2 replies to this topic

[Trevor Cosby]

Hello

I have seen one of these an would like to know members views if they are still of use in today's world of goto mounts and view finder camera?

As always many thanks for any assistance.

Trevor

[ngc7319_20]

IIRC the GA-4 is a guiding adapter that projects a reticle pattern (cross hairs and circles) into the view of an ordinary 1.25" eyepiece.  The eyepiece is 90 degrees to the input.   And there was a Barlow attachment that could go on the input end, to magnify the view.  They key advantage was that converted any 1.25" eyepiece (well almost any) to a guiding eyepiece with cross hairs.

 

Is it useful today?  Probably not so much.  It was meant for visually guiding a camera or telescope + camera during long exposures.  Most guiding now is done automatically with some webcam-like camera.  I've got a GA-4 somewhere and haven't used it in a couple decades.  But it is a beautiful piece.  Might be a nice addition to your collection, right next to the Celestron-Williams cold camera and Celestron Schmidt Camera.

[Trevor Cosby]

Hello

 

As always many thanks for responding.

 

I thought that might be the case, I have a Swift 831 and , I am tempted as you say it looks well made, and being a retired engineer that is high on my demands for any thing I buy.

 

Many thanks for your thoughts which are much appreciated.

 

Regards

 

Trevor