC800 Seymour, thinking that was the plants name in "Little Shop of Horrors" (fitting since the plant always cried out "Feeed Meeee" and this is what my scope tells me on a daily basis). Unfortunately, I realized afterwards the plants name was Audrey jr, but somehow I can't bring myself to changing the name, so looks like the Seymour name has stuck.
Funny, Seymour works too, since I get to "see more" with this scope than I've ever had previously.
Yes, I admit it, I need help
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strgzrSulli
super member
Reged: 03/04/06
Posts: 197
Loc: Jackson, MI 49203
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Flashy,
No I do not name my scopes. I have enough trouble keeping the kids names straight. Lets see; Sarah, Adele, Kathryn, Laura, Dean, and Erin. Throw in a dog (Audrey (yes Little Shop of Horrors)), a cat (Tornado), two rabbits (Babs and Denver)and I couldn't possibly handle one more name!
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Ó Suileabháin
-------------
Nexstar 9.25 GPS XLT
Celestar 8 w/optical encoders
C5+ w/optical encoders
ST80 on EQ1
Celestron Reducer/Corrector-f6.3
Lumicon Sky Vector II DSC
Starbeam
Stellarvue MRF
no Televue eyepieces
no 2" eyepieces
no binoviews
Edited by strgzrSulli (05/06/06 06:26 PM)
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krackerjack9
professor emeritus
Reged: 04/17/06
Posts: 611
Loc: LSA Anaconda, Iraq
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Lets thats 10 now if you count yourself that be 11,, you could start a football team, or staff a good basketball team.
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LSA Anaconda, Iraq
WO 66ED,Sirus 32mm, Orion Diagonal,10mm Celestron,25mm Possl [ Blair S.] Greensboro,NC WO 66APO Patriot
8mm Televue,4mm Or [ Donald B.] Boise,Idaho
Meade 6.7 Ultra Wide [ Chuck ] USA
Meade 26mm Plossl [ Glenda ] Fort Bliss,Tx
WO 1.25 Diagonal , 6mm Radian,4mmTMB, 40mm Meade 5000, 26mm and 32mm QX Meade, and some other stuff my Credit Card has been buying against my will, haha
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Futzman
professor emeritus
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 730
Loc: Oklahoma, USA
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Here's mine:
WO Focuser, Lumicon filter holder, Denk and Celestron binoviewers with a piggy-backed ETX90 (got to do something about that clashing Meade blue!). All on a scope buggy with Black & Decker 17 amp-hr PS (orange of course, to keep with the color scheme).
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Celestron CGE 1400, Orion 120ST
Daystar 0.7A H-Alpha Filter
StellaCam II
MallinCam Hyper Color
SKYnyx 2-0M
Celestron SkyScout (ROCKS!)
Canon 5D w/ Canon 300mm f2.8 & 200mm f1.8
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djh
sage
Reged: 05/03/06
Posts: 331
Loc: NY
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I'd certainly agree about black, shiny objects. Here's my first scope -- a CPC-800 XLT with Telrad, DewBuster, and Dew-Nots. Notice the cable clip on the inside right fork arm... my solution for strain relief.
david
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David
NP-101, TV-85
CPC-800, SM40
Televid 77
Trinovid 8x32, 10x42
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ScottS
super member
Reged: 04/01/05
Posts: 161
Loc: Central Ohio
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I've named my CGE1100 the "Money Pit" and my NexStar 11 the "Money Pit II".
--------------------
ScottS
Celestron CGE1100 XLT w/Celestron C80 ED APO Piggy back
Celestron NexStar 11 GPS XLT
ST-2000XM w/CFW8A Filter Wheel
Celestron F/6.3 & F/3.3 Focal Reducer
Meade Zero Shift Micro Focuser
DSI Pro w/Filter & DSI Color
Canon 5D MarkII un-modified
Kendrick 2081 Power Pack 12v 18aH
Kendrick Premier Dew Controller
Telrad Reflex Sight Finder
MaxIm DL, Starry Night Pro Plus
HP G70-460US Laptop
http://www.teamastro.com
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Did anyone try to photo in the fastar focus of C11? I wanted to, but I simply cant put the CCD in the primary mirror place. And I just cant find any adapter on the net. Have I missed sth? 
