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justabob
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/05/07
Posts: 1635
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Quote:
Bob: Welcome to the growing list of happy owners of this great little system! So glad it's working well for you, & thanks for sharing your success!
Carol
Thank you Carol
I will be in a dark sky location this weekend to give it a proper run.
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http://www.pbase.com/rkn/astro&page=all
Vixen Sphinx SXW
Meade sn6
Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens
Hutech 1000d
Self modded 350d
DSI PRO II
Bob
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Tom Andrews
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/25/07
Posts: 1000
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
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After two months of being back in Albuquerque, last night was one of less than a handful that was clear and calm. We've had winds as high as 50mph, clouds constantly and rain on and off (not typical Albuquerque weather for this time of year).
I was able to get to a slightly darker observing spot than the RV park we're staying in (in the park I can only see to mag. 8.5; last night I was seeing to 11.00) I spent five hours pushing my "Push-To" system to the max. I wanted to post the results here just in case someone is reading this thread and interested but not sure if it's worth the work. I can't tell you enough that for someone who is really interested in amateur astronomy, this system is well worth whatever work you have to put into it, not to mention that it's as inexpensive as $12.00 or as expensive as you want to take it (you know who you are...Sky Captain  )
Here's a list of my viewed objects:
Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto, Neptune
Messier objects:
3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 40, 44, 49, 51, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 65, 66, 67, 68, 71, 72, 73, 75, 80, 83, 84, 86, 87, 88, 90, 91, 92, 94, 95, 96, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 104, 105, 106, 108.
Caldwell objects:
1, 6, 15, 21, 26, 29, 32, 36, 37, 38, 40, 47, 48, 52, 53, 55, 59, 61, 66, 77, 78, 80, 82, 83.
85 objects!
I hope everyone else using this system is enjoying it as much as I am.
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Tom
The Secret To Life:
Focus on what you have, not on what you don't;
Focus on what you can do, not on what you can't.
************************************************
2007 Discovery 12.5" PDHQ Split-Tube Dob w/manual setting circles/Telrad/Zhummel 8x50 RACI finder scope (*For Sale*)
Coulter Odessey 8" Dob
Celestron C11-SGT
Garrett Optical 15x70 Gemini Binoculars on homemade Parallelogram w/Setting Circles
The Albuquerque Astronomy Society (TAAS)
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Sky Captain
Metal Whisperer
Reged: 11/07/04
Posts: 7109
Loc: Issaquah, WA.
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Thats fantastic Tom!  I'm looking forward to being able to do the same. We have a star party on Saturday, but it looks like the clouds might win this one. I have been impressed with my LX200GPS and its ability to find alot of stuff in a short time, but I have been equally impressed with the ability to do the same with a manualy tracked dob!
What was the time period of your observing?
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Equipment Overload!
Kerry
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 39594
Loc: montana
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Tom: If anyone doubted this system, your success should have them rethinking!
What an impressive list of targets you observed!
Thanks for your post.
Carol
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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nasag
member
Reged: 05/22/07
Posts: 31
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I have been excited just reading all the posts about this. I have been getting my materials and getting it ready. I go to put it together today and like most projects, I hit a snag. I have a 6" orion dob. There are three teflon? or plastic gliders that the base sits on to turn for azimuth directions. They sit only about 1/2- 3/4 of an inch from the edge. I cut a slot in the base to be able to see the degree circle. It all works fine until that slot goes over one of the gliders and then it drops off and since the weight is now only on TWO gliders it does not turn any more until I kind of lift it up and back on to the glider again. I think if I add one more glider it will be OK. So, finally my question. What are those gliders? Are they telflon? Just some sort of plastic? Can I get some to add another or something that will do? Has anyone else had this problem?
Thanks for all of the great help and ideas. I really appreciate it.
Gary
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HockeyRulesX4
member
Reged: 01/16/06
Posts: 72
Loc: Batavia, IL
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Hi Gary,
If you can gently pry those pads off and move them inward so they are inside the radius of the dial and of the cutout notch, that will fix the problem.
