Recent Additions

• 
  Quick Review of the Itty Bitty Radio Telescope

  Aug 31 2024 10:04 AM by michaelcaba

  The Itty Bitty Radio Telescope (hereafter, IBT) is a simple DIY device that can be used to detect radio waves from the Sun. It primarily consists of a satellite dish, a signal meter, a power source and a mount (often a lazy susan rig). In my case, I purchased an 18” dish off of Craig’s List, the signal meter was obtained via eBay and the remaining items were sourced at Amazon and local hardware stores.

• 
  Comparing Two Wide field Constellation Binoculars- Orion 2x54mm versus Kasai 2.3x40mm

  Aug 31 2024 09:05 AM by NinePlanets

  I sat on the fence a few years before I decided to step off and gamble my money on these wide-field, low power Galilean binoculars. I've never been impressed with any sort of Galilean telescopes, field glasses or opera glasses and I suspected that they were just an expensive, trendy gimmick; but based on others' comments and experiences, I considered that these specialty items, with their wider than typical fields, might actually fill a niche in my astro-equipment arsenal.

• 
  Review of Rigel Systems Wifi nSTEP Focus Controller on a Solar Telescope and a Mirror Lens

  Aug 31 2024 08:44 AM by astropotamus

  Following Dr. Palmer's easy instructions had the equipment ready to go in no time. Connection to the ALPACA wifi driver was trivially easy, and for the longest time, I thought I was doing something wrong because I was expecting it to fail. Or, at least, to be more complicated. It wasn't.

Cloudy Nights Announcements

User Reviews

• 
  Quick Review of the Itty Bitty Radio Telescope

  Aug 31 2024 10:04 AM by michaelcaba

  The Itty Bitty Radio Telescope (hereafter, IBT) is a simple DIY device that can be used to detect radio waves from the Sun. It primarily consists of a satellite dish, a signal meter, a power source and a mount (often a lazy susan rig). In my case, I purchased an 18” dish off of Craig’s List, the signal meter was obtained via eBay and the remaining items were sourced at Amazon and local hardware stores.

• 
  Comparing Two Wide field Constellation Binoculars- Orion 2x54mm versus Kasai 2.3x40mm

  Aug 31 2024 09:05 AM by NinePlanets

  I sat on the fence a few years before I decided to step off and gamble my money on these wide-field, low power Galilean binoculars. I've never been impressed with any sort of Galilean telescopes, field glasses or opera glasses and I suspected that they were just an expensive, trendy gimmick; but based on others' comments and experiences, I considered that these specialty items, with their wider than typical fields, might actually fill a niche in my astro-equipment arsenal.

• 
  Review of Rigel Systems Wifi nSTEP Focus Controller on a Solar Telescope and a Mirror Lens

  Aug 31 2024 08:44 AM by astropotamus

  Following Dr. Palmer's easy instructions had the equipment ready to go in no time. Connection to the ALPACA wifi driver was trivially easy, and for the longest time, I thought I was doing something wrong because I was expecting it to fail. Or, at least, to be more complicated. It wasn't.

• 
  A review of my Sky Watcher Esprit 150

  Jul 28 2024 04:42 PM by jeffmarston

  My Esprit 150 is a phenomenal scope. It is definitely the best scope I own as far as sharpness and versatility. I haven't used my other large refractors since I got my Esprit, and I haven't really missed them. I used to think that if I could only have one scope it would be a C14, but because of the how good my Esprit 150 is at so many things I might have to change my mind. It certainly is a lot easier to image with than my C14. I bought my Esprit on sale for 7000 dollars. It is still a chunk of change, but when I compare it to my friend's Stellarvue 180 costing 19000 dollars it seems like a bargain. The only downside is how heavy my Esprit is. My carbon fiber Explore Scientific 127 is so much lighter it's a breeze to handle compared to my Esprit.

• 
  Review: The AM3 Harmonic Drive Mount and TC40 Tripod from ZWO

  Jul 28 2024 03:39 PM by Amilano

  The AM3/AM5 mounts are very unique! They definitely take a bit of getting used to - The AM3 is unlike any telescope mount I've ever used. One of the main things you'll notice right away, is how easy it is to use. Once you begin using one of these mounts, it will be near impossible to want to use any other kind. Now, you'll have all this extra time available - from not having to adjust, and re-adjust the settings you would on a typical EQ mount.

• 
  Review of RafCamera custom made adapters

  Jul 28 2024 01:13 PM by ldsn

  In short, I’m delighted with the experience of using RafCamera and would use them again if the need arose. Patience is required as anodising and shipping does take time (though you could opt for express delivery for a higher price)

• 
  A Couple of Awesome Books I Came Across

  Jun 23 2024 09:11 AM by UrbanAstronomer

  I like this book so much, I bought a spiral bound printed copy as well as the electronic version. After all, the electronic version is only $6.50 and you can print out whichever page covering whichever constellation that you’ll be focusing on for the evening's observing session.

• 
  Review of Taurus Telescopes’ 12 inch T- 300 Ultra-light Dobsonian

  May 25 2024 11:05 AM by SpitzA3P

  Taurus makes a fine scope. Adam answered all my emailed questions , and there were many, thoroughly and helpfully. Turns out, I was once only about 5 miles from his shop, when we drove from Krakow to Zakopane, Poland a few years ago. I have found Adam to be honest, helpful, and to design and build very nice ultralights. While I have found that Smart Astrographs like Unistellar and SeeStar can be a lot of fun, especially in cities, viewing the heavens through a real eyepiece is an experience like no other. I am considering buying a second Taurus, the 20 inch f 4.2, or possibly the 24 inch f 3.3 , which at 12,500 Euros is about double the price of the 20 inch. (As you may know, price goes up much faster than size, after a certain aperture).

• 
  Quick review of the Mini 500 Pier TRUK from Astro TUFF TRUK

  May 25 2024 09:14 AM by Ybkim1

  I have wanted a pier for some time. My Ioptron Literoc tripod works great, but I’ve had a recurring nightmare that one night it will topple over in a stiff wind. My largest OTA is a Celestron 9.25 inch Edge HD, which is bulky and can act like a sail. For a while I considered building a DIY pier in my backyard. I even had the exact location planned out. Problem is, I cannot access all targets of interest from that one location due to tall trees to the south, and so a fixed pier would not work. Enter the Mini 500 Pier TRUK, from Astro TUFF TRUK.

• 
  A Quick Review of the 28” Reginato Super Maser

  Aug 03 2024 10:05 AM by il_galassiere

  It was since year 2020, by then in my sixties, that I conceived the idea to buy a very serious and powerful instrument for my long-standing visual observations. The choice fell on a Reginato Super Maser 28-inch Newtonian telescope with standard alt-azimuthal fork mount. Hereafter are the seven more significant values of my choice:

• 
  Sky-watcher P 130/650 Starquest review

  Apr 26 2024 02:45 PM by Nikolai De Silva

  Overall, the Sky-watcher P 130/650 Starquest Telescope is a durable, good beginner telescope with which you can enjoy views to remember forever. It's really reasonable to afford and brings you a sensation of quality.

• 
  Review of a discarded 2003 National Geographic Society 50mm Refractor

  Feb 25 2024 12:10 PM by timmywampus

  The scope, as tested for this review, would be one that I would be willing to give to a person that I did not like, but even then, I like astronomy too much to spite someone away from the hobby. For free, this telescope was worth picking up and providing a day’s worth of entertainment, but I would rather spend $27.99 on other equipment. Conclusion: Do not buy, whether in “Classic” or “Modern Era” trim.