Darren,

I have the 2MDC5. Great build quality and good views, but it is
dedicated to my 6" MCT and I have no adapters to make it fit my AT1010.

I have decided to go for Vic's enhanced 2". I'm convinced it will be
worth the wait.

Best regards,
Anders

Darren Hennig wrote:
>
> Frank:
>
> While we never did a "swap out" per se between Gary's AP Maxbrite and my 2MD,
it seems to hold up very well for the most part. Gary had his AP in the EDT he
owns, and I my 2MD in my 102D. I certainly am not at all unhappy with my
diagonal. Antares stuff is very good value for the most part, IMO. I would
suspect though that the premium enhanced units would offer the edge in the "nth"
degree of fine detail or the last photon being detected, but there's certainly a
lot of light available in mine.
>
> You may wish to contact Vic and see when his new enhanced 2" is to be out.
Knowing the "Maris touch" ;-), I'd bet this would be a fantastic diagonal also.
>
> My 2MD ran me CDN$150.00 locally here. If you're looking to get a very decent
2" diagonal on a budget, it's a great one to consider. I guess the question to
ask is whether you find your 2MDS decent or a good quality unit - if so, then
the 2MD will not be a dissapointment.
>
> Darren.
> w

Darren,
    Great report.
I also viewed Saturn for a little while last night - beautiful clear,
sharp views. On a dark, clear night, I especially enjoy a very low
power view of Saturn, where you just start getting a hint of the rings.
It really puts the planet in a beautiful context....wide view amidst
the stars (though they are actually nowhere near it), I can picture it
wandering thru space against the starry background. Now I know why the
planets are the "wanderers".

That's a good idea to use a polarizing filter for additional detail
sometimes on Jupiter (and even Saturn). It has the same effect as
viewing the planets during twilight or in a location of light
pollution. The eye starts to discern more detail on the planets when
there is less contrast between them and the surrounding sky.

Question: What's a good rule of thumb for evaluating the seeing and
transparency? In other words, what is a 10?

Oz



On Saturday, Nov 30, 2002, at 10:51 US/Central, Darren Hennig wrote:

> Hey Stellarvuers!
>
> Well, we woke up this fine morning after being clouded out all night.
> About 1h before sunrise, the moon's slivery crescent slicing the sky!
> Venus was brilliant and invinting, and Jupiter and Saturn were
> taunting me also...
>

Vic's enhanced 2" is the only 2" diagonal I've ever used, so I cannot
compare it to any other 2"ers.
But I will say this.....it blows any other diagonal I've ever used
completely out of the water. To me it seems super bright and I am VERY
satisfied with it.
fwiw.........Oz


On Sunday, Dec 1, 2002, at 03:50 US/Central, Anders Hansson wrote:

> I have decided to go for Vic's enhanced 2". I'm convinced it will be
> worth the wait.
>
> Best regards,
> Anders

I agree that the 32mm would be great for the AT1010, giving an exit
pupil just above 5mm, if you don't mind a little softness at the edges
due to the faster AT.

On the 80/9D Falcon  ;-)  , I would recommend more the 40mm, giving a
little over 4mm exit pupil. I have one of these from Vic and it is a
pleasure to use. Very sharp, bright to the edge (on the slower 80/9D)
with perhaps a slight touch of seagulling at 90%. This EP has really
turned me on to using 2" eyepieces. I also have a 19mm SWA from Gary
Russell, and it is just awesome on the slower 90/9D.

Oz



On Saturday, Nov 30, 2002, at 12:02 US/Central, Jim wrote:
>  I love
> my 2" 32mm!  (I know, you're all getting tired of hearing about it!)
> But really, I think that a big 32mm is about the perfect EP in the
> 80mm scope(s).
...
>  They truly pass an enormous amount of
> light.  I would love to try one in an 80/9 Falcon.   Try one and I
> think you'll like it too.  Plus, it might spur Vic to continue
> development.  :)
>
> Jim
> Redlands, CA
>

Gents,

Has anyone had their scope "serviced" by Vic? (Does he even offer
service?)

My scope ended up on the wrong end of a pile of luggage while
traveling, and I'm pretty sure my optics are out of colimation.

Pat

--- In Stellarvue@y..., "pat_agnew33901" <patagnew@e...> wrote:
> Gents,
>
> Has anyone had their scope "serviced" by Vic? (Does he even offer
> service?)
>
> My scope ended up on the wrong end of a pile of luggage while
> traveling, and I'm pretty sure my optics are out of colimation.
>
> Pat

Sorry to piggyback on your thread Pat...but while on this topic...is
it possible to upgrade an AT1010 with a new focuser to make it like
a Blackhawk? Would I be able to do this myself with a 3rd party
focuser and keep the scope collimated? Or would I have to send it to
Vic and have him upgrade it? Or would I be better off selling my
AT1010 and buying a new/used original blackhawk?