CS,
Matic
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jrcrilly
Refractor wienie no more
Reged: 04/30/03
Posts: 25198
Loc: NE Ohio
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Quote:
Did anyone try to photo in the fastar focus of C11? I wanted to, but I simply cant put the CCD in the primary mirror place. And I just cant find any adapter on the net. Have I missed sth?
CS,
Matic
You will need a Hyperstar from Starizona.
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John C
Urban Observatory
A&M/Astreya 76mm F/6 APO
TMB/LOMO 80mm F/7.5 APO
Tak FSQ-106N F/5 APO
Meade 178ED F/9 "APO"
Meade ETX-125AT
C14
Teeter 20" F/3.8 truss Newt w/ServoCat
CI-700, NJP, GPDX/SS2KPC, CG5-GT
ST-10XME, DSI Pro
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I was afraid of that answer but I guess that is the only way  I have Maxcam ME2 and some say that its too heavy for 11' corrector plate.
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jrcrilly
Refractor wienie no more
Reged: 04/30/03
Posts: 25198
Loc: NE Ohio
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Quote:
I was afraid of that answer but I guess that is the only way I have Maxcam ME2 and some say that its too heavy for 11' corrector plate.
Hyperstar is compatible with only a few cameras; Starizona can tell you which ones. Since Celestron never produced Fastar for the C11 the Hyperstar is the only game in town.
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John C
Urban Observatory
A&M/Astreya 76mm F/6 APO
TMB/LOMO 80mm F/7.5 APO
Tak FSQ-106N F/5 APO
Meade 178ED F/9 "APO"
Meade ETX-125AT
C14
Teeter 20" F/3.8 truss Newt w/ServoCat
CI-700, NJP, GPDX/SS2KPC, CG5-GT
ST-10XME, DSI Pro
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LivingNDixie
Lord of Ferrets
Reged: 04/23/03
Posts: 16254
Loc: Hoover, AL
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Well heres my scope, living in the back bedroom.
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Preston
Celestron 11" Nexstar GPS XLT
Tak FS 78
Tak Teegul-Lapides
Lunt LS60T/Ha 60mm f/8.33
Vixen Porta Mount
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 15711
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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Is that where you're living now, too, Preston?
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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LivingNDixie
Lord of Ferrets
Reged: 04/23/03
Posts: 16254
Loc: Hoover, AL
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Nope not yet... the wife has commented "thats a big freaking telescope" several times though
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Preston
Celestron 11" Nexstar GPS XLT
Tak FS 78
Tak Teegul-Lapides
Lunt LS60T/Ha 60mm f/8.33
Vixen Porta Mount
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 15711
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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Yes, it is.
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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justin2992
member
Reged: 05/07/06
Posts: 80
Loc: Philadelphia, PA
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Here's Mine: 
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Terlingua
member
Reged: 05/05/04
Posts: 20
Loc: Houston, TX
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Here is my setup trying to see through the trees.
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NexStar GPS-8 XLT
Denk Standard, SCD, Power x
D21s, D14s
BlueStar
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 15711
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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How's that "looking thru the trees" working for ya?
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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Terlingua
member
Reged: 05/05/04
Posts: 20
Loc: Houston, TX
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With a computer scope you can actually see between the leaves. If you had to star hop it would be harder.
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NexStar GPS-8 XLT
Denk Standard, SCD, Power x
D21s, D14s
BlueStar
Edited by Terlingua (07/19/06 05:30 PM)
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spaceydee
Postmaster
Reged: 04/16/04
Posts: 16125
Loc: Where the Kittens Are
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Justin, I can barely see a telescope with that eyepiece blocking!! Just kidding!!!
Nice pictures everyone!!
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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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krackerjack9
professor emeritus
Reged: 04/17/06
Posts: 611
Loc: LSA Anaconda, Iraq
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well here is mine,, yeah I know who is that posterchild?? He forsure is need of help
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 15711
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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where?
