And there's more - here's a photo:
http://cs.astronomy.com/asycs/media/p/487204.aspx

- Bruce

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "tmohr36" <tmohr36@...> wrote:
>
> Hope this won't be double-posted, but I saw a post on Stellarvue's Facebook
page (see quote below)
>
> "Yesterday Stellarvue introduced their latest Apo refractor. It may be the
smallest production apo yet! Weighing in at only 2.4 pounds with its clamshell
mounting ring, our new 50mm f6.6 apo is probably the "cutest" telescope we have
ever made. Among its many features, the focuser is a mini version of our 2.5"
dual speed, rack and pinion focuser threaded for both visual and photographic
accessories including a new 2" diagonal, photographic field flattener, erecting
prism, etc.
>
> Drop this mini apo in your suitcase and take it anywhere you go. Mount it on
top of your larger Stellarvue refractor using a new X Y adjustable mounting
system.
>
> The telescope comes with a travel case, clamshell, and visual back. The price
is only $599! Those attending NEAF will have an opportunity to buy this
telescope at an intro price of only $499! Wow! More to follow!"
>
> I, for one, would love to see pictures of this little guy.....
>
> Tom Mohr
>

Robert,
I also have a major problem. On Thursday my '"new" SV 102 with the Feathertouch
2.5' focuser will arrive.
My problem is deciding what my first light object will be. It must be something
memorable to be suitable for the ceremony. I can mount the scope either alt/az
or equatorially so that will not be an issue.
 The object must be fairly bright also because of the moon and city light
pollution, Porrima is one choice but so far I haven't made the momentous
decision.
Problems, problems. ;-)
 
Clear skies, Norman. 

--- On Fri, 4/27/12, astrogeezer41 <astrogeezer41@...> wrote:


From: astrogeezer41 <astrogeezer41@...>
Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: Raptor 130 Second light
To: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, April 27, 2012, 8:53 AM



 



You rascal! I used to live in El Paso and later near Las Crucis.
How I envy your skies( except for the monsoon flow clouds in the summertime).

Enjoy your great views.

