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Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | >> (show all) astroman68 sage Reged: 07/09/07 Loc: West Yorkshire, UK Show off your NexStar       #1729944 - 07/21/07 04:26 AM Attachment (1832 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       eric_zeiner Phoenix's Dad Reged: 12/09/06 Loc: Georgia USA 34 31'57.18N 83 53... Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: astroman68]       #1730345 - 07/21/07 11:57 AM Attachment (1912 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here you go. Post Extras:       Hal Pollner Reged: 08/30/05 Loc: Southern California Desert Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: eric_zeiner]       #1730364 - 07/21/07 12:11 PM Attachment (2279 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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) Post Extras:       fishnbanjo member Reged: 08/21/04 Loc: Maine Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: astroman68]       #1730386 - 07/21/07 12:28 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Not shown is the Dew Shield and still waiting to get the Wing Thing. Post Extras:       GordonCopestake Carpal Tunnel Reged: 03/02/06 Loc: Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: fishnbanjo]       #1730647 - 07/21/07 02:59 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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! Post Extras:       Hal Pollner Reged: 08/30/05 Loc: Southern California Desert Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: GordonCopestake]       #1731118 - 07/21/07 08:18 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Edited by Hal Pollner (07/22/07 06:29 PM) Post Extras:       ace50252 Pooh-Bah Reged: 09/10/06 Loc: South Side Des Moines, Iowa Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Hal Pollner]       #1731172 - 07/21/07 08:50 PM Attachment (1377 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       ace50252 Pooh-Bah Reged: 09/10/06 Loc: South Side Des Moines, Iowa Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: ace50252]       #1731178 - 07/21/07 08:55 PM Attachment (933 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   And annother with dual refractors. AT66ED with the Orion 100 ST. Post Extras:       ace50252 Pooh-Bah Reged: 09/10/06 Loc: South Side Des Moines, Iowa Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: ace50252]       #1731186 - 07/21/07 08:59 PM Attachment (1490 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I also have a snap of the 6SE geared up and ready to go. This OTA can work on the other mount for imaging. Post Extras:       ace50252 Pooh-Bah Reged: 09/10/06 Loc: South Side Des Moines, Iowa Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: ace50252]       #1731212 - 07/21/07 09:22 PM Attachment (1111 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   And another view. Post Extras:       astroman68 sage Reged: 07/09/07 Loc: West Yorkshire, UK Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: ace50252]       #1732369 - 07/22/07 03:32 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looks like this post I started has got the ball rolling. Partically the variation and setup of equipment Keep them coming. Regards, Paul Post Extras:       GordonCopestake Carpal Tunnel Reged: 03/02/06 Loc: Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: astroman68]       #1733398 - 07/23/07 03:35 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       bkushner Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/26/06 Loc: Audubon New Jersey Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Hal Pollner]       #1733528 - 07/23/07 07:25 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Here's my new 8SE, which I've had since July 10. Will it ever see light? Post Extras:       ace50252 Pooh-Bah Reged: 09/10/06 Loc: South Side Des Moines, Iowa Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: bkushner]       #1733729 - 07/23/07 10:12 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       Hal Pollner Reged: 08/30/05 Loc: Southern California Desert Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: bkushner]       #1733743 - 07/23/07 10:21 AM Attachment (1388 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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) Post Extras:       strgazr sage Reged: 06/22/07 Loc: the mitten Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Hal Pollner]       #1739379 - 07/25/07 09:45 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   lol great pic Hal looks like you got the good stuff Post Extras:       Hal Pollner Reged: 08/30/05 Loc: Southern California Desert Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: strgazr]       #1754335 - 08/02/07 08:15 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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) Post Extras:       b1gred Enginerd Reged: 04/01/04 Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Hal Pollner]       #1754482 - 08/02/07 09:39 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   topic? Post Extras:       Magellan Pooh-Bah Reged: 01/26/06 Loc: Enfield, NS Canada Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: astroman68]       #1756871 - 08/04/07 01:12 AM Attachment (1356 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   This is my heavily modded Nexstar 102SLT Edited by Magellan (08/04/07 01:12 AM) Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Magellan]       #1759744 - 08/05/07 03:49 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Where can I purchase a "Wing Thing" and will it work with my NexStar 6 SE? Post Extras:       b1gred Enginerd Reged: 04/01/04 Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1760106 - 08/05/07 07:18 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: b1gred]       #1760188 - 08/05/07 08:10 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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? Post Extras:       BrianRG Skippy Reged: 10/22/06 Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1760257 - 08/05/07 09:05 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   The 6SE and the 8SE use the same mount, so it should work. Brian Post Extras:       b1gred Enginerd Reged: 04/01/04 Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: BrianRG]       #1760280 - 08/05/07 09:16 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       BrianRG Skippy Reged: 10/22/06 Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: b1gred]       #1770909 - 08/11/07 12:09 AM Attachment (1080 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       Flying_Fox sage Reged: 09/12/05 Loc: Halifax, NS Canada Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: astroman68]       #1782259 - 08/16/07 11:46 PM Attachment (1008 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   How come I am late for such a thread? Here is mine: Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Flying_Fox]       #1784344 - 08/18/07 01:31 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       A.J. super member Reged: 08/22/05 Loc: Central Valley, Ca Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1787967 - 08/20/07 12:00 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   ^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.... Post Extras:       Hal Pollner Reged: 08/30/05 Loc: Southern California Desert Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: A.J.]       #1788691 - 08/20/07 12:10 PM Attachment (894 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Edited by Hal Pollner (08/20/07 12:13 PM) Post Extras:       Astroboy86 sage Reged: 01/28/07 Loc: Southeastern Virginia Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Hal Pollner]       #1789023 - 08/20/07 02:38 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: A.J.]       #1789154 - 08/20/07 03:39 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       Hal Pollner Reged: 08/30/05 Loc: Southern California Desert Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1789249 - 08/20/07 04:16 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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!) Edited by Hal Pollner (08/20/07 04:18 PM) Post Extras:       Astroboy86 sage Reged: 01/28/07 Loc: Southeastern Virginia Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Hal Pollner]       #1789481 - 08/20/07 05:45 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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! Post Extras:       Hal Pollner Reged: 08/30/05 Loc: Southern California Desert Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Astroboy86]       #1789745 - 08/20/07 08:01 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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? Edited by Hal Pollner (08/20/07 08:03 PM) Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Hal Pollner]       #1789848 - 08/20/07 08:54 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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? Post Extras:       spaceydee Postmaster Reged: 04/16/04 Loc: Where the Kittens Are Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1795420 - 08/23/07 12:14 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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! Post Extras:       Flying_Fox sage Reged: 09/12/05 Loc: Halifax, NS Canada Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1796633 - 08/23/07 10:52 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Flying_Fox]       #1797663 - 08/24/07 01:33 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   It looks great. Too bad it's no longer available. Post Extras:       Clint M member Reged: 06/03/07 Loc: Madison, WI Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1802592 - 08/26/07 11:03 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Edited by Charlie Hein (05/10/08 05:39 PM) Post Extras:       DerekDRP scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 07/16/07 Loc: Michigan Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Clint M]       #1813870 - 09/01/07 06:21 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hal is that an Old rc car on the shelf in your testing station room? Post Extras:       Hal Pollner Reged: 08/30/05 Loc: Southern California Desert Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: DerekDRP]       #1814511 - 09/02/07 02:08 AM Attachment (503 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Edited by Hal Pollner (09/02/07 02:14 AM) Post Extras:       DerekDRP scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 07/16/07 Loc: Michigan Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Hal Pollner]       #1814547 - 09/02/07 03:03 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       Erix Toad Lily Reged: 12/25/04 Loc: Texas, USA Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: DerekDRP]       #1814948 - 09/02/07 10:41 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar *DELETED* [Re: Erix]       #1815360 - 09/02/07 02:27 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Post deleted by Starlighter Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar *DELETED* [Re: Starlighter]       #1815371 - 09/02/07 02:34 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Post deleted by Starlighter Edited by Starlighter (09/02/07 02:36 PM) Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar *DELETED* [Re: Starlighter]       #1815389 - 09/02/07 02:47 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Post deleted by Starlighter Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1815834 - 09/02/07 06:34 PM Attachment (795 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   This is my Nexstar 6 SE: Edited by Starlighter (09/02/07 11:03 PM) Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1815876 - 09/02/07 06:56 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Edited by Starlighter (09/02/07 11:11 PM) Post Extras:       BrianRG Skippy Reged: 10/22/06 Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1815971 - 09/02/07 08:04 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looks good, Starlighter. I recently replaced my stock diagonal, too, with a WO dielectric. It does make a difference. Brian Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: BrianRG]       #1816137 - 09/02/07 09:52 PM Attachment (690 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's a larger photo of my Nexstar 6 SE: Edited by Starlighter (09/02/07 09:53 PM) Post Extras:       ngphotog member Reged: 08/17/07 Loc: Wichita, Kansas Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: astroman68]       #1816905 - 09/03/07 10:29 AM Attachment (776 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: ngphotog]       #1817843 - 09/03/07 05:57 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Edited by Starlighter (09/03/07 09:20 PM) Post Extras:       Tel Postmaster Reged: 03/31/06 Loc: Wallingford England Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1817915 - 09/03/07 06:25 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       ngphotog member Reged: 08/17/07 Loc: Wichita, Kansas Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1817996 - 09/03/07 07:12 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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... Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: ngphotog]       #1818281 - 09/03/07 09:17 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Edited by Starlighter (09/03/07 09:20 PM) Post Extras:       fireman professor emeritus Reged: 07/27/07 Loc: Houston, Texas Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: astroman68]       #1831079 - 09/09/07 08:07 PM Attachment (643 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       BrianRG Skippy Reged: 10/22/06 Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: fireman]       #1843443 - 09/15/07 12:47 PM Attachment (620 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: BrianRG]       #1843771 - 09/15/07 04:35 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       BrianRG Skippy Reged: 10/22/06 Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1844524 - 09/16/07 04:36 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: BrianRG]       #1845571 - 09/16/07 05:38 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       StarWars Mr. Postmaster Man Reged: 11/26/03 Loc: Karma Chameleon... Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1846268 - 09/17/07 12:17 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Very Nice!! Post Extras:       BrianRG Skippy Reged: 10/22/06 Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: StarWars]       #1846504 - 09/17/07 06:35 AM Attachment (640 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: BrianRG]       #1849756 - 09/18/07 04:25 PM Attachment (607 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's one from two summers ago ... I need to get newer shots! Post Extras:       BrianRG Skippy Reged: 10/22/06 Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #1849969 - 09/18/07 06:02 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Rick: How do you have your Dew Buster controller attached to the mount? Brian Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: BrianRG]       #1850369 - 09/18/07 08:39 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 ... Post Extras:       BrianRG Skippy Reged: 10/22/06 Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #1850657 - 09/18/07 11:03 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks, Rick. I'm all over that idea -- good thinkin'. Brian Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: BrianRG]       #1850750 - 09/18/07 11:45 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   You're welcome sir ... good luck! Post Extras:       Psyire Pooh-Bah Reged: 06/24/07 Loc: 55* North Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #1850767 - 09/18/07 11:55 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I have done the exact same thing in the same location and it does work great. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Psyire]       #1854354 - 09/20/07 03:32 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Brian, How did you mount your 8 SE to the Vixen? I was thinking of doing the same with my 6 SE. Post Extras:       BrianRG Skippy Reged: 10/22/06 Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1854454 - 09/20/07 04:15 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: BrianRG]       #1854527 - 09/20/07 04:54 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       BrianRG Skippy Reged: 10/22/06 Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1854654 - 09/20/07 06:01 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       ace50252 Pooh-Bah Reged: 09/10/06 Loc: South Side Des Moines, Iowa Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1860300 - 09/23/07 02:09 PM Attachment (660 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My upgraded 6SE with a dew shield, Stellarvue 9x50 finder scope, and my GPS. Post Extras:       BrianRG Skippy Reged: 10/22/06 Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: ace50252]       #1860717 - 09/23/07 05:48 PM Attachment (541 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: BrianRG]       #1860734 - 09/23/07 05:56 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       ace50252 Pooh-Bah Reged: 09/10/06 Loc: South Side Des Moines, Iowa Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1860830 - 09/23/07 06:56 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: ace50252]       #1860960 - 09/23/07 08:13 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   How did you mount the GPS to your 6 SE? Does it need to be on top in order to receive the proper signal? Post Extras:       ace50252 Pooh-Bah Reged: 09/10/06 Loc: South Side Des Moines, Iowa Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1861109 - 09/23/07 09:32 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: ace50252]       #1874654 - 09/29/07 06:34 PM Attachment (542 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       ace50252 Pooh-Bah Reged: 09/10/06 Loc: South Side Des Moines, Iowa Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1874693 - 09/29/07 06:57 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: ace50252]       #1874748 - 09/29/07 07:27 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       Huge member Reged: 05/13/07 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1887540 - 10/05/07 07:06 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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... Post Extras:       Huge member Reged: 05/13/07 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1887566 - 10/05/07 07:35 AM Attachment (712 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ok, so here is the picture this time ... Post Extras:       Huge member Reged: 05/13/07 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1887577 - 10/05/07 07:52 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       BrianRG Skippy Reged: 10/22/06 Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Huge]       #1887635 - 10/05/07 08:53 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looking good, Hugh. It looks like you've got a nice place to observe there, too. Nice eyepiece! Brian Post Extras:       Huge member Reged: 05/13/07 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: BrianRG]       #1890387 - 10/06/07 11:50 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Huge]       #1890460 - 10/06/07 12:17 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   You can do almost anything using velcro. Nice setup. I like your dew shield. It looks a lot better than mine. Post Extras:       Huge member Reged: 05/13/07 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1890896 - 10/06/07 03:16 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       bcuddihee Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/04/06 Loc: Cincinnati Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: fishnbanjo]       #1895307 - 10/08/07 02:25 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   How do you get all that good stuff to clear the mount? B Cuddihee Post Extras:       Tel Postmaster Reged: 03/31/06 Loc: Wallingford England Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: bcuddihee]       #1928203 - 10/22/07 11:14 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       Huge member Reged: 05/13/07 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Tel]       #1931167 - 10/23/07 02:06 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks Tel, Now I'll have to work out how badly I want one... Cheers Hugh Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Huge]       #1931283 - 10/23/07 02:59 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'd stick with the velcro and save the money towards buying a Nagler. Post Extras:       mattyfatz Carpal Tunnel Reged: 12/27/06 Loc: Boise Idaho Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1931735 - 10/23/07 06:18 PM Attachment (359 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   nextstar5... but I slod it to Hammerhead Edited by mattyfatz (10/23/07 06:19 PM) Post Extras:       gasendi member Reged: 08/30/07 Loc: Alicante (España) Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: mattyfatz]       #1949276 - 10/30/07 08:04 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   This is my nexstar 8i with the moon to the bottom. Regards. Luis Post Extras:       strgazr sage Reged: 06/22/07 Loc: the mitten Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: gasendi]       #1961665 - 11/04/07 09:04 PM Attachment (459 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   mine Post Extras:       strgazr sage Reged: 06/22/07 Loc: the mitten Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: strgazr]       #1961671 - 11/04/07 09:05 PM Attachment (353 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   mine 2 Post Extras:       Huge member Reged: 05/13/07 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1963159 - 11/05/07 01:41 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Huge]       #1963633 - 11/05/07 04:49 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Please let us know how they work out. Post Extras:       Huge member Reged: 05/13/07 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1986669 - 11/15/07 07:52 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Will do Starlighter Post Extras:       StarWars Mr. Postmaster Man Reged: 11/26/03 Loc: Karma Chameleon... Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: mattyfatz]       #1987308 - 11/15/07 01:48 PM Attachment (322 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My 114 GT small but noble.. Post Extras:       b1g bleu super member Reged: 11/14/07 Loc: Lawn Gisland, NY, USA Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: DerekDRP]       #1990331 - 11/16/07 08:32 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: b1g bleu]       #1990412 - 11/16/07 09:19 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       Bob Griffiths Getting Grouchy Reged: 10/10/05 Loc: Frederick Maryland Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #1991092 - 11/17/07 09:13 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       jonathanCR sage Reged: 07/02/07 Loc: Costa Rica Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2040359 - 12/09/07 10:06 PM Attachment (394 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here is my 4.5" powered by a 12V battery Post Extras:       jrosario01 member Reged: 11/23/06 Loc: Miami, Fl Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: astroman68]       #2054355 - 12/16/07 09:26 AM Attachment (528 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My first post (I have been lurking for years) thanks to all members of this forums for the invaluable info !!! Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: jrosario01]       #2054628 - 12/16/07 11:45 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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? Post Extras:       jrosario01 member Reged: 11/23/06 Loc: Miami, Fl Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2054652 - 12/16/07 11:58 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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! Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: jrosario01]       #2054844 - 12/16/07 01:33 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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! Post Extras:       jrosario01 member Reged: 11/23/06 Loc: Miami, Fl Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2054972 - 12/16/07 02:42 PM Attachment (433 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: jrosario01]       #2054996 - 12/16/07 02:53 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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! Post Extras:       Smeds member Reged: 11/09/07 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2076727 - 12/27/07 09:13 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's mine: (Sorry if the pic is huge, I tried resizing it when I hosted it but it keeps timing out the connection) Post Extras:       Rich Prior super member Reged: 06/30/07 Loc: Greenville, SC Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: b1g bleu]       #2077424 - 12/27/07 03:39 PM Attachment (376 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       b1gred Enginerd Reged: 04/01/04 Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: A.J.]       #2077462 - 12/27/07 03:52 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       osbourne one-nil scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 07/03/06 Loc: Cumbria, England 54.5ºN 2.5ºW Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: b1gred]       #2125039 - 01/16/08 06:22 PM Attachment (361 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   12 hours old and the new love of my life. Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: osbourne one-nil]       #2125390 - 01/16/08 09:12 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice looking scope Piers ... be good to her and she'll treat you right. Enjoy the views. Post Extras:       starry nights member Reged: 11/25/07 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: osbourne one-nil]       #2128132 - 01/17/08 11:29 PM Attachment (389 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   here's my baby... Edited by Charlie Hein (05/10/08 05:53 PM) Post Extras:       strgazr sage Reged: 06/22/07 Loc: the mitten Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: starry nights]       #2128863 - 01/18/08 12:01 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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 Post Extras:       skyward_eyes Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: b1g bleu]       #2133684 - 01/20/08 03:32 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice Stuff guys, I will post mine later. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: skyward_eyes]       #2147905 - 01/26/08 08:19 PM Attachment (358 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Does this count? Post Extras:       osbourne one-nil scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 07/03/06 Loc: Cumbria, England 54.5ºN 2.5ºW Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: b1g bleu]       #2149435 - 01/27/08 03:11 PM Attachment (336 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: osbourne one-nil]       #2149740 - 01/27/08 05:56 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice photo Piers, I'll wager that hat helps your son "cut through the wind" too ... Cheers Post Extras:       osbourne one-nil scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 07/03/06 Loc: Cumbria, England 54.5ºN 2.5ºW Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2150636 - 01/28/08 06:01 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Oh yes.....the vicious bite of a gentle south-westerly wafting up from the Azores! Post Extras:       jason_milani Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/03/04 Loc: Northeast Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: osbourne one-nil]       #2153532 - 01/29/08 01:49 PM Attachment (412 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's my setup: Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: jason_milani]       #2153624 - 01/29/08 02:34 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice color match. Post Extras:       Smeds member Reged: 11/09/07 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2153787 - 01/29/08 03:40 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       strgazr sage Reged: 06/22/07 Loc: the mitten Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Smeds]       #2154946 - 01/29/08 11:53 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   sorry i have to ask how did you lose this stuff?? Post Extras:       b1gred Enginerd Reged: 04/01/04 Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: strgazr]       #2155023 - 01/30/08 12:30 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: sorry i have to ask how did you lose this stuff?? Ya, "Enquiring minds want to know..." Post Extras:       Smeds member Reged: 11/09/07 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: b1gred]       #2155217 - 01/30/08 05:53 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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. Post Extras:       THEPLOUGH ELEVEN Grandchildren; FIVE Ducklings Reged: 01/11/08 Loc: Carlisle, Cumbria, ENGLAND Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Smeds]       #2155450 - 01/30/08 09:31 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   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...--- Post Extras:       Smeds member Reged: 11/09/07 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: THEPLOUGH]       #2155997 - 01/30/08 01:50 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Just put it there, it's a good start to astronomy... Post Extras:       strgazr sage Reged: 06/22/07 Loc: the mitten Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Smeds]       #2156642 - 01/30/08 07:04 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   well sorry to here that good luck getting replacement parts Post Extras:       skybsd Post Laureate Reged: 02/01/08 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Hal Pollner]       #2163096 - 02/02/08 03:02 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hello, I was wondering if you could let me know where you got the tube rings in your photo, please? The seem to fit quite well - did they need any tweaking, further adjustment to fit the NexStar 6SE? Regards, skybsd Post Extras:       Flying_Fox sage Reged: 09/12/05 Loc: Halifax, NS Canada Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: skybsd]       #2165746 - 02/03/08 05:18 PM Attachment (404 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Now this is THE monster... Sure I will not use all of this equipment at once, but you get an idea. Post Extras:       b1gred Enginerd Reged: 04/01/04 Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Flying_Fox]       #2165792 - 02/03/08 05:32 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   WOW, that's a LOT of weight hanging off a single arm, especially with no counterbalance... I feel sorry for your bushings/bearings... Post Extras:       Flying_Fox sage Reged: 09/12/05 Loc: Halifax, NS Canada Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: b1gred]       #2165821 - 02/03/08 05:47 PM Attachment (257 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: WOW, that's a LOT of weight hanging off a single arm, especially with no counterbalance... I feel sorry for your bushings/bearings... Well, really it will be used in this more reasonable layout. I replaced Orion 9x50 RACI finder with Stellarvue F50 and added JMI EV-1C focuser with RoboFocus. Ray's Bracket does the balancing. F50 finder now moved closer to the arm which should help with the balance. Later this stuff should move to CGE-11 that I hope to buy. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Flying_Fox]       #2165895 - 02/03/08 06:23 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   That is a monster all right, even when stripped down somewhat. I take it you like the Vixen flip mirror diagonal. Some have reported it being sadly lacking while others love it. Post Extras:       THEPLOUGH ELEVEN Grandchildren; FIVE Ducklings Reged: 01/11/08 Loc: Carlisle, Cumbria, ENGLAND Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Flying_Fox]       #2165898 - 02/03/08 06:24 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   NICE, NICE,NICE... Geoff. Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Flying_Fox]       #2166009 - 02/03/08 07:55 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Looking good Nick ... Post Extras:       Flying_Fox sage Reged: 09/12/05 Loc: Halifax, NS Canada Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2166076 - 02/03/08 08:22 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: That is a monster all right, even when stripped down somewhat. I take it you like the Vixen flip mirror diagonal. Some have reported it being sadly lacking while others love it. I just received Vixen diagonal on Friday, didn't try it yet. Post Extras:       qqmtl member Reged: 09/21/07 Loc: Laval,Quebec, Canada Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Flying_Fox]       #2166488 - 02/03/08 11:28 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Nick that setup is amazing , really deserve that name "Monster" Saul Post Extras:       StarWars Mr. Postmaster Man Reged: 11/26/03 Loc: Karma Chameleon... Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: qqmtl]       #2166537 - 02/03/08 11:49 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   WOW.. Post Extras:       osbourne one-nil scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 07/03/06 Loc: Cumbria, England 54.5ºN 2.5ºW Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Flying_Fox]       #2168178 - 02/04/08 06:33 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Now this is THE monster... Sure I will not use all of this equipment at once, but you get an idea. I bet you've got one of those devices which turns your TV volume down during the adverts. Post Extras:       Flying_Fox sage Reged: 09/12/05 Loc: Halifax, NS Canada Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: osbourne one-nil]       #2168793 - 02/04/08 10:52 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: I bet you've got one of those devices which turns your TV volume down during the adverts. So you've lost! Where can I get one? Post Extras:       strutsinaction member Reged: 11/17/07 Loc: UK Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: StarWars]       #2169632 - 02/05/08 11:10 AM Attachment (391 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's my 2 month old 8SE with a WO 2" carbon diagonal, Baader Hyperion 8-24mm zoom and Baader Sky Surfer. Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: strutsinaction]       #2169842 - 02/05/08 12:48 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice unit strutsinaction ... thanks for posting. Post Extras:       Bodhibear420 member Reged: 12/28/07 Loc: Union, KY Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2190708 - 02/14/08 08:10 AM Attachment (345 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My "late model" 8 with a few toys added for good measure. The Denkmeier switch and a binoviewer are a match made in heaven. Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Bodhibear420]       #2190993 - 02/14/08 10:43 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Now yer talkin' Bodhibear420 ... that looks a bit closer to my unit! Thanks for posting! Post Extras:       Doug76 Long Achro Junkie Reged: 12/05/07 Loc: Refractor Heaven Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: osbourne one-nil]       #2191262 - 02/14/08 12:39 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well, the system is Nexstar, I believe, even if the scope isn't. But I am very proud of it, and I call it "My baby". Post Extras:       Doug76 Long Achro Junkie Reged: 12/05/07 Loc: Refractor Heaven Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: qqmtl]       #2191287 - 02/14/08 12:49 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Sorry about that, was going to post a picture of it, but don't know how on this site. It's a C6S-GT. Post Extras:       Bodhibear420 member Reged: 12/28/07 Loc: Union, KY Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Doug76]       #2191312 - 02/14/08 01:04 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   To post a pic, after you type your message, click on preview reply. That page will give you a place to attach a pic, but it needs to be less than 100kb Post Extras:       bcuddihee Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/04/06 Loc: Cincinnati Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Doug76]       #2191315 - 02/14/08 01:05 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My 8SE with Denks and TV 20's riding shotgun. Post Extras:       bcuddihee Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/04/06 Loc: Cincinnati Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: bcuddihee]       #2191320 - 02/14/08 01:06 PM Attachment (311 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   OOPS! Post Extras:       bsumpter super member Reged: 01/23/08 Loc: Greeneville, TN Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: jason_milani]       #2201666 - 02/18/08 10:55 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Here's my setup: Hello ... do you happen to have a shot of the other side? I'm curious as to how you mounted the refractor. Post Extras:       b1gred Enginerd Reged: 04/01/04 Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: bsumpter]       #2201720 - 02/18/08 11:17 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice scope, nice pix, nice color match. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: bsumpter]       #2201727 - 02/18/08 11:19 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Sharp! How did you mount the laser? Post Extras:       mojo2 member Reged: 01/16/08 Loc: Presque Isle, Maine Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2203902 - 02/19/08 08:36 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   how did you match the color? Please post more pics and info... Post Extras:       jason_milani Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/03/04 Loc: Northeast Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: mojo2]       #2204125 - 02/19/08 10:09 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Brian alerted me to the questions about my piggyback setup since i haven't checked this forum as of late. Mojo - the refractor is a william Optics Zenithstar 66. They made them in blue and orange to match Celestron and Meade scopes. Astrotech did the same and added a few colors. I had a blue astrotech 66mm scope on my Meade LX90 before i aquired this orange scope (i sold the blue on astromart and then picked up the orange also on astromart.) I will post more pics when i get a chance - glad to be of service. bsumpter - I used a scopestuff piggyback rail to mount the refractor. They don't yet have a rail for the C-6 so i bought one for a C-8 and drilled an extra hole into it for mounting on the C-6. If you look closely you can see it's longer than the OTA but i didn't see the need to cut it off since i keep the dew shield on. By the way, the dew shield is from a 6" refractor i had. The dew shield was slightly damaged and i received a new one for the refractor and kept this one. I had to grind down the inner diameter since it was too tight originally. I then flocked the inside with some black felt i picked up on e-bay. Starlighter - i used a 30mm finder bracket to mount the finder. I had (have) the finder mounted in a scopestuff laser bracket but it was still a little too narrow so i simply wrapped some electrical tape around the scopestuff bracket to increase the diameter to fit the finder bracket. Like i said, i'll post more pics if anyone is interested. Thanks for the compliments. Post Extras:       jason_milani Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/03/04 Loc: Northeast Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: jason_milani]       #2204131 - 02/19/08 10:11 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Oops! in the pic i had simply mounted the scopestuff laser bracket to the side of the OTA with the standaerd scopestuff mounting package. Later, to lighten the load i removed the 8X50 finder (kind of redundant with the 66mm scope on top) and used a 6X30 bracket in it's place to mount the laser. I'll post a pic soon Post Extras:       Astroboy86 sage Reged: 01/28/07 Loc: Southeastern Virginia Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: jason_milani]       #2204236 - 02/19/08 11:00 PM Attachment (307 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I finally got around to snapping a couple of pictures of our CPC 925, but what rotten timing. After seeing that beauty posted by Jason Milani, I feel like I should have sent ours out for a paint job before posting! -Harry Post Extras:       jason_milani Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/03/04 Loc: Northeast Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Astroboy86]       #2205094 - 02/20/08 10:55 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quite an attractive setup in itself Harry! How do you like the feathertouch focuser? Post Extras:       Astroboy86 sage Reged: 01/28/07 Loc: Southeastern Virginia Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: jason_milani]       #2205216 - 02/20/08 11:41 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: How do you like the feathertouch focuser? Jason, the Feather Touch Micro deserves all the glowing reviews you've seen here, and then some! Werner Schmidt must really be backed up on production right now, since I still don't see the Micro for CPC 925 offered on either the Starlight Insruments or the Starizona sites. I was lucky enough to get a pre-production model after reading a posting by another CN member who got one. I called Starlight directly and spoke with Werner and Brigitte to see if it would be possible to get one before taking our scope on vacation last fall. They were able to send me a functional unit, but it didn't have all of the anodizing completed, so I had to send it back to be finished when we got home. I reinstalled the stock focuser when I returned the Feather Touch and believe me, I was counting the minutes until it came back! The only problem I've experienced with this focuser is really not the focuser's fault, but a conflict with the Starizona Virtual View 2" rotating visual back. It is locked in position using two long screws similar to the ones you often see on DB-style connector backshells. These screws easily clear the stock focuser knob as you spin the VB onto the SCT threads, but the Micro has a larger diameter body and it prevents the VB from being threaded on without the screws hitting that gorgeous finish. The workaround is to either cut about 1/4" off the end of each screw or loosen them and keep that part from turning while threading the VB on and off. Except for this minor annoyance, the Starizona VB is also a great product--the rotation is very smooth and a light touch on those long screws is all it takes to lock the diagonal into position. -Harry Post Extras:       jason_milani Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/03/04 Loc: Northeast Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: jason_milani]       #2206442 - 02/20/08 08:27 PM Attachment (361 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here are some more pics: #1: Post Extras:       jason_milani Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/03/04 Loc: Northeast Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: jason_milani]       #2206445 - 02/20/08 08:27 PM Attachment (293 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   #2: Post Extras:       jason_milani Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/03/04 Loc: Northeast Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: jason_milani]       #2206454 - 02/20/08 08:30 PM Attachment (300 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Check out that last pic - i took off the visual back on the Zenithstar and replaced it with a 2" SCT diagonal. Then i put the Orange visual back from the Zenithstar onto the SCT. The things we do when the clouds abound #3: Post Extras:       jason_milani Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/03/04 Loc: Northeast Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: jason_milani]       #2206456 - 02/20/08 08:31 PM Attachment (304 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   A close up of the scopestuff rail: Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: jason_milani]       #2206488 - 02/20/08 08:44 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Beautiful set up Jason ... Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: jason_milani]       #2206844 - 02/20/08 10:49 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Check out that last pic - i took off the visual back on the Zenithstar and replaced it with a 2" SCT diagonal. Then i put the Orange visual back from the Zenithstar onto the SCT. The things we do when the clouds abound Simply brilliant! This is the best looking Nexstar I've ever seen on the forum. Congratulations. I tried to catch the moon eclipse in between the the rain clouds. I got a nice naked eye glimpse, but before I could set up one of my scopes, it disappeared behind a dark cloud bank where it remained. Post Extras:       jason_milani Carpal Tunnel Reged: 09/03/04 Loc: Northeast Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2207166 - 02/21/08 12:29 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thank you for the compliment! I got a chance to take almost 60 shots with my rebel XT (in 10 degree temps) but when i got them downloaded i found out i was not quite perfectly focused. What a waste! At least i was able to view it. Post Extras:       Smeds member Reged: 11/09/07 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: jason_milani]       #2208500 - 02/21/08 02:32 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hello again. It's taken a few weeks, but 2 of the replacement parts have arrived! Just over £100 - an expensive mistake: The red dot finderscope is different to the original, it's a bit bigger. Plus on the invoice it said something about "flash upgrade" with respect to the control pad. The accessory tray will be sent when they get it in stock. Post Extras:       bsumpter super member Reged: 01/23/08 Loc: Greeneville, TN Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: jason_milani]       #2209312 - 02/21/08 08:07 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   So what's the verdict on the WO 66mm, Jason? There's another thread going on concerning the question of piggybacking or superfinder for wide views. I looked up the specs on your WO, and it appears it weighs about 3.5 lbs. Any issues w/ the weight? How are the optics? I still think it is unbelievable how beautiful that orange refractor is on the Nexstar. Post Extras:       mojo2 member Reged: 01/16/08 Loc: Presque Isle, Maine Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: bsumpter]       #2213609 - 02/23/08 02:10 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   No doubt a awesome looking scope! BTW how did you mount that extra bar on top of the scope, did you use exsisting holes or drill some new once? Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: bsumpter]       #2214143 - 02/23/08 07:15 PM Attachment (253 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: So what's the verdict on the WO 66mm, Jason? There's another thread going on concerning the question of piggybacking or superfinder for wide views. I looked up the specs on your WO, and it appears it weighs about 3.5 lbs. Any issues w/ the weight? How are the optics? It appears to be about the same weight as my latest eyepiece. Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2214283 - 02/23/08 08:29 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: It appears to be about the same weight as my latest eyepiece. Geez Starlighter ... looks like you can look through that puppy with both eyes at once ... Post Extras:       StarWars Mr. Postmaster Man Reged: 11/26/03 Loc: Karma Chameleon... Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2214297 - 02/23/08 08:34 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: It appears to be about the same weight as my latest eyepiece. Starlighter Is that the baader zoom.. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: StarWars]       #2214390 - 02/23/08 09:19 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nope. It's a 2" 40mm Meade Series 5000 Plossl. The glass is an inch and a half across. Post Extras:       bsumpter super member Reged: 01/23/08 Loc: Greeneville, TN Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2214458 - 02/23/08 09:47 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: It appears to be about the same weight as my latest eyepiece. Holy cow! Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: bsumpter]       #2214683 - 02/23/08 11:31 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Too bad no one makes a 2" binoviewer. Can you just imagine two of these puppies side by side? Post Extras:       b1gred Enginerd Reged: 04/01/04 Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2215341 - 02/24/08 11:24 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ahh but there IS one. Take a read through the Binoviewers forum... I think it's called the "black max". The weight of it plus 2x2" EPs would definitely be too much for an SE arm, tho... Post Extras:       ALiEN2108 member Reged: 02/24/08 Loc: Maribor, Slovenia Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: b1gred]       #2215446 - 02/24/08 12:17 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hey all! Well my hobby just advanced now with purchase of NexStar 8SE! I did also buy Celestron Eyepieces Kit since it is a bargain for the start. Befor that I had 900/90mm Refractor on EQ2, but I really didn;t enjoy it as much due to long setup time etc. Now all I need is 5 minutes to bring the SCT outside and align it. Works GREAT! Main observations in first days: - You NEED Celestron Vibration Pads, since it is really picking up everything - You NEED better focusing knob, I ordered Celestron motorized version So now I am waiting for this stuff to arrive so I'll get a good glimpse of Mars next time I hope. Since now all I could get was a red blob It was just almost impossible to focus with 4mm/9mm/15mm.... Since I am also trying astrography I did hookup my Nikon D80 . Worked great, but again too hard/impossible to focus with stock setup. Now I ordered ImagingSource CCD, so I'll need flip mirror to go with that and maybe try to do autotracking with CCD for DSLR with it... There is always something new I would like to add...