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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krackerjack9
professor emeritus
Reged: 04/17/06
Posts: 611
Loc: LSA Anaconda, Iraq
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its earlier here some people have a hard time remembering what buttons to push
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LSA Anaconda, Iraq
WO 66ED,Sirus 32mm, Orion Diagonal,10mm Celestron,25mm Possl [ Blair S.] Greensboro,NC WO 66APO Patriot
8mm Televue,4mm Or [ Donald B.] Boise,Idaho
Meade 6.7 Ultra Wide [ Chuck ] USA
Meade 26mm Plossl [ Glenda ] Fort Bliss,Tx
WO 1.25 Diagonal , 6mm Radian,4mmTMB, 40mm Meade 5000, 26mm and 32mm QX Meade, and some other stuff my Credit Card has been buying against my will, haha
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tjswood
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/18/05
Posts: 1778
Loc: Tempe, AZ
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OK, this shows off my boys more than the scope... but that is my N11 in the background, taken in Sept 05. (about 2 months old - the scope that is).
No bells and whistles at that time except the Telrad, the AP diagonal and the Nagler inserted in it... or that may be a Radian?
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krackerjack9
professor emeritus
Reged: 04/17/06
Posts: 611
Loc: LSA Anaconda, Iraq
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That garage is to neat, though looks like some wordworking takes place in there, to far from Texas to make me some cabniets,
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LSA Anaconda, Iraq
WO 66ED,Sirus 32mm, Orion Diagonal,10mm Celestron,25mm Possl [ Blair S.] Greensboro,NC WO 66APO Patriot
8mm Televue,4mm Or [ Donald B.] Boise,Idaho
Meade 6.7 Ultra Wide [ Chuck ] USA
Meade 26mm Plossl [ Glenda ] Fort Bliss,Tx
WO 1.25 Diagonal , 6mm Radian,4mmTMB, 40mm Meade 5000, 26mm and 32mm QX Meade, and some other stuff my Credit Card has been buying against my will, haha
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tjswood
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/18/05
Posts: 1778
Loc: Tempe, AZ
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Ahhh... but you've never seen it in the midst of a project... don't let the pics fool you!
Plus, my brother had just finished painting the walls and floor, and I had a new door put on. It was a great photo opp! That was last Sept when the photo was taken, it looks much different (and not as neat) now.
Tim
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Foehammer
super member
Reged: 06/29/06
Posts: 155
Loc: Cyprus
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Hi all... another non-CPC/GPS scope looking for a place to show off..here's my C8-NGT showing off its Wilcox's!
Go black and orange!
--------------------
Ad Astra Per Aspera
Cyprus Astronomical Society
www.cyprusastronomy.com
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Greg K.
Reged: 12/11/03
Posts: 11531
Loc: Clifton Park, NY
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My new (to me) & pretty vanilla so far NexStar 11 GPS.
--------------------
Astro-Tech AT111EDT f/7 - Celestron CGEM
NexStar 11 GPS
Orion SkyView Pro 8EQ (w/ Autostar mod)
15x70 Celestron SkyMasters
Orion 90mm Mak
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Rusty
Postmaster
Reged: 08/06/03
Posts: 17727
Loc: Brooker, FL
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Be careful - the next thing you know, the N11 will load itself up with bling! 
--------------------
N11GPS Fastar
TOA-130S
MK66 Std
Vintage C5
Megrez II 80mm ED Triplet APO
SolarMax 40
NJP Temma II
Sirius EQ-G
ST8XE/CFW-8(LRGBHa)/AO-7/DF-2/STV Dlx/ST237a/350D (Unmodded)/Mallincam Color Hyper Plus/DSI III Color/DSI II Pro
Two not-spoiled Golden Retrievers - Maggie and Casey
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not. In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke
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Greg K.
Reged: 12/11/03
Posts: 11531
Loc: Clifton Park, NY
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If it's going to do that, It better get itself a job first
Nice rig!
--------------------
Astro-Tech AT111EDT f/7 - Celestron CGEM
NexStar 11 GPS
Orion SkyView Pro 8EQ (w/ Autostar mod)
15x70 Celestron SkyMasters
Orion 90mm Mak
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LivingNDixie
Lord of Ferrets
Reged: 04/23/03
Posts: 16254
Loc: Hoover, AL
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Yes scopes seem to attract accessories. Greg have you gotten a 2in diagonal for yours yet?
--------------------
Preston
Celestron 11" Nexstar GPS XLT
Tak FS 78
Tak Teegul-Lapides
Lunt LS60T/Ha 60mm f/8.33
Vixen Porta Mount
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Greg K.
Reged: 12/11/03
Posts: 11531
Loc: Clifton Park, NY
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It came with one. But I want a dielectric..
