Accessories Archives

Filter Performance Comparisons

The following is a summary report of visual observations of emission nebulae comparing the performance of various filters intended for such objects.

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Rigel Quick Finder and Telrad

Since I found that my Celestron Star Pointer (see another article) is inadequate for my C8, I proceed to search for better alternatives. The Telrad and the Rigel Quick Finder are the natural choices, I bought both of them since the shipping cost is too high if I order only one item. I have a 6x30 finder which comes with the C8 OTA, but since the bracket cannot be removed from the OTA easily, I found it not so portable. At the same time, I'm used to use a unit finder, and that's why I go for these two infamous unit finders. P.S: I sold my 6x30 Celestron LER finder soon after I got my Rigel Quick Finder. The Package and the Options The Telrad comes with a single base, variable brightness control, no battery, and 3 concentric circles of 0.5 degree, 2 degree and 4 degree. It is longer and heavier than the Rigel Quick Finder. The Rigel Quick Finder comes with two bases, variable brightness control, Lithium battery included, and 2 concentric circles of 0.5 degree and 2 degree. The blinking reticle is a standard feature in the Rigel Quick Finder. It is shorter and lighter than the Telrad, but since it stands on its base, it is actually taller when in operation. The switches on the Telrad are larger and better placed, so it's easier to use and more accessible. The switches on the Rigel Quick Finder are located on the opposite side when it is in operation, however, I have to say, both are very easy to use. The Telrad uses standard AA battery and the Rigel Quick Finder uses CR2320 Lithium battery. With the Telrad, you have to provide your own battery and with the Rigel Quick Finder, you have them included in the package. There are three alignment switches for both of them for alignment.

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Cover Your Astro Portable Observatory

This observatory is easily assembled and broken down, it provides a nice wind break and blocks stray light, it protects you for dew and with the optionally made top cover can help to seal off

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Useful Filters for Viewing Deep-Sky Objects

The broad-band "Light-pollution Reduction (LPR) filters are designed to improve the visibility of a variety of Deep-Sky objects by blocking out the common Mercury vapor, Sodium, and some other emission lines from man-made or natural sources which contribute to light pollution, while letting through a broad range of other more useful wavelengths. Since the eye is mainly a "contrast detector", this selective screening out of some of the background skyglow increases the contrast and helps Deep-sky objects stand out more noticably.

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Who Needs a Crayford Focuser for an SCT? Maybe you do… The William Optics SCT Crayford

Crayford focusers, those no-gear super-smooth wonders so favored by the Big Dob folks, have finally started to make their presence known in the SCT community. Now, why would a Schmidt Cassegrain owner want a Crayford focuser? SCTs have built-in focusers that focus the telescope by moving the primary mirror. Why the H - E Double Ell would anybody bolt an additional focus unit onto the back of the SCT rear cell?

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Improving Refractor Performance with a Prism Diagonal

One of the most important accessories that refractor owners use is a star diagonal. It allows observers to comfortably look through their instruments

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MX-991/U Army Flashlight

I have used several flashlights to read start charts and provide general illumination during star gazing sessions

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Antares Binoviewer vs. TeleVue Bino Vue - PoorBoy vs. the Prince

Recently I had the chance to test two binoviewers, the Antares 1.25-inch binocular eyepiece holder and the TeleVue Bino Vue with 2X amplifier, a piece of hardware that many amateur astronomers dream

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ExploraDome and POD Domes

Until recently the only low-cost alternatives have been opened roofed tents, PVC based enclosures or roll-off roofs.

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Baader Neodymium Moon and Skyglow Filter

Like it’s name suggests, this filter also helps the view of deep-sky objects in moonlight, something that other filters

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Binoviewer Shootout in the Arizona Desert

I contacted Allister St. Claire about the desirability of a test like this as a Cloudy Nights review. He responded positively, and gave me some pointers for the review. We set up review documents and got ready to do our testing.

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AstroGizmo's AstroGazer

The observatory evaluation criterion was formed from posts on Cloudynights and applies to all three observatories, the ED, POD and now the AG

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Forbidden Lines: Mini [OIII] Filter Shootout

Forbidden lines of different atoms are generally put in parentheses to denote unstable nature. It is a spectral line emitted by atoms undergoing energy transitions not normally allowed by the selection rules of quantum mechanics. The emission lines are called forbidden because

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Hubble 5-star Artificial Stars

It resembles a small flashlight (takes 3 AAA batteries) with an off/on pushbutton switch and has a metal mask with 5 precision pinholes (50/100/150/200/250 microns) and a white LED aligned to each pinhole. You can select the

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Baader Hyperion 15mm and 8mm Oculars

As many of you may already know, I am not a fan of high-end eyepieces. I find that the supposed bang you get is not worth the

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Mini Borg 60ED as a Finder

The finder may be the most under-rated item in the amateur astronomy toolkit

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My Experiences in Buying a Binoviewer

Binoviewers may need no introduction to some of you but for those in the market for a binocular viewer for their telescope, I hope to discuss the reasons I chose the Tele Vue Bino Vue rather than some of the more inexpensive models.

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Anderson PowerPole Conectors

What are you using to connect your 12V power to your mount, your dew heaters, your cameras? Automotive cigarette lighter connectors? I thought so!

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Hotech SCA Laser Collimator

I needed a good, solid, laser collimator

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William Optics 45-deg Erecting Prism

Out of focus stars seemed a little odd but I couldn't quite determine what was wrong, in focus the stars were sharp until near the edge, but that I expected with the short focal length telescope

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MagLite Conversion Kit for Red LED

As we know, Light Emitting Diodes (LED) use less electricity and the bulbs last much longer than conventional bulbs, so an LED flashlight should be better.

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Chromacor II

I would like to begin by stating that this is a two-part review. The first part covers some of some technical aspects of the Chromacor II designed by Valery Deryhuzin of Aries Instruments. The second part covers observations made with and without the Chromacor II.

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Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Focuser

" To be focused, or not to be? That is the question." Thadeus Shakespeare (Williams brother and an amatuer astronomer)

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Dew-Not Aren't Your Typical Heater Straps

Have you ever used a product and always thought that although it was good, there could be something better? I have. One of those things has been my dew heater setup. Although it works, I always wished there was something just a little more economical both monetarily, and from a power consumption standpoint.<

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Lab Test and First Light Report of 2" Zhumell Filter Set

My interest in astronomy started when I was 15 and saw Haley¡¯s comet through a pair of Bushnell binos. I had always wanted to buy a telescope but growing up in light and particulate polluted Bombay (now Mumbai), I gave up all notions of pursuing the hobby

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