Frank C

I picked up a 40mm Antares Erfle at Starfest this summer for my AT1010.
Works really nicely as both a wide field EP and a super-duper-finder scope.
Highly recommended.

Didn't see any real difference between the 32mm and the 40mm in terms of
image quality at center or edges, but we didn't spend a long time looking...
just swapping a few EPs between a few scopes (Celestron 8", LX200 10", and
the SV).

JB

>>Sounds like I just need more practice, a dark place, a good atlas so
>>I can move my scope accurately, and a few more optics.
>> Thanks again for all the help, I'll let you all know how it goes.
>>  Todd

The other thing I would recommend is bringing a more experienced observer
with you. I find that having a knowledgeable friend along, even with the
most basic telescope, makes more difference than any piece of equipment or
any book you can buy. It's like having a voice-operated go-to scope ;)

Indeed it should be, Anders! I hope yours arrives soon...

Darren.

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

I see no reason why you cannot contact Vic and have him check your scope.
Afterall, he's dedicated to service! I do not know how he is now handling
warranty work criteria or limits on the scope, currently - but, contact him and
ask. I haven't checked this recently, but does anyone know whether the SV
website has warranty info, etc... on a separate page?

Vic, this may be an excellent time to perhaps remind all of us here what's
covered by the warranties and what's not. Just so everyone is reading off the
same page, as it were.

In my experience, Vic has always gone beyond what the "norm" is for customer
service and satisfaction. That's one of the reasons we support him so much -
he's very easy to deal with...

Frank:

WRT the Black Hawk "upgrade", if you are getting Vic's focuser, I believe [?] he
can send you the unit to put on in replacement of the R&P focuser. I highly
recommend this upgrade - it really adds that extra "just so" finishing touch on
the performance of this wonderful 78mm objective. It is also a better system
than many 3rd party units, because this Crayford [the JMI] is a 2-speed unit -
that fine focus is really incredible! If you received an AT1010 within the
last...10 months?... {Vic?} it should be upgradable directly, I think...

Give Vic a call or email - he's about to get really busy, I'm guessing, so while
he's winding down from TG-mode, now's the time to contact him.


Darren.

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

Has anyone compared the Antares 2MD vs the SV enhanced 2" diag? The
SV is $45 CAN more than the 2MD here in Ottawa, but both spec/look
very similar. I'll probably go with one of those unless someone
offers me a great deal on a used 2" everbrite or Intes.

Frank C

Thanks Steven -- but I think I'll keep my current job anyway!!
:)
Al
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: usmacks
   To: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2002 1:41 PM
   Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: This is Getting Scary!


   --- In Stellarvue@y..., "Al Klayton" <aklayton@p...> wrote:
   > An endless vastness taxes mortal imagination
   > With distant worlds beyond earthly transportation
   > Suns stretching to yonder
   > Shine making us wonder
   > What role do we play in this divine incarnation
   >
   > Al

   Al

   That was excellent!

   Steven


         Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
               ADVERTISEMENT




   To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
   Stellarvue-unsubscribe@egroups.com



   Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.



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

>
> Vic, this may be an excellent time to perhaps remind all of us
here what's covered by the warranties and what's not. Just so
everyone is reading off the same page, as it were.
>

Yes please do...I'm buying a 2 month old AT1010 from someone near
Toronto...does the fact that I'm not the original purchaser void the
warranty? I hope not...

Frank C

P.S. Thanks for the focuser upgrade information. If I'm able to do
it myself when Vic sends me the JMI focuser...that would be awesome.
How much is the focuser (so I can start saving up).

Hi Frank:

It ain't cheap! Currently around US$350-400, I think - Vic will pipe in when he
catches up. I don't know what he's offering them for currently, but it sure is
awesome! Because I had my 102D arriving, and felt that I wanted a similar system
for my AT 1010, I ended up with a Blackhawk. I'm glad that I did!

D.



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

I'm using the JMI MicroMax on two different CG-5 mounts (adding a third
this week) and will be upgrading to the Software Bisque SGT (software
guided telescope) to make it more "visual" for demonstrations during
Star Parties.

I've been researching the EQ6 and worked with JMI's tech support people
about 3 months ago to get the JMI encoders and brackets prototyped and
tested for the EQ6. I think it took them all of 3 days including the
time it took to get an EQ6 mount there for testing. Wonderful people!

Sometime next year I'm going to acquire a larger scope and if it's not a
dob I'll put it on an EQ6 and add DSCs.