*BLEEP*...moneysink BR Post Extras:       Cenk scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 05/29/04 Loc: South East England Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: ALiEN2108]       #2253365 - 03/12/08 06:03 PM Attachment (279 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here is my black Nexstar Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Cenk]       #2253552 - 03/12/08 07:29 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Very nice looking scope there Cenk ... Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Cenk]       #2253709 - 03/12/08 08:42 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Black is beautiful! Post Extras:       Cenk scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 05/29/04 Loc: South East England Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2254357 - 03/13/08 03:55 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks guys. Just waiting for a Televue 1.25" Everbrite diagonal and Bob's Knobs. Then I am done. For now... Post Extras:       Dave17 member Reged: 02/27/08 Loc: Boulder, Colorado Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Cenk]       #2260355 - 03/15/08 11:28 PM Attachment (297 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here is the 6se... without dew shield, next pic with dew shield Post Extras:       Dave17 member Reged: 02/27/08 Loc: Boulder, Colorado Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Dave17]       #2260356 - 03/15/08 11:29 PM Attachment (275 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   With astrozap shield Post Extras:       skybsd Post Laureate Reged: 02/01/08 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: astroman68]       #2274647 - 03/22/08 02:04 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi, Finally remembered to get this done. I've placed a few images of my NexStar 6SE XLT here: skybsd_astro Regards, skybsd Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: skybsd]       #2274655 - 03/22/08 02:11 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Very impressive! Where did you buy the ring to mount your SV RACI finder on? Post Extras:       skybsd Post Laureate Reged: 02/01/08 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2274693 - 03/22/08 02:33 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Very impressive! Where did you buy the ring to mount your SV RACI finder on? Hello Starlighter, Good to hear from you.., I had a custom made solution from Ken's Rings . Really great and very helpful all through the process. Once I explained what I wanted, a simple exchange of diagrams was all it took Thanks for the response! Regards, skybsd Post Extras:       THEPLOUGH ELEVEN Grandchildren; FIVE Ducklings Reged: 01/11/08 Loc: Carlisle, Cumbria, ENGLAND Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: skybsd]       #2274728 - 03/22/08 02:50 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   NICE NICE NICE... That is one good looking scope.. Hope to have mine on show next week....Geoff... Post Extras:       jrford super member Reged: 08/25/05 Loc: Birmingham, MI Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Cenk]       #2288550 - 03/28/08 03:10 PM Attachment (277 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here is my N8 Edited by jrford (03/28/08 03:55 PM) Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: jrford]       #2288677 - 03/28/08 04:12 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Very nice looking setup Jim ... thanks for posting! Post Extras:       Cenk scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 05/29/04 Loc: South East England Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2288798 - 03/28/08 05:04 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Jim's copied my black !!!!!!! Post Extras:       bcuddihee Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/04/06 Loc: Cincinnati Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Cenk]       #2289177 - 03/28/08 08:20 PM Attachment (290 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Me and Mini me! C8SE and 65 ED Backpacker BC Post Extras:       bcuddihee Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/04/06 Loc: Cincinnati Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: bcuddihee]       #2289178 - 03/28/08 08:21 PM Attachment (245 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Another view.. Post Extras:       THEPLOUGH ELEVEN Grandchildren; FIVE Ducklings Reged: 01/11/08 Loc: Carlisle, Cumbria, ENGLAND Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: bcuddihee]       #2289382 - 03/28/08 09:38 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I like that. How is the view through the Binoviewers. Geoff... Post Extras:       bcuddihee Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/04/06 Loc: Cincinnati Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: THEPLOUGH]       #2289547 - 03/28/08 10:58 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Absolutely magnificent! I rarely go mono anymore. BC Post Extras:       THEPLOUGH ELEVEN Grandchildren; FIVE Ducklings Reged: 01/11/08 Loc: Carlisle, Cumbria, ENGLAND Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: bcuddihee]       #2290696 - 03/29/08 01:15 PM Attachment (278 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   This is mine. Still more to come.. Post Extras:       Skip Starlifter Driver Reged: 01/23/08 Loc: Fort Worth, Texas, USA Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: THEPLOUGH]       #2290938 - 03/29/08 03:05 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   GREAT, Geoff. That's a fine lookin scope. Of course, I knew it would look great, I've got its smaller twin. Post Extras:       THEPLOUGH ELEVEN Grandchildren; FIVE Ducklings Reged: 01/11/08 Loc: Carlisle, Cumbria, ENGLAND Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Skip]       #2290951 - 03/29/08 03:10 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Wait till all the bits and bobs arrive.... Geoff... Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: THEPLOUGH]       #2293678 - 03/30/08 08:34 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice looking scope Geoff ... you know of course, the new equipment/foul weather curse usually lasts 30 to 40 days. Post Extras:       THEPLOUGH ELEVEN Grandchildren; FIVE Ducklings Reged: 01/11/08 Loc: Carlisle, Cumbria, ENGLAND Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2316974 - 04/10/08 07:29 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Nice looking scope Geoff ... you know of course, the new equipment/foul weather curse usually lasts 30 to 40 days. Rickster, I remember when you posted this. I laughed and said to my self, it won't happen... HOW wrong was I.... It's been 14 days now and still no let up...... .. Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: THEPLOUGH]       #2317212 - 04/10/08 11:04 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Sorry Geoff, I was only joking, I thought! As a wise man once told me ... 'this too shall pass' (I hope soon) Post Extras:       THEPLOUGH ELEVEN Grandchildren; FIVE Ducklings Reged: 01/11/08 Loc: Carlisle, Cumbria, ENGLAND Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2317305 - 04/10/08 11:50 AM Attachment (302 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Another photo of the yet to be used 8SE.... Note finder scope... Post Extras:       ALiEN2108 member Reged: 02/24/08 Loc: Maribor, Slovenia Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: THEPLOUGH]       #2340330 - 04/20/08 01:29 PM Attachment (325 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hey all! Here my transformed NexStar 8SE. Now on CG-5 with Vibration Pads, Dew shield, Polar scope, Moonlite Focuser (I LOVE IT) with DC Motor connected to FCUSB, Celestron focal reducer and Celestron Radial Guider (Hyperion eyepiece now in it), Nikon D80 at the end connected to serial port for triggering. Waiting on QHY5 and QHY8. People astrophotography is a /dev/null sink for money. For any descent results there are no shortcuts by equipment. All this new equipment and not a SINGLE clear night for 2 weeks. New equipment curse.... Edited by ALiEN2108 (04/20/08 01:37 PM) Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: ALiEN2108]       #2340416 - 04/20/08 02:11 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Incredible!!!! Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2341356 - 04/20/08 11:02 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Great looking setup Alen. Good luck on the clear skies too ... thanks for posting the photo. Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2342366 - 04/21/08 02:04 PM Attachment (294 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's one from yesterday ... note the "finder" over kill. The Telrad is not usually used unless I'm going to do some star hopping/surfing the sky. There are some very nice sky charts devoted to the Telrad that are fun and easy to use. The GLP and RACI (F60M) get the most use. Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2342370 - 04/21/08 02:06 PM Attachment (233 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Number 2 Denk S1 w/ Binoviewer. Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2342376 - 04/21/08 02:09 PM Attachment (239 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Number 3 Side view showing Dew Buster controller, CN16-GPS mounted on tripod and Baader Maxbright bino with Atik manual filter wheel. Post Extras:       Clive Gibbons Mostly Harmless Reged: 05/26/05 Loc: Oort Cloud Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2342381 - 04/21/08 02:11 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Here's one from yesterday ... note the "finder' over kill. Looks like it'll do everything except rake leaves... (Great scope, Rickster! ) Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2342382 - 04/21/08 02:11 PM Attachment (234 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Number 4 Another side view. Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Clive Gibbons]       #2342386 - 04/21/08 02:13 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Quote: Here's one from yesterday ... note the "finder' over kill. Looks like it'll do everything except rake leaves... (Great scope, Rickster! ) I'm working on that Clive ... Celestron isn't biting on that 'attachment' yet! Post Extras:       Tel Postmaster Reged: 03/31/06 Loc: Wallingford England Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2342488 - 04/21/08 03:05 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Rickster, So where's the scope ? Which one is it ? I used to have a train set that looked like that or was it a bicycle Best regards, Tel Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Tel]       #2342574 - 04/21/08 03:47 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hey Tel, I'll give ya the train set, but a bicycle? That must have been quite a ride ... Now, behave ... Post Extras:       Skip Starlifter Driver Reged: 01/23/08 Loc: Fort Worth, Texas, USA Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2342621 - 04/21/08 04:08 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Glmph! brtsf. lksdjbg. pwojtkmf. lsjehuity. jhshegbme. Sorry Rickster, took me a minute there to get my brain and fingers reconnected. NOW THAT'S A SCOPE!!!! Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Skip]       #2342634 - 04/21/08 04:14 PM Attachment (273 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   One more for all you 'Holy Hand Grenade' fans ... The Scopos 35mm! Nice views, but a bit on the heavy side. Post Extras:       bcuddihee Carpal Tunnel Reged: 11/04/06 Loc: Cincinnati Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2342801 - 04/21/08 05:28 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   What tripod are you using. I was looking at something with a little beef to it. BC Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: bcuddihee]       #2343141 - 04/21/08 08:32 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: What tripod are you using. I was looking at something with a little beef to it. BC It's the heavy duty Celestron (#93593) that the company offered for the 5i and 8i mounts and came with a fitted mounting plate designed to accept 5i and 8i models exclusively. IIRC, they don't offer this unit anymore, though you can probably find one used. Coupled with the Star-Tek Eyepiece/accessory tray (also no longer available) it provides a far more stable platform for the 8i than the original tripod. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2343721 - 04/22/08 01:11 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Here's one from yesterday ... note the "finder' over kill. The Telrad is not usually used unless I'm going to do so star hopping/surfing the sky. There are some very nice sky charts devoted to trhe Telrad that are fun and easy to use. The GLP and RACI (F60M) get the most use. One can never have too many finders. Post Extras:       Clive Gibbons Mostly Harmless Reged: 05/26/05 Loc: Oort Cloud Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2344171 - 04/22/08 10:52 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: One more for all you 'Holy Hand Grenade' fans ... The Scopos 35mm! Nice views, but a bit on the heavy side. Wow! I can see a slight bend in the visual back. Ya got some great gear there, Rick! Post Extras:       Cenk scholastic sledgehammer Reged: 05/29/04 Loc: South East England Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Clive Gibbons]       #2344777 - 04/22/08 04:15 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Way to go Rickster. Excellent setup. That 35mm looks bigger than the scope and mount together. Post Extras:       MMICKELS Aluminum Knight Reged: 01/20/04 Loc: Land of Shake and Bake Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2345071 - 04/22/08 07:09 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   That's a nice rig Rick! You are so much more than just another pretty face! Post Extras:       BrianRG Skippy Reged: 10/22/06 Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2345082 - 04/22/08 07:16 PM Attachment (259 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: One more for all you 'Holy Hand Grenade' fans ... The Scopos 35mm! Nice views, but a bit on the heavy side. Rick: That big eyepiece looks ridiculous in that 'scope! Brian Post Extras:       THEPLOUGH ELEVEN Grandchildren; FIVE Ducklings Reged: 01/11/08 Loc: Carlisle, Cumbria, ENGLAND Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: BrianRG]       #2345114 - 04/22/08 07:27 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Quote: One more for all you 'Holy Hand Grenade' fans ... The Scopos 35mm! Nice views, but a bit on the heavy side. Rick: That big eyepiece looks ridiculous in that 'scope! Brian HO, no it don't It gives the scope a touch of class... Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: MMICKELS]       #2345259 - 04/22/08 08:47 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: That's a nice rig Rick! You are so much more than just another pretty face! Thanks Mark, I think. Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Clive Gibbons]       #2345274 - 04/22/08 08:51 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: ... Wow! I can see a slight bend in the visual back. Thanks Clive, The mirror in the diagonal is adjustable to account for that. Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: BrianRG]       #2345281 - 04/22/08 08:54 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Quote: One more for all you 'Holy Hand Grenade' fans ... The Scopos 35mm! Nice views, but a bit on the heavy side. Rick: That big eyepiece looks ridiculous in that 'scope! Brian Brian, now THAT'S what I'm talkin' about ... I lust for your finder dude! Post Extras:       StarWars Mr. Postmaster Man Reged: 11/26/03 Loc: Karma Chameleon... Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: MMICKELS]       #2346767 - 04/23/08 01:38 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: That's a nice rig Rick! You are so much more than just another pretty face! Post Extras:       Skip Starlifter Driver Reged: 01/23/08 Loc: Fort Worth, Texas, USA Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2347555 - 04/23/08 07:13 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Holy cow, Rickster! Makes me think back to some of the "be careful viewing alone" threads in Beginners forum. That thing could be used as a protective weapon! Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: BrianRG]       #2347587 - 04/23/08 07:24 PM Attachment (233 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Quote: One more for all you 'Holy Hand Grenade' fans ... The Scopos 35mm! Nice views, but a bit on the heavy side. Rick: That big eyepiece looks ridiculous in that 'scope! Brian What eyepiece? Now this is a big eyepiece! Post Extras:       strutsinaction member Reged: 11/17/07 Loc: UK Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2348549 - 04/24/08 06:58 AM Attachment (308 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's my latest setup. Since my last post, I've added a 'wing-thing', Feathertouch Microfocuser and TV 24mm Pan. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: strutsinaction]       #2349039 - 04/24/08 12:32 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice. I wish the FT Microfocuser would fit my scope, but checking its length I discovered it would hit the bottom of my WO 2" diagonal. Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: strutsinaction]       #2349153 - 04/24/08 01:26 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Here's my latest setup. Since my last post, I've added a 'wing-thing', Feathertouch Microfocuser and TV 24mm Pan. Very nice setup ... How do you like the Baader 40mm Super Sky Surfer V RDF? I always thought they looked interesting. Post Extras:       strutsinaction member Reged: 11/17/07 Loc: UK Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2349387 - 04/24/08 03:19 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Nice. I wish the FT Microfocuser would fit my scope, but checking its length I discovered it would hit the bottom of my WO 2" diagonal. That's a shame - it really is a well engineered accessory, and well worth the money. Post Extras:       strutsinaction member Reged: 11/17/07 Loc: UK Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2349436 - 04/24/08 03:37 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: How do you like the Baader 40mm Super Sky Surfer V RDF? I always thought they looked interesting. Yes, the solid construction, larger aperature and clearer optics are certainly an improvement over the standard Celestron RDF that came with my scope. I'd still like a RACI finder aswell Post Extras:       fbf350 member Reged: 12/31/06 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: strutsinaction]       #2350351 - 04/24/08 10:58 PM Attachment (225 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I made a mount for my RA88's, for those nights when the "wide field" bug bites. Here's a view of the new mount, along with my DIY HC mount. Joe Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: fbf350]       #2350894 - 04/25/08 09:05 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice job Joe ... Excellent idea and follow through! Any clearance issues with reaching zenith? EDIT: Delete that zenith question ... I just saw your other pics in the binoculars thread! Impressive ... I think my chin would hit the base of the mount at zenith tho ... Edited by rick rian (04/25/08 09:58 AM) Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: fbf350]       #2351285 - 04/25/08 12:29 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: I made a mount for my RA88's, for those nights when the "wide field" bug bites. Here's a view of the new mount, along with my DIY HC mount. Joe That is nice! Post Extras:       fbf350 member Reged: 12/31/06 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2351921 - 04/25/08 05:57 PM Attachment (202 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here's a better angle for zenith coverage. Jay Leno would have enough chin clearance. Post Extras:       fbf350 member Reged: 12/31/06 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: fbf350]       #2351928 - 04/25/08 06:01 PM Attachment (186 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Also, Pics shown are sans EP's. The EP's will place the head further back. Keep in mind, the mount base that look closest to my chin is several inches inboard. See previous pic. Post Extras:       StarWars Mr. Postmaster Man Reged: 11/26/03 Loc: Karma Chameleon... Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: fbf350]       #2352059 - 04/25/08 07:18 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Excellent... Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: fbf350]       #2352243 - 04/25/08 09:20 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Also, Pics shown are sans EP's. The EP's will place the head further back. Keep in mind, the mount base that look closest to my chin is several inches inboard. See previous pic. I guess tht answers the chin question Joe ... VERY cool! Thanks for posting the photos ... Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2352290 - 04/25/08 09:42 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Joe, Can you get an alignment and track with your unit? Curious as logic would say as long as the mount can count the 'ticks', it should work. Having the dovetail at 90° from level does look a bit strange I must admit. Inquiring minds you know ... Post Extras:       fbf350 member Reged: 12/31/06 Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2352465 - 04/25/08 11:31 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I can't wait to find out myself. It seems to track fine in the house, but clouds have prevented my from giving it an official test drive. It looks like my next chance will be Sunday. Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: fbf350]       #2353192 - 04/26/08 01:00 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Good luck Joe ... please keep us posted! Post Extras:       Tel Postmaster Reged: 03/31/06 Loc: Wallingford England Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2353267 - 04/26/08 02:01 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Nice piece of engineering Joe ! As Rickster says, please don't forget to give us the "Low Down" on its performance as soon as you get the chance. Best Regards, Tel Post Extras:       Magellan Pooh-Bah Reged: 01/26/06 Loc: Enfield, NS Canada Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Tel]       #2355283 - 04/27/08 03:32 PM Attachment (306 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   First light with a real mount. I purchased the Antares EQ5 Mount to replace the less than perfect one that came with my Nexstar 102SLT. This mount is amazing, it is so nice to be able to push the tube where I want it to go. When I tighten the clutch I can manually track all I want. There is one issue though, my telrad is too far back, when I observe I pick an area of the sky to stay in for my session. I will want to rotate the tube by loosening the rings to keep the finder and focuser the right way but the Telrad is in the way, I can mount the telrad more forward on my custom made mounting bar but being that the telrad is now part of the tube rings, it will stay stationary while the finder will move. Oh well, I use the telrad more anyway. if I want to use the finder I would just remove the telrad. The focus knob problem does not bother me in the least. It was daytime so the only astronomical object I could view was the Sun, with the new mount I found it with ease. Amazing addition to my collection. Thanks, Post Extras:       arellanon member Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: Los Angeles Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: StarWars]       #2374271 - 05/06/08 03:48 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: My 114 GT small but noble.. Here's mine capturing the November 2006 Mercury Transit. Post Extras:       Tel Postmaster Reged: 03/31/06 Loc: Wallingford England Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: arellanon]       #2374350 - 05/06/08 06:28 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Arellanon, Welcome to CN. Lovely flowers, palm trees, full sunshine, great 'scope