Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
Are you still using the 127mm refractor on it?
Yes, but infrequently. It's remains my primary lunar scope. Right now I'm concentrating on using a 2008 Meade ETX 125 as my primary after work scope (whenever this solar minimum wet-weather pattern ends).
I greatly appreciate the offer to borrow your Atlas, but just a couple of hours of the two of us using it at SPOC one night . . .
Bill Cowles also shows up using an Atlas - although I seem to recall he has moved on to something else as his scope-de-jure. Others here may know. - Kurt
I have to admit, I've been sorely tempted by some of those Orion Maks... A six or seven-inch Mak would satisfy my long-focus desire, with a tiny central obstruction and very low total weight for the mount to bear. Also it would be very good for planetary observing as well as imaging. On 5/1/10, Canopus56 <canopus56@yahoo.com> wrote:
Are you still using the 127mm refractor on it?
Yes, but infrequently. It's remains my primary lunar scope. Right now I'm concentrating on using a 2008 Meade ETX 125 as my primary after work scope (whenever this solar minimum wet-weather pattern ends).
I greatly appreciate the offer to borrow your Atlas, but just a couple of hours of the two of us using it at SPOC one night . . .
Bill Cowles also shows up using an Atlas - although I seem to recall he has moved on to something else as his scope-de-jure. Others here may know.
- Kurt
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I have an Atlas and I've been very pleased with the tracking as long as you don't over load it. If you do a drift align and level it properly it holds a target quite well. That said a CGEM is probably a bit better and beefier, if you can afford the CGEM I'd go for that but you are paying twice as much to get a mount that is just a little better. However, guided there's not much difference between the two. The Atlas guides extremely well and is pretty good un-guided. With some of the new software out there right now you can get excellent results even if your mount is drifting a bit. It's also easy to improve the already good Atlas with lots of experience out there. Bob
Bob: I'm not sure I understand your post. The CGEM is for sale and in stock at OPT for $1,395.00 and it includes free shipping. The Orion Atlas is available from Orion and is $1,399.00 and they charge a "boatload" of shipping. Are you comparing a used Atlas to a new CGEM? Are you thinking of a CGE-Pro at $5,000.00 new? I'm just not sure what you mean by ""you are paying twice as much to get a mount that is just a little better". Steve
From: Rob.Taylor@digis.net To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 11:05:33 -0600 Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
I have an Atlas and I've been very pleased with the tracking as long as you don't over load it. If you do a drift align and level it properly it holds a target quite well. That said a CGEM is probably a bit better and beefier, if you can afford the CGEM I'd go for that but you are paying twice as much to get a mount that is just a little better. However, guided there's not much difference between the two. The Atlas guides extremely well and is pretty good un-guided. With some of the new software out there right now you can get excellent results even if your mount is drifting a bit. It's also easy to improve the already good Atlas with lots of experience out there.
Bob
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You know what I'm comparing it to the older CGE mount not the newer CGEM which is significantly different so disregard the comparison. However the Atlas is a good mount and I like mine so I can endorse it. When it first came out there was nothing with it's weight capacity at anywhere near it's price. There are other options now and taking a second look at the CGEM I think it's a good option. It's good to have choices like this, either way I think you'll be fine. The weight capacities on the two seem similar, however I notice Orion tends to under rate their mounts whereas Celestron tends to over rate their mounts. For Astrophotography my Atlas does pretty well up to about 30-35 pounds, for visual you can go up to 50 and I've heard of people doing Astro-photography with a modified Atlas with a payload of 65 pounds so it can do it. The Atlas has a brisk after-market for parts, up-grades, mods and accessories which is something to consider as well. Bob -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Steve FISHER Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2010 12:45 PM To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM? Bob: I'm not sure I understand your post. The CGEM is for sale and in stock at OPT for $1,395.00 and it includes free shipping. The Orion Atlas is available from Orion and is $1,399.00 and they charge a "boatload" of shipping. Are you comparing a used Atlas to a new CGEM? Are you thinking of a CGE-Pro at $5,000.00 new? I'm just not sure what you mean by ""you are paying twice as much to get a mount that is just a little better". Steve
From: Rob.Taylor@digis.net To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 11:05:33 -0600 Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
I have an Atlas and I've been very pleased with the tracking as long as you don't over load it. If you do a drift align and level it properly it holds a target quite well. That said a CGEM is probably a bit better and beefier, if you can afford the CGEM I'd go for that but you are paying twice as much to get a mount that is just a little better. However, guided there's not much difference between the two. The Atlas guides extremely well and is pretty good un-guided. With some of the new software out there right now you can get excellent results even if your mount is drifting a bit. It's also easy to improve the already good Atlas with lots of experience out there.
Bob
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Totaly makes sense now! You are correct there. The CGE was $3,000.00 new.(Manufacturers advertised price) It is in a class that was much higher in weight capacity. It has now officially been discontinued. There is a HUGE whole in the mount lineup between the Atlas/CGEM and the next step up. The only mount between the $1,400.00 and the $5,000.00 mounts like the CGE Pro is the Losmandy G-11. I have used it in the past and it is a wonderful mount. With a few modifications it is an outstanding Astrophotography mount. The G-11 is the only mount in this class that I am aware of for around 3K. It is a shame that it uses such an antiquated software system for goto and tracking. This is my opinion and my opinion only. "The Gemini system sucks"!! If you are still using DOS ver. 3.2 or lower on your computer you will love Gemini. Steve
From: Rob.Taylor@digis.net To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 13:03:22 -0600 Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
You know what I'm comparing it to the older CGE mount not the newer CGEM which is significantly different so disregard the comparison. However the Atlas is a good mount and I like mine so I can endorse it. When it first came out there was nothing with it's weight capacity at anywhere near it's price. There are other options now and taking a second look at the CGEM I think it's a good option. It's good to have choices like this, either way I think you'll be fine. The weight capacities on the two seem similar, however I notice Orion tends to under rate their mounts whereas Celestron tends to over rate their mounts. For Astrophotography my Atlas does pretty well up to about 30-35 pounds, for visual you can go up to 50 and I've heard of people doing Astro-photography with a modified Atlas with a payload of 65 pounds so it can do it. The Atlas has a brisk after-market for parts, up-grades, mods and accessories which is something to consider as well.
Bob
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Steve FISHER Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2010 12:45 PM To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
Bob:
I'm not sure I understand your post. The CGEM is for sale and in stock at OPT for $1,395.00 and it includes free shipping. The Orion Atlas is available from Orion and is $1,399.00 and they charge a "boatload" of shipping. Are you comparing a used Atlas to a new CGEM? Are you thinking of a CGE-Pro at $5,000.00 new? I'm just not sure what you mean by ""you are paying twice as much to get a mount that is just a little better".
Steve
From: Rob.Taylor@digis.net To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 11:05:33 -0600 Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
I have an Atlas and I've been very pleased with the tracking as long as you don't over load it. If you do a drift align and level it properly it holds a target quite well. That said a CGEM is probably a bit better and beefier, if you can afford the CGEM I'd go for that but you are paying twice as much to get a mount that is just a little better. However, guided there's not much difference between the two. The Atlas guides extremely well and is pretty good un-guided. With some of the new software out there right now you can get excellent results even if your mount is drifting a bit. It's also easy to improve the already good Atlas with lots of experience out there.
Bob
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I noticed that the CGEM is advertised as "American engineered". I found several topical You Tube videos and a CGEM review online. Not as many videos for the Atlas that I could find using the search term "Atlas"; kind of surprising considering how long it's been on the market. CGEM slewing around: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smXf2KUVbdw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ6VVtzXAwU&NR=1 CGEM review (with the first You Tube video embedded): http://www.astrophotography-tonight.com/celestron-cgem-review-part1./ Follow the link for part two. EQ6/Atlas slewing around: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJNjvtpjQvk&feature=related This is just cute. I love the comment "Watchout Software Bisque!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGvZrD93j3I On 5/2/10, Steve FISHER <sfisher01@msn.com> wrote:
Totaly makes sense now! You are correct there. The CGE was $3,000.00 new.(Manufacturers advertised price) It is in a class that was much higher in weight capacity. It has now officially been discontinued. There is a HUGE whole in the mount lineup between the Atlas/CGEM and the next step up. The only mount between the $1,400.00 and the $5,000.00 mounts like the CGE Pro is the Losmandy G-11. I have used it in the past and it is a wonderful mount. With a few modifications it is an outstanding Astrophotography mount. The G-11 is the only mount in this class that I am aware of for around 3K. It is a shame that it uses such an antiquated software system for goto and tracking.
This is my opinion and my opinion only. "The Gemini system sucks"!! If you are still using DOS ver. 3.2 or lower on your computer you will love Gemini.
Steve
From: Rob.Taylor@digis.net To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 13:03:22 -0600 Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
You know what I'm comparing it to the older CGE mount not the newer CGEM which is significantly different so disregard the comparison. However the Atlas is a good mount and I like mine so I can endorse it. When it first came out there was nothing with it's weight capacity at anywhere near it's price. There are other options now and taking a second look at the CGEM I think it's a good option. It's good to have choices like this, either way I think you'll be fine. The weight capacities on the two seem similar, however I notice Orion tends to under rate their mounts whereas Celestron tends to over rate their mounts. For Astrophotography my Atlas does pretty well up to about 30-35 pounds, for visual you can go up to 50 and I've heard of people doing Astro-photography with a modified Atlas with a payload of 65 pounds so it can do it. The Atlas has a brisk after-market for parts, up-grades, mods and accessories which is something to consider as well.
