· Get a Cloudy Nights T-Shirt · Submit a Review / Article    Click here if you are having trouble logging into the forums Cloudy Nights - Official Forums of the 2009 International Year of Astronomy Privacy Policy | Please read our Terms of Service | Signup and Troubleshooting FAQ | Problems? PM a Red or a Green Gu.... uh, User   You are not logged in. [Login] Forum Archives · Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online FAQ · Calendar Announcements and News >> Beginners Forum Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Pages: 1 | 2 | (show all) werewolf6977 Lord High Smasher Reged: 12/15/03 Posts: 8429 Loc: Hanover, Ohio Barebones Astronomy #1       #3342638 - 09/19/09 06:50 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   A lot of us have those ubiquitous 66mm ED's,APO's, etc. So, how do we mount it? An LXD55 would be overkill, but I'm gonna do it just for the pix. On the other end of the spectrum, there is the ubiquitous Camera Tripod. Unless you've got a Bogen/Manfrotto combo, there are compromises. I have a Sunpak 7500 Pro Edition (woo-hoo) Camera Tripod. Workds great for my 15X70's. Buut, if you put your trusty lil 66mm ;frac on it, you gotta keep the mags low. Too much slop for deliberate high powered aiming. Great for panning, though! If you're brave (read crazy here) anough, hand-hold the thing! Look like A Pirate Captain! Aaaaargh, Matey! Seriously, if you brace your arms, or adopt a variant of the good old US Army Off-hand position. Neighbor's will think you're nuts, though. Actually, virtually any small scope (66mm class, 114 class Reflector) can be used with a human mount. all you need to do is sit down firmly, and keep the power to 10X/" I'd say. Next Installment?: Edited by werewolf6977 (09/19/09 07:19 AM) Post Extras:       Lamb0 Pooh-Bah Reged: 07/25/07 Posts: 1328 Loc: Fairbury, Nebraska Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 [Re: werewolf6977]       #3342664 - 09/19/09 07:32 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Can a 66mm ED replace the achro in an ETX60 as a decent, (& inexpensive), Backpack Observatory ED GoTo? -------------------- John, "Have eyepiece - will travel!" 8" f/5 Dob w/2.14" sec in a 12" alum tube 'The Mortar' - w/PCorr 2.16° TFoV @ ~32.5X 70+% illum *Yes!* 24Pan, 5-8 SW, 3 Faworskis (16.8, 10.5, & 7mm), TMB 3.2mm, Hyp 36mm Aspheric, 20T5, & 14ES100 Other 2": Paracorr (Green Parrot), 2X PowerMate, Antares 1.6X Barlow, Astronomik Hß, (older) Lumicon UHC & OIII 60mm $50 Walmart Special in training - aka "Backpack Observatory" Binoculars: Minolta Activa 12x50s & Steiner 15X80s Post Extras:       werewolf6977 Lord High Smasher Reged: 12/15/03 Posts: 8429 Loc: Hanover, Ohio Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 [Re: Lamb0]       #3342675 - 09/19/09 07:45 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   As long as it fits the clamshell/rings/whatever, I suppose. -------------------- Pete 6" Apogee/LXD55 Starhopper 6" Dob Spaceprobe 130EQ Black C8 OTA WO Zenith Star 66 Patriot Edition Sun Pak Pro 7500 Platinum Edition 8X42 Bushnell H2O Porro 7X35 Tasco 10X50 Nikon Actions (Type 7) 15X70 Skymasters Dell Inspiron Dual Core 531s "Science without Religion is lame, Religion without Science is blind" A.Einstein. Post Extras:       Tim L professor emeritus Reged: 12/17/08 Posts: 559 Loc: Austin, TX Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 [Re: werewolf6977]       #3342865 - 09/19/09 10:13 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Sounds like the ultimate in "manual tracking" -------------------- Tim Zhumell Z10 dob Meade 60mm refractor Zhumell 1.25" eyepiece and filter kit Zhumell sky-glow, UHC, and OIII filters Post Extras:       