I really, really like the folks at JMI. They're a lot like Vic and his
crew at Stellarvue.

jb

-----Original Message-----
From: k5apl [mailto:k5apl@...]
Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2002 10:00 PM
To: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: DSCs from JMI


--- In Stellarvue@y..., "George" <gnggreenfield@a...> wrote:
> > I'm getting a set of used JMI DSCs from AstroMart.
>
> Hi Wes, What mount will you be using with the DSCs? I have a set I
> use with my Gibraltar and they work very well. I just put a set on
my
> Atlas mount (EQ6) but I haven't used them yet.
>
> George
> Oregon

Sounds good George.  I will use them on my GIRO-2 dlx mount. They
came from a Gibralter, so I'm buying the proper mounting hard-
ware. I'm glad to hear that they work well. The computer will
be the MiniMax version. When its all put together, I'll give you
a report about how it works. Should do great with the EDT. That
EQ-6 mount is a horse-your EDT shuld be very stable to say the
least.  Thanks for the info.
Wes


To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Stellarvue-unsubscribe@egroups.com



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

I'd just returned from a long holiday drive and had to get some shut-eye
so I'd be able to rise early enough to see this.

Very glad I did.

Wonderful view. How many of you also watched it long after sunrise? I
got my wife out to see it about 10 a.m. and she was amazed she could
actually see that tiny crescent moon and the even tinier crescent Venus
in the DAYtime!

Thanks for the original post ... I'd have overlooked this without the
warning!

jb

-----Original Message-----
From: owenpa2001 [mailto:dowen0@...]
Sent: Thursday, November 28, 2002 8:16 AM
To: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: Sunday Morning Planetary Grouping & Jupiter's
Moons


--- In Stellarvue@y..., Oz Alfert <oz@a...> wrote:
> This grouping happens to be one of the highlights mentioned in the
> December Sky&Telescope. Check the interior side of the monthly pull-
out
> page.
>
> I hope the skies are clear in north Texas. Great photo-op.
>
> Oz
>

The December issue of S&T has a lot of good stuff in it. On pages
100 - 102 there is a listing of occultation and eclipse events for
Jupiters moons from early December through the end of February.
Dates, time, and event types are listed out. You may want to check it
out and use it to enhance your viewing sessions throughout the winter.

David O.


To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Stellarvue-unsubscribe@egroups.com



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Hi Jeff,

You may be the very person I need! As indicicated below, I just
installed the JMI NGC MAX on my EQ-6 mount. It was very easy to
install and fits very well.

I don't have much experiencing running a german equatorial mount and
I'm stuck on the very first alignment step. When I turn the NGC MAX
on it says "DEC=0" and the instruciton manual says to "set the scope
to zero declination with the scope on the west side of the mount." I
have no idea what this means or how to do it. Do you get the same
instruction on your CG-5 mounts? What do I do?

Thanks,

George
Oregon



--- In Stellarvue@y..., "Barton, Jeff" <jeff.barton@c...> wrote:
> I'm using the JMI MicroMax on two different CG-5 mounts (adding a
third
> this week) and will be upgrading to the Software Bisque SGT
(software
> guided telescope) to make it more "visual" for demonstrations during
> Star Parties.
>
> I've been researching the EQ6 and worked with JMI's tech support
people
> about 3 months ago to get the JMI encoders and brackets prototyped
and
> tested for the EQ6. I think it took them all of 3 days including the
> time it took to get an EQ6 mount there for testing. Wonderful
people!
>
> Sometime next year I'm going to acquire a larger scope and if it's
not a
> dob I'll put it on an EQ6 and add DSCs.
>
> I really, really like the folks at JMI. They're a lot like Vic and
his
> crew at Stellarvue.
>
> jb
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: k5apl [mailto:k5apl@c...]
> Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2002 10:00 PM
> To: Stellarvue@y...
> Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: DSCs from JMI
>
>
> --- In Stellarvue@y..., "George" <gnggreenfield@a...> wrote:
> > > I'm getting a set of used JMI DSCs from AstroMart.
> >
> > Hi Wes, What mount will you be using with the DSCs? I have a set
I
> > use with my Gibraltar and they work very well. I just put a set
on
> my
> > Atlas mount (EQ6) but I haven't used them yet.
> >
> > George
> > Oregon
>
> Sounds good George.  I will use them on my GIRO-2 dlx mount. They
> came from a Gibralter, so I'm buying the proper mounting hard-
> ware. I'm glad to hear that they work well. The computer will
> be the MiniMax version. When its all put together, I'll give you
> a report about how it works. Should do great with the EDT. That
> EQ-6 mount is a horse-your EDT shuld be very stable to say the
> least.  Thanks for the info.
> Wes
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> Stellarvue-unsubscribe@e...
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Re: camera adapters.

Go with the Digi-T or MaxView 40 from Scopetronix. I've tried all the
different ones you mentioned and the ones which mount directly to a
special eyepiece via a T-thread to camera lens filter thread adapter are
the steadiest.

Especially if you have a heavier camera, you'll find the SteadyPix
adapter (and the similar one from Scopetronix) not up to the task of
holding the camera absolutely steady.

jb

-----Original Message-----
From: ccsxt10 [mailto:hobieman@...]
Sent: Wednesday, November 27, 2002 9:03 AM
To: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: Which one to buy? Thanks!


I would guess that the wooden tripods would be heavier and more
stable, however some people add sand to aluminum tripod legs to make
them heavier.