I had to do the same thing to mine since they were too close to the edge.
Those pads are what the top part of the base rides on, so they are very necessary.
You could also replace them with magic sliders (found at Lowes, Home Depot, etc.). That is the brand name, so just ask someone in the store and they should be able to direct you to them.
I've read that having them too far toward the outer edge might cause some problems with motion anyway, so you might just end up improving the azimuth motion of your mount in the process.
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Dave
Zhumell Z10 Dob
Meade 70mm Refractor
Peck Farm Park, Geneva, IL
Edited by HockeyRulesX4 (06/08/07 06:16 PM)
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nasag
member
Reged: 05/22/07
Posts: 31
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Perfect. I will do it right now. I want to try it out tonight. The sky is clear, we are right under a high pressure system, the winds are calm. It should be a prefect night.
Thanks Dave for the help. Thanks also to Carol and everyone else that has made this "Thread" such a great one.
It is getting to the point that it could become its own topic.
Thanks again.
Gary
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 39594
Loc: montana
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Gary, you are most welcome; but everyone that has posted to this great thread also deserves credit. Everyone's questions & contributions have added so much to it.
Carol
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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Tom Andrews
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/25/07
Posts: 1000
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
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Quote:
What was the time period of your observing?
5 hours: 9pm - 2am
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Tom
The Secret To Life:
Focus on what you have, not on what you don't;
Focus on what you can do, not on what you can't.
************************************************
2007 Discovery 12.5" PDHQ Split-Tube Dob w/manual setting circles/Telrad/Zhummel 8x50 RACI finder scope (*For Sale*)
Coulter Odessey 8" Dob
Celestron C11-SGT
Garrett Optical 15x70 Gemini Binoculars on homemade Parallelogram w/Setting Circles
The Albuquerque Astronomy Society (TAAS)
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justabob
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/05/07
Posts: 1635
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Got up to my summer place in northern WI this weekend for two nights of absolutely clear mag 6.8 skies. My results were not quite as good as Tom, but I think they could have been given the fact I had my 14 year old son with me who shared the eye piece. Did not keep a log but I do remember M 4,81,82, 51, 67,104,3. Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Pluto. Without the push-to system I am sure this thing would end up in the closet.
Some structure in the whirlpool galaxy as well as striking red color on M 4. Of course I wish I would have gotten the 12" dob instead of the z10!, and now I lust after some better eyepieces, and so it goes.
If you have a dob this system is a must have.
Thanks again to all.
Bob
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http://www.pbase.com/rkn/astro&page=all
Vixen Sphinx SXW
Meade sn6
Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens
Hutech 1000d
Self modded 350d
DSI PRO II
Bob
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 39594
Loc: montana
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Bob: Fantastic night! I'm so glad you installed & enjoy the "system". I would hate to think of what you would be missing in that great location with the scope in the closet!
Thanks again, for proving our little "push to" works!
Carol
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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Tom Andrews
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/25/07
Posts: 1000
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
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Bob,
It's great to hear good reports from others on how well the system is working. Keep 'em coming. And I agree that this system is a must-have if you don't have the motorized version. One advantage to this system is the speed of finding things. I've used the motorized system on a friend's scope and it takes a little more time slewing than I do. But on the other hand, what's the hurry? It's all going to be there long after I've moved on.
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Tom
The Secret To Life:
Focus on what you have, not on what you don't;
Focus on what you can do, not on what you can't.
************************************************
2007 Discovery 12.5" PDHQ Split-Tube Dob w/manual setting circles/Telrad/Zhummel 8x50 RACI finder scope (*For Sale*)
Coulter Odessey 8" Dob
Celestron C11-SGT
Garrett Optical 15x70 Gemini Binoculars on homemade Parallelogram w/Setting Circles
The Albuquerque Astronomy Society (TAAS)
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jack45
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/07/03
Posts: 2462
Loc: Lacey WA
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Seeing how the objects move. What program do I use to know the AZT/AZI at the time that I'm viewing?