Best wishes,
Robert
Spring Valley, IL

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, Norman Breedon <breedon@...> wrote:
>
> Here in El Paso I can split Porrima every time with my SV 80. Isn't it
wonderful to live in the desert. 
> That may be an exaggeration but you get my drift. 
>  
> CS, Norman.
>
> --- On Thu, 4/26/12, Bruce Agee <brucea@...> wrote:
>
>
> From: Bruce Agee <brucea@...>
> Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: Raptor 130 Second light
> To: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Thursday, April 26, 2012, 5:47 PM
>
>
>
>  
>
>
>
> I found a Double Star website called Stelle Doppie
http://stelledoppie.goaction.it/ - very interesting site, and in English
>
> Searching for Porrima I got
http://stelledoppie.goaction.it/index2.php?menu=39&iddoppia=54650
>
> As far as I can tell, it lists the current separation as 3.89 - but I think
this is in error. If you scroll down to Orbital Elements - I believe the correct
rho is listed there for 2012 - as 1.777
>
> The (incorrect?) Sep(now)and P.A.(now)listed in the summary info both seem to
correspond to the year 2029.
>
> Anyway, I wouldn't be surprised if the current separation is around 1.7 to 1.8
arc seconds.
>
> - Bruce
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "astrogeezer41" <astrogeezer41@> wrote:
> >
> > Last year, at about this time, I split Porrima very nicely in my SV80
Aplanat. According to S&T it was at about 1.7" then.
> >
> > I may give it a try tonight but I'm not optimistic about the seeing.
> > I haven't had a night of good seeing here in weeks.
> >
> > Thanks all,
> > Robert
> > Spring Valley, IL
> >
> > --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, Gene Pedrazzoli <strehlboy@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Bruce,
> > >
> > > Hey!  Glad to hear of your success.  Porrima is about 1.5
arc sec. I'm not completely sure.
> > > Its still a challenge for an 80mm.  I havn't tried it with my
Raptor yet.  Perhaps tonight.
> > >
> > > Gene
> > >
> > > --- On Thu, 4/26/12, Bruce Agee <brucea@> wrote:
> > >
> > > From: Bruce Agee <brucea@>
> > > Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: Raptor 130 Second light
> > > To: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
> > > Date: Thursday, April 26, 2012, 5:22 PM
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >  
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > About Porrima - last weekend I split it, too! I was using my SV80ED and
probably my SV 2.9mm EP under what must have been better conditions. I couldn't
find the current separation but figured it had to be close to the limit for the
80.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Now back to your conversation about the 130... - Bruce
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, Gene Pedrazzoli <strehlboy@> wrote:
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > Vic:
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > As you have said many times,"it will be worth the
wait."  And it has been.  I have learned
of the difficulty in designing, developing, testing and bringing to market such
a scope.  I feel that I have been along side of you in this
long journey, during the ups and downs, the successes and
failures.  I feel part of the family. 
Having the scope now out several times under less-than-optimum conditions, I can
say I am quite pleased with the quality and craftsmanship. 
Vic, I am planning to do AP, probably next year.  I want to
get to know my scope in and out first, and realize its full capabilities.
> > >
> > > > On a different note, last Monday during some good and transparent seeing
I was able to split Porrima (just kissing) with my 80 ST using the new 6 mm
planetary lens.  That about the limit the atmosphere here
would allow.
> > >
> > > > I wish you a great time at NEAF this weekend, making new acquaintances,
and future customers.  IF CN is doing their annual broadcast,
I will be tuning in.  I'll be looking for your report when
you return.
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > A friend indeed,
> > >
> > > > Gene
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > From: vic@ <vic@>
> > >
> > > > Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: Raptor 130 Second light
> > >
> > > > To: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
> > >
> > > > Date: Thursday, April 26, 2012, 11:21 AM
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >  
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > Gene
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > So glad you are enjoying the 130. Once I get the 160 lenses finished
here, we will start on the 130 lenses. I want to produce the new version here
and have it completely tested both photographically and visually before it goes
back on the site. While the new design will not have improved performance per
se, there are many reasons to make the changes to the next series, mostly to
reduce production time and to decrease optical alignment sensitivity.
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > It is really tremendous when I can deliver great optics to people I
consider to be my friends. We all share our enthusiasm for being able to view
and image the night sky with outstanding optics. Getting there is a very long
and difficult process. I was stalled many times in producing the 130 because I
refused to compromise. It was my most difficult project, far more difficult than
even our larger 160. Murphy was working overtime. During this process, there
were times when a small degradation would have been undetectable by the average
user. I was under great pressure to deliver to those who had waited years. But i
continued working. I have always maintained that the world does not need another
mediocre apo triplet. In hindsight, am glad I waited.
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > There are many other 130 telescopes finished and ready to ship after I
do the final star test. But preparing for NEAF these past few weeks made this
impossible. So when I return, more will be going out.
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > Vic Maris
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, Gene Pedrazzoli <strehlboy@> wrote:
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > > Hey Gang,
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > > I didn't want this to be long so here it goes.
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > > I was able to test a variety of double stars tonight and the 130
performed flawlessly.  After installing the NexSXD board to
replace the Starbook controller, my vixen mount is now operating as a Celestron
CGE PRO.  So now its such a pleasure to have an object like
the double kappa Puppis in the eyepiece and leave, return 5 minutes later and
its still perfectly centered.  I did another star test on
Bellatrix and the optics look textbook perfect.  I used a 9mm
Nagler throughout to do the CGE tour.  I also had to sight in
the F50 finder that Vic included.  Its so easy to use and the
optics this little brother has are tremendous.  Later this
week we are to get a blast of cooler, drier air in Central Fla., and I want to
make another attempt to see where this scope can take me.
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > > More to come....
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > > Gene (Strehlboy)
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
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> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
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> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
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> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>








[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Norman,
�
Congratulations on your new telescope.� You really do have a serious problem.�
Maybe, you could take it easy by going to Saturn for second light..� Remember,
Vic had first light.
�
Whatever object you choose, Enjoy!
�
Len

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

http://twitter.com/#!/OPT_Telescopes/status/196000592844423169/photo/1

- Bruce

Norman,

Congratulations!  We should all have your problems.