Bob
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Steve FISHER Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2010 12:45 PM To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
Bob:
I'm not sure I understand your post. The CGEM is for sale and in stock at OPT for $1,395.00 and it includes free shipping. The Orion Atlas is available from Orion and is $1,399.00 and they charge a "boatload" of shipping. Are you comparing a used Atlas to a new CGEM? Are you thinking of a CGE-Pro at $5,000.00 new? I'm just not sure what you mean by ""you are paying twice as much to get a mount that is just a little better".
Steve
From: Rob.Taylor@digis.net To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 11:05:33 -0600 Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
I have an Atlas and I've been very pleased with the tracking as long as you don't over load it. If you do a drift align and level it properly it holds a target quite well. That said a CGEM is probably a bit better and beefier, if you can afford the CGEM I'd go for that but you are paying twice as much to get a mount that is just a little better. However, guided there's not much difference between the two. The Atlas guides extremely well and is pretty good un-guided. With some of the new software out there right now you can get excellent results even if your mount is drifting a bit. It's also easy to improve the already good Atlas with lots of experience out there.
Bob
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Here is another review from Astrophotography Tonight. This is very similar to one of my intended setups: http://www.astrophotography-tonight.com/cgem-review-part-4-astrophotography/ On 5/2/10, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
I noticed that the CGEM is advertised as "American engineered".
I found several topical You Tube videos and a CGEM review online. Not as many videos for the Atlas that I could find using the search term "Atlas"; kind of surprising considering how long it's been on the market.
CGEM slewing around: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smXf2KUVbdw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ6VVtzXAwU&NR=1
CGEM review (with the first You Tube video embedded): http://www.astrophotography-tonight.com/celestron-cgem-review-part1./ Follow the link for part two.
EQ6/Atlas slewing around: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJNjvtpjQvk&feature=related
This is just cute. I love the comment "Watchout Software Bisque!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGvZrD93j3I
On 5/2/10, Steve FISHER <sfisher01@msn.com> wrote:
Totaly makes sense now! You are correct there. The CGE was $3,000.00 new.(Manufacturers advertised price) It is in a class that was much higher in weight capacity. It has now officially been discontinued. There is a HUGE whole in the mount lineup between the Atlas/CGEM and the next step up. The only mount between the $1,400.00 and the $5,000.00 mounts like the CGE Pro is the Losmandy G-11. I have used it in the past and it is a wonderful mount. With a few modifications it is an outstanding Astrophotography mount. The G-11 is the only mount in this class that I am aware of for around 3K. It is a shame that it uses such an antiquated software system for goto and tracking.
This is my opinion and my opinion only. "The Gemini system sucks"!! If you are still using DOS ver. 3.2 or lower on your computer you will love Gemini.
Steve
From: Rob.Taylor@digis.net To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 13:03:22 -0600 Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
You know what I'm comparing it to the older CGE mount not the newer CGEM which is significantly different so disregard the comparison. However the Atlas is a good mount and I like mine so I can endorse it. When it first came out there was nothing with it's weight capacity at anywhere near it's price. There are other options now and taking a second look at the CGEM I think it's a good option. It's good to have choices like this, either way I think you'll be fine. The weight capacities on the two seem similar, however I notice Orion tends to under rate their mounts whereas Celestron tends to over rate their mounts. For Astrophotography my Atlas does pretty well up to about 30-35 pounds, for visual you can go up to 50 and I've heard of people doing Astro-photography with a modified Atlas with a payload of 65 pounds so it can do it. The Atlas has a brisk after-market for parts, up-grades, mods and accessories which is something to consider as well.
Bob
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Steve FISHER Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2010 12:45 PM To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
Bob:
I'm not sure I understand your post. The CGEM is for sale and in stock at OPT for $1,395.00 and it includes free shipping. The Orion Atlas is available from Orion and is $1,399.00 and they charge a "boatload" of shipping. Are you comparing a used Atlas to a new CGEM? Are you thinking of a CGE-Pro at $5,000.00 new? I'm just not sure what you mean by ""you are paying twice as much to get a mount that is just a little better".
Steve
From: Rob.Taylor@digis.net To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 11:05:33 -0600 Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
I have an Atlas and I've been very pleased with the tracking as long as you don't over load it. If you do a drift align and level it properly it holds a target quite well. That said a CGEM is probably a bit better and beefier, if you can afford the CGEM I'd go for that but you are paying twice as much to get a mount that is just a little better. However, guided there's not much difference between the two. The Atlas guides extremely well and is pretty good un-guided. With some of the new software out there right now you can get excellent results even if your mount is drifting a bit. It's also easy to improve the already good Atlas with lots of experience out there.
Bob
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Chuck: I'm a member of Cloudy Nights dot com and there have been at best guess HUNDREDS of threads with thousands of posts about the Atlas/EQ6-Pro there. Many compare the Atlas to the CGEM. I think you could read thousands of posts with hundreds of videos and you would still be right about where you are now. It is a toss up right now. Atlas has a ready made extension for refractors. It is big, it is heavy and it works. I think they are about $85.00 if I remember right. I have not seen an extension for the CGEM offered by anyone. The Atlas IS quieter. I could and did operate my mount near a neighbors open windows in the middle of the night and they never heard a peep. The CGEM is much quieter than the LXD75 or the ASGT offered by celestron. It is quiet but not as quiet as the Atlas. You just couldn't go wrong with either one. Steve
Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 14:58:01 -0600 From: chuck.hards@gmail.com To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
I noticed that the CGEM is advertised as "American engineered".
I found several topical You Tube videos and a CGEM review online. Not as many videos for the Atlas that I could find using the search term "Atlas"; kind of surprising considering how long it's been on the market.
CGEM slewing around: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smXf2KUVbdw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ6VVtzXAwU&NR=1
CGEM review (with the first You Tube video embedded): http://www.astrophotography-tonight.com/celestron-cgem-review-part1./ Follow the link for part two.
EQ6/Atlas slewing around: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJNjvtpjQvk&feature=related
This is just cute. I love the comment "Watchout Software Bisque!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGvZrD93j3I
On 5/2/10, Steve FISHER <sfisher01@msn.com> wrote:
Totaly makes sense now! You are correct there. The CGE was $3,000.00 new.(Manufacturers advertised price) It is in a class that was much higher in weight capacity. It has now officially been discontinued. There is a HUGE whole in the mount lineup between the Atlas/CGEM and the next step up. The only mount between the $1,400.00 and the $5,000.00 mounts like the CGE Pro is the Losmandy G-11. I have used it in the past and it is a wonderful mount. With a few modifications it is an outstanding Astrophotography mount. The G-11 is the only mount in this class that I am aware of for around 3K. It is a shame that it uses such an antiquated software system for goto and tracking.
This is my opinion and my opinion only. "The Gemini system sucks"!! If you are still using DOS ver. 3.2 or lower on your computer you will love Gemini.
Steve
From: Rob.Taylor@digis.net To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 13:03:22 -0600 Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
You know what I'm comparing it to the older CGE mount not the newer CGEM which is significantly different so disregard the comparison. However the Atlas is a good mount and I like mine so I can endorse it. When it first came out there was nothing with it's weight capacity at anywhere near it's price. There are other options now and taking a second look at the CGEM I think it's a good option. It's good to have choices like this, either way I think you'll be fine. The weight capacities on the two seem similar, however I notice Orion tends to under rate their mounts whereas Celestron tends to over rate their mounts. For Astrophotography my Atlas does pretty well up to about 30-35 pounds, for visual you can go up to 50 and I've heard of people doing Astro-photography with a modified Atlas with a payload of 65 pounds so it can do it. The Atlas has a brisk after-market for parts, up-grades, mods and accessories which is something to consider as well.
Bob
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Steve FISHER Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2010 12:45 PM To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
Bob:
I'm not sure I understand your post. The CGEM is for sale and in stock at OPT for $1,395.00 and it includes free shipping. The Orion Atlas is available from Orion and is $1,399.00 and they charge a "boatload" of shipping. Are you comparing a used Atlas to a new CGEM? Are you thinking of a CGE-Pro at $5,000.00 new? I'm just not sure what you mean by ""you are paying twice as much to get a mount that is just a little better".
Steve
From: Rob.Taylor@digis.net To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 11:05:33 -0600 Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
I have an Atlas and I've been very pleased with the tracking as long as you don't over load it. If you do a drift align and level it properly it holds a target quite well. That said a CGEM is probably a bit better and beefier, if you can afford the CGEM I'd go for that but you are paying twice as much to get a mount that is just a little better. However, guided there's not much difference between the two. The Atlas guides extremely well and is pretty good un-guided. With some of the new software out there right now you can get excellent results even if your mount is drifting a bit. It's also easy to improve the already good Atlas with lots of experience out there.
Bob
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That was hilarious... Patrick Wiggins wrote:
On 02 May 2010, at 16:11, Steve FISHER wrote:
I could and did operate my mount near a neighbors open windows...