For digital camera adapters, you can get something like the Orion
SteadyPix universal camera holder and take pics that way. It clamps
onto the eyepiece and then you position the camera using the LCD
screen and time delay to wait for vibrations to subside from pressing
the "shutter" button. Another method is to get an adapter from
www.Scopetronix that I think screws into your camera inplace of it's
lens. I haven't used one of those though. I get my best results (only
a few tries so far) with an old Pentax K1000 35mm SLR and T-ring
adapter. Daytime photography should be easy with digital, but
nightime astrophotography is a bit harder. Depending on what kind of
digital camera you have, it may not be capable of long exposure
photography and therefore limited to bright objects like planets and
Moon.

The AT1010 looks as good as it performs, which is excellent. The only
thing I can think of to make it look cooler is to add red racing
stripes. ;-)

Craig Simmons
Falls Church, VA



--- In Stellarvue@y..., "aidikonis" <pug@m...> wrote:
> First off, thanks to everybody for your input. I'm really floored by
> the depth of knowledge here.
>
> I've narrowed down my choice to either the AT1010 or the 80/9D,
> leaning towards the AT1010. The Blackhawk has great specs, but once
> you add on all of the "extras" it's a bit out of my budget.
>
> I like the size of the AT1010 -- my wife is a very strong woman (am
I
> sharing too much?), but a larger tube could be unwieldy for a
shorter
> person to move in and out of the house.
>
> The other consideration, and one that I'm sure will make you cringe,
> is how the scope "looks." This is important because a nicer looking
> scope will more likely be left set up in the living room. From the
> pictures I'm seeing, the smaller size of the AT1010 would have the
> edge here also. Can anybody fill me in on the merits of a wooden vs.
> aluminum tripod, besides aesthetics?
>
> I'm also hoping that my wife will occasionally let me
(ahem) "borrow"
> her scope for some digital photography. I assume that all of these
> scopes have available adapters. Correct?
>
> So many questions...
>
> - Steve (Aidikonis)
>
>
> --- In Stellarvue@y..., K75jim@a... wrote:
> > In a message dated 11/26/2002 9:58:03 AM Pacific Standard Time,
> > dhennig2@t... writes:
> >
> >
> > > I was going to suggest the very same thing to Aidikonis, David!
> Nick Z.
> > > woudl be an excellent choice for a dealer, due to his closer
> proximity for
> > > A. in Maine.
> > >
> > > I suggest either the AT1010 or SV78S Blackhawk as choices.
Nothing
> against
> > > the very fine SV80/9D, but for terrestrial use, I think that the
> wider
> > > field capabilities of the shorter tubes might be the way to go.
> > >
> >
> > You've received some very good advice here.   I would cast my vote
> for the
> > AT1010 since I own one.   It is my first really good scope and I
> couldn't be
> > more pleased.   Views at low and high power are extremely sharp
and
> will
> > generate oohs and aahs on every target object.   It's light,
highly
> portable
> > and stores in very little space.   I would also second the
> suggestion for
> > using the alt/az mount.   I use a realatively cheap AZ3 and with a
> little
> > extra weight on the EP tray it's quite stable.   Darren makes a
very
> good
> > point.   For both terrestial and astro use, the short tubes
probably
> are a
> > better choice for their flexibility.  But no matter which SV scope
> you
> > choose, you won't be disappointed.   Oh yea, don't forget to get
> the 2"
> > focuser.
> >
> > Clear skies,
> >
> > Jim
> > Redlands, CA
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Stellarvue-unsubscribe@egroups.com



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

George:

Sorry for the delay, but I just got back from Holiday and had like a
zillion emails to wade through and delete/file/answer, so I just now got
back to the top of the InBox.

Yes, the DEC=0 step is confusing. Don't worry, though, it is a WHOLE LOT
harder to describe than to actually do.

The bottom line is that this step is designed to provide a reference
point for the encoder readings when both scope axes are exactly
perpendicular to each other.

Here's how I do it:

1) Level the mount base. This is very important. Get it as level as you
can.

2) Set your latitude adjustment on the mount. Get it close. I use a
"clinometer" (angle measurer) I bought for $10 at a hardware store. It
has a magnet on on side and just clanks onto the mount or scope tube.
Aim your scope tube due North for this step and make sure the DEC axis
is directly over the polar axis when you do this. The clinometer helps
because its dial is about three times the diameter of the little
altitude scale on the mount, so you can read it to within a degree very
accurately. Remember that latitude in degrees as you'll need it down
below.

3) Get a good polar alignment. Doesn't need to be perfect, just good. If
you have problems with this, let me know as there are other tricks you
can try.

4) Rotate your telescope tube so that it is at right angles to the polar
axis, and then level it. I use a 9" torpedo level (from the same
hardware store, about $8) that is also magnetized, so I just "clank" it
to the tube like I did the clinometer. You want to make sure the tube is
level, then lock the DEC axis.