--------------------
Astro-Tech AT111EDT f/7 - Celestron CGEM
NexStar 11 GPS
Orion SkyView Pro 8EQ (w/ Autostar mod)
15x70 Celestron SkyMasters
Orion 90mm Mak
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Rusty
Postmaster
Reged: 08/06/03
Posts: 17727
Loc: Brooker, FL
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Quote:
If it's going to do that, It better get itself a job first
Nice rig!
Thanks; a job seems to be out of the question - it still lives at home, and only rarely comes out of its case...and then only when I prod it!
--------------------
N11GPS Fastar
TOA-130S
MK66 Std
Vintage C5
Megrez II 80mm ED Triplet APO
SolarMax 40
NJP Temma II
Sirius EQ-G
ST8XE/CFW-8(LRGBHa)/AO-7/DF-2/STV Dlx/ST237a/350D (Unmodded)/Mallincam Color Hyper Plus/DSI III Color/DSI II Pro
Two not-spoiled Golden Retrievers - Maggie and Casey
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not. In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke
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sejanus
member
Reged: 09/26/06
Posts: 93
Loc: Sydney, Australia
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I just picked this guy up a couple of hours ago. Haven't even aligned the finder yet!
There are clouds overhead so no playing with new toy tonight  
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16" LB
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krackerjack9
professor emeritus
Reged: 04/17/06
Posts: 611
Loc: LSA Anaconda, Iraq
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Now if I can only figure out what I did wrong can see a thing thur the NX11!
I know it has to be operator error and as soon as some one tells me what I did I will nominate myself for CN's Idiot of 07 award for Febuary.
--------------------
LSA Anaconda, Iraq
WO 66ED,Sirus 32mm, Orion Diagonal,10mm Celestron,25mm Possl [ Blair S.] Greensboro,NC WO 66APO Patriot
8mm Televue,4mm Or [ Donald B.] Boise,Idaho
Meade 6.7 Ultra Wide [ Chuck ] USA
Meade 26mm Plossl [ Glenda ] Fort Bliss,Tx
WO 1.25 Diagonal , 6mm Radian,4mmTMB, 40mm Meade 5000, 26mm and 32mm QX Meade, and some other stuff my Credit Card has been buying against my will, haha
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Randy Roy
sage
Reged: 10/07/05
Posts: 405
Loc: Tennessee
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Here is my CPC9.25 from the observing deck of my new house.
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Ohatchee
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/27/07
Posts: 501
Loc: Daphne, Alabama USA
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What an unimpressive observation point.....that beautiful patio with a lake view is too distracting for a serious stargazer.
How do you like the wheely setup? I'm awaiting my scopebuggy at this time.
--------------------
Regards, Brian
CPC1100 XLT / Denk II's & Powerswitch S2 / 66mm Zenithstar / TV 35 & 24mm Panoptic / TV 13mm Ethos / TV 22 & 11mm Nagler / Bluestar Wireless / Lymax CosmicOne / Coronado PST / Philips SPC900NC / Mallincam Hyper Plus Color
Ohatchee's Observatory - Daphne, Alabama (Gulf Coast between Mobile and Pensacola)
Edited by Ohatchee (02/14/07 07:48 PM)
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Randy Roy
sage
Reged: 10/07/05
Posts: 405
Loc: Tennessee
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Thanks, I think 
Actually, I had the Scopebuggy and it was very nice. The Scopebuggy's footprint was too large for my needs, but otherwise would have been a keeper.
Randy
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Randy Roy
sage
Reged: 10/07/05
Posts: 405
Loc: Tennessee
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Here is another vantage point showing why I need the smaller footprint of the the JMI versus the Scopebuggy.
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bkushner
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/26/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Audubon New Jersey
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Great set up Randy, you can stargaze while your waiting for the fish to bite.
Brian
--------------------
Orion XT12i
Meade LX200 ACF
Mallincam Hyper Plus
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Ohatchee
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/27/07
Posts: 501
Loc: Daphne, Alabama USA
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The new picture makes it seem like your house was designed with a telescope observation point in mind. Nice setup. My comment earlier was definitely a compliment....about your view from both the deck with your eyes, as well as your telescope!