Which begs the questions, just which heavenly bodies were you observing? :)
patrick
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If you knew the layout of my lot and you got a look at my neighbor (SCARY) you would know the answer to that question. I keep hoping as the neighborhood changes I will need a better scope for terestial observing. My doctor has never mentioned a heart condition but the right neighbor mowing her lawn in a swimming suit could lead to my demise. LOL and I never use LOL Steve
From: paw@wirelessbeehive.com Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 16:26:33 -0600 To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
On 02 May 2010, at 16:11, Steve FISHER wrote:
I could and did operate my mount near a neighbors open windows...
Which begs the questions, just which heavenly bodies were you observing? :)
patrick
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One of the benefits of my losing 60 lbs. and daily workouts on the elliptical machine. I am prepared for just such a neighbor, with no health concerns at all. Although it could still lead to my demise if my wife caught me observing the wrong "heavenly body". LOL! And I use LOL constantly. On 5/2/10, Steve FISHER <sfisher01@msn.com> wrote:
My doctor has never mentioned a heart condition but the right neighbor mowing her lawn in a swimming suit could lead to my demise. LOL and I never use LOL
Steve, I noticed the Atlas pier extension; seems like a good idea for a longish refractor, but I don't have any more than about a meter, at most, so perhaps just the tripod legs partially extended will keep the camera/eyepiece end out of the dirt. I was surpised that you can't find the height limits for either mount's stock tripod, even on the online specs sheets. If someone spotted them and I just skipped over them inadvertently, please let me know. I'm trying to digest a lot of information in a very short amount of time. On 5/2/10, Steve FISHER <sfisher01@msn.com> wrote:
Atlas has a ready made extension for refractors. It is big, it is heavy and it works. I think they are about $85.00 if I remember right. I have not seen an extension for the CGEM offered by anyone.
This page lists height at 40.0" to 60.5 inches for the tripod/head. Based on personal experience I'm thinking that is at the saddle. But that is a guess. http://www.telescope.com/control/accessories/mounts-and-tripods/orion-atlas-... Steve
Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 16:34:23 -0600 From: chuck.hards@gmail.com To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
Steve, I noticed the Atlas pier extension; seems like a good idea for a longish refractor, but I don't have any more than about a meter, at most, so perhaps just the tripod legs partially extended will keep the camera/eyepiece end out of the dirt.
I was surpised that you can't find the height limits for either mount's stock tripod, even on the online specs sheets. If someone spotted them and I just skipped over them inadvertently, please let me know.
I'm trying to digest a lot of information in a very short amount of time.
On 5/2/10, Steve FISHER <sfisher01@msn.com> wrote:
Atlas has a ready made extension for refractors. It is big, it is heavy and it works. I think they are about $85.00 if I remember right. I have not seen an extension for the CGEM offered by anyone.
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It is this page but you need to click on product specs in the middle. http://www.telescope.com/control/accessories/mounts-and-tripods/orion-atlas-...
From: sfisher01@msn.com To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 16:44:15 -0600 Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
This page lists height at 40.0" to 60.5 inches for the tripod/head. Based on personal experience I'm thinking that is at the saddle. But that is a guess.
http://www.telescope.com/control/accessories/mounts-and-tripods/orion-atlas-... Steve
Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 16:34:23 -0600 From: chuck.hards@gmail.com To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
Steve, I noticed the Atlas pier extension; seems like a good idea for a longish refractor, but I don't have any more than about a meter, at most, so perhaps just the tripod legs partially extended will keep the camera/eyepiece end out of the dirt.
I was surpised that you can't find the height limits for either mount's stock tripod, even on the online specs sheets. If someone spotted them and I just skipped over them inadvertently, please let me know.
I'm trying to digest a lot of information in a very short amount of time.
On 5/2/10, Steve FISHER <sfisher01@msn.com> wrote:
Atlas has a ready made extension for refractors. It is big, it is heavy and it works. I think they are about $85.00 if I remember right. I have not seen an extension for the CGEM offered by anyone.
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Thanks, now I just need the same info for the CGEM. Also, does anyone know if the Celestron and Orion dovetails are the same? Or does Celestron use the wider one? On 5/2/10, Steve FISHER <sfisher01@msn.com> wrote:
It is this page but you need to click on product specs in the middle.
http://www.telescope.com/control/accessories/mounts-and-tripods/orion-atlas-...
I found a video on You Tube that clearly shows the CGEM mount using the wide dovetail. I like this. I've always felt that the Orion narrow dovetail was anemic and prone to flexing. Were I to get this mount, I'd need to invest in wider dovetail bars, since I have a boxfull of Orion narrow dovetails. Has anyone tried the narrow-to-wide dovetail "Adapter"? On 5/2/10, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
Also, does anyone know if the Celestron and Orion dovetails are the same? Or does Celestron use the wider one?
Bill Cowles has put the dual saddle on his Atlas and it works VERY well. You are correct on the CGEM it does use the wider Losmandy style D type saddle. I believe the Atlas is still using the Vixen (smaller) style. I am not 100% on that. They may have upgraded to the dual saddle. I have looked at a lot of websites and am unable to find the height of the CGEM normal or extended. P.S My wife has no problem any more with my looking at the neighbors. She knows it is like the dogs chasing cars. They wouldn't have any idea what to do with one if they caught one.
Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 17:56:14 -0600 From: chuck.hards@gmail.com To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
I found a video on You Tube that clearly shows the CGEM mount using the wide dovetail.
I like this. I've always felt that the Orion narrow dovetail was anemic and prone to flexing. Were I to get this mount, I'd need to invest in wider dovetail bars, since I have a boxfull of Orion narrow dovetails.
Has anyone tried the narrow-to-wide dovetail "Adapter"?
On 5/2/10, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
Also, does anyone know if the Celestron and Orion dovetails are the same? Or does Celestron use the wider one?
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The atlas comes with the vixen narrow style dovetail and saddle. You can buy the wider saddle for it from Orion and the wider dovetail. It is only three screws to change it out. Steve FISHER wrote:
Bill Cowles has put the dual saddle on his Atlas and it works VERY well. You are correct on the CGEM it does use the wider Losmandy style D type saddle. I believe the Atlas is still using the Vixen (smaller) style. I am not 100% on that. They may have upgraded to the dual saddle.
I have looked at a lot of websites and am unable to find the height of the CGEM normal or extended.
P.S My wife has no problem any more with my looking at the neighbors. She knows it is like the dogs chasing cars. They wouldn't have any idea what to do with one if they caught one.
Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 17:56:14 -0600 From: chuck.hards@gmail.com To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
I found a video on You Tube that clearly shows the CGEM mount using the wide dovetail.
I like this. I've always felt that the Orion narrow dovetail was anemic and prone to flexing. Were I to get this mount, I'd need to invest in wider dovetail bars, since I have a boxfull of Orion narrow dovetails.
Has anyone tried the narrow-to-wide dovetail "Adapter"?
On 5/2/10, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
Also, does anyone know if the Celestron and Orion dovetails are the same? Or does Celestron use the wider one?
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My wife has the attitude best expressed by an old friend of mine from Oklahoma: "It's OK to work up an appetite walking around town, as long as you eat supper at home." On 5/2/10, Steve FISHER <sfisher01@msn.com> wrote:
P.S My wife has no problem any more with my looking at the neighbors. She knows it is like the dogs chasing cars. They wouldn't have any idea what to do with one if they caught one.
Well, I guess we have "stumped the band" as they use to do on the Johnny Carson Show. I posted a question several hours ago on Cloudy Nights asking how tall a CGEM was and so far no answer. That is odd quite honestly. I can usually get an answer to most questions in minutes I'll let you know if an answer shows up. Steve
Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 18:52:50 -0600 From: chuck.hards@gmail.com To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
My wife has the attitude best expressed by an old friend of mine from Oklahoma:
"It's OK to work up an appetite walking around town, as long as you eat supper at home."
On 5/2/10, Steve FISHER <sfisher01@msn.com> wrote:
P.S My wife has no problem any more with my looking at the neighbors. She knows it is like the dogs chasing cars. They wouldn't have any idea what to do with one if they caught one.
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Thanks Steve. It would be nice to know. I'm going to guess that it's within an inch or two of the Atlas. Looking at the assembly video of the CGEM, I'm wondering if the Atlas extension might not fit it, too. And if not, I'm pretty sure one could be made locally for a hundred bucks or less. I used to frequent Cloudy Nights years ago. I guess it's time I went back. On 5/2/10, Steve FISHER <sfisher01@msn.com> wrote:
Well, I guess we have "stumped the band" as they use to do on the Johnny Carson Show. I posted a question several hours ago on Cloudy Nights asking how tall a CGEM was and so far no answer. That is odd quite honestly. I can usually get an answer to most questions in minutes
I'll let you know if an answer shows up.
OK, I just re-registered on Cloudy Nights. As soon as an Admin emails me, I'll be live. There goes another discussion board... On 5/2/10, Steve FISHER <sfisher01@msn.com> wrote:
I posted a question several hours ago on Cloudy Nights asking how tall a CGEM was and so far no answer.