and all in November ! Where do you live ? Eden ? Best Regards, Tel Post Extras:       BrianRG Skippy Reged: 10/22/06 Loc: Shaker Heights, Ohio Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Tel]       #2374367 - 05/06/08 06:50 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Lovely flowers, palm trees, full sunshine, great 'scope Nice cars, too! Brian Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: BrianRG]       #2374520 - 05/06/08 08:52 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Arellanon, and welcome to Cloudy Nights! Nice setup you have there, nice location too! Glad you're here ... Post Extras:       Skip Starlifter Driver Reged: 01/23/08 Loc: Fort Worth, Texas, USA Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2375030 - 05/06/08 01:24 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Nice cars, too! Yup and I bet they get great mileage too! Post Extras:       arellanon member Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: Los Angeles Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Skip]       #2376631 - 05/07/08 02:26 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Quote: Nice cars, too! Yup and I bet they get great mileage too! hahaha! You guys are funny! I guess my "hybrids" do get good mileage (lol)! I live in Los Angeles and I have to admit our weather is nice; the day of the transit was one of the most beautiful days I can remember. Not one cloud in the sky the whole time, humidity and wind were 0, and the temperature was a nice 80 flat! So the transit went quite well! I just wish I could've imaged it. But I did see it from start to finish! BTW, thank you all for the kind and friendly welcome. Since the transit I have upgraded my gear. I bought a Vixen refractor in March 2007 and just love it to death. So I also went ahead and purchased a Baader Bracket for my Nexstar as well as a William Optics 2" diagonal. So my set-up is quite portable and efficient. I do miss the larger light-grasping power of the reflector but I just like the Vixen too much to just have swinging on a photographic tripod! I will post pics this weekend of my set-up in action; it's been really cloudy and windy in LA these past few days. Once again, thank you guys/gals for the kind welcome and I look forward in being more active in the forum. Neil Another BTW, has anyone in the LA area been successful in observing comet C/2007 W1 (Boattini)? Can you guys/gals believe I missed both McNaught and Holmes?! Oh, but I did stayed up all night for the Aurigids last September Post Extras:       arellanon member Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: Los Angeles Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: arellanon]       #2381964 - 05/09/08 02:19 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Quote: Quote: Nice cars, too! Yup and I bet they get great mileage too! hahaha! You guys are funny! I guess my "hybrids" do get good mileage (lol)! I live in Los Angeles and I have to admit our weather is nice; the day of the transit was one of the most beautiful days I can remember. Not one cloud in the sky the whole time, humidity and wind were 0, and the temperature was a nice 80 flat! So the transit went quite well! I just wish I could've imaged it. But I did see it from start to finish! BTW, thank you all for the kind and friendly welcome. Since the transit I have upgraded my gear. I bought a Vixen refractor in March 2007 and just love it to death. So I also went ahead and purchased a Baader Bracket for my Nexstar as well as a William Optics 2" diagonal. So my set-up is quite portable and efficient. I do miss the larger light-grasping power of the reflector but I just like the Vixen too much to just have swinging on a photographic tripod! I will post pics this weekend of my set-up in action; it's been really cloudy and windy in LA these past few days. Once again, thank you guys/gals for the kind welcome and I look forward in being more active in the forum. Neil Another BTW, has anyone in the LA area been successful in observing comet C/2007 W1 (Boattini)? Can you guys/gals believe I missed both McNaught and Holmes?! Oh, but I did stayed up all night for the Aurigids last September Here is a pic I took on thursday may 08. This is my current set-up; my Vixen A80SS on my Nexstar 114GT mount. It really is quite a portable 'scope! I went hunting for C/2007 W1 (Boattini) but wound up empty since I started around 10 pm and my darn house blocks most of the view towards south. Maybe tommorow. Post Extras:       rick rian Seeker of Truth(s) Reged: 08/03/04 Loc: Upper Mid West Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: arellanon]       #2382418 - 05/09/08 10:01 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Very nice setup arellanon ... looks like a winner! Post Extras:       arellanon member Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: Los Angeles Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: rick rian]       #2382590 - 05/09/08 11:20 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Very nice setup arellanon ... looks like a winner! Thank you! I really like it! Post Extras:       StarWars Mr. Postmaster Man Reged: 11/26/03 Loc: Karma Chameleon... Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: arellanon]       #2384074 - 05/09/08 09:48 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I like the Nexstar 102SLT with the finder upgrades... Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2488739 - 06/28/08 09:36 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Try either JMI for #40 or S&S Optika for $30. Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2542965 - 07/26/08 05:28 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   It will work with any Nexstar scope. Try S&S Optika in Colorado. JMI has one too, but a little more expensive. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: astroman68]       #2548317 - 07/29/08 01:13 PM Attachment (234 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   My 6SE. Post Extras:       arellanon member Reged: 12/12/06 Loc: Los Angeles Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2549707 - 07/30/08 03:16 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: My 6SE. I likes! The orange always draws me in! Looks like a SOLID set-up! Congrats! Post Extras:       Talstarone Lunar Man Reged: 09/12/06 Loc: Pinetops, NC Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: arellanon]       #2553510 - 07/31/08 10:00 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Starlighter,your 6SE is awesome. I Love the JMI attachment for having the hand controller where you can read it while looking through the diagonal. That has got to be the first accessory I get for my SE. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Talstarone]       #2554841 - 08/01/08 03:45 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks. Holding my hand controller is The Wing Thing from S&S Optica in Denver. They make them in-house. Similar to the JMI, but not the same. This one mounts entirely differently. Post Extras:       davecttr super member Reged: 07/20/08 Loc: Medway, UK Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2563305 - 08/06/08 04:49 AM Attachment (225 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   'Wee Mak' 4SE A Ford amongst Ferraris and Porches. Still looks good though. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: davecttr]       #2563570 - 08/06/08 09:58 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Very nice. Who makes the dew shield? Post Extras:       davecttr super member Reged: 07/20/08 Loc: Medway, UK Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2563604 - 08/06/08 10:22 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   It's a modified Orion 127mm Mak shield, cut down with a craft knife and some Velcro added, giving a snug slide on fit to the 4SE tube. You can also see 2 of the 3 'patent' lego brick locators which guarantee the shield remains parallel to the tube. Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: davecttr]       #2564187 - 08/06/08 02:52 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks. You sure did a pro job. It looks great. Post Extras:       Don G. member Reged: 08/06/08 Loc: San Bernardino, CA Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2565453 - 08/07/08 02:09 AM Attachment (283 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hello everyone, this is my first post. I just got into amateur astronomy and I am finding it fascinating. I am having a blast with my Nexstar 8se so far. Here are a few pics of my dusty scope P The only mods I have are a shortened Motofocus drive and a custom EP tray that I made out of 1/4" Masonite. You may also notice the Velcro bar I added to the wedge base to hold my focus controller and hand controller (in leu of the Wing Thing). The Baader Planetarium Sky Surfer V red dot finder (which works great I must say) has a modified stock mounting bracket that was shortened. Other than that the scope is stock and works great. In fact I am going out to check out M92 right now!!! Clear skies!!! Don Post Extras:       Don G. member Reged: 08/06/08 Loc: San Bernardino, CA Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Don G.]       #2565465 - 08/07/08 02:18 AM Attachment (242 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Here are a couple more pics.... Don Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Don G.]       #2566220 - 08/07/08 01:08 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Very VERY nice!! Post Extras:       Tel Postmaster Reged: 03/31/06 Loc: Wallingford England Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2566556 - 08/07/08 04:14 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Don, A very hearty welcome to CN ! Congratulations on a very nice looking 'scope set up and the very noteworthy modifications you have made to the unit as a whole. What intrigues me very much though, is the fact you have actually got your wedge to work. I have to admit that having had so many failures in wedge mounting my N8i, I gave up on it completely quite some time ago. Such problems as I and other colleagues had with the combination of 'scope and wedge, were marked accuracy inconsistencies in trying to make a "GoTo" to an object depending on its position in the sky, and additionally and unconnected, sudden and irregular drift of an object in the EP, again somewhat dependent on the object's celestial position. Not ever having managed to solve these problems however, our best conclusion was that these idiosyncrasies had something to do with the position of the OTA at any one time ; (i.e. whether the OTA was hanging or resting on the single arm of the mount), that is to say it was unstable, but in truth, we never really got to the bottom of it. I'd therefore be very interested to hear your views on wedge mounting your 8SE. Many thanks and regards, Tel Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Tel]       #2566992 - 08/07/08 07:43 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Ho did you shorten your motofocus drive? IS that the standard 8" SCT motofocus? I thought you could only use the ones that were made specifically for the Nexstars? Dave Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Don G.]       #2567296 - 08/07/08 10:07 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   So how does that wedge work out? I've heard it's not so great for astrophotography. It sure looks impressive! Post Extras:       TonyDralle Pooh-Bah Reged: 08/17/06 Loc: Bethel Park, PA Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2567329 - 08/07/08 10:23 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Quote: Ho did you shorten your motofocus drive? IS that the standard 8" SCT motofocus? I thought you could only use the ones that were made specifically for the Nexstars? Don't know about Celestron motofocus, but JMI makes a short model (MFNEX6) which is designed for Celestron scopes and works well on my 8SE. - Tony Post Extras:       Don G. member Reged: 08/06/08 Loc: San Bernardino, CA Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: TonyDralle]       #2567545 - 08/07/08 11:53 PM Attachment (192 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hello Tel, and starlighter, thanks for the kind words :0) Tel, I indeed had read about setting up the wedge on the 8se and the problems people had a while back. In fact the main consensus (or as it seemed) was that most folks gave up on wedge mounting their Nexstar. When I got my scope I had really no intention of doing any imaging so polar alignment was not that important. A couple of months ago I became more interested in imaging and I learned the importance of polar alignment so I bought the wedge hoping for the best. I have learned a few things since then that have made the use of the wedge a success (for me at least). In fact I only polar align anymore as it gives me the best tracking so far. To start off I had gone into the Alt-Az head and tightened up the thrust bearing nut assembly to assure that the mount arm was not "rocking" on the nylon bearing pads. This was done after the scope was mounted onto the wedge and at the equatorial angle (34 degrees or so for me). The stock bearing preload was low enough that the scope mount was "hanging" loosely and could be rocked back and fourth. I tightened up the tension nut to just enough preload as to not allow any play but loose enough as to not promote "sticking". This problem alone would cause alignment errors and make the go-to accuracy erratic. Once the Alt-Az mount was “tuned up” I marked out calibration marks on the mount to indicate OTA positioning. This would prove to really help aligning the scope and make the north equatorial - two star auto alignment a breeze. I did this first by marking precise altitude index marks permanently on the mount arm. These are the same marks that are indicated with the factory stickers at the top of the mount arm. The problem is that these stickers shift even when touched lightly as they have poor adhesive under them. A permanent mark was needed to replace these stickers. I placed the mount with the scope attached on an extremely level surface and used a torpedo level to align the OTA horizontally. I then used a hobby knife to make small notches (as seen in the top photo below) that line up at the precise index angle (which is horizontal to the base bottom). I then positioned the tube perfectly vertical (to the base bottom) and made a matching notch (on the round OTA clamp unit) to help aid in polar alignment. Now all I needed was a meridian “index” indicator that would help me locate the precise meridian for alignment. I did this by carefully leveling my tripod with the wedge and mount/scope attached (and angled to 34 degrees for my location). I then used the torpedo level to level the wedge base and then precisely position the OTA vertically in both axes (pointed at zenith). This gave me the location at which to notch the base and base cover with my meridian index indication marks (as seen in the bottom photo below). Continued next post…….. Post Extras:       Don G. member Reged: 08/06/08 Loc: San Bernardino, CA Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Don G.]       #2567577 - 08/08/08 12:12 AM Attachment (158 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Continued from the previous post: To help aid in tripod setup time I also added a bubble level to the wedge base that eliminates the need for using a separate level each time I set up the scope. I could now easily position the scope for polar alignment and also confirm that the wedge is level which is important for go-to accuracy. My procedure for “equatorial (EQ) north alignment” is as follows: First I “rough polar align” the scope by rotating the mount to align the meridian index marks on the base. I then rotate the OTA up to align the “zenith” marks I made which should point the scope toward Polaris (parallel with the mount arm). Using the altitude adjustment knob I center up Polaris and then fine tune the azimuth axes with the adjustment knob on the wedge. I do this with the aid of my 45 mm red dot finder and then fine tune it with the scope. Once the scope is pointed to Polaris I can slew the OTA to align the altitude index marks and prepare the controller for “EQ north alignment” mode. I enter my location, time and date and move onto “EQ autoalign” mode. The controller asks if the scope is at the altitude index marks and then asks if the scope is pointed at the meridian. I hit enter to both because the scope is already prepositioned with the marks. The controller then asks what stars to use for alignment. I line up my red dot finder to the chosen alignment stars and fine tune using the eyepiece to obtain my “rough” alignment. At this point the aligned computer will slew to a great majority of objects to within the view of a 13-21 mm eyepiece. However you can fine tune the alignment by performing a “Wedge Align”. To do this you would enter the “utilities” option in the menu (after the EQ autoalign alignment is complete) for a “wedge align” in where the computer will slew the scope to the “proper” location for Polaris according to the virtual star map the computer has generated. Once the OTA has slewed to Polaris you can align the wedge’s altitude and azimuth knobs to center Polaris in the eyepiece of the scope. This will set the wedge at the perfect angles to properly represent polar alignment. Once the wedge is fine tuned I turn the power off on the controller and start my alignment procedure over for a final alignment. I get amazing results with the wedge aligned and the alignment stars properly centered. In fact I haven’t had to use the wedge align feature to get good results from an EQ autoalign (two star alignment). I just make sure the wedge base is level (and set to the proper altitude angle of the last wedge align) and that the scope can slew up or down to meet Polaris (just slightly above or below the “zenith” index marks on the arm). I then perform the EQ north alignment and I am good to go. It may be more work than it is worth to some but I really like how the scope performs in go-to mode while in polar alignment. I like how the back of the OTA is not over the base while near zenith so you can get to the EP easily. Now I haven’t done any official long term exposure imaging with the wedge but I have used my Neximage CCD and it works great for this application especially where multiple exposures and shutter speed settings are required. I guess I need to try some long term exposures to give a complete report on that aspect. Attached are a couple of images of Jupiter I took on the 23rd of last month. Not very impressive but they were fun to set up and process on the PC. As far as my shortened Motofocus goes, I just removed the plastic adaptor piece that is supposed to go between the aluminum motor drive cup and the focus knob. In fact the aluminum cup on the motor fits the focus knob perfectly by itself. I just had to shorten the plastic motor mounting skirt so the aluminum cup will meet the focus knob. Actually I did this on my 7 x 10” lathe but it could be done with a careful hand and a hack saw and file. Clear skies!!! Don Post Extras:       Tel Postmaster Reged: 03/31/06 Loc: Wallingford England Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Don G.]       #2568058 - 08/08/08 09:47 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Don, Thanks for that very detailed description and insight into the technique you are applying to the wedge mounting of your 'scope. Have you considered transferring your method into a written article for publishing by CN if only to destroy the myth I for one, certainly have been guilty of proliferating, (based on my own and others' findings), that wedge mounting simply doesn't work ? I think you should : as this would be of significant value to those wishing to take their imaging a step further than the normal alt./az. mount allows. From what you have said and by means of your procedure, it would certainly seem that you've have "cracked" the basic alignment problems I and others had, which should make for longer exposure times when imaging. Yes, spur geared drives might well cause some limitations to this process but at least field rotation should be virtually eliminated. I'm just wondering why this mode of operation never worked for me and indeed for others but it now seems (at least to me) that in my case, the initial levelling, indexing and meridian seeking details were probably not carried out thoroughly enough. My only other concern is whether latitude played any role in my and others' inability to get good wedge alignment (In my case I am about 18 degrees north of you at 51.6^) but who knows ? Congratulations on the Jupiter images too. As you indicate, total proof of the functionabilty of the 8SE / wedge combination will show once you get into more DSO imaging although from what we can see and what you have done, it looks as if you and your combination here will go from strength to strength. As an aside , this work also inspires me to once more try to sell my wedge ! Why ? Well long before this enlightenment, I had put mine on the market : basically because I'd given up on it and bought myself a Skywatcher HEQ5-Pro which I knew was "really" going to work ! Initially however, I had no offers so I dropped my price. Still no offers so I dropped once more whereupon I picked up someone who seemed to be a keen buyer. At the end of the day though, I had more than a twinge of conscience and told him that I didn't think it would work any better for him than it had for me ! Needless to say, I've still got it but at least I now know someone who has made one work so it'll be back on the market soon ! Any offers ladies and gentlemen ? Well done Don -- a fine piece of work in my opinion ! Best Regards, Tel Post Extras:       Starlighter Post Laureate Reged: 08/03/07 Loc: Sunny California Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Don G.]       #2568575 - 08/08/08 01:59 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Extremely enlightening post. Thanks. I agree with Tel. You should write up an article and post it as an article on CN. The fact that you got the wedge to work properly says it does indeed work. More people need to realize this. Post Extras:       Don G. member Reged: 08/06/08 Loc: San Bernardino, CA Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Starlighter]       #2568959 - 08/08/08 05:19 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hey guys I might just write one indeed. However I am reluctant in giving advice (especially because I am a novice) that may not work well for others or lead them down a path that may better be avoided by using better suited equipment like the Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro. In reality I really did not do my homework when I bought my scope as I am getting more into imaging. I should have steered more towards an equatorial mount like the HEQ5 myself. What I think I will do is move more toward using the Nexstar as my portable scope and maybe purchase a astrograph or some sort of reflector on a German EQ mount for imaging. I really am still just learning my way around the sky through familiarization still. I think I will just spend the rest of this year learning what I can and possibly exploring my scope's capabilities with long exposure imaging so I can publish my findings on accuracy. I was thinking about adding a short tube 80 with an autoguider but the spur gear thing may be a limitation to what the se's mount can do. Well anyway, so far it has been fun and I am happy that I have found CN as a resource to get info from. I am sure I will be back with more to talk about soon. Thanks for the input guys!!! Don G. Post Extras:       Tel Postmaster Reged: 03/31/06 Loc: Wallingford England Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Don G.]       #2569073 - 08/08/08 06:28 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Don, If you are convinced your wedge alignment method works, even if only tried and tested with your own 'scope, then I think you should go ahead and publish an article. At best it will help those who, like me, have despaired of ever getting anything whatsoever out of this type of set-up and at worst, it will, I hope, encourage some lively discussion leading to new ideas and theories on the subject. I for one, certainly support your writing of such an article covering your current findings. The roles played by spur gears, latitude etc. and their possible influences are currently unknown factors which for sure, will become the subjects of further debate, but for now I consider it entirely appropriate to make known your procedure as it stands. Go for it Don ! It's good stuff ! Best Regards, Tel Post Extras:       Talstarone Lunar Man Reged: 09/12/06 Loc: Pinetops, NC Re: Show off your NexStar [Re: Tel]       #2569318 - 08/08/08 08:32 PM Attachment (280 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Heres a couple of pics of my NexStar 4SE (with an AstroZap Flexible Dew Shield). Post Extras:       Talstarone Lunar Man Reged: 09/12/06 Loc: Pinetops, NC