--------------------
Regards, Brian
CPC1100 XLT / Denk II's & Powerswitch S2 / 66mm Zenithstar / TV 35 & 24mm Panoptic / TV 13mm Ethos / TV 22 & 11mm Nagler / Bluestar Wireless / Lymax CosmicOne / Coronado PST / Philips SPC900NC / Mallincam Hyper Plus Color
Ohatchee's Observatory - Daphne, Alabama (Gulf Coast between Mobile and Pensacola)
Edited by Ohatchee (02/14/07 11:15 PM)
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yonkrz
professor emeritus
Reged: 11/16/06
Posts: 572
Loc: SW Minnesota
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What a great spot,hope you get to take advantage of it.
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CPC 925
10" Z dob,Baltic Birch base
------------------------
Jeff
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Paul McC
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/03/06
Posts: 983
Loc: Southern NJ
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What an awesome and commanding looking place! Wow!
--------------------
My Current Time Machine is a
Celestron CPC 1100 GPS XLT
aka - The Time Tunnel
My Celestron CPC 1100 Webpage:
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/pmccullough/skyportcpc1100.htm
Latin phrase to live by: "Illegitimis nil carborundum"
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Randy Roy
sage
Reged: 10/07/05
Posts: 405
Loc: Tennessee
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Thanks guys. I recently retired and am out every clear night. I've been in the hobby continuously since I was 10 (I'm 56 now) and have never had a place to keep my scopes set up full-time. I have a tool cart that I use for my eyepieces and accessories, so all I have to do is roll out the CPC and roll out the accessory cart and I am in business. There is no more hauling out the cases, setting up, tearing down and packing back up again, except when I go to a public observing event or to your club's observing site. These CPCs are really neat for that.
Randy
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bkushner
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/26/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Audubon New Jersey
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46 years! Is there anything you've yet to see?
--------------------
Orion XT12i
Meade LX200 ACF
Mallincam Hyper Plus
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Randy Roy
sage
Reged: 10/07/05
Posts: 405
Loc: Tennessee
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Sorry for not seeing this question sooner. I was fortunate to find Saturn, Jupiter, M42 and the Moon in the months after getting my first scope at age 10. I mostly just happened upon them, looking at bright objects. If the sight of Saturn and Jupiter for the first time doesn't hook someone, this probably isn't the hobby for them. Since then, I have always had at least one scope and have never missed more than a month or so, here and there without observing.
And the best thing is, though I have seen thousands of objects (stars, nebulae, clusters, asteroids, and galaxies, I haven't seen everything yet and of what I have seen, I enjoy the reruns as much as the premieres.
Randy
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Ohatchee
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/27/07
Posts: 501
Loc: Daphne, Alabama USA
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Finally got around to taking some pictures of my setup. Here it is......
--------------------
Regards, Brian
CPC1100 XLT / Denk II's & Powerswitch S2 / 66mm Zenithstar / TV 35 & 24mm Panoptic / TV 13mm Ethos / TV 22 & 11mm Nagler / Bluestar Wireless / Lymax CosmicOne / Coronado PST / Philips SPC900NC / Mallincam Hyper Plus Color
Ohatchee's Observatory - Daphne, Alabama (Gulf Coast between Mobile and Pensacola)
Edited by Ohatchee (03/10/07 01:20 PM)
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bkushner
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/26/06
Posts: 1728
Loc: Audubon New Jersey
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Very nice Brian!
Brian
--------------------
Orion XT12i
Meade LX200 ACF
Mallincam Hyper Plus
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Ohatchee
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/27/07
Posts: 501
Loc: Daphne, Alabama USA
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Thanks Brian.....it is kind of like sharing baby pictures with your friends!!
--------------------
Regards, Brian
CPC1100 XLT / Denk II's & Powerswitch S2 / 66mm Zenithstar / TV 35 & 24mm Panoptic / TV 13mm Ethos / TV 22 & 11mm Nagler / Bluestar Wireless / Lymax CosmicOne / Coronado PST / Philips SPC900NC / Mallincam Hyper Plus Color
Ohatchee's Observatory - Daphne, Alabama (Gulf Coast between Mobile and Pensacola)
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Altazi
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/08/07
Posts: 555
Loc: Pacific Northwest (Oregon)
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Just one question - do those ScopeBuggies fit hitches with 1-7/8" or 2" balls?
Seriously, I'm really glad that some of these pictures included people for size reference. These things are HUGE. I was hoping for an 11" CPC, but now I fear my wife will take one look at it and say "no way!" 