Hi Friends, I've been thinking about changing my 120 or 125 mm. guide scope rings for 105 mm. -- I have both styles. Back ages ago Guy put a dovetail bar on my telescope, and he machined my larger-size rings to fit onto a dovetail clamp thingy that fits the bar. He did it with the larger size because I thought my scope could accommodate a big guide scope. That was wrong; I have downsized the guide scope twice, and now I'm using a good 80 mm Orion ShortTube as guide. It seems right. But with all the gear I put on the telescope, it's so heavy that I have trouble with autoguiding. I'd like to switch the rings from the larger size to the 105 mm. size, which weigh a little less, as I figure every extra ounce hurts. But when I take the clamp thingy off the large rings and put them on the smaller ones, I had two problems. First, I discovered that Guy had wisely planed down the bottom of the ring so it fit the clamp well, and cored out a cone in each ring where the screw goes in, so that the screw fits tightly and the ring is flat on the clamp. Second, the smaller rings are not as thick as the big ones, which could allow them to wobble on the clamp. I thought about pounding some sort of metal shims in at the connecting point to keep them tight. What I'm wondering is, are there smaller dovetail brackets or clamps or whatever they are, that can fit the narrower rings? What should I do about stabilizing the clamps once they'r attached to the rings? Or is the small savings in weight not worth all the effort and mess? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Many thanks, Joe ________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sun, May 2, 2010 5:56:14 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM? I found a video on You Tube that clearly shows the CGEM mount using the wide dovetail. I like this. I've always felt that the Orion narrow dovetail was anemic and prone to flexing. Were I to get this mount, I'd need to invest in wider dovetail bars, since I have a boxfull of Orion narrow dovetails. Has anyone tried the narrow-to-wide dovetail "Adapter"? On 5/2/10, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
Also, does anyone know if the Celestron and Orion dovetails are the same? Or does Celestron use the wider one?
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If you can bring the rings and guidescope by my shop during the week, Joe, I can help you. Should be a quick, easy fix. On 5/2/10, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi Friends, I've been thinking about changing my 120 or 125 mm. guide scope rings for 105 mm. -- I have both styles. Back ages ago Guy put a dovetail bar on my telescope, and he machined my larger-size rings to fit onto a dovetail clamp thingy that fits the bar. He did it with the larger size because I thought my scope could accommodate a big guide scope. That was wrong; I have downsized the guide scope twice, and now I'm using a good 80 mm Orion ShortTube as guide. It seems right. But with all the gear I put on the telescope, it's so heavy that I have trouble with autoguiding. I'd like to switch the rings from the larger size to the 105 mm. size, which weigh a little less, as I figure every extra ounce hurts. But when I take the clamp thingy off the large rings and put them on the smaller ones, I had two problems. First, I discovered that Guy had wisely planed down the bottom of the ring so it fit the clamp well, and cored out a cone in each ring where the screw goes in, so that the screw fits tightly and the ring is flat on the clamp. Second, the smaller rings are not as thick as the big ones, which could allow them to wobble on the clamp. I thought about pounding some sort of metal shims in at the connecting point to keep them tight.
What I'm wondering is, are there smaller dovetail brackets or clamps or whatever they are, that can fit the narrower rings? What should I do about stabilizing the clamps once they'r attached to the rings? Or is the small savings in weight not worth all the effort and mess? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Many thanks, Joe
________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sun, May 2, 2010 5:56:14 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
I found a video on You Tube that clearly shows the CGEM mount using the wide dovetail.
I like this. I've always felt that the Orion narrow dovetail was anemic and prone to flexing. Were I to get this mount, I'd need to invest in wider dovetail bars, since I have a boxfull of Orion narrow dovetails.
Has anyone tried the narrow-to-wide dovetail "Adapter"?
On 5/2/10, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
Also, does anyone know if the Celestron and Orion dovetails are the same? Or does Celestron use the wider one?
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Fabulous, Chuck! Could you send me the address, and tell me when it's OK to come over? Many thanks, Joe ________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sun, May 2, 2010 11:52:20 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM? If you can bring the rings and guidescope by my shop during the week, Joe, I can help you. Should be a quick, easy fix. On 5/2/10, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi Friends, I've been thinking about changing my 120 or 125 mm. guide scope rings for 105 mm. -- I have both styles. Back ages ago Guy put a dovetail bar on my telescope, and he machined my larger-size rings to fit onto a dovetail clamp thingy that fits the bar. He did it with the larger size because I thought my scope could accommodate a big guide scope. That was wrong; I have downsized the guide scope twice, and now I'm using a good 80 mm Orion ShortTube as guide. It seems right. But with all the gear I put on the telescope, it's so heavy that I have trouble with autoguiding. I'd like to switch the rings from the larger size to the 105 mm. size, which weigh a little less, as I figure every extra ounce hurts. But when I take the clamp thingy off the large rings and put them on the smaller ones, I had two problems. First, I discovered that Guy had wisely planed down the bottom of the ring so it fit the clamp well, and cored out a cone in each ring where the screw goes in, so that the screw fits tightly and the ring is flat on the clamp. Second, the smaller rings are not as thick as the big ones, which could allow them to wobble on the clamp. I thought about pounding some sort of metal shims in at the connecting point to keep them tight.
What I'm wondering is, are there smaller dovetail brackets or clamps or whatever they are, that can fit the narrower rings? What should I do about stabilizing the clamps once they'r attached to the rings? Or is the small savings in weight not worth all the effort and mess? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Many thanks, Joe
________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sun, May 2, 2010 5:56:14 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
I found a video on You Tube that clearly shows the CGEM mount using the wide dovetail.
I like this. I've always felt that the Orion narrow dovetail was anemic and prone to flexing. Were I to get this mount, I'd need to invest in wider dovetail bars, since I have a boxfull of Orion narrow dovetails.
Has anyone tried the narrow-to-wide dovetail "Adapter"?
On 5/2/10, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
Also, does anyone know if the Celestron and Orion dovetails are the same? Or does Celestron use the wider one?
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Joe: Offices at 645 W. 200 North, North Salt Lake. Note that the address is not on the Salt Lake City grid, but in south Davis county, in the city of North Salt Lake. It does not share SLC's grid system. Take Redwood north until you cross over I-215 in south Davis county, toward the refineries. Continue north, past Center street, then turn right (east) on 200 north. Continue to 645 West and park in a visitor stall at Companion Systems. Call me on my cell phone once you arrive- we currently don't have a full-time receptionist. I will come over and get you. I work in a different building than our main offices, it's a large campus. Wednesday or Thursday afternoon this week is best for me. On 5/3/10, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> wrote:
Fabulous, Chuck! Could you send me the address, and tell me when it's OK to come over? Many thanks, Joe
________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sun, May 2, 2010 11:52:20 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
If you can bring the rings and guidescope by my shop during the week, Joe, I can help you. Should be a quick, easy fix.
On 5/2/10, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi Friends, I've been thinking about changing my 120 or 125 mm. guide scope rings for 105 mm. -- I have both styles. Back ages ago Guy put a dovetail bar on my telescope, and he machined my larger-size rings to fit onto a dovetail clamp thingy that fits the bar. He did it with the larger size because I thought my scope could accommodate a big guide scope. That was wrong; I have downsized the guide scope twice, and now I'm using a good 80 mm Orion ShortTube as guide. It seems right. But with all the gear I put on the telescope, it's so heavy that I have trouble with autoguiding. I'd like to switch the rings from the larger size to the 105 mm. size, which weigh a little less, as I figure every extra ounce hurts. But when I take the clamp thingy off the large rings and put them on the smaller ones, I had two problems. First, I discovered that Guy had wisely planed down the bottom of the ring so it fit the clamp well, and cored out a cone in each ring where the screw goes in, so that the screw fits tightly and the ring is flat on the clamp. Second, the smaller rings are not as thick as the big ones, which could allow them to wobble on the clamp. I thought about pounding some sort of metal shims in at the connecting point to keep them tight.
What I'm wondering is, are there smaller dovetail brackets or clamps or whatever they are, that can fit the narrower rings? What should I do about stabilizing the clamps once they'r attached to the rings? Or is the small savings in weight not worth all the effort and mess? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Many thanks, Joe
________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sun, May 2, 2010 5:56:14 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
I found a video on You Tube that clearly shows the CGEM mount using the wide dovetail.
I like this. I've always felt that the Orion narrow dovetail was anemic and prone to flexing. Were I to get this mount, I'd need to invest in wider dovetail bars, since I have a boxfull of Orion narrow dovetails.
Has anyone tried the narrow-to-wide dovetail "Adapter"?
On 5/2/10, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
Also, does anyone know if the Celestron and Orion dovetails are the same? Or does Celestron use the wider one?