GeorgeDuke Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/24/03 Posts: 1588 Loc: PARADISE! (So.Florida) Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 [Re: Tim L]       #3343039 - 09/19/09 12:11 PM Attachment (17 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Just stick it on top of your C8! -------------------- George -------------- SkyShed POD XL-3 LX200GPS 203mm f10 StellarVue SV102ED2 Feathertouch Ser#0018 LXD75 GOTO with Orion 16" pier extension Baader Hyperion 8mm ,13mm, 21mm + FTRs 2" GSO ED barlow, 2" SV Dielectric and Orion Prism Diagonals Post Extras:       werewolf6977 Lord High Smasher Reged: 12/15/03 Posts: 8429 Loc: Hanover, Ohio Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 [Re: GeorgeDuke]       #3343061 - 09/19/09 12:25 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   suppose you don't have a C-8 to put it on? -------------------- Pete 6" Apogee/LXD55 Starhopper 6" Dob Spaceprobe 130EQ Black C8 OTA WO Zenith Star 66 Patriot Edition Sun Pak Pro 7500 Platinum Edition 8X42 Bushnell H2O Porro 7X35 Tasco 10X50 Nikon Actions (Type 7) 15X70 Skymasters Dell Inspiron Dual Core 531s "Science without Religion is lame, Religion without Science is blind" A.Einstein. Post Extras:       werewolf6977 Lord High Smasher Reged: 12/15/03 Posts: 8429 Loc: Hanover, Ohio Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 *DELETED* [Re: GeorgeDuke]       #3343062 - 09/19/09 12:25 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Post deleted by werewolf6977 -------------------- Pete 6" Apogee/LXD55 Starhopper 6" Dob Spaceprobe 130EQ Black C8 OTA WO Zenith Star 66 Patriot Edition Sun Pak Pro 7500 Platinum Edition 8X42 Bushnell H2O Porro 7X35 Tasco 10X50 Nikon Actions (Type 7) 15X70 Skymasters Dell Inspiron Dual Core 531s "Science without Religion is lame, Religion without Science is blind" A.Einstein. Post Extras:       GeorgeDuke Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/24/03 Posts: 1588 Loc: PARADISE! (So.Florida) Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 [Re: werewolf6977]       #3343074 - 09/19/09 12:35 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Sorry Pete, I saw a Black C8 OTA in your signature list and just assumed..... -------------------- George -------------- SkyShed POD XL-3 LX200GPS 203mm f10 StellarVue SV102ED2 Feathertouch Ser#0018 LXD75 GOTO with Orion 16" pier extension Baader Hyperion 8mm ,13mm, 21mm + FTRs 2" GSO ED barlow, 2" SV Dielectric and Orion Prism Diagonals Post Extras:       werewolf6977 Lord High Smasher Reged: 12/15/03 Posts: 8429 Loc: Hanover, Ohio Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 [Re: GeorgeDuke]       #3343471 - 09/19/09 04:11 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I do. Buuut, that takes cash for the rings like a noob might not have .... Besides improvisation can fun! -------------------- Pete 6" Apogee/LXD55 Starhopper 6" Dob Spaceprobe 130EQ Black C8 OTA WO Zenith Star 66 Patriot Edition Sun Pak Pro 7500 Platinum Edition 8X42 Bushnell H2O Porro 7X35 Tasco 10X50 Nikon Actions (Type 7) 15X70 Skymasters Dell Inspiron Dual Core 531s "Science without Religion is lame, Religion without Science is blind" A.Einstein. Post Extras:       Tombstone Sky One-Eyed Jack Reged: 12/18/06 Posts: 1708 Loc: Tombstone Arizona Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 [Re: werewolf6977]       #3343494 - 09/19/09 04:35 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   This is a sticky? In the Beginners Forum? With a title of "Barebones Astronomy"? -------------------- MJ "Morg" Staley -------------------- M5 Dark-Site Observatory Meade 12" f/10 LX90GPS "River" WO 2" Dielectric Diagonal Meade SP 5000 full set, 24mm Meade 