Maybe I should start looking at 16" dobs, show my wife what they look like, and then "settle" for a little CPC1100
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I am using a CPC-1100XLT inverse photon cannon
Haggart Observatory (Oregon City)
Sunriver Nature Center Observatory
If you love animals, click here
Feed the animals!
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Ohatchee
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/27/07
Posts: 501
Loc: Daphne, Alabama USA
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Good strategy.....show her the 16" Dob and guilt her into the CPC1100. Now you are thinking!
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Regards, Brian
CPC1100 XLT / Denk II's & Powerswitch S2 / 66mm Zenithstar / TV 35 & 24mm Panoptic / TV 13mm Ethos / TV 22 & 11mm Nagler / Bluestar Wireless / Lymax CosmicOne / Coronado PST / Philips SPC900NC / Mallincam Hyper Plus Color
Ohatchee's Observatory - Daphne, Alabama (Gulf Coast between Mobile and Pensacola)
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krackerjack9
professor emeritus
Reged: 04/17/06
Posts: 611
Loc: LSA Anaconda, Iraq
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That is a excellent plan and should be nominated for some sort of prize!!
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LSA Anaconda, Iraq
WO 66ED,Sirus 32mm, Orion Diagonal,10mm Celestron,25mm Possl [ Blair S.] Greensboro,NC WO 66APO Patriot
8mm Televue,4mm Or [ Donald B.] Boise,Idaho
Meade 6.7 Ultra Wide [ Chuck ] USA
Meade 26mm Plossl [ Glenda ] Fort Bliss,Tx
WO 1.25 Diagonal , 6mm Radian,4mmTMB, 40mm Meade 5000, 26mm and 32mm QX Meade, and some other stuff my Credit Card has been buying against my will, haha
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Paul McC
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/03/06
Posts: 983
Loc: Southern NJ
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Nice setup, Brian! The counterweight looks cool, too. I've always wondered what they look like and how it's configured on a CPC 1100. Is that one weight enough for all the stuff on the scope? (I'm guessing yes) With that weight in place, do you get perfect balance without the clutches locked in all orientations of the scope? (11" SCT Celestrons are kinda back heavy- it might be worth it even without the extras)
Do scope buggys lock the tripod down in anyway or does it just sit on there? If going up/down a hill, isn't there a chance of the scope toppling over? (I see a bungee cable on one leg)
Thanks,
Paul
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My Current Time Machine is a
Celestron CPC 1100 GPS XLT
aka - The Time Tunnel
My Celestron CPC 1100 Webpage:
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/pmccullough/skyportcpc1100.htm
Latin phrase to live by: "Illegitimis nil carborundum"
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Altazi
professor emeritus
Reged: 02/08/07
Posts: 555
Loc: Pacific Northwest (Oregon)
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Hi Paul,
I looked at a CPC1100 sitting on a scope buggy at the Sunriver Observatory. The tripod legs appear to just sit in the little holes, although if you shorten the legs, the metal caps on the ends of the legs will catch just underneath the top parts of the holes in the scope buggy. I wouldn't think this would be very robust in retaining the tripod. I would hope that there would be some more secure method for holding the scope in place, other than just gravity.
Regards,
Altazi
--------------------
I am using a CPC-1100XLT inverse photon cannon
Haggart Observatory (Oregon City)
Sunriver Nature Center Observatory
If you love animals, click here
Feed the animals!
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Elliot
super member
Reged: 09/12/06
Posts: 123
Loc: Medford NJ
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Here is mine;
--------------------
Celestron CPC 1100
APT Wedge
Celestron ED80 GuideScope
SkyShed
SBIG ST9XE
Celestron Ultima 2000
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Elliot
super member
Reged: 09/12/06
Posts: 123
Loc: Medford NJ
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Here is the new Feather Touch;
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Celestron CPC 1100
APT Wedge
Celestron ED80 GuideScope
SkyShed
SBIG ST9XE
Celestron Ultima 2000
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rrenauc237
super member
Reged: 08/15/06
Posts: 191
Loc: Whitby, Ontario, Canada
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How do you like the scopebuggy? I am considering getting one for my soon to arrive CPC9.25. How does it compare to the weelie bar from JMI. The wheels on the scopebuggy look much better.