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That's really kind, Chuck. I think Thursday would be better than Wednesday for me. Best wishes, Joe ________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Mon, May 3, 2010 9:10:19 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM? Joe: Offices at 645 W. 200 North, North Salt Lake. Note that the address is not on the Salt Lake City grid, but in south Davis county, in the city of North Salt Lake. It does not share SLC's grid system. Take Redwood north until you cross over I-215 in south Davis county, toward the refineries. Continue north, past Center street, then turn right (east) on 200 north. Continue to 645 West and park in a visitor stall at Companion Systems. Call me on my cell phone once you arrive- we currently don't have a full-time receptionist. I will come over and get you. I work in a different building than our main offices, it's a large campus. Wednesday or Thursday afternoon this week is best for me. On 5/3/10, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> wrote:
Fabulous, Chuck! Could you send me the address, and tell me when it's OK to come over? Many thanks, Joe
________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sun, May 2, 2010 11:52:20 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
If you can bring the rings and guidescope by my shop during the week, Joe, I can help you. Should be a quick, easy fix.
On 5/2/10, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi Friends, I've been thinking about changing my 120 or 125 mm. guide scope rings for 105 mm. -- I have both styles. Back ages ago Guy put a dovetail bar on my telescope, and he machined my larger-size rings to fit onto a dovetail clamp thingy that fits the bar. He did it with the larger size because I thought my scope could accommodate a big guide scope. That was wrong; I have downsized the guide scope twice, and now I'm using a good 80 mm Orion ShortTube as guide. It seems right. But with all the gear I put on the telescope, it's so heavy that I have trouble with autoguiding. I'd like to switch the rings from the larger size to the 105 mm. size, which weigh a little less, as I figure every extra ounce hurts. But when I take the clamp thingy off the large rings and put them on the smaller ones, I had two problems. First, I discovered that Guy had wisely planed down the bottom of the ring so it fit the clamp well, and cored out a cone in each ring where the screw goes in, so that the screw fits tightly and the ring is flat on the clamp. Second, the smaller rings are not as thick as the big ones, which could allow them to wobble on the clamp. I thought about pounding some sort of metal shims in at the connecting point to keep them tight.
What I'm wondering is, are there smaller dovetail brackets or clamps or whatever they are, that can fit the narrower rings? What should I do about stabilizing the clamps once they'r attached to the rings? Or is the small savings in weight not worth all the effort and mess? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Many thanks, Joe
________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sun, May 2, 2010 5:56:14 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
I found a video on You Tube that clearly shows the CGEM mount using the wide dovetail.
I like this. I've always felt that the Orion narrow dovetail was anemic and prone to flexing. Were I to get this mount, I'd need to invest in wider dovetail bars, since I have a boxfull of Orion narrow dovetails.
Has anyone tried the narrow-to-wide dovetail "Adapter"?
On 5/2/10, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
Also, does anyone know if the Celestron and Orion dovetails are the same? Or does Celestron use the wider one?
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See you Thursday, Joe. Between 1 and 3? On 5/3/10, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> wrote:
That's really kind, Chuck. I think Thursday would be better than Wednesday for me. Best wishes, Joe
________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Mon, May 3, 2010 9:10:19 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
Joe:
Offices at 645 W. 200 North, North Salt Lake.
Note that the address is not on the Salt Lake City grid, but in south Davis county, in the city of North Salt Lake. It does not share SLC's grid system.
Take Redwood north until you cross over I-215 in south Davis county, toward the refineries. Continue north, past Center street, then turn right (east) on 200 north. Continue to 645 West and park in a visitor stall at Companion Systems.
Call me on my cell phone once you arrive- we currently don't have a full-time receptionist. I will come over and get you. I work in a different building than our main offices, it's a large campus.
Wednesday or Thursday afternoon this week is best for me.
On 5/3/10, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> wrote:
Fabulous, Chuck! Could you send me the address, and tell me when it's OK to come over? Many thanks, Joe
________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sun, May 2, 2010 11:52:20 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
If you can bring the rings and guidescope by my shop during the week, Joe, I can help you. Should be a quick, easy fix.
On 5/2/10, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi Friends, I've been thinking about changing my 120 or 125 mm. guide scope rings for 105 mm. -- I have both styles. Back ages ago Guy put a dovetail bar on my telescope, and he machined my larger-size rings to fit onto a dovetail clamp thingy that fits the bar. He did it with the larger size because I thought my scope could accommodate a big guide scope. That was wrong; I have downsized the guide scope twice, and now I'm using a good 80 mm Orion ShortTube as guide. It seems right. But with all the gear I put on the telescope, it's so heavy that I have trouble with autoguiding. I'd like to switch the rings from the larger size to the 105 mm. size, which weigh a little less, as I figure every extra ounce hurts. But when I take the clamp thingy off the large rings and put them on the smaller ones, I had two problems. First, I discovered that Guy had wisely planed down the bottom of the ring so it fit the clamp well, and cored out a cone in each ring where the screw goes in, so that the screw fits tightly and the ring is flat on the clamp. Second, the smaller rings are not as thick as the big ones, which could allow them to wobble on the clamp. I thought about pounding some sort of metal shims in at the connecting point to keep them tight.
What I'm wondering is, are there smaller dovetail brackets or clamps or whatever they are, that can fit the narrower rings? What should I do about stabilizing the clamps once they'r attached to the rings? Or is the small savings in weight not worth all the effort and mess? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Many thanks, Joe
________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sun, May 2, 2010 5:56:14 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
I found a video on You Tube that clearly shows the CGEM mount using the wide dovetail.
I like this. I've always felt that the Orion narrow dovetail was anemic and prone to flexing. Were I to get this mount, I'd need to invest in wider dovetail bars, since I have a boxfull of Orion narrow dovetails.
Has anyone tried the narrow-to-wide dovetail "Adapter"?
On 5/2/10, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
Also, does anyone know if the Celestron and Orion dovetails are the same? Or does Celestron use the wider one?
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1 p.m. it is. Thanks again, Joe ________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Mon, May 3, 2010 11:09:00 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM? See you Thursday, Joe. Between 1 and 3? On 5/3/10, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> wrote:
That's really kind, Chuck. I think Thursday would be better than Wednesday for me. Best wishes, Joe
________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Mon, May 3, 2010 9:10:19 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
Joe:
Offices at 645 W. 200 North, North Salt Lake.
Note that the address is not on the Salt Lake City grid, but in south Davis county, in the city of North Salt Lake. It does not share SLC's grid system.
Take Redwood north until you cross over I-215 in south Davis county, toward the refineries. Continue north, past Center street, then turn right (east) on 200 north. Continue to 645 West and park in a visitor stall at Companion Systems.
Call me on my cell phone once you arrive- we currently don't have a full-time receptionist. I will come over and get you. I work in a different building than our main offices, it's a large campus.
Wednesday or Thursday afternoon this week is best for me.
On 5/3/10, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> wrote:
Fabulous, Chuck! Could you send me the address, and tell me when it's OK to come over? Many thanks, Joe
________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sun, May 2, 2010 11:52:20 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
If you can bring the rings and guidescope by my shop during the week, Joe, I can help you. Should be a quick, easy fix.
On 5/2/10, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi Friends, I've been thinking about changing my 120 or 125 mm. guide scope rings for 105 mm. -- I have both styles. Back ages ago Guy put a dovetail bar on my telescope, and he machined my larger-size rings to fit onto a dovetail clamp thingy that fits the bar. He did it with the larger size because I thought my scope could accommodate a big guide scope. That was wrong; I have downsized the guide scope twice, and now I'm using a good 80 mm Orion ShortTube as guide. It seems right. But with all the gear I put on the telescope, it's so heavy that I have trouble with autoguiding. I'd like to switch the rings from the larger size to the 105 mm. size, which weigh a little less, as I figure every extra ounce hurts. But when I take the clamp thingy off the large rings and put them on the smaller ones, I had two problems. First, I discovered that Guy had wisely planed down the bottom of the ring so it fit the clamp well, and cored out a cone in each ring where the screw goes in, so that the screw fits tightly and the ring is flat on the clamp. Second, the smaller rings are not as thick as the big ones, which could allow them to wobble on the clamp. I thought about pounding some sort of metal shims in at the connecting point to keep them tight.
What I'm wondering is, are there smaller dovetail brackets or clamps or whatever they are, that can fit the narrower rings? What should I do about stabilizing the clamps once they'r attached to the rings? Or is the small savings in weight not worth all the effort and mess? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Many thanks, Joe
________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sun, May 2, 2010 5:56:14 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
I found a video on You Tube that clearly shows the CGEM mount using the wide dovetail.
I like this. I've always felt that the Orion narrow dovetail was anemic and prone to flexing. Were I to get this mount, I'd need to invest in wider dovetail bars, since I have a boxfull of Orion narrow dovetails.
Has anyone tried the narrow-to-wide dovetail "Adapter"?
On 5/2/10, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
Also, does anyone know if the Celestron and Orion dovetails are the same? Or does Celestron use the wider one?
