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accessories suggestion

Started by Mr Greybush , Jun 18 2013 06:50 AM
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23 replies to this topic

#1 Mr Greybush

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 06:50 AM

after a several weeks of buying new/used equipment here is the list of equipment I have so far and I wanted to know from you all if there is anything I'm missing

Telescopes: 10 dob and 8"sct. both are motor driven
ep's: plossl 20,20,25 differnt manufactures, celestrons x-cel Lx 9mm,25mm and a x2 shorty barlow

power tank, moon filter, dew shields for both- dew heathers( kendrick straps and controler) finder scope 9x50, dot finder

red lens flashlight, atlas sky map, star wheel

covers for both bags for both tubes

full aperture solar filter for the cat not using it on the dob

tools dont' worry about those I have way to many

Dont add any ep suggestions from this list please I'm sure in time I'll have more

before I forget 10x50 binoculars (not using for solar)

Let the suggestions begin CHARGE!!!!

#2 Stargaz18

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 06:53 AM

How about an observing chair?

#3 Mr Greybush

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 07:01 AM

Stargaz I'm thinking of building one

#4 Ed D

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 07:03 AM

How about an observing chair?


+1 - It's the most used piece of astro equipment I have, and the comfort allows me to observe much longer and see much more detail.

Ed D

You posted as I was typing my response. Don't forget to post pics of your project.

Ed D

#5 csrlice12

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 07:40 AM

What do you have to keep those scopes collimated? Both the Dob and the SCT require collimation...

#6 SeattleScott

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 07:52 AM

Nebula filter, either UHC or OIII.

#7 GalaxyCollide

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 08:05 AM

How about a JMI Wheely Bars? They are good for moving scopes like the 10"

#8 Mr Greybush

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 08:26 AM

Nebula filters I know nothing about. So help would be appreciated.

#9 Mr Greybush

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 08:46 AM

I have a lazer for collimation for the dob. The SCT on the other hand that issue has to be delt with

#10 Seldom

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 10:02 AM

Nebula filters I know nothing about. So help would be appreciated.

UHC, OIII, Hydrogen Beta are nebula filters. Many nebulae fluoresce from UV light in adjacent stars. UHC and OIII both make such nebulas much better defined in the EP. The Lagoon,and the Trifid really benefit from either UHC or OIII. H Beta application is I believe limited to a few nebulae.

Good explanation of filters in The Backyard Astronomer's Guide.

#11 csrlice12

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 10:11 AM

If you are viewing from light polluted skies, the UHC helps. At dark sites, the OIII shows its stuff.....

#12 jerwin

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 12:04 PM

Personally I like a headlamp with a red light on it so I can use both hands and not have the red flashlight hanging out of my mouth.

I went with this one

http://www.amazon.co...1_i00?ie=UTF...

it's a little more expensive, but the red lens flips down, so I can't accidentally turn on the white light. I did slap a few layers of red tail light repair tape on it to dim it further, as sometimes they are just WAY too bright when someone else is talking to you or just looking around.

I don't know how bad the dew is in Virginia. In the Chicago area it's pretty bad on my SCT, but I don't know that I've ever dew'd my 10" dob up. Outside is dripping, but the mirrors are both good. I know you said you've already bought that but you might try without it on the dob and if you don't need it, you could get some money back.

Also on the dob you might have trouble aiming it, with a straight through finder, so finder with a 90 degree diagonal might prevent you from reenacting a scene from Dr. Strangelove. Or that in addition to a 90 diagonal a mounted laser pointer help get you close. http://www.scopestuff.com/ss_sfind.htm

A JMI motofocus might cut back on vibrations when adjusting the focus of the 8" SCT. I'm assuming it's a single arm which can get a little shaky.

Actually, thinking about this again, I think what you need the most is a membership to your local astronomy club, and then go to a dark site weekend. Most people are friendly enough and proud enough of their equipment to tell you what they like and don't like, what they wish they would have done, or what not. If they are friendly enough, I'd guess most would let you have a look through your own scope with their filter or eyepiece, but this does make some nervous.

My annual membership is $20 and I think it was the BEST $20 I've spent.

One warning though is don't look through an eyepiece that is outside of your price range. I looked at a ES82 degree, and started buying them over the next few weeks, then I looked in an ES100 degree, and sold most of my 82 degrees off.

Good luck and clear skies,
Jim

#13 spencerj

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 01:15 PM

after a several weeks of buying new/used equipment here is the list of equipment I have so far and I wanted to know from you all if there is anything I'm missing


Time under the stars. You have more than enough equipment (besides a chair) to get started. Start using the stuff you have and find out what works for you. Find out what you like and don't like. Don't add additional equipment until a need arises.

#14 yepimanerd

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 01:32 PM

I'd suggest ditching the red-dot finder for a telrad. Handiest $45 I've spent so far... If you get an extra base, you can use it with both scopes.

#15 Seldom

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 01:49 PM

If you get an extra base, you can use it with both scopes.

True, but you'll need to realign it when you switch scopes unless the bases are perfectly aligned.

#16 Mr Greybush

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 02:09 PM

No no extra base for both the scope. I'm just most needed and most used items for now anything else can wait. I'm just trying to cover the bases

#17 Mr Greybush

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 02:13 PM

telrad I'm not fond of. I've used them most of the time I forgot to turn it off lol

#18 TexasRed

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 02:45 PM

+1 on the UHC filter.

#19 kfiscus

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 03:19 PM

Some sort of fold up table for all of your stuff to keep it out of the dew, dust, and from under foot.

Filters are a tremendous boost to my viewing. Don't rush off to buy them- they're worth their price and can be gotten in very good shape here and elsewhere used. Dig deeper in the forums here for good filter buying advice. We have David Knisely here and he is recognized as a filter tester extraordinaire.

#20 Usquebae

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Posted 18 June 2013 - 11:52 PM

Glenfiddich 12

#21 Startraffic

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Posted 19 June 2013 - 05:36 AM

I prefer the 18 or 21 myself.

#22 Jon Isaacs

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Posted 19 June 2013 - 06:16 AM

telrad I'm not fond of. I've used them most of the time I forgot to turn it off lol


I occasionally forget but the AA batteries are cheap, readily available and even if left on for a month, probably still good.

And for Starhopping when the skies are reasonably dark, there is nothing better...

One way or another, build it or buy it, an observing chair is my suggestion. Viewing while seated in comfort... it makes for better views.

Jon

#23 Mr Greybush

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Posted 19 June 2013 - 06:32 AM

I'm working on a chair at least what seeing what people have done with there's I've got the tools except a drill press but no problems there my brothers a master carpenter.

#24 orion61

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Posted 19 June 2013 - 06:49 AM

I use my Lumicon narrow band light Pollution filter (LPR)more than the UHC, but I live in a small town and the LP is not that bad.
I also bought a Zhumell O111 filter I like, they are only about $25.00 shipped. I have heard the QC is not the best but the one I got has no coating flaws and performs very well.
I am surprised that nobody has mentioned Color filters
(I use mine all the time for Planetary) or a Binocular Viewer. A C8 is perfect for Binoviewing!
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