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Rick
CPC 9.25 XLT
7mmT6
12mmT4
19mm Panoptic
11, 15, 32mm Televue Plossl
2" WO dielectric diagonal
2x Barlow
Telrad
Whitby, Ontario
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BVirgo
member
Reged: 04/19/07
Posts: 59
Loc: Toronto, ON Canada
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Really nice set up Elliot. Obviously a lot of thought (and I won't mention $$$) went into getting your observatory the way you wanted. How are the views with that 31T5? It's on my dream wish-list.
Bryce
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Celestron CPC 1100 (XLT)
WO 2" Dielectric for SCT
Telrad Finder
Q70 26mm & 32mm, 17T4, Stratus 10mm
+ a few Plossl's
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Elliot
super member
Reged: 09/12/06
Posts: 123
Loc: Medford NJ
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Thanks! And yes a lot of cabbage has gone into this hobby. 
The views are nothing short of amazing. Its the "Cadillac" (Do people still say Cadillac?) of eyepices.
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Celestron CPC 1100
APT Wedge
Celestron ED80 GuideScope
SkyShed
SBIG ST9XE
Celestron Ultima 2000
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Pedestal
Post Laureate
Reged: 03/11/06
Posts: 3857
Loc: Smoggy Bottom, Baytown,Texas
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Fresh out of the box...
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Hubert
---------------------------------
www.smoggybottom.org
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Pedestal
Post Laureate
Reged: 03/11/06
Posts: 3857
Loc: Smoggy Bottom, Baytown,Texas
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One more shot..
Hubert
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Hubert
---------------------------------
www.smoggybottom.org
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Steve Hopkins
super member
Reged: 03/20/07
Posts: 199
Loc: Manitoba Canada
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My Wife's CPC.9.25 next to my 12 inch,Sorry for the picture but it is the only one I have with me a work.
I will say that the Little CPC 9.25 is optically fantastic.
It is on par with the 12 inch as far as sharpness of Image.
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WinterView Observatory 12'x16'ft Roll-Off
Meade 12" LX200R (His)- Celestron CPC 9.25(Her's)
Meade Series 5000 UWA & Plossl's(Two Complete Sets)
Two sets of Denk 21's and One set Denk 14's
Two sets of Denk II Binoveiwers (His & Hers)
Two Power & Switch Diagonals with Filter Switch
Canon Rebel 450D(XSI)
Meade Series 5000 80 mm ED APO
Edited by Steve Hopkins (06/28/07 09:36 PM)
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Andreas
member
Reged: 11/22/05
Posts: 90
Loc: Chesapeake Beach, Maryland
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Here is a couple of shots of my CPC 1100 on my deck with my home made light block that extends all the way around me.
Andreas
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DSOs Observed
NGCs 1237, ICs 60, Other DSOs 62, Palomar GCs 5, Abell PNs 11
CPC 1100
Nexstar 8
Celestron 15x70 Skymasters
55mm TV Plossl, 35mm Panoptic
20mm Type 2, 16mm Type 5
11mm Type 6, 7mm Type 6
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SteveL
super member
Reged: 03/18/07
Posts: 160
Loc: Cambridge, UK
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Heres mine:
--------------------
--
Steve
www.steves-astro.com
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yonkrz
professor emeritus
Reged: 11/16/06
Posts: 572
Loc: SW Minnesota
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Nice setup Steve,Hows the light pollution over on your side?
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CPC 925
10" Z dob,Baltic Birch base
------------------------
Jeff
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SteveL
super member
Reged: 03/18/07
Posts: 160
Loc: Cambridge, UK
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Where I live, I am fortunate that the LP isnt that bad.... when the clouds actually decide to leave me alone, its Mag 4/4.5 skies, with the occasional Mag 5+ if I am lucky. Elsewhere, its like any other large city or community anywhere in the world... the yellow glow is terrible. The biggest problems here right now are:
- it has been the wettest June on record for the UK, and July isnt looking much better.
- at 52N, the sky doesnt get "black" dark for 6-8 weeks during the summer
So sessions are far and few between, and when I do manage to get out, there is a "very dark blue sky" period for about 90 minutes or so (skies start to noticable turn lighter blue at 1.45-2.00am !!)
Looking forward to Autumn (for "Fall" for our colonial friends ) and the longer/darker nights.