I use a program on my computer to get information on where objects are at a certain time. Do I need to keep going in the house as time goes by to get new AZT/AZI reading to keepup?
I can print out a sky map for DSO, for 10pm tonight! A laptop would be nice but I'm not buying one at this time! Is there something I can have outside with me to keepup with these objects, as they move over time? Am I missing something here?
Clear Skies!
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16"f/4.5 Discovery Split Tube/TV Paracorr
12.5"f/5 Discovery PDHQ
Orion f/4.9 XT12"Intelliscope
BV's/Bugress Model 24/Stellarvue Model BV3A
TV Smooth Side Plossls,7.4mm,10.5mm,13mm,17mm
,21mm & 26mm
Nagler EPs 9mm T/2,13mm T/1,16mm T/2,20mm T/2,26mm T/5
Axiom EPs 23mm,31mm LX
UO EPs 5MM,6MM,7MM,12.5MM
Wish List: 21mm,17mm,10mm,8mm Ethos,28"Starmaster f/3.7
Edited by jack45 (06/10/07 06:42 PM)
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Tom Andrews
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/25/07
Posts: 1000
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
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You will have to have a computer program that makes the constant changes as the earth spins. The alt/az coordinates are changing constantly. If you don't have a computer to bring outside then you have to go in and get the current coordinates off your inside computer. It won't do any good to print out a map for 10:00 because it will only be good at that moment.
I'm sorry that it seems that you didn't realize that this was part of the "Push-To" system. Let us know how else we can help.
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Tom
The Secret To Life:
Focus on what you have, not on what you don't;
Focus on what you can do, not on what you can't.
************************************************
2007 Discovery 12.5" PDHQ Split-Tube Dob w/manual setting circles/Telrad/Zhummel 8x50 RACI finder scope (*For Sale*)
Coulter Odessey 8" Dob
Celestron C11-SGT
Garrett Optical 15x70 Gemini Binoculars on homemade Parallelogram w/Setting Circles
The Albuquerque Astronomy Society (TAAS)
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csa/montana
Den Mother
Reged: 05/14/05
Posts: 39594
Loc: montana
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If you happen to have a PDA or a PALM, there are several programs you can use on them for this purpose. Until I got one, I had to run into the house to get the coordinates off my computer.
Carol
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Carol
AstroTech 16" Dob (Thanks ASTRONOMICS!)
Vixen 80MF/AstroTech Voyager
Masuyama's 7.5, 15, 25W, 35mm,
Pentaxes; 5XW, 7XL, 10XW.
14mm Meade 4000 UWA
TV Panoptics; 22, 35
DreamCatcher Dobservatory, #2
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jack45
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/07/03
Posts: 2462
Loc: Lacey WA
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Thanks Tom/Carol!
I was just hoping there was an easy way of doing this! I can still use it for those hard to find DSO's until I get a laptop. I did just get a red light and the 0 to 90 deg protractor. The protractor is magnetic but my two scopes aren't metal. I'll use velcro to attach it to my scope. I also have the setting circle PDF that Carol made available on a thumb drive as we call it in the military. I'll take it to Staples tomorrow and see what they can do! I'm getting two setting circles made, one for each of my scopes! I don't need one for the 12XInTelliscope.
Again, Carol has saved us a lot of money and the many post on this has been a great help!
Clear Skies!