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OK, folks, I've gone and done it. I appreciate all the informative feedback I've received. I've actually been looking into this for a while now and had all but made up my mind before posting, but it never hurts to get a thirtieth opinion, right? In the end, I bought the CGEM. Now, I had all but made up my mind on the Atlas- but over the course of a couple of weeks, I changed my mind. I'll get into the reasons in the near future. It was actually a very close race, neck-and-neck for a while. I pulled the trigger to take advantage of a great price on the CGEM: $1250, with FREE shipping. That amounts to a savings of about $270 over the Atlast mount from Orion. And yes, I've already spent the savings on accessories. Truthfully, when the dust settles, even with the sale price, I will be spending more on the CGEM. Hundreds more, actually. Hopefully it will be worth it. Once my new Losmandy-style dovetails get here, and the various other bells-and-whistles I've ordered, I'll schedule a "baptism" night at SPOC, perhaps, and you will all be invited to come out and inspect Celestron's mid-priced mount. Kibitzing and assistance will be solicited that first night, since I'm sure I won't have a clue as to what I'm doing. Thanks again, everyone! Oh, Steve, I've already TP'd the Cloudy Nights forum. Hopefully you don't regret reminding me of it. ;o)
Chuck: I believe you have "chosen wisely". As I indicated I have owned the Atlas but have never owned the CGEM. I have found the Celestron Handbox on my CGE much easier to master and at least at first more intuitive. Can't wait to hear your first reports. Steve
Date: Tue, 4 May 2010 00:07:37 -0600 From: chuck.hards@gmail.com To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
OK, folks, I've gone and done it.
I appreciate all the informative feedback I've received. I've actually been looking into this for a while now and had all but made up my mind before posting, but it never hurts to get a thirtieth opinion, right?
In the end, I bought the CGEM.
Now, I had all but made up my mind on the Atlas- but over the course of a couple of weeks, I changed my mind. I'll get into the reasons in the near future. It was actually a very close race, neck-and-neck for a while.
I pulled the trigger to take advantage of a great price on the CGEM: $1250, with FREE shipping. That amounts to a savings of about $270 over the Atlast mount from Orion. And yes, I've already spent the savings on accessories. Truthfully, when the dust settles, even with the sale price, I will be spending more on the CGEM. Hundreds more, actually. Hopefully it will be worth it.
Once my new Losmandy-style dovetails get here, and the various other bells-and-whistles I've ordered, I'll schedule a "baptism" night at SPOC, perhaps, and you will all be invited to come out and inspect Celestron's mid-priced mount. Kibitzing and assistance will be solicited that first night, since I'm sure I won't have a clue as to what I'm doing.
Thanks again, everyone!
Oh, Steve, I've already TP'd the Cloudy Nights forum. Hopefully you don't regret reminding me of it. ;o)
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Congrats, Chuck. What are you going to mount on it? -- Joe ________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tue, May 4, 2010 12:07:37 AM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM? OK, folks, I've gone and done it. I appreciate all the informative feedback I've received. I've actually been looking into this for a while now and had all but made up my mind before posting, but it never hurts to get a thirtieth opinion, right? In the end, I bought the CGEM. Now, I had all but made up my mind on the Atlas- but over the course of a couple of weeks, I changed my mind. I'll get into the reasons in the near future. It was actually a very close race, neck-and-neck for a while. I pulled the trigger to take advantage of a great price on the CGEM: $1250, with FREE shipping. That amounts to a savings of about $270 over the Atlast mount from Orion. And yes, I've already spent the savings on accessories. Truthfully, when the dust settles, even with the sale price, I will be spending more on the CGEM. Hundreds more, actually. Hopefully it will be worth it. Once my new Losmandy-style dovetails get here, and the various other bells-and-whistles I've ordered, I'll schedule a "baptism" night at SPOC, perhaps, and you will all be invited to come out and inspect Celestron's mid-priced mount. Kibitzing and assistance will be solicited that first night, since I'm sure I won't have a clue as to what I'm doing. Thanks again, everyone! Oh, Steve, I've already TP'd the Cloudy Nights forum. Hopefully you don't regret reminding me of it. ;o) _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
On 5/4/10, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> wrote:
Congrats, Chuck. What are you going to mount on it? -- Joe
Everything I have, from 8" aperture down. Not all at once, lol. 8" f/5 photo/visual 6" f/8 visual 6" f/5 photo/visual 4.25" f/5 visual 100mm ED refractor 80mm ED refractor Various smaller refractors. I'm also considering buying a 7" Orion/Celestron Mak since the price is so attractive. But mostly this will be a photographic platform for the two ED refractors.
I'm looking forward to the views! ________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tue, May 4, 2010 12:09:40 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM? On 5/4/10, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com> wrote:
Congrats, Chuck. What are you going to mount on it? -- Joe
Everything I have, from 8" aperture down. Not all at once, lol. 8" f/5 photo/visual 6" f/8 visual 6" f/5 photo/visual 4.25" f/5 visual 100mm ED refractor 80mm ED refractor Various smaller refractors. I'm also considering buying a 7" Orion/Celestron Mak since the price is so attractive. But mostly this will be a photographic platform for the two ED refractors. _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
I'm interested in coming to your baptism! ;o) /R --- On Tue, 5/4/10, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM? To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Tuesday, May 4, 2010, 12:07 AM OK, folks, I've gone and done it.
I appreciate all the informative feedback I've received. I've actually been looking into this for a while now and had all but made up my mind before posting, but it never hurts to get a thirtieth opinion, right?
In the end, I bought the CGEM.
Now, I had all but made up my mind on the Atlas- but over the course of a couple of weeks, I changed my mind. I'll get into the reasons in the near future. It was actually a very close race, neck-and-neck for a while.
I pulled the trigger to take advantage of a great price on the CGEM: $1250, with FREE shipping. That amounts to a savings of about $270 over the Atlast mount from Orion. And yes, I've already spent the savings on accessories. Truthfully, when the dust settles, even with the sale price, I will be spending more on the CGEM. Hundreds more, actually. Hopefully it will be worth it.
Once my new Losmandy-style dovetails get here, and the various other bells-and-whistles I've ordered, I'll schedule a "baptism" night at SPOC, perhaps, and you will all be invited to come out and inspect Celestron's mid-priced mount. Kibitzing and assistance will be solicited that first night, since I'm sure I won't have a clue as to what I'm doing.
Thanks again, everyone!
Oh, Steve, I've already TP'd the Cloudy Nights forum. Hopefully you don't regret reminding me of it. ;o)
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Hi Chuck, As you noted there is a good bit of solar activity today (I counted 3 spots and lots of prominences) so maybe it's a good time to start thinking about holding the first of those SPOC Sun parties that has been discussed here. And, it could also be an occasion for you to introduce everyone to your new mount. Any interest? patrick On 04 May 2010, at 18:32, Chuck Hards wrote:
Rich, I'd be very happy to see you there!
Let's hope that the weather cooperates and it's not a total immersion baptism!
On 5/4/10, Richard Tenney <retenney@yahoo.com> wrote:
I'm interested in coming to your baptism! ;o)
Hi Patrick, did you mean 3 individual spots, or 3 groups? I noted two groups in the PST, one had 3 or 4 discernable spots, the smaller group had two distinct spots. I'd love to get to SPOC a bit early for a sun party- you are talking about tagging it onto a star party later that same night, yes? Do you have a specific date in mind? On 5/4/10, Patrick Wiggins <paw@wirelessbeehive.com> wrote:
Hi Chuck,
As you noted there is a good bit of solar activity today (I counted 3 spots and lots of prominences) so maybe it's a good time to start thinking about holding the first of those SPOC Sun parties that has been discussed here.
And, it could also be an occasion for you to introduce everyone to your new mount.
Any interest?
patrick
Evening Chuck et al, Date, of course, is partly dependent on when your new mount arrives. My first thought was to hold it on the afternoon of a regularly scheduled public star party but then I worried that could make for an awfully long day for folks that want to attend both the Sun party and the star party. So now I'm thinking of an early afternoon start where we could marvel at your mount and use the Bogdan and the DayStar filter to look at the Sun. Might also encourage others to bring their solar observing gear. As for the date, my "old retired person" schedule is pretty open so we'll need to schedule around those who have lives. :) Thoughts? On 04 May 2010, at 21:21, Chuck Hards wrote:
Hi Patrick, did you mean 3 individual spots, or 3 groups? I noted two groups in the PST, one had 3 or 4 discernable spots, the smaller group had two distinct spots.
I'd love to get to SPOC a bit early for a sun party- you are talking about tagging it onto a star party later that same night, yes?
Do you have a specific date in mind?
On 5/4/10, Patrick Wiggins <paw@wirelessbeehive.com> wrote:
Hi Chuck,
As you noted there is a good bit of solar activity today (I counted 3 spots and lots of prominences) so maybe it's a good time to start thinking about holding the first of those SPOC Sun parties that has been discussed here.
And, it could also be an occasion for you to introduce everyone to your new mount.
Any interest?
patrick
Oops, sorry I missed your sunspot question. I only had a quick look through the white light scope (spent most of the time with the PST). But when I said three spots I was referring to one group of two fairly easy to see spots and then a much smaller third spot all by itself on the other side of the disk. patrick On 04 May 2010, at 21:21, Chuck Hards wrote:
Hi Patrick, did you mean 3 individual spots, or 3 groups? I noted two groups in the PST, one had 3 or 4 discernable spots, the smaller group had two distinct spots.