5) Rotate your RA axis with the level still attached to the tube and
stop when the bubble level at right angles to the first one you leveled
indicates level (this means your scope tube is pointing straight up if
your tripod is level, too). Lock the RA axis.

6) With the clinometer attached to your scope tube, unlock the DEC axis
and rotate it so the scope points toward the celestial equator
(declination for which is Zero degrees) -- that is, until the clinometer
reads the "complement" of your latitude figure -- 90-degrees minus your
latitude.

7) With DEC=0? showing on your JMI handheld, press ENTER.

8) Proceed to your 2-star alignment.

That's it. With a little practice you can do all the above steps in 5 to
10 minutes.

Note: It helps with an equatorial mount if the 2 stars you pick for
alignment are at least 60 degrees apart and do not require you to swing
the OTA across the polar axis ... that is, whatever stars you pick, try
to ensure you don't have to move the OTA to the other side of the mount
after you align on the first one.

If you do all the above and find that your alignment error (warp factor
reported after the second alignment star) is still larger than a degree,
then remember that:

a) Good level and polar align affect that error figure greatly.

b) DEC=0 affects it even more (getting your scope axes accurately
perpendicular and aiming your tube at the celestial equator as
accurately as possible are very important).

c) Use a 9mm or higher-power cross-hair eyepiece (like a guiding reticle
eyepiece) if possible during the star alignment process. The 25mm
cross-hair eps like come with ETXs, etc., are not good enough for this.
Use a barlow if necessary.

jb

-----Original Message-----
From: George [mailto:gnggreenfield@...]
Sent: Sunday, December 01, 2002 12:38 PM
To: Stellarvue@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: DSCs from JMI - for Jeff


Hi Jeff,

You may be the very person I need! As indicicated below, I just
installed the JMI NGC MAX on my EQ-6 mount. It was very easy to
install and fits very well.

I don't have much experiencing running a german equatorial mount and
I'm stuck on the very first alignment step. When I turn the NGC MAX
on it says "DEC=0" and the instruciton manual says to "set the scope
to zero declination with the scope on the west side of the mount." I
have no idea what this means or how to do it. Do you get the same
instruction on your CG-5 mounts? What do I do?

Thanks,

George
Oregon



--- In Stellarvue@y..., "Barton, Jeff" <jeff.barton@c...> wrote:
> I'm using the JMI MicroMax on two different CG-5 mounts (adding a
third
> this week) and will be upgrading to the Software Bisque SGT
(software
> guided telescope) to make it more "visual" for demonstrations during
> Star Parties.
>
> I've been researching the EQ6 and worked with JMI's tech support
people
> about 3 months ago to get the JMI encoders and brackets prototyped
and
> tested for the EQ6. I think it took them all of 3 days including the
> time it took to get an EQ6 mount there for testing. Wonderful
people!
>
> Sometime next year I'm going to acquire a larger scope and if it's
not a
> dob I'll put it on an EQ6 and add DSCs.
>
> I really, really like the folks at JMI. They're a lot like Vic and
his
> crew at Stellarvue.
>
> jb
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: k5apl [mailto:k5apl@c...]
> Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2002 10:00 PM
> To: Stellarvue@y...
> Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: DSCs from JMI
>
>
> --- In Stellarvue@y..., "George" <gnggreenfield@a...> wrote:
> > > I'm getting a set of used JMI DSCs from AstroMart.
> >
> > Hi Wes, What mount will you be using with the DSCs? I have a set
I
> > use with my Gibraltar and they work very well. I just put a set
on
> my
> > Atlas mount (EQ6) but I haven't used them yet.
> >
> > George
> > Oregon
>
> Sounds good George.  I will use them on my GIRO-2 dlx mount. They
> came from a Gibralter, so I'm buying the proper mounting hard-
> ware. I'm glad to hear that they work well. The computer will
> be the MiniMax version. When its all put together, I'll give you
> a report about how it works. Should do great with the EDT. That
> EQ-6 mount is a horse-your EDT shuld be very stable to say the
> least.  Thanks for the info.
> Wes
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> Stellarvue-unsubscribe@e...
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/


To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Stellarvue-unsubscribe@egroups.com



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Thanks Jeff,

I would have NEVER figured this out. I pick up a couple of tools and
a clinometer in the next couple of days and give it a try.

Is there a way to mark the mount after this is done once accurately
so the next time I just need to move to the mark(s)?

Thanks again, I'll let you know how it goes.