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16"f/4.5 Discovery Split Tube/TV Paracorr
12.5"f/5 Discovery PDHQ
Orion f/4.9 XT12"Intelliscope
BV's/Bugress Model 24/Stellarvue Model BV3A
TV Smooth Side Plossls,7.4mm,10.5mm,13mm,17mm
,21mm & 26mm
Nagler EPs 9mm T/2,13mm T/1,16mm T/2,20mm T/2,26mm T/5
Axiom EPs 23mm,31mm LX
UO EPs 5MM,6MM,7MM,12.5MM
Wish List: 21mm,17mm,10mm,8mm Ethos,28"Starmaster f/3.7
Edited by jack45 (06/10/07 09:21 PM)
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coopman
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/23/06
Posts: 1539
Loc: South Louisiana
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I just downloaded the trial PC version of PocketStars and I can see how neat this thing is. However, I have a problem because the base and rocker box bottom of my homemade Dob are square instead of circular. I would have to make them circular to fit the azimuth ring, I guess, but this is not that difficult to do. Then I would have to get a PDA and the PDA version of PocketStars, so this would end up being much more expensive than $12 for me to do. I still might do it anyways....
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Regards,
Clay
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalms 19:1
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Gigatron
professor emeritus
Reged: 12/10/05
Posts: 650
Loc: Staten Island, N.Y.
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Well, I'm a few hours of work away from having my system set up and ready to go.
I finally got my circles from kinko's, I have my wixey inclinometer and I fashioned a pointer from sheet aluminium and a rare earth magnet. All I need to do is notch the base board and replace the teflon pads with magic sliders and I'm set.
Now if I could get mother nature to cooperate  ...
-Fred
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Meade ETX-90 UHTC, AutoStar 497,
Right angle viewfinder
Deluxe field tripod
Zhumell 10" dob
Telrad finder
GSO 8x50 RACI finder
Too many special modifications to list
2" 32mm GSO,
9mm GSO,
26mm,15mm,12.4mm,6mm Meade SP,
5mm,7mm,9mm Burgess/TMB planetary
Meade 2X Barlow
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Tom Andrews
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/25/07
Posts: 1000
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
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Quote:
However, I have a problem because the base and rocker box bottom of my homemade Dob are square instead of circular. I would have to make them circular to fit the azimuth ring, I guess, but this is not that difficult to do.
Check out my version for a square box:
http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/download.php?Number=1554107
There are more pictures of how it goes together on previous pages of this same thread. There are also pictures of others' versions with square boxes within this thread.
Quote:
Then I would have to get a PDA and the PDA version of PocketStars, so this would end up being much more expensive than $12 for me to do. I still might do it anyways....
Do you have a laptop you can take out with you to the scope? If not, Carol's suggestion to me was to check ebay for pda's. They almost always have used pda's for sale going from $50.00-$100.00.
For a few days I used a laptop in the house and went back and forth to get coordinates. Then I brought the laptop out and set it up near the scope to use. In the meantime I put out the word to my friends that use pda's that I needed an old, used one for astronomy use. Within a few weeks, a friend gave me an old one which still worked.
Keep working all the angles, the system is well worth it.
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Tom
The Secret To Life:
Focus on what you have, not on what you don't;
Focus on what you can do, not on what you can't.
************************************************
2007 Discovery 12.5" PDHQ Split-Tube Dob w/manual setting circles/Telrad/Zhummel 8x50 RACI finder scope (*For Sale*)
Coulter Odessey 8" Dob
Celestron C11-SGT
Garrett Optical 15x70 Gemini Binoculars on homemade Parallelogram w/Setting Circles
The Albuquerque Astronomy Society (TAAS)
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Tom Andrews
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/25/07
Posts: 1000
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
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Quote:
Well, I'm a few hours of work away from having my system set up and ready to go.
Right on, Fred. Please let us know how it works whenever you get to use it.
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Tom
The Secret To Life:
Focus on what you have, not on what you don't;
Focus on what you can do, not on what you can't.
************************************************
2007 Discovery 12.5" PDHQ Split-Tube Dob w/manual setting circles/Telrad/Zhummel 8x50 RACI finder scope (*For Sale*)
Coulter Odessey 8" Dob
Celestron C11-SGT
Garrett Optical 15x70 Gemini Binoculars on homemade Parallelogram w/Setting Circles
The Albuquerque Astronomy Society (TAAS)
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