5000 UWA, BO/TMB Planetary 8, 9mm, Nagler 13mmT6 Meade 505/USB/ASU/SNP6 Post Extras:       werewolf6977 Lord High Smasher Reged: 12/15/03 Posts: 8429 Loc: Hanover, Ohio Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 [Re: Tombstone Sky]       #3344295 - 09/20/09 04:21 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Yeah. You got a problem with that? Beginners are the ones who might have an ota that gramps had w/no mount, and maybe they'd like to use it. What I'm stressing is to Improvise, adapt, Overcome! this was cleared through Higher, BTW. -------------------- Pete 6" Apogee/LXD55 Starhopper 6" Dob Spaceprobe 130EQ Black C8 OTA WO Zenith Star 66 Patriot Edition Sun Pak Pro 7500 Platinum Edition 8X42 Bushnell H2O Porro 7X35 Tasco 10X50 Nikon Actions (Type 7) 15X70 Skymasters Dell Inspiron Dual Core 531s "Science without Religion is lame, Religion without Science is blind" A.Einstein. Post Extras:       senske sage Reged: 01/10/09 Posts: 360 Loc: Spokane, WA Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 [Re: werewolf6977]       #3344894 - 09/20/09 02:16 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Well, someone had to say it and it happened to be Tombstone Sky. I was thinking the same thing. I don't think a beginner will benefit at all from the use of acronyms, abbreviations, made-up lingo, etc. Perhaps a rewrite is in order and you could just say something like: "If you're a beginner and you just came across a telescope with no tripod mount, there's good news! You can use that telescope effectively by just holding the telescope in your hands. Use your body or a structure to brace yourself. Use breathing techniques to steady your hand. Use low magnification so your movement doesn't effect the views as much. While a tripod mount is desirable, your body can be used as a mount, too. So get out there and look through that telescope!" Does that pretty much cover the intent? -------------------- Andrew Orion SkyQuest XT10 Intelliscope with Orion 9x50 and Telrad Finders Orion WorldView 10x50 Binoculars Celestron NexStar 8 SE with GSO 8x50 and Red Dot Finders Galileoscope Post Extras:       werewolf6977 Lord High Smasher Reged: 12/15/03 Posts: 8429 Loc: Hanover, Ohio Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 [Re: senske]       #3346164 - 09/21/09 05:55 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I alway was a bit wordy, y'know. Oh well, next one (if it happens) will be much more concise. Besides there are those that seem to like the style a bit anyway. -------------------- Pete 6" Apogee/LXD55 Starhopper 6" Dob Spaceprobe 130EQ Black C8 OTA WO Zenith Star 66 Patriot Edition Sun Pak Pro 7500 Platinum Edition 8X42 Bushnell H2O Porro 7X35 Tasco 10X50 Nikon Actions (Type 7) 15X70 Skymasters Dell Inspiron Dual Core 531s "Science without Religion is lame, Religion without Science is blind" A.Einstein. Edited by werewolf6977 (09/21/09 06:27 AM) Post Extras:       werewolf6977 Lord High Smasher Reged: 12/15/03 Posts: 8429 Loc: Hanover, Ohio Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 [Re: werewolf6977]       #3346184 - 09/21/09 06:32 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Yah, that was a good cover you came up with. If I'd intended to phrase it that way, I would have. Anyhow, I am kinda new at this, soooo ...hows that go? oh yeah, "different strokes for different folks" -------------------- Pete 6" Apogee/LXD55 Starhopper 6" Dob Spaceprobe 130EQ Black C8 OTA WO Zenith Star 66 Patriot Edition Sun Pak Pro 7500 Platinum Edition 8X42 Bushnell H2O Porro 7X35 Tasco 10X50 Nikon Actions (Type 7) 15X70 Skymasters Dell Inspiron Dual Core 531s "Science without Religion is lame, Religion without Science is