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Don Allen
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Reged: 07/07/05
Posts: 308
Loc: Charleston, SC
Contrast Enhanced Diagonal
      #2821493 - 12/23/08 01:22 PM

Has anyone tried one of these diagonals by Burgess Optical? He announced the product in his user group a few weeks ago.

--------------------
Don
SV 102A F/8.7 Lomo Doublet Apo SN 22
Orion 127mm Mak
LXD75
35 Pan, 17T4, 7 Nag, 3-6 Nag Zoom


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StarStuff1
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Reged: 04/01/07
Posts: 967
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Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Don Allen]
      #2823713 - 12/24/08 04:46 PM

Hi Don,

Guess you noticed that one of the group members is planning on testing a CED1 tomorrow night using 91mm and 128mm apos.
Could be interesting.

--------------------
Tools that make objects very far away appear much closer than they actually are.


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Don Allen
sage


Reged: 07/07/05
Posts: 308
Loc: Charleston, SC
Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: StarStuff1]
      #2824033 - 12/24/08 08:51 PM

Had not heard. Looking forward to the report.

--------------------
Don
SV 102A F/8.7 Lomo Doublet Apo SN 22
Orion 127mm Mak
LXD75
35 Pan, 17T4, 7 Nag, 3-6 Nag Zoom


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Telescopeman54
Vendor - Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC.
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Reged: 08/17/07
Posts: 1541
Loc: New Hampshire
Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Don Allen]
      #2824210 - 12/24/08 11:51 PM

I am waiting for mine. Of course, that will mean several weeks of more rotten weather!

Steve

--------------------
Stephen Forbes - President
Trapezium Telescopes & Services, LLC
61 Valhalla Farm Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
Web: http://TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Email: Stephen.Forbes@TrapeziumTelescopes.com
Phone: 1.603.325.0619

6" f/15 Jaegers refractor on GOTO GEM
5.1" f/8 Burgess on CG-5 w/ iOptron GOTONOVA
102mm f/7 refractor on iOptron Mini Tower
1975 Celestron Orange Tube C8 on Equatorial Mini Tower
1978 RV-6 on iOptron Mini Tower


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Don Allen
sage


Reged: 07/07/05
Posts: 308
Loc: Charleston, SC
Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Telescopeman54]
      #2824238 - 12/25/08 12:27 AM

Does bad weather come because you buy a scope or because someone sells you one...that is the question. Either way it would appear the retailers of astro gear must be doing well this winter.

--------------------
Don
SV 102A F/8.7 Lomo Doublet Apo SN 22
Orion 127mm Mak
LXD75
35 Pan, 17T4, 7 Nag, 3-6 Nag Zoom


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rmollise
Post Laureate
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Reged: 07/06/07
Posts: 4553
Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Don Allen]
      #2824550 - 12/25/08 10:52 AM

Quote:

Has anyone tried one of these diagonals by Burgess Optical? He announced the product in his user group a few weeks ago.




How does a diagonal work this magic?

--------------------
Uncle Rod

Rod's New Book:
Choosing and Using a New CAT
Available now!


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Paul G
Carpal Tunnel


Reged: 05/08/03
Posts: 2268
Loc: Freedonia
Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: rmollise]
      #2824767 - 12/25/08 12:57 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Has anyone tried one of these diagonals by Burgess Optical? He announced the product in his user group a few weeks ago.




How does a diagonal work this magic?




Not sure. Burgess didn't respond to a request for information on reflectivity as a function of wavelength.

--------------------
Gus

Tasco 4.5 Reflector EQ Telescope


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Tom TrusockAdministrator

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Reged: 02/26/02
Posts: 29933
Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Paul G]
      #2824782 - 12/25/08 01:08 PM

I also, am wondering.

--------------------
Hyperbole - undoubtedly the best thing ever.


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Jim7728
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Reged: 04/10/05
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Loc: Stoop Landing Observatory, NYC
Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Tom Trusock]
      #2824806 - 12/25/08 01:29 PM

Okay, it's got my attention.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/BurgessRefractors/message/13515

Particularly the CED2 for achromats. But, we'll have to wait and see. Thanks for the heads up!

--------------------
Jim
Genesis SDF-f/5.4 FS-102-f/8


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shams42
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Reged: 01/05/09
Posts: 216
Loc: Pittsboro, NC
Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Jim7728]
      #2874426 - 01/19/09 01:15 AM

Any news about this product? I'm interested in the CED2. How could this correct for CA?