My vote is for doing something fun, perhaps a sky tour.

- Bruce

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, Norman Breedon <breedon@...> wrote:

> Robert,
> I also have a major problem. On Thursday my '"new" SV 102 with the
Feathertouch 2.5' focuser will arrive.
> My problem is deciding what my first light object will be. It must be
something memorable to be suitable for the ceremony. I can mount the scope
either alt/az or equatorially so that will not be an issue.
>  The object must be fairly bright also because of the moon and city light
pollution, Porrima is one choice but so far I haven't made the momentous
decision.
> Problems, problems. ;-)
>  
> Clear skies, Norman. 
>
>

Len,
That sounds almost medieval, Vic having first light with "my" new scope.
Actually it is a used scope so first light is not like it is a virgin.
 
CS, Norman. 
--- On Sat, 4/28/12, Len Neub <llneub@...> wrote:


From: Len Neub <llneub@...>
Subject: Re: [Stellarvue] Re: Raptor 130 Second light
To: "Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com" <Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2012, 11:30 AM



 



Hi Norman,
 
Congratulations on your new telescope.  You really do have a serious problem. 
Maybe, you could take it easy by going to Saturn for second light..  Remember,
Vic had first light.
 
Whatever object you choose, Enjoy!
 
Len

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]








[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hey Bruce, That's OK I was wondering where all the mail was and it was nice to
finally get some, even if it was 5 of the same post. lol

Stan

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Bruce Agee" <brucea@...> wrote:
>
> Sorry Stan, Yahoo groups was down all day and it took me a while to figure
that out.  I was keeping count in my head. ;-) - Bruce
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "RTLRP12" <stanschlieper@> wrote:
> >
> > No, Bruce, it's posted 5 times...
> >
> > Stan
> >
> > --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Bruce Agee" <brucea@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Sorry if this ends up being posted more than once.  I've had trouble
posting today.  This is my 4th attempt.
> > >
> > > Anyway CN has a live webcam at NEAF.  Go to CN Forums and click the NEAF
2012 Camera Link near the top.
> > >
> > > - Bruce
> > >
> >
>

Who said “jus primae noctis” was dead?  Of course Vic practices the much
more politically correct “jus primae lumentis” !



Tony







From: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of Norman Breedon
Sent: Saturday, April 28, 2012 12:12 PM
To: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Stellarvue] Re: Raptor 130 Second light





Len,
That sounds almost medieval, Vic having first light with "my" new scope.
Actually it is a used scope so first light is not like it is a virgin.

CS, Norman.
--- On Sat, 4/28/12, Len Neub <llneub@... <mailto:llneub%40yahoo.com> >
wrote:

From: Len Neub <llneub@... <mailto:llneub%40yahoo.com> >
Subject: Re: [Stellarvue] Re: Raptor 130 Second light
To: "Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com <mailto:Stellarvue%40yahoogroups.com> "
<Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com <mailto:Stellarvue%40yahoogroups.com> >
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2012, 11:30 AM



Hi Norman,

Congratulations on your new telescope.  You really do have a serious problem. 
Maybe, you could take it easy by going to Saturn for second light..  Remember,
Vic had first light.

Whatever object you choose, Enjoy!

Len

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Oh I gotta git me one! :-)

David E

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bruce Agee" <brucea@...>
To: <Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 28, 2012 10:40 AM
Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: Vic...You Rascal!


