Accessories Archives
Filter Performance Comparisons
Oct 05 2006 06:05 AM |
David Knisely
in Astronomical Filters
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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Author name:
David Knisely
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Rigel Quick Finder and Telrad
Mar 27 2005 01:02 PM |
Oldfield
in Finderscopes
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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Author name:
So King Yan Oldfield
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Cover Your Astro Portable Observatory
Dec 28 2009 09:20 AM |
walrus
in Observing Domes, Tents, and Panels
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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Author name:
Rusty Walston
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Useful Filters for Viewing Deep-Sky Objects
Mar 12 2005 10:40 AM |
David Knisely
in Astronomical Filters
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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Author name:
David Knisely
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Who Needs a Crayford Focuser for an SCT? Maybe you do… The William Optics SCT Crayford
Mar 12 2005 11:13 AM |
rmollise
in Focusers (Electric and Manual)
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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Author name:
Rod Mollise
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Improving Refractor Performance with a Prism Diagonal
Aug 28 2008 02:59 AM |
Clive Gibbons
in Star Diagonals
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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Author name:
Clive Gibbons
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MX-991/U Army Flashlight
Mar 01 2007 05:13 AM |
katekebo
in Lights
I have used several flashlights to read start charts and provide general illumination during star gazing sessions
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Author name:
Bucki Slawomir
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Antares Binoviewer vs. TeleVue Bino Vue - PoorBoy vs. the Prince
Dec 22 2009 10:10 AM |
QS3000
in Binoviewers
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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Author name:
Dr Fanis
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ExploraDome and POD Domes
Oct 12 2007 05:41 AM |
Guest
in Observing Domes, Tents, and Panels
Until recently the only low-cost alternatives have been opened roofed tents, PVC based enclosures or roll-off roofs.
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Author name:
James Welisek
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Baader Neodymium Moon and Skyglow Filter
Dec 17 2009 07:35 AM |
Robert Piekiel
in Astronomical Filters
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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Author name:
Robert Piekiel
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Binoviewer Shootout in the Arizona Desert
Mar 09 2005 01:39 PM |
Guest
in Binoviewers
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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Author name:
Jim Gutman
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AstroGizmo's AstroGazer
Dec 06 2007 02:13 AM |
Snaproll
in Observing Domes, Tents, and Panels
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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Author name:
Jim Welisek
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Forbidden Lines: Mini [OIII] Filter Shootout
Dec 11 2009 12:47 PM |
Guest
in Accessories
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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Author name:
Shekar Govindaswamy
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Hubble 5-star Artificial Stars
Apr 02 2010 10:11 AM |
Mr. Bill
in Accessories
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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Author name:
Bill Faatz
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Baader Hyperion 15mm and 8mm Oculars
Dec 14 2009 09:30 AM |
Feidb
in Accessories
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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Author name:
Fred Rayworth
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Mini Borg 60ED as a Finder
Dec 20 2005 02:23 AM |
Guest
in Finderscopes
The finder may be the most under-rated item in the amateur astronomy toolkit
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Author name:
Fiske Miles
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My Experiences in Buying a Binoviewer
Mar 13 2005 05:14 AM |
Guest
in Binoviewers
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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Author name:
Jim Nadeau
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Anderson PowerPole Conectors
Mar 22 2010 07:27 AM |
Midnight Dan
in Accessories
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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Author name:
Dan Kutcha
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Hotech SCA Laser Collimator
Jan 10 2009 02:19 AM |
Guest
in Accessories
I needed a good, solid, laser collimator
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Author name:
Alex McConahay
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William Optics 45-deg Erecting Prism
Apr 04 2006 02:03 AM |
Silicon Owl
in Star Diagonals
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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Author name:
Andrew Cooper
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MagLite Conversion Kit for Red LED
Oct 24 2007 12:55 AM |
Guest
in Lights
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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Author name:
Rick Laws
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Chromacor II
Mar 09 2005 02:34 PM |
Sol Robbins
in Abberation Correctors
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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Author name:
Sol Robbins
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Starlight Instruments Feather Touch Focuser
Mar 09 2005 03:49 PM |
Guest
in SCT Specific Accessories
" To be focused, or not to be? That is the question." Thadeus Shakespeare (Williams brother and an amatuer astronomer)
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Author name:
Paul Atkinson
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Dew-Not Aren't Your Typical Heater Straps
Mar 09 2005 03:10 PM |
Guest
in Dew Heaters and Controllers
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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Author name:
Paul Atkinson
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Lab Test and First Light Report of 2" Zhumell Filter Set
Oct 30 2009 06:15 AM |
Guest
in Astronomical Filters
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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Author name:
Shekar Govindaswamy
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