blind" A.Einstein. Post Extras:       oldsalt Astro Philosopher Reged: 02/12/05 Posts: 8663 Loc: Pa - between starparties Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 [Re: werewolf6977]       #3347128 - 09/21/09 03:42 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Don't forget the lowly binoculars, Pete. I have both bino's and an 66mm scope . If you go sans mount, sitting on the ground, preferably with something between you and the grass, try resting the scope on your knees to help steady it. You won't be able to go high power , but without a mount it will work. -------------------- There are no winners in war, only bigger losers. Jim Post Extras:       werewolf6977 Lord High Smasher Reged: 12/15/03 Posts: 8429 Loc: Hanover, Ohio Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 [Re: oldsalt]       #3347672 - 09/21/09 08:12 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Dang! I did forget about the binoculars! Thanx -------------------- Pete 6" Apogee/LXD55 Starhopper 6" Dob Spaceprobe 130EQ Black C8 OTA WO Zenith Star 66 Patriot Edition Sun Pak Pro 7500 Platinum Edition 8X42 Bushnell H2O Porro 7X35 Tasco 10X50 Nikon Actions (Type 7) 15X70 Skymasters Dell Inspiron Dual Core 531s "Science without Religion is lame, Religion without Science is blind" A.Einstein. Post Extras:       RnSdriver journeyman Reged: 08/14/09 Posts: 5 Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 [Re: werewolf6977]       #3347748 - 09/21/09 08:58 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   For my first light with my Orion 130ST Newt, I used the windshield of my Dodge Dakota and and big heavy towel, very sturdy but your limited in your Alt range. Post Extras:       werewolf6977 Lord High Smasher Reged: 12/15/03 Posts: 8429 Loc: Hanover, Ohio Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 [Re: RnSdriver]       #3347889 - 09/21/09 09:58 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Like My Pa an electronics Engineer and all round handyman used to say "If it works, use it!" -------------------- Pete 6" Apogee/LXD55 Starhopper 6" Dob Spaceprobe 130EQ Black C8 OTA WO Zenith Star 66 Patriot Edition Sun Pak Pro 7500 Platinum Edition 8X42 Bushnell H2O Porro 7X35 Tasco 10X50 Nikon Actions (Type 7) 15X70 Skymasters Dell Inspiron Dual Core 531s "Science without Religion is lame, Religion without Science is blind" A.Einstein. Post Extras:       dmgriff sage Reged: 09/20/06 Posts: 332 Loc: 30 degrees latitude, USA Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 [Re: werewolf6977]       #3352287 - 09/23/09 06:54 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I do not know if this thread is limited to 66ed apos, but, this thread of 9/21/09 on mounting 80mm fast achros is pretty "bare bones" imho... cn thread Good viewing, Dave Post Extras:       werewolf6977 Lord High Smasher Reged: 12/15/03 Posts: 8429 Loc: Hanover, Ohio Re: Barebones Astronomy #1 [Re: dmgriff]       #3352295 - 09/23/09 06:56 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   This thread is about anything you aim at the sky. So, yes that thread on the 80mm and mount is very apropos. -------------------- Pete 6" Apogee/LXD55 Starhopper 6" Dob Spaceprobe 130EQ Black C8 OTA WO Zenith Star 66 Patriot Edition Sun Pak Pro 7500 Platinum Edition 8X42 Bushnell H2O Porro 7X35 Tasco 10X50 Nikon Actions (Type 7) 15X70 Skymasters Dell Inspiron Dual Core 531s "Science without Religion is lame, Religion without Science is blind" A.Einstein. Post Extras:       Pages: 1 | 2 | (show all) Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Extra information 10 registered and 17 anonymous users are browsing this forum. 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