> And there's more - here's a photo:
> http://cs.astronomy.com/asycs/media/p/487204.aspx
>
> - Bruce
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "tmohr36" <tmohr36@...> wrote:
>>
>> Hope this won't be double-posted, but I saw a post on Stellarvue's
>> Facebook page (see quote below)
>>
>> "Yesterday Stellarvue introduced their latest Apo refractor. It may be
>> the smallest production apo yet! Weighing in at only 2.4 pounds with its
>> clamshell mounting ring, our new 50mm f6.6 apo is probably the "cutest"
>> telescope we have ever made. Among its many features, the focuser is a
>> mini version of our 2.5" dual speed, rack and pinion focuser threaded for
>> both visual and photographic accessories including a new 2" diagonal,
>> photographic field flattener, erecting prism, etc.
>>
>> Drop this mini apo in your suitcase and take it anywhere you go. Mount it
>> on top of your larger Stellarvue refractor using a new X Y adjustable
>> mounting system.
>>
>> The telescope comes with a travel case, clamshell, and visual back. The
>> price is only $599! Those attending NEAF will have an opportunity to buy
>> this telescope at an intro price of only $499! Wow! More to follow!"
>>
>> I, for one, would love to see pictures of this little guy.....
>>
>> Tom Mohr
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> To unsubscribe, send an email to:
> Stellarvue-unsubscribe@egroups.com.
>
> Remember: the archives are a rich source of information and they are
> searchable.
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

Could this possibly be Vic and Friends?  Vic might be the 'scientist'?

http://yfrog.com/i3dsuz

- Bruce

Ahhh yes. The double-entendre is clearly alive and well! Even within our staid
and conservative hobby.  But who's to say that first light is better than second
light! LOL!!!

Phil, Seattle



--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, Norman Breedon <breedon@...> wrote:
>
> Len,
> That sounds almost medieval, Vic having first light with "my" new scope.
> Actually it is a used scope so first light is not like it is a virgin.
>  
> CS, Norman. 
> --- On Sat, 4/28/12, Len Neub <llneub@...> wrote:
>
>
> From: Len Neub <llneub@...>
> Subject: Re: [Stellarvue] Re: Raptor 130 Second light
> To: "Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com" <Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com>
> Date: Saturday, April 28, 2012, 11:30 AM
>
>
>
>  
>
>
>
> Hi Norman,
>  
> Congratulations on your new telescope.  You really do have a serious
problem.  Maybe, you could take it easy by going to Saturn for second light.. 
Remember, Vic had first light.
>  
> Whatever object you choose, Enjoy!
>  
> Len
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Has anyone got the feed for NEAF 2012? I have been on CN site about 5 times and
there is nothing to indicate that they are even participating.� Last years� info
is there but I cant seem to find anything for this weekend.� Any ideas?


Thanks

Gene


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Gene, At the top of the CN page there is the heading in yellow that says "NEAF
2012 Camera" It's in the center, just to the right of "LOGOUT".

Stan

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, Gene Pedrazzoli <strehlboy@...> wrote:
>
> Has anyone got the feed for NEAF 2012? I have been on CN site about 5 times
and there is nothing to indicate that they are even participating.� Last years�
info is there but I cant seem to find anything for this weekend.� Any ideas?
>
>
> Thanks
>
> Gene
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Got it finally, thanks Stan.
Gene

--- On Sun, 4/29/12, RTLRP12 <stanschlieper@...> wrote:

From: RTLRP12 <stanschlieper@...>
Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: NEAF connection
To: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2012, 12:28 PM
















 









       Gene, At the top of the CN page there is the heading in yellow that says
"NEAF 2012 Camera" It's in the center, just to the right of "LOGOUT".



Stan



--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, Gene Pedrazzoli <strehlboy@...> wrote:

>

> Has anyone got the feed for NEAF 2012? I have been on CN site about 5 times
and there is nothing to indicate that they are even participating.  Last
years  info is there but I cant seem to find anything for this weekend.  Any
ideas?

>

>

> Thanks

>

> Gene

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>



























[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Here are a couple recent shots of Ellerman bombs and post flare loops seen in
absorption shot with a SV102ED @ f/28 and 0.8 Angstrom Daystar filter.

http://www.lafterhall.com/ds_ellerman_bombs_04mar2012_001.jpg

http://www.lafterhall.com/ds_ar11429_post_flare_loops_seq4_10mar2012_001.jpg

The SV102ED continues to be my imaging workhorse!

Sunny Skies!
Jim Ferreira
Livermore CA

:jawdrop: Wow! Well done!

Tom Mohr
SV102ED


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

in Seattle, its   (apo-logies to Sedaka)  ---- oooh we see raptors in the rain,
.....waiting as we stand , ----for the skies  that we love...       JKING

To: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
From: philfrederick128@...
Date: Sun, 29 Apr 2012 01:24:40 +0000
Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: Raptor 130 Second light


























       Ahhh yes. The double-entendre is clearly alive and well! Even within our
staid and conservative hobby.  But who's to say that first light is better than
second light! LOL!!!