--------------------
10" Deep Space Observer dob
6" C6 SCT
LXD75 and AT Voyager mounts
TMB Planetary 9mm 7mm 5mm
Nagler 13mm T6
Panoptic 24mm
Canon 12x36 IS binoculars



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coliea
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Reged: 02/10/08
Posts: 91
Loc: Sasana
Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Tom Trusock]
      #2874522 - 01/19/09 03:01 AM

Quote:

I also, am wondering.




Me too - when it comes to spin, Bill's the master

--------------------
I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies - Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1826)


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Dennis Sakva
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Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: coliea]
      #2874635 - 01/19/09 07:33 AM

Probably it's a specifically designed dielectric mirror that works by not reflecting deep violet thus increasing contrast of achros.

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Covey32
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Reged: 12/09/04
Posts: 919
Loc: Georgia
Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: coliea]
      #2874637 - 01/19/09 07:35 AM

In the old west his wagon would have had "Magic Elixir" written on the side of it and he would have been called a "pitchman".
Of course...somebody has to do it.
Why not him ??

--------------------
Hank

12.5" Mag1 Portaball
Orion 120mm F5 Refractor
Skywatcher 120ED F7.5 Refractor
1982 Celestron C8 Orange tube
Celestron ED80 Refractor with Lunt 50mm HA





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Jim7728
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Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Covey32]
      #2874686 - 01/19/09 08:29 AM

Still not sure how the CED works other than it's perhaps a star diagonal with some kind of MV coating(?) I found one user's first impression report.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/BurgessRefractors/message/13668

--------------------
Jim
Genesis SDF-f/5.4 FS-102-f/8


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nighty
sage
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Reged: 12/31/06
Posts: 344
Loc: 75w39n
Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Jim7728]
      #2874745 - 01/19/09 09:15 AM

This will not be the technical report that is desired, but Venus and the moon looked so much better during the brief "first light" that I did not regret my purchase. This is the most expensive accessory that I have purchased, so the above statement is a sincere recommendation.

To me, it seems to be a simple device that lets you see more detail with the equipment you use regularly.

It was used with a BO 1278 and compared to a quality diagonal with a WO minus violet filter. I was impressed.

--------------------
Stuff to look at stars and things
Scopes For Kids Project


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Covey32
scholastic sledgehammer
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Reged: 12/09/04
Posts: 919
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Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: nighty]
      #2874754 - 01/19/09 09:21 AM

Polarizing filters are generally cheaper.

--------------------
Hank

12.5" Mag1 Portaball
Orion 120mm F5 Refractor
Skywatcher 120ED F7.5 Refractor
1982 Celestron C8 Orange tube
Celestron ED80 Refractor with Lunt 50mm HA





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Sol Robbins
Carpal Tunnel
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Reged: 12/01/03
Posts: 1609
Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Covey32]
      #2876195 - 01/19/09 09:59 PM

I have both the CED1 and CED2 and am testing them out. Though Bill has not given me any details, I believe these diagonals are special purpose with special benefits depending on what you're observing in concert with the aperture of a scope.

That said I know that they act as interference filters. In diagonal form, they are purported to be a 1/10 wave after coatings. Additionally, their 45 degree angle negates any reflections that occurs when using the screw on the eyepiece type of interference filter. The CEDs really reduce eyepiece scatter when viewing the Moon.

I can also compare these diagonals to one-off infereference filters I have with known, at least to me , peaks of transmission. I have been using interference filters for years and have approximately 25 of them. Most of them for beta testing.

To compare these to run of the mill filters or polarizers is somewhat of a mistake.

The best thing out of the box about these diagonals are how well collimated they are simply inserted into my refractor. Both diagonals I received are spot on. I can't say that about any other diagonal I have ever owned.

More later.

Best,

--------------------
S.R.


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shams42
sage
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Reged: 01/05/09
Posts: 216
Loc: Pittsboro, NC
Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Sol Robbins]
      #2876838 - 01/20/09 09:17 AM

I'm in the market for a 2" diagonal to replace the 1.25" one that came with my telescope. I assume my stock diagonal has relatively poor reflectivity. Do you think I would be better off with a CED2 for planetary and DSOs, or a more general-purpose brighter 2" diagonal and a filter, such as a Baader semi-APO, for planetary and lunar viewing?

To restate, do you think the CED2 would be brighter on DSOs than my stock diagonal? I don't have a lot of aperature to spare (4.7"). Is it a good compromise piece, or would I be better off with something else?

As a newbie, I've viewed mostly DSOs so far, but this partly reflects the relative unavailability of planetary targets right now. I don't yet have a sense of what my "specialty" will become.