I had to check in the white-light scope, and it showed the "smaller third spot" to actually be a pair. Once I knew there were two of them, I could see both members in the PST. My mount won't be here until Monday, plus many of the accessories I purchased are coming from different sellers, so their arrival will be strung-out over coming days. I doubt that I could have it up and running before the 15th, and that day might be iffy if the family keeps me from my own interests in intervening days. But I needn't bring the CGEM for a sun party; I have a small GoTo mount for my PST. I have a prior commitment for the 22nd. The 29th is the Memorial Day weekend and I have no visibility on that, as of yet. (As an aside, when did ordering a pair of ordinary counterweights get to cost so blasted much money!? SHEESH!) On 5/4/10, Patrick Wiggins <paw@wirelessbeehive.com> wrote:
Oops, sorry I missed your sunspot question.
I only had a quick look through the white light scope (spent most of the time with the PST). But when I said three spots I was referring to one group of two fairly easy to see spots and then a much smaller third spot all by itself on the other side of the disk.
On 04 May 2010, at 21:48, Chuck Hards wrote:
But I needn't bring the CGEM for a sun party; I have a small GoTo mount for my PST.
True but it would be nice to have it there. But I guess you can always bring it to one (some) of the many star parties set for this year.
I have a prior commitment for the 22nd. The 29th is the Memorial Day weekend and I have no visibility on that, as of yet.
Looks like you are looking at Saturdays. Would a week day after work work?
(As an aside, when did ordering a pair of ordinary counterweights get to cost so blasted much money!? SHEESH!)
Ha! Try buying a few of these: http://www.bisque.com/sc/shops/store/Paramount-ME-Counterweight.aspx patrick
I have zero visibility on weekdays. I never know what time I'm leaving work until I'm walking out the door, so can't commit. Fridays would be the only exception. There's no way I'd pay that kind of money for a counterweight. You could have one made custom by a local machinist for less! But I suppose it wouldn't be OEM Paramount-branded equipment, then, would it? ;o) On 5/4/10, Patrick Wiggins <paw@wirelessbeehive.com> wrote:
On 04 May 2010, at 21:48, Chuck Hards wrote:
But I needn't bring the CGEM for a sun party; I have a small GoTo mount for my PST.
True but it would be nice to have it there. But I guess you can always bring it to one (some) of the many star parties set for this year.
I have a prior commitment for the 22nd. The 29th is the Memorial Day weekend and I have no visibility on that, as of yet.
Looks like you are looking at Saturdays. Would a week day after work work?
(As an aside, when did ordering a pair of ordinary counterweights get to cost so blasted much money!? SHEESH!)
Ha! Try buying a few of these: http://www.bisque.com/sc/shops/store/Paramount-ME-Counterweight.aspx
BTW, two CGEM counterweights were ALMOST as much as one Paramount weight, so even the mid-priced accessories are getting out of sight. On 5/4/10, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
I have zero visibility on weekdays. I never know what time I'm leaving work until I'm walking out the door, so can't commit. Fridays would be the only exception.
There's no way I'd pay that kind of money for a counterweight. You could have one made custom by a local machinist for less! But I suppose it wouldn't be OEM Paramount-branded equipment, then, would it? ;o)
On 5/4/10, Patrick Wiggins <paw@wirelessbeehive.com> wrote:
On 04 May 2010, at 21:48, Chuck Hards wrote:
But I needn't bring the CGEM for a sun party; I have a small GoTo mount for my PST.
True but it would be nice to have it there. But I guess you can always bring it to one (some) of the many star parties set for this year.
I have a prior commitment for the 22nd. The 29th is the Memorial Day weekend and I have no visibility on that, as of yet.
Looks like you are looking at Saturdays. Would a week day after work work?
(As an aside, when did ordering a pair of ordinary counterweights get to cost so blasted much money!? SHEESH!)
Ha! Try buying a few of these: http://www.bisque.com/sc/shops/store/Paramount-ME-Counterweight.aspx
Or you could tie on a few bricks! ________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tue, May 4, 2010 10:35:22 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] SPOC Sun party ( Was: Atlas or CGEM?) I have zero visibility on weekdays. I never know what time I'm leaving work until I'm walking out the door, so can't commit. Fridays would be the only exception. There's no way I'd pay that kind of money for a counterweight. You could have one made custom by a local machinist for less! But I suppose it wouldn't be OEM Paramount-branded equipment, then, would it? ;o) On 5/4/10, Patrick Wiggins <paw@wirelessbeehive.com> wrote:
On 04 May 2010, at 21:48, Chuck Hards wrote:
But I needn't bring the CGEM for a sun party; I have a small GoTo mount for my PST.
True but it would be nice to have it there. But I guess you can always bring it to one (some) of the many star parties set for this year.
I have a prior commitment for the 22nd. The 29th is the Memorial Day weekend and I have no visibility on that, as of yet.
Looks like you are looking at Saturdays. Would a week day after work work?
(As an aside, when did ordering a pair of ordinary counterweights get to cost so blasted much money!? SHEESH!)
Ha! Try buying a few of these: http://www.bisque.com/sc/shops/store/Paramount-ME-Counterweight.aspx
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A little late since you have ordered the mount, still it only took 26 hours to find out the information. A fellow posted back on Cloudy Nights this evening. Height of the tripod without the mount, : collapsed= 28.75" but with the spreader/EP tray in place.* : extended= 49.50" Height to the top center line of the mount:collapsed= 48.00" ************************************extended= 68.25" The tripod broken down for travel: collapsed= 33.00" **************************** extended= 57.75" Now if it is too tall, well then................
Date: Tue, 4 May 2010 00:07:37 -0600 From: chuck.hards@gmail.com To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
OK, folks, I've gone and done it.
I appreciate all the informative feedback I've received. I've actually been looking into this for a while now and had all but made up my mind before posting, but it never hurts to get a thirtieth opinion, right?
In the end, I bought the CGEM.
Now, I had all but made up my mind on the Atlas- but over the course of a couple of weeks, I changed my mind. I'll get into the reasons in the near future. It was actually a very close race, neck-and-neck for a while.
I pulled the trigger to take advantage of a great price on the CGEM: $1250, with FREE shipping. That amounts to a savings of about $270 over the Atlast mount from Orion. And yes, I've already spent the savings on accessories. Truthfully, when the dust settles, even with the sale price, I will be spending more on the CGEM. Hundreds more, actually. Hopefully it will be worth it.
Once my new Losmandy-style dovetails get here, and the various other bells-and-whistles I've ordered, I'll schedule a "baptism" night at SPOC, perhaps, and you will all be invited to come out and inspect Celestron's mid-priced mount. Kibitzing and assistance will be solicited that first night, since I'm sure I won't have a clue as to what I'm doing.
Thanks again, everyone!
Oh, Steve, I've already TP'd the Cloudy Nights forum. Hopefully you don't regret reminding me of it. ;o)
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Thanks Steve, sounds like the perfect range for the menagerie of scopes I'd like to use on it. And especially for the small refractors. BTW, tonight I ordered a custom doublet objective from a fellow who makes them to order. He's making me a 5" f/20. So the CGEM can't really be too tall, can it? (LOL) Delivery time: 6 months. I have lots of time to decide if I want an 8-1/2 foot-long telescope, a folded refractor, or maybe a camera obscura going through the roof of the house! Or this thought just occurred to me, I can dress up as Johannes Hevelius and mount the thing on a pole in the backyard! (Obviously it's NOT going on the CGEM) On 5/4/10, Steve FISHER <sfisher01@msn.com> wrote:
A little late since you have ordered the mount, still it only took 26 hours to find out the information. A fellow posted back on Cloudy Nights this evening.
Height of the tripod without the mount, : collapsed= 28.75" but with the spreader/EP tray in place.* : extended= 49.50" Height to the top center line of the mount:collapsed= 48.00" ************************************extended= 68.25" The tripod broken down for travel: collapsed= 33.00" **************************** extended= 57.75"
Now if it is too tall, well then................
Chuck: Not only was Johannes Hevelius famous for a 150 foot OTA he was also the head of the Beer Brewers Guild for many years. (hic) I can only tell you what a friend told me. "friends don't let friends use mirrors". I vote for the 8 1/2' OTA over folding it. Just my input. I think you are correct that it might be a bit much for the CGEM but then, I'm famous for undermounting. Steve
Date: Tue, 4 May 2010 21:28:06 -0600 From: chuck.hards@gmail.com To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
Thanks Steve, sounds like the perfect range for the menagerie of scopes I'd like to use on it. And especially for the small refractors.
BTW, tonight I ordered a custom doublet objective from a fellow who makes them to order. He's making me a 5" f/20. So the CGEM can't really be too tall, can it? (LOL) Delivery time: 6 months. I have lots of time to decide if I want an 8-1/2 foot-long telescope, a folded refractor, or maybe a camera obscura going through the roof of the house!
Or this thought just occurred to me, I can dress up as Johannes Hevelius and mount the thing on a pole in the backyard!
(Obviously it's NOT going on the CGEM)
On 5/4/10, Steve FISHER <sfisher01@msn.com> wrote:
A little late since you have ordered the mount, still it only took 26 hours to find out the information. A fellow posted back on Cloudy Nights this evening.
Height of the tripod without the mount, : collapsed= 28.75" but with the spreader/EP tray in place.* : extended= 49.50" Height to the top center line of the mount:collapsed= 48.00" ************************************extended= 68.25" The tripod broken down for travel: collapsed= 33.00" **************************** extended= 57.75"
Now if it is too tall, well then................