Phil, Seattle



--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, Norman Breedon <breedon@...> wrote:

>

> Len,

> That sounds almost medieval, Vic having first light with "my" new scope.

> Actually it is a used scope so first light is not like it is a virgin.

> �

> CS, Norman.�

> --- On Sat, 4/28/12, Len Neub <llneub@...> wrote:

>

>

> From: Len Neub <llneub@...>

> Subject: Re: [Stellarvue] Re: Raptor 130 Second light

> To: "Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com" <Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com>

> Date: Saturday, April 28, 2012, 11:30 AM

>

>

>

> �

>

>

>

> Hi Norman,

> �

> Congratulations on your new telescope.�  You really do have a serious
problem.�  Maybe, you could take it easy by going to Saturn for second light..� 
Remember, Vic had first light.

> �

> Whatever object you choose, Enjoy!

> �

> Len

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>


















[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

See pictures from NEAF at the SV booth of the new 50mm ED Apo, in my photo album
"Jim M. Northern VA."  And yes, it is cute.

Jim M.
Northern VA

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "tmohr36" <tmohr36@...> wrote:
>
> Not sure if everyone saw this, but this was posted on Facebook this
morning....Would love to see pictures of this little guy.
>
> Quoted from Stellarvue's Facebook page:
>
> "Yesterday Stellarvue introduced their latest Apo refractor. It may be the
smallest production apo yet! Weighing in at only 2.4 pounds with its clamshell
mounting ring, our new 50mm f6.6 apo is probably the "cutest" telescope we have
ever made. Among its many features, the focuser is a mini version of our 2.5"
dual speed, rack and pinion focuser threaded for both visual and photographic
accessories including a new 2" diagonal, photographic field flattener, erecting
prism, etc.
>
> Drop this mini apo in your suitcase and take it anywhere you go. Mount it on
top of your larger Stellarvue refractor using a new X Y adjustable mounting
system.
>
> The telescope comes with a travel case, clamshell, and visual back. The price
is only $599! Those attending NEAF will have an opportunity to buy this
telescope at an intro price of only $499! Wow! More to follow!"
>
> Care to elaborate, Vic?
>
> Tom Mohr
>

I want one.  wow  john



________________________________
  From: Jim <jimandlaura26@...>
To: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2012 8:20 PM
Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: Vic, you rascal! - Pictures...



 



See pictures from NEAF at the SV booth of the new 50mm ED Apo, in my photo album
"Jim M. Northern VA."  And yes, it is cute.

Jim M.
Northern VA

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "tmohr36" <tmohr36@...> wrote:
>
> Not sure if everyone saw this, but this was posted on Facebook this
morning....Would love to see pictures of this little guy.
>
> Quoted from Stellarvue's Facebook page:
>
> "Yesterday Stellarvue introduced their latest Apo refractor. It may be the
smallest production apo yet! Weighing in at only 2.4 pounds with its clamshell
mounting ring, our new 50mm f6.6 apo is probably the "cutest" telescope we have
ever made. Among its many features, the focuser is a mini version of our 2.5"
dual speed, rack and pinion focuser threaded for both visual and photographic
accessories including a new 2" diagonal, photographic field flattener, erecting
prism, etc.
>
> Drop this mini apo in your suitcase and take it anywhere you go. Mount it on
top of your larger Stellarvue refractor using a new X Y adjustable mounting
system.
>
> The telescope comes with a travel case, clamshell, and visual back. The price
is only $599! Those attending NEAF will have an opportunity to buy this
telescope at an intro price of only $499! Wow! More to follow!"
>
> Care to elaborate, Vic?
>
> Tom Mohr
>




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Very nice! If I put my 56mm plossl on it it will look totally "Walleye"

(BTW the 56mm plossl on the 70mmED looking at the Pleiades is a sight not to be
missed! )