George



--- In Stellarvue@y..., "Barton, Jeff" <jeff.barton@c...> wrote:
> George:
>
> Sorry for the delay, but I just got back from Holiday and had like a
> zillion emails to wade through and delete/file/answer, so I just
now got
> back to the top of the InBox.
>
> Yes, the DEC=0 step is confusing. Don't worry, though, it is a
WHOLE LOT
> harder to describe than to actually do.
>
> The bottom line is that this step is designed to provide a reference
> point for the encoder readings when both scope axes are exactly
> perpendicular to each other.
>
> Here's how I do it:
>
> 1) Level the mount base. This is very important. Get it as level as
you
> can.
>
> 2) Set your latitude adjustment on the mount. Get it close. I use a
> "clinometer" (angle measurer) I bought for $10 at a hardware store.
It
> has a magnet on on side and just clanks onto the mount or scope
tube.
> Aim your scope tube due North for this step and make sure the DEC
axis
> is directly over the polar axis when you do this. The clinometer
helps
> because its dial is about three times the diameter of the little
> altitude scale on the mount, so you can read it to within a degree
very
> accurately. Remember that latitude in degrees as you'll need it down
> below.
>
> 3) Get a good polar alignment. Doesn't need to be perfect, just
good. If
> you have problems with this, let me know as there are other tricks
you
> can try.
>
> 4) Rotate your telescope tube so that it is at right angles to the
polar
> axis, and then level it. I use a 9" torpedo level (from the same
> hardware store, about $8) that is also magnetized, so I
just "clank" it
> to the tube like I did the clinometer. You want to make sure the
tube is
> level, then lock the DEC axis.
>
> 5) Rotate your RA axis with the level still attached to the tube and
> stop when the bubble level at right angles to the first one you
leveled
> indicates level (this means your scope tube is pointing straight up
if
> your tripod is level, too). Lock the RA axis.
>
> 6) With the clinometer attached to your scope tube, unlock the DEC
axis
> and rotate it so the scope points toward the celestial equator
> (declination for which is Zero degrees) -- that is, until the
clinometer
> reads the "complement" of your latitude figure -- 90-degrees minus
your
> latitude.
>
> 7) With DEC=0? showing on your JMI handheld, press ENTER.
>
> 8) Proceed to your 2-star alignment.
>
> That's it. With a little practice you can do all the above steps in
5 to
> 10 minutes.
>
> Note: It helps with an equatorial mount if the 2 stars you pick for
> alignment are at least 60 degrees apart and do not require you to
swing
> the OTA across the polar axis ... that is, whatever stars you pick,
try
> to ensure you don't have to move the OTA to the other side of the
mount
> after you align on the first one.
>
> If you do all the above and find that your alignment error (warp
factor
> reported after the second alignment star) is still larger than a
degree,
> then remember that:
>
> a) Good level and polar align affect that error figure greatly.
>
> b) DEC=0 affects it even more (getting your scope axes accurately
> perpendicular and aiming your tube at the celestial equator as
> accurately as possible are very important).
>
> c) Use a 9mm or higher-power cross-hair eyepiece (like a guiding
reticle
> eyepiece) if possible during the star alignment process. The 25mm
> cross-hair eps like come with ETXs, etc., are not good enough for
this.
> Use a barlow if necessary.
>
> jb
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: George [mailto:gnggreenfield@a...]
> Sent: Sunday, December 01, 2002 12:38 PM
> To: Stellarvue@y...
> Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: DSCs from JMI - for Jeff
>
>
> Hi Jeff,
>
> You may be the very person I need! As indicicated below, I just
> installed the JMI NGC MAX on my EQ-6 mount. It was very easy to
> install and fits very well.
>
> I don't have much experiencing running a german equatorial mount
and
> I'm stuck on the very first alignment step. When I turn the NGC MAX
> on it says "DEC=0" and the instruciton manual says to "set the
scope
> to zero declination with the scope on the west side of the mount."
I
> have no idea what this means or how to do it. Do you get the same
> instruction on your CG-5 mounts? What do I do?
>
> Thanks,
>
> George
> Oregon
>
>
>
> --- In Stellarvue@y..., "Barton, Jeff" <jeff.barton@c...> wrote:
> > I'm using the JMI MicroMax on two different CG-5 mounts (adding a
> third
> > this week) and will be upgrading to the Software Bisque SGT
> (software
> > guided telescope) to make it more "visual" for demonstrations
during
> > Star Parties.
> >
> > I've been researching the EQ6 and worked with JMI's tech support
> people
> > about 3 months ago to get the JMI encoders and brackets
prototyped
> and
> > tested for the EQ6. I think it took them all of 3 days including
the
> > time it took to get an EQ6 mount there for testing. Wonderful
> people!
> >
> > Sometime next year I'm going to acquire a larger scope and if
it's
> not a
> > dob I'll put it on an EQ6 and add DSCs.
> >
> > I really, really like the folks at JMI. They're a lot like Vic
and
> his
> > crew at Stellarvue.
> >
> > jb
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: k5apl [mailto:k5apl@c...]
> > Sent: Saturday, November 30, 2002 10:00 PM
> > To: Stellarvue@y...
> > Subject: [Stellarvue] Re: DSCs from JMI
> >
> >
> > --- In Stellarvue@y..., "George" <gnggreenfield@a...> wrote:
> > > > I'm getting a set of used JMI DSCs from AstroMart.
> > >
> > > Hi Wes, What mount will you be using with the DSCs? I have a
set
> I
> > > use with my Gibraltar and they work very well. I just put a set
> on
> > my
> > > Atlas mount (EQ6) but I haven't used them yet.
> > >
> > > George
> > > Oregon
> >
> > Sounds good George.  I will use them on my GIRO-2 dlx mount. They
> > came from a Gibralter, so I'm buying the proper mounting hard-
> > ware. I'm glad to hear that they work well. The computer will
> > be the MiniMax version. When its all put together, I'll give you
> > a report about how it works. Should do great with the EDT. That
> > EQ-6 mount is a horse-your EDT shuld be very stable to say the
> > least.  Thanks for the info.
> > Wes
> >
> >
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > Stellarvue-unsubscribe@e...
> >
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> Stellarvue-unsubscribe@e...
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Stellarvue telescopes may be returned for a full refund (less
shipping) within the first 30 days. They are warrantied for the
original owner for one year. Used Stellarvue telescopes are not
covered by the manufacturers warranty. We have actually received a
used Stellarvue telescope that did not have our lens in it (yikes!),
scopes that were improperly packed when shipped to the second owner
and telescopes received by the second owner in poor condition. For
these reasons, we cannot warranty used telescopes.