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--
Steve
www.steves-astro.com
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Star Gazer
sage
Reged: 05/25/07
Posts: 466
Loc: South Texas
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What focuser is that? And, on an SCT would you use one with the diagonal? I hope this question makes sense. Thanks!
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Celestron CPC 9.25 GPS XLT
Stellarvue F50M 9x50 Finder
Canon 15 x 50 IS Binoculars
Edited by Star Gazer (07/11/07 11:00 AM)
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SteveL
super member
Reged: 03/18/07
Posts: 160
Loc: Cambridge, UK
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Just added a William Optics ZenithStar SD 66mm to my setup, just awaiting delivery from the other side of the Atlantic of my ADM counterweight rail and my Bobs Knobs, and I`ll be ready for (almost) anything now. (This does not mean, of course, that I will be purchasing/adding any less equipment to my list )
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--
Steve
www.steves-astro.com
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arowana
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 01/02/06
Posts: 2900
Loc: Pleasant View,Tennessee
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Nice set-up Steve, looks almost just like mine.
Your gonna love that 66SD up there. I use mine as a widefeild scope and a finder. It tis amazing!!!
CS's
Joey
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CPC 1100
Earthwin Binoviewer with Dielectric P/F Switch
Matched Pair of 24 Pan's
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1965healey
Post Laureate
Reged: 06/23/07
Posts: 3135
Loc: San Antonio, TX
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Hey Stargazer, not sure if anyone answered your question about the electronic focuser on the back od Andreas' rig. Its a Celestron motofocus. About $150.00.
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1965Healey (Karen)
Woodlawn Lake Observatory
Celestron CPC 800/FT MIcro/APT Wedge
SV NHNG 80mm #0261/CG5-GT
Celestron Omni 150 XLT
Losmandy rails/rings
Starizona CWeight system
Celestron Neximage
Sony a100 DSLR/ZigView S2
Meade DS60's w/Autostar (2)
Meade LPI/Meade DSI-C/DSI ProII
750cc Honda Shadow Spirit (Thanks Dad!)
1965 Austin Healey 3000 MKIII
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Stef
super member
Reged: 04/07/07
Posts: 146
Loc: Aylesbury, UK
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Hi Steve,
Nice set up chap! Glad to see the ADM scope mount fitted and the counterweights on the way. Have just ordered mine today from Anthony.
You must have flown your stuff to the Med to get sun shine like that in July. ;-) Out here in Oxford it hasn't stopped raining for nearly 3 months!
When I get a clear spell, I'll take a piccy or two of my rig for this thread.
Stef (Aylesbury, UK)
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Star Gazer
sage
Reged: 05/25/07
Posts: 466
Loc: South Texas
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Quote:
Hey Stargazer, not sure if anyone answered your question about the electronic focuser on the back od Andreas' rig. Its a Celestron motofocus. About $150.00.
Thanks!
--------------------
Celestron CPC 9.25 GPS XLT
Stellarvue F50M 9x50 Finder
Canon 15 x 50 IS Binoculars
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krackerjack9
professor emeritus
Reged: 04/17/06
Posts: 611
Loc: LSA Anaconda, Iraq
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Man look at how tall and green that grass is!!! All I got over here is a endless supply of tan colored Dust and Dirt!!
That WO66 is a winner!!
--------------------
LSA Anaconda, Iraq
WO 66ED,Sirus 32mm, Orion Diagonal,10mm Celestron,25mm Possl [ Blair S.] Greensboro,NC WO 66APO Patriot
8mm Televue,4mm Or [ Donald B.] Boise,Idaho
Meade 6.7 Ultra Wide [ Chuck ] USA
Meade 26mm Plossl [ Glenda ] Fort Bliss,Tx
WO 1.25 Diagonal , 6mm Radian,4mmTMB, 40mm Meade 5000, 26mm and 32mm QX Meade, and some other stuff my Credit Card has been buying against my will, haha
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SteveL
super member
Reged: 03/18/07
Posts: 160
Loc: Cambridge, UK
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That will be the 3 months of almost constant rain that the UK has just emerged from (finally!). The ADM counterweight rail turned up today, so maybe I`ll get a real first light with it soon.
--------------------
--
Steve
www.steves-astro.com
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SteveL
super member
Reged: 03/18/07
Posts: 160
Loc: Cambridge, UK
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