John

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "tmohr36" <tmohr36@...> wrote:
>
> Not sure if everyone saw this, but this was posted on Facebook this
morning....Would love to see pictures of this little guy.
>
> Quoted from Stellarvue's Facebook page:
>
> "Yesterday Stellarvue introduced their latest Apo refractor. It may be the
smallest production apo yet! Weighing in at only 2.4 pounds with its clamshell
mounting ring, our new 50mm f6.6 apo is probably the "cutest" telescope we have
ever made. Among its many features, the focuser is a mini version of our 2.5"
dual speed, rack and pinion focuser threaded for both visual and photographic
accessories including a new 2" diagonal, photographic field flattener, erecting
prism, etc.
>
> Drop this mini apo in your suitcase and take it anywhere you go. Mount it on
top of your larger Stellarvue refractor using a new X Y adjustable mounting
system.
>
> The telescope comes with a travel case, clamshell, and visual back. The price
is only $599! Those attending NEAF will have an opportunity to buy this
telescope at an intro price of only $499! Wow! More to follow!"
>
> Care to elaborate, Vic?
>
> Tom Mohr
>

Outstanding Jim! You continue to work wonders with that telescope...

Ralph

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "Jim..." <bakerst@...> wrote:
>
> Here are a couple recent shots of Ellerman bombs and post flare loops seen in
absorption shot with a SV102ED @ f/28 and 0.8 Angstrom Daystar filter.
>
> http://www.lafterhall.com/ds_ellerman_bombs_04mar2012_001.jpg
>
> http://www.lafterhall.com/ds_ar11429_post_flare_loops_seq4_10mar2012_001.jpg
>
> The SV102ED continues to be my imaging workhorse!
>
> Sunny Skies!
> Jim Ferreira
> Livermore CA
>

Hi Robert,
We have no experience with the ST-i, but we've had our fair share of
guiding difficulties :-)  Sometimes (at least for us) longer guide
exposures can help, as it will smooth out the guiding.  Do you use the
graph in PHD?
- C&T

On 4/27/2012 6:20 PM, Robert wrote:
>
> Been a while since I have posted anything but finally the weather got
> more friendly.
>
> I wanted to test my new SBIG ST-i mono as an OAG guide camera. There
> has been growing pains. I had no problems obtaining guide stars and
> getting a good focus thru the SV130. However I did keep getting "Star
> Saturated" and "Low SNR" messages while using PHD. Never had these
> problems using an external guide scope and an SSAG. Finally ended up
> using a 5 second shutter speed on the ST-i. I had never gone higher
> than 1 second with the external guide scope. I also changed mounts
> without improvement.
>
> Anyway I will have to refine my technique to improve the OAG
> experience as the guiding was less than stellar for the 3 nights. I
> had many unusable frames and the guiding was pretty erratic. I am sure
> some of the problems were due to me constantly changing guide
> parameters. The sky conditions may have been part of the problems as
> it was the first night after some strong storms.
>
> Here is a link to the final image:
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/14381217@N03/6970942630/in/photostream
>
> Anybody else have experience using the ST-i with or without an OAG?
>
> Clear skies to all.
>
> Robert Collins
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/14381217@N03/
> Yuba City, CA
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello,

I am also interested in some of the the new herschel wedges on the market too.

Is there any possible way the scope can be damaged?
I have heard that incoming light can start to fade the anodized
components of the scope.  Would anyone with experience with a wedge care to
comment?

Thanks,
Bill A.

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, Douglas Joyce <drjoyce@...> wrote:
>
> HI Fernando,
> I am planning on the photographic version as it really is the visual one with
the addition of three  removable filters for photography.
> Doug
>
>
> [Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description:
Description: Description: Description: Description: Description:
cid:image001.jpg@...]
> Douglas H. Joyce, D.O., FACOS
> 25092 Olympia Avenue
> Punta Gorda, FL  33950
> 941-286-1020
> drjoyce@...<mailto:drjoyce@...>
> www.jvai.com<http://www.jvai.com>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

One eyepiece I used briefly several years ago, purchased on behalf of a friend
who was buying my older Williams Optics 80 mm f6 Megrez, was the Baader 8-24
zoom, whose only limitation for that particular focal length combination was
that it tops out at 60X, fine for larger objects, but shy on power for even the
moon, and certainly any planets, such as if used with the scope I acquired to
replace it, Vic's prototype Raptor SVR80ST-2.