We can service telescopes out of warranty and this should be
separately arranged by e-mail. We are not performing any service
over the next three weeks owing to the holiday rush. Fortunately,
service is rare. I can count how many times we get sent scopes each
year on one hand. Although we o have two in for service now - an
unusual circumstance. One is several years old and was sent in for
tweaking and the other so we could check it.

If you trust the seller of the SV scope, you probably have little to
fear. They are built like tanks. However, if they do need some work,
we will do that. Just not in December. ;-)

Also, if you are looking to purchase a used Stellarvue Telescope
with a JMI focuser, you should have the seller e-mail me to receive
information on how to pack the scope. The JMI is a well built device
but it is delicate. Shippers can destroy it. So a couple of things
to remember while packing will avoid this issue.

Vic Maris






  --- In Stellarvue@y..., "fmrc69" <fmrc@i...> wrote:
> >
> > Vic, this may be an excellent time to perhaps remind all of us
> here what's covered by the warranties and what's not. Just so
> everyone is reading off the same page, as it were.
> >
>
> Yes please do...I'm buying a 2 month old AT1010 from someone near
> Toronto...does the fact that I'm not the original purchaser void
the
> warranty? I hope not...
>
> Frank C
>
> P.S. Thanks for the focuser upgrade information. If I'm able to do
> it myself when Vic sends me the JMI focuser...that would be
awesome.
> How much is the focuser (so I can start saving up).

The JMI dual speed focuser modified for the Stellarvue telescope is
not merely a DX-1. That is what we start with, but the base is
custom machined and drilled, a longer focusing tube is installed
which is much more difficult to make, a baffle system which includes
a dual baffle with machine threading on the inside of the drawtube
is done. Then a heavy-duty, custom, two piece, machined aluminum
attachment is added so the focuser can be adjusted to perfect
alignment.

The price for this is $399. Most users can install it and obtain
alignment. It does take some time but it can be done. This allows
you to upgrade an At1010 or 80/9D to the Crayford units. Of course
it is less expensive to buy the Blackhawk or SV78L already so
equipped.

There are cheaper Crayfords out there. But the ones I have studied
did not have the capacity, accuracy and smooth control of the DX-1.

Vic Maris

--- In Stellarvue@y..., "Darren Hennig" <dhennig2@t...> wrote:
> Hi Frank:
>
> It ain't cheap! Currently around US$350-400, I think - Vic will
pipe in when he catches up. I don't know what he's offering them for
currently, but it sure is awesome! Because I had my 102D arriving,
and felt that I wanted a similar system for my AT 1010, I ended up
with a Blackhawk. I'm glad that I did!
>
> D.
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Once again I'd like to put in a vote for the William Optics 2"
diagonal.  For US$99 you get 1/10th wave optics, 97% reflectivity,
compression rings on both the 2" and 1.25" adapters, ability to thread
2" filters on the 1.25" adapter, and a safety cut to keep eyepieces
from bottoming out on the mirror.  It's made of clear and black
anodized aluminum.  I got mine from Anacortes.  I'll get a picture
posted soon.


Jeff Verona

Once again we are doing it. Selling something at an unheard of
price. I actually tried to go even lower but couldn't.

We are offering our 85L apo telescopes for only $1495. That is a
Rack and Pinion focuser version. The JMI dual speed version may also
be had for the $1795 price which is significantly lower than
anything close to it.