--------------------
10" Deep Space Observer dob
6" C6 SCT
LXD75 and AT Voyager mounts
TMB Planetary 9mm 7mm 5mm
Nagler 13mm T6
Panoptic 24mm
Canon 12x36 IS binoculars



Edited by shams42 (01/20/09 11:52 AM)


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Sol Robbins
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Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: nighty]
      #2881772 - 01/22/09 07:28 PM Attachment (30 downloads)

Hi,

I had good conditions for observing Venus with an enhanced aluminum star diagonal, the CED1 and the CED2. I took my Chromacor II out of my 6" f/8 achromat.

I made sketches using each diagonal. I tried to sketch as accurately as I could. Anyway, hopefully this might give some kind of idea of what the differences in overall detail may be when viewing this specific object

Below is with a stock star diagonal.

Best,

--------------------
S.R.


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Sol Robbins
Carpal Tunnel
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Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Sol Robbins]
      #2881774 - 01/22/09 07:29 PM Attachment (26 downloads)

Sketched observation with the CED1.

--------------------
S.R.


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Sol Robbins
Carpal Tunnel
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Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Sol Robbins]
      #2881776 - 01/22/09 07:30 PM Attachment (24 downloads)

Lastly, with the CED2.

--------------------
S.R.


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Tamiji Homma
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Reged: 02/24/07
Posts: 1081
Loc: California, USA
Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Sol Robbins]
      #2882154 - 01/22/09 10:59 PM

Hi Sol,

Thank you for nice sketches. I found it very interesting. It is difficult to pick up details from super bright Venus surface.

I am curious how you see the full Moon surface with CED2.

It looks like the CED is interesting product.

Tammy


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Sol Robbins
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Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Tamiji Homma]
      #2882188 - 01/22/09 11:25 PM

Thank you very much Tamiji.

THe Moon will have to wait as will Jupiter. These objects may prove to be interesting as test subjects.

It was interesting that with the CED2, light scatter from the air and/or the eyepiece was eradicated.

Other than the CA inherrent in an achromat, Venus had a very clean appearance.

Best,

--------------------
S.R.


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Tamiji Homma
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Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Sol Robbins]
      #2882289 - 01/23/09 12:59 AM

Quote:

THe Moon will have to wait as will Jupiter. These objects may prove to be interesting as test subjects.

It was interesting that with the CED2, light scatter from the air and/or the eyepiece was eradicated.

Other than the CA inherrent in an achromat, Venus had a very clean appearance.




Hi Sol,

Yes, long wait for Jupiter.

Did you notice any difference in brightness (transmission) from center to edge? I am guessing there is some gradient in coatings from center to edge. It's just my wild guess.
I may be totally off base

Recently, I compared very good wide AFOV eyepiece to excellent planetary eyepiece in light scatter and contrast. I saw Venus something similar to the first sketch (stock diagonal one) in very good wide AFOV eyepiece.

Then I saw something similar to your sketch with CED2 in excellent planetary eyepiece. I was a little bit stunned at the obvious difference. I realized that I've been missing something.

I observed similar result with the full Moon. I saw more details on bright Moon surface with the planetary eyepiece. I used to stay away from the full Moon but not any more

I haven't repeated the observation yet so I can't say it for sure, just seeing difference or something.

That's why I was curious about the full Moon. Let us know how you see when you get a chance to observe the full Moon with CED.

Tammy


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Sol Robbins
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Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Tamiji Homma]
      #2883084 - 01/23/09 01:38 PM

Quote:


Did you notice any difference in brightness (transmission) from center to edge? I am guessing there is some gradient in coatings from center to edge. It's just my wild guess.
I may be totally off base

Recently, I compared very good wide AFOV eyepiece to excellent planetary eyepiece in light scatter and contrast. I saw Venus something similar to the first sketch (stock diagonal one) in very good wide AFOV eyepiece.

Tammy




Tamiji,

I did not see any differences in brightness anywhere in the FOV. Venus moved around quite bit as I can't accurately polar align when its still light outside.

Thanks,

--------------------
S.R.


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Sol Robbins
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Re: Contrast Enhanced Diagonal new [Re: Tamiji Homma]
      #2933387 - 02/17/09 04:25 PM Attachment (16 downloads)

Using all my diagonals for the 3 way comparison on Venus showed the CED2 was the clear winner.

Here's a sketch made Last night using the CED1 for Saturn. The Type 1 version was the clear winner for Saturn showing detail better than either a regular diagonal or the too dark CED2.

I hope you find it interesting.

--------------------
S.R.


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