I have noticed that a year or so ago, that Baader introduced a dedicated
barlow/multiplier, that screws onto the bottom of the zoom, to provide a
3.5-10.5 mm ocular, the higher power part of its range seemingly an ideal
lunar-planetary eyepiece, allowing up to 140X.  Cost for both the zoom, in its
latest Mark III iteration, is $289, plus $129 for the multiplier, the
combination seemingly ideal to cover most use of the scope from 20X to 140X, and
certainly simplifying the issue of eyepieces when transporting the scope by air.

Might anyone have any ACTUAL FIELD EXPERIENCE with the Mark III zoom and this
multiplier?  Thanks.

Hi C&T, many thanks for answering.

I do use the graphing function of PHD and also study the log. Much information
there too.

Last night I used the ST-i with my 50mm (F3.5) guide scope and it performed very
well giving me one of the smoothest graphs I have ever had. My RMS was 08. I
received no PHD messages and my exposure was 1 second. My OAG problems are not
with the ST-i and are likely to be technique/PHD-settings oriented.

While using the OAG last week I was surprised that I immediately got a "Star
Saturated" message and a couple of guide frames later received the "Low SNR"
message. After some thought this seems easily possible as the two refer to two
different things. With the saturated condion PHD can't find the center of the
guide star. And, using the SV130 (F7) would certainly require more exposure than
the F3.5 guide scope. 3, 4 or 5 seconds is probably reasonable.

Looking at the log revealed star mass to be less than 2,000. I normally
experience between 30,000 and 125,000 while using a guide scope (although last
night I had below 5,000 with the guide scope and ST-i).

I have to change my technique with the OAG. I need to calibrate the guide star
after I do a final focus. Last time I used the OAG I calibrated before final
focus. The change in focus in the guide star would probably affect the validity
of the calibration. I also need to wait for the skies to stabilize before trying
again.

Clear skies.

Robert Collins
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14381217@N03/
Yuba City, CA

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, Craig Temple <ctastroimager@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Robert,
> We have no experience with the ST-i, but we've had our fair share of
> guiding difficulties :-)  Sometimes (at least for us) longer guide
> exposures can help, as it will smooth out the guiding.  Do you use the
> graph in PHD?
> - C&T
>
> On 4/27/2012 6:20 PM, Robert wrote:
> >
> > Been a while since I have posted anything but finally the weather got
> > more friendly.
> >
> > I wanted to test my new SBIG ST-i mono as an OAG guide camera. There
> > has been growing pains. I had no problems obtaining guide stars and
> > getting a good focus thru the SV130. However I did keep getting "Star
> > Saturated" and "Low SNR" messages while using PHD. Never had these
> > problems using an external guide scope and an SSAG. Finally ended up
> > using a 5 second shutter speed on the ST-i. I had never gone higher
> > than 1 second with the external guide scope. I also changed mounts
> > without improvement.
> >
> > Anyway I will have to refine my technique to improve the OAG
> > experience as the guiding was less than stellar for the 3 nights. I
> > had many unusable frames and the guiding was pretty erratic. I am sure
> > some of the problems were due to me constantly changing guide
> > parameters. The sky conditions may have been part of the problems as
> > it was the first night after some strong storms.
> >
> > Here is a link to the final image:
> > http://www.flickr.com/photos/14381217@N03/6970942630/in/photostream
> >
> > Anybody else have experience using the ST-i with or without an OAG?
> >
> > Clear skies to all.
> >
> > Robert Collins
> > http://www.flickr.com/photos/14381217@N03/
> > Yuba City, CA
> >
> >
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

NEAF = North East Astronomy Forum

1) I kept my purchases under control by making a conscious decision to limit
purchases to upgrades for my 80mm raptor. From Stellarvue I picked up the set of
3 planetary eyepieces. Astronomics had an irresistable price on a medium duty
alt-az mount.

2) I won a $50 gift certificate in the Stellarvue raffle ... which I promptly
returned by purchasing a better finder.