I really want to get the next 12 SV85L scopes in peoples hands these
next few weeks. This is a great gift idea. The R&P version can be
upgraded to a JMI version later but it will require a return to the
factory here (alignment is crucial on apos) and $400. So one should
consider this first. If the decision is the JMI version, Airy Disk
Optical in the USA and Joe O'Neil in Canada have the 85L with the
JMI in stock right now. But only one each!

We will see what people think of these R&P versions of the 85L.
Since focus is less crucial on a longer fl scope, I thought I would
give this a try. While the R&P units we have are smooth, the 13X
higher accuracy of the JMI makes it the focuser of choice for the
85S. But I used the R+P on the L and had fun with it. We are using
oversized teflon bearings in the R+P used for the 85L.

We got ten 102D's out this weekend. So if you are high on the list
you may hear from me tomorrow morning! More coming!

Okay, back to the shop to think up something else.......

Vic

Jeff:

What is the thickness of their mirror?

Vic

--- In Stellarvue@y..., "iowasf" <iowasf@y...> wrote:
> Once again I'd like to put in a vote for the William Optics 2"
> diagonal.  For US$99 you get 1/10th wave optics, 97% reflectivity,
> compression rings on both the 2" and 1.25" adapters, ability to
thread
> 2" filters on the 1.25" adapter, and a safety cut to keep eyepieces
> from bottoming out on the mirror.  It's made of clear and black
> anodized aluminum.  I got mine from Anacortes.  I'll get a picture
> posted soon.
>
>
> Jeff Verona

In a message dated 11/30/2002 7:18:53 PM Pacific Standard Time,
fmrc@... writes:


> I would love to be able to compare the views through it and one of the
> big boys (TV or AP) just to see if there really is a $200
> difference.

Frank,

Don't forget, Vic is going to release his new enhanced diagonal after January
1.  The specs are soooo cool.   Like all SV products, it's going to be a
performance/price winner.

Jim
Redlands, CA


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

George:

Yes, you can mark it. I tried that first with nail polish and then
with a scratch made by a scriber.

The problem is that mark won't be as accurate as you need to be.
Remember the reason I use a clinometer? It's because its diameter is
at least three times that of the setting circles and that makes it
very much more accurate (within a degree).

If you scribe a tiny (in width) mark across the line between the
stationary and rotating parts of each axis, then you can start out
very close but you won't know which way to go to be more accurate.

That's because each time you set up your latitude (I think sleep
deprivation had me calling that "altitude" in my earlier post ...
duh! (sorry)) it will be a tiny bit different even if you set up in
exactly the same spot.

Your level and sighting of Polaris won't be identical each time.

I'm assuming you're using a tripod and not a pier that's "fixed" ...

You didn't ask further about polar alignment, so I guess you have
that figured. Remember that Polaris is not exactly at the NCP, and
you'll have to rotate your polar alignment scope reticle to the
date/hour setting to get it right. Like I said, this does not have to
be perfect, but make it as close as you can get it visually.

jb

In a message dated 12/1/2002 7:37:58 AM Pacific Standard Time,
patagnew@... writes:


> Has anyone had their scope "serviced" by Vic? (Does he even offer
> service?)
>

Pat,

Vic does offer service.  If you think your scope is out of whack, e-mail or
call to make arrangements to send it in.  BE SURE TO DOUBLE PACK IT -- THE
MORE BUBBLE WRAP THE BETTER!!!   Be advised that, depending on production
schedules, it may take a little extra time.   But Vic is a perfectionist and
you can rest assured that it will be done right.


Jim
Redlands, CA


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

Pat:

We can do that for you. It would be better to wait until after
Christmas. I do about five or so services per year. They are often
bounced as yours was.

For an AT1010, you should allow 30 days (usually we do it in one
week) and figure on a $50 basic charge lus shipping. If anything
needs replacement we will either do it as no charge or let you know
what the charge will be. This is rare.

Vic





--- In Stellarvue@y..., "pat_agnew33901" <patagnew@e...> wrote:
> Gents,
>
> Has anyone had their scope "serviced" by Vic? (Does he even offer
> service?)
>
> My scope ended up on the wrong end of a pile of luggage while
> traveling, and I'm pretty sure my optics are out of colimation.
>
> Pat

The Williams Optics 2" diag is advertised as being 10mm thick.

Pat


--- In Stellarvue@y..., "stellarvue1" <vic@s...> wrote:
> Jeff:
>
> What is the thickness of their mirror?
>
> Vic
>
> --- In Stellarvue@y..., "iowasf" <iowasf@y...> wrote:
> > Once again I'd like to put in a vote for the William Optics 2"
> > diagonal.  For US$99 you get 1/10th wave optics, 97% reflectivity,
> > compression rings on both the 2" and 1.25" adapters, ability to
> thread
> > 2" filters on the 1.25" adapter, and a safety cut to keep
eyepieces
> > from bottoming out on the mirror.  It's made of clear and black
> > anodized aluminum.  I got mine from Anacortes.  I'll get a picture
> > posted soon.
> >
> >
> > Jeff Verona