3) Vic's a classy guy. He picked a young volunteer from the crowd to draw raffle
tickets. Then he gave her a telescope for her work.

4) Stellarvue and Astrophysics share 1st prize for best costuming. AP kept their
costumes on all day but SV's parade made up for their shorter duration.

Oil spaced objectives or Petzval optics are not well suited for extended periods
of direct sun light using a wedge.  Other than that, when the scope is pointed
directly at the sun, only the finder scope and finder scope bracket see direct
sunlight, and probably the retaining ring for the objective lens.  Dew heater
strips probably cause more degrading of anodized surfaces than short exposure to
daytime sun.

Any of the solar wedges work well with refractors.  There is no real heat build
up in the tube as just about all of the light and heat exits through the wedge.

Older solar wedges like mine are a bit of a safety concern as the light exiting
the prism is non-attenuated like the modern systems offered by Baader and Lunt.

My 2 cents...
Jim Ferreira
Livermore CA



--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "classylp" <classylp@...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I am also interested in some of the the new herschel wedges on the market too.
>
> Is there any possible way the scope can be damaged?
> I have heard that incoming light can start to fade the anodized
> components of the scope.  Would anyone with experience with a wedge care to
comment?
>
> Thanks,
> Bill A.
>
> --- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, Douglas Joyce <drjoyce@> wrote:
> >
> > HI Fernando,
> > I am planning on the photographic version as it really is the visual one
with the addition of three  removable filters for photography.
> > Doug
> >
> >
> > [Description: Description: Description: Description: Description:
Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description:
cid:image001.jpg@]
> > Douglas H. Joyce, D.O., FACOS
> > 25092 Olympia Avenue
> > Punta Gorda, FL  33950
> > 941-286-1020
> > drjoyce@<mailto:drjoyce@>
> > www.jvai.com<http://www.jvai.com>
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

Nice report, John. I enjoyed reading it. You will love the SV Planetary
eyepieces! - Robert, Spring Valley, IL

--- In Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com, "John Speroni" <jvsperoni@...> wrote:
>
> NEAF = North East Astronomy Forum
>
> 1) I kept my purchases under control by making a conscious decision to limit
purchases to upgrades for my 80mm raptor. From Stellarvue I picked up the set of
3 planetary eyepieces. Astronomics had an irresistable price on a medium duty
alt-az mount.
>
> 2) I won a $50 gift certificate in the Stellarvue raffle ... which I promptly
returned by purchasing a better finder.
>
> 3) Vic's a classy guy. He picked a young volunteer from the crowd to draw
raffle tickets. Then he gave her a telescope for her work.
>
> 4) Stellarvue and Astrophysics share 1st prize for best costuming. AP kept
their costumes on all day but SV's parade made up for their shorter duration.
>

Hi All-
Here are links to recent images that I have captured over the last few months
with a SVR105-3FT, SV field flattener and an SVF60M guide scope using a G-11
mount.  An SBIG ST8300M and Baader filters were used for HaLRGB image capture,
where specifics are provide below.  Collecting the raw data is tough enough,
given weather, equipment and operator error, but image processing is just as
difficult given the complexities of the software available and how satisfied you
are with the final image.  Fortunately, one can always reprocess (and I have).

Some images are more ready for sharing than others, but I welcome your
suggestions for improvement.
Thanks,
Hank


NGC 2244
http://tinyurl.com/8xnnnvq
16x10m exposures for L, 18x10m for Ha, and 9x10m each for RGB (all at 1x1
binning)

M83
http://tinyurl.com/88bblgr
8x15m exposures for L, 6x15m for Ha, and 4x10m each for RGB (all at 1x1 binning)

M101
http://tinyurl.com/7yp66fa
7x15m exposures for L, 6x15m for Ha, and 3x10m each for RGB (all at 1x1 binning)

NGC 2264
http://tinyurl.com/6qsbkvc
13x10m exposures for L, 9x10m for Ha (both at 1x1 binning), and 9x10m each for
RGB (2x2 binning)


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hank,
Great shots! Thanks for sharing,
Quentin

Sent from my iPad