_______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
IT'S A SIGN FROM ABOVE. Some things are just meant to happen! If I can find a ten-foot-long thick walled pipe of the right diameter, I'll put the old Astrola mount on there in the backyard and stick the long refractor on that one. Oh, I'm sensing a Hevelius Beer & Optics party in my future... On 5/4/10, Steve FISHER <sfisher01@msn.com> wrote:
Chuck:
Not only was Johannes Hevelius famous for a 150 foot OTA he was also the head of the Beer Brewers Guild for many years. (hic) I can only tell you what a friend told me. "friends don't let friends use mirrors". I vote for the 8 1/2' OTA over folding it. Just my input.
I think you are correct that it might be a bit much for the CGEM but then, I'm famous for undermounting.
Chuck: Wanna see my solution for that 10 foot tall pier? It costs less than $300.00 complete. If it is ok with you I'll send you a photo off list. Steve
Date: Tue, 4 May 2010 23:31:18 -0600 From: chuck.hards@gmail.com To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM?
IT'S A SIGN FROM ABOVE.
Some things are just meant to happen!
If I can find a ten-foot-long thick walled pipe of the right diameter, I'll put the old Astrola mount on there in the backyard and stick the long refractor on that one.
Oh, I'm sensing a Hevelius Beer & Optics party in my future...
On 5/4/10, Steve FISHER <sfisher01@msn.com> wrote:
Chuck:
Not only was Johannes Hevelius famous for a 150 foot OTA he was also the head of the Beer Brewers Guild for many years. (hic) I can only tell you what a friend told me. "friends don't let friends use mirrors". I vote for the 8 1/2' OTA over folding it. Just my input.
I think you are correct that it might be a bit much for the CGEM but then, I'm famous for undermounting.
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The mount isn't even here yet, and I've spent a small fortune on accessories. In addition to the mount itself ($1,250): GPS unit: $200 Knob upgrade: $34 (this is the "cheap" knob upgrade. The "deluxe" package is $200) Hand control extension cable: $13 Extra counterweights: $140 (You get one 17 lb. with the mount) Extra dovetails: I bought 4; 2 long and 2 short, from two different sources. About $200 for the lot. Polar Scope: $50 So, with shipping included, I'm up to $700 just in accessories. All told, that will leave me about $50 from the 2 grand I had set-aside for this "little" project. Great, I can buy a tank of gas to drive to a star party. But no Advance Training afterwards! I'm sure there will be more expenses as I get into this. I've already identified another $500 in bells and whistles for the CGEM that I can't possibly live without. But I'm out of money for a few months, they will have to wait. Now I know why I've been a "do it yourselfer" in this hobby for over 40 years!
Hopefully there's a camera in the plans down the road so you can join the list of those contributing some wonderful images. --- On Wed, 5/5/10, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM? To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 4:10 PM The mount isn't even here yet, and I've spent a small fortune on accessories. In addition to the mount itself ($1,250):
GPS unit: $200 Knob upgrade: $34 (this is the "cheap" knob upgrade. The "deluxe" package is $200) Hand control extension cable: $13 Extra counterweights: $140 (You get one 17 lb. with the mount) Extra dovetails: I bought 4; 2 long and 2 short, from two different sources. About $200 for the lot. Polar Scope: $50
So, with shipping included, I'm up to $700 just in accessories. All told, that will leave me about $50 from the 2 grand I had set-aside for this "little" project.
Great, I can buy a tank of gas to drive to a star party. But no Advance Training afterwards!
I'm sure there will be more expenses as I get into this. I've already identified another $500 in bells and whistles for the CGEM that I can't possibly live without. But I'm out of money for a few months, they will have to wait.
Now I know why I've been a "do it yourselfer" in this hobby for over 40 years!
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Yep, that's the plan Rich, I think I mentioned it in this thread early-on. Still thinking about whether to go with a dedicated astro-camera or DSLR to start out with (I'm sure eventually it will be both). I'm not a big fan of taking a laptop out into the field, so the DSLR is the current favorite. Plus I can use it for things besides astro-imaging. We'll see which way the dice roll. On 5/5/10, Richard Tenney <retenney@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hopefully there's a camera in the plans down the road so you can join the list of those contributing some wonderful images.
Chuck, as a member of SLAS you have free access to the club's loaner CCD camera. It's an SBIG ST-6 so it's pretty old but it works and would be a way to get into astro-imaging on a budget. patrick On 05 May 2010, at 19:48, Chuck Hards wrote:
Yep, that's the plan Rich, I think I mentioned it in this thread early-on. Still thinking about whether to go with a dedicated astro-camera or DSLR to start out with (I'm sure eventually it will be both). I'm not a big fan of taking a laptop out into the field, so the DSLR is the current favorite. Plus I can use it for things besides astro-imaging. We'll see which way the dice roll.
On 5/5/10, Richard Tenney <retenney@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hopefully there's a camera in the plans down the road so you can join the list of those contributing some wonderful images.
Thanks, Patrick, I'll consider it. I've got a Webcam and Hi-def video setup, so I'm all set for the "round stuff" already. On 5/5/10, Patrick Wiggins <paw@wirelessbeehive.com> wrote:
Chuck, as a member of SLAS you have free access to the club's loaner CCD camera.
It's an SBIG ST-6 so it's pretty old but it works and would be a way to get into astro-imaging on a budget.
patrick
On 05 May 2010, at 19:48, Chuck Hards wrote:
Yep, that's the plan Rich, I think I mentioned it in this thread early-on. Still thinking about whether to go with a dedicated astro-camera or DSLR to start out with (I'm sure eventually it will be both). I'm not a big fan of taking a laptop out into the field, so the DSLR is the current favorite. Plus I can use it for things besides astro-imaging. We'll see which way the dice roll.
On 5/5/10, Richard Tenney <retenney@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hopefully there's a camera in the plans down the road so you can join the list of those contributing some wonderful images.
_______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
I noticed that JMI sells a thermoformed plastic, foam-lined "hard" case for the CGEM for $400. It even has wheels! (for rolling it through the airport, maybe? lol) Well, that's not in the budget, so I was looking at the Orion padded soft case that they sell for the Atlas. It should fit. Not the protection of a hard case, but not four hundred bucks, either. Then I found this, for less money than the soft case: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=545691 It's within a couple of inches of the JMI case, except for depth, yet still plenty deep enough. I'll buy and cut my own foam, easily obtained locally. And I plan to repaint it, as charming as military green is. It's on it's way. On 5/5/10, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
Thanks, Patrick, I'll consider it.
I've got a Webcam and Hi-def video setup, so I'm all set for the "round stuff" already.
On 5/5/10, Patrick Wiggins <paw@wirelessbeehive.com> wrote:
Chuck, as a member of SLAS you have free access to the club's loaner CCD camera.
It's an SBIG ST-6 so it's pretty old but it works and would be a way to get into astro-imaging on a budget.
patrick
On 05 May 2010, at 19:48, Chuck Hards wrote:
Yep, that's the plan Rich, I think I mentioned it in this thread early-on. Still thinking about whether to go with a dedicated astro-camera or DSLR to start out with (I'm sure eventually it will be both). I'm not a big fan of taking a laptop out into the field, so the DSLR is the current favorite. Plus I can use it for things besides astro-imaging. We'll see which way the dice roll.
On 5/5/10, Richard Tenney <retenney@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hopefully there's a camera in the plans down the road so you can join the list of those contributing some wonderful images.
_______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
Now that's what I call smart. ________________________________ From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Fri, May 7, 2010 11:34:15 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Atlas or CGEM? I noticed that JMI sells a thermoformed plastic, foam-lined "hard" case for the CGEM for $400. It even has wheels! (for rolling it through the airport, maybe? lol) Well, that's not in the budget, so I was looking at the Orion padded soft case that they sell for the Atlas. It should fit. Not the protection of a hard case, but not four hundred bucks, either. Then I found this, for less money than the soft case: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=545691 It's within a couple of inches of the JMI case, except for depth, yet still plenty deep enough. I'll buy and cut my own foam, easily obtained locally. And I plan to repaint it, as charming as military green is. It's on it's way. On 5/5/10, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
Thanks, Patrick, I'll consider it.
I've got a Webcam and Hi-def video setup, so I'm all set for the "round stuff" already.
On 5/5/10, Patrick Wiggins <paw@wirelessbeehive.com> wrote:
Chuck, as a member of SLAS you have free access to the club's loaner CCD camera.
It's an SBIG ST-6 so it's pretty old but it works and would be a way to get into astro-imaging on a budget.
patrick
On 05 May 2010, at 19:48, Chuck Hards wrote:
Yep, that's the plan Rich, I think I mentioned it in this thread early-on. Still thinking about whether to go with a dedicated astro-camera or DSLR to start out with (I'm sure eventually it will be both). I'm not a big fan of taking a laptop out into the field, so the DSLR is the current favorite. Plus I can use it for things besides astro-imaging. We'll see which way the dice roll.
On 5/5/10, Richard Tenney <retenney@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hopefully there's a camera in the plans down the road so you can join the list of those contributing some wonderful images.
_______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com
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Chuck For that price of a used medical chest check and see if you can find a Pelican case way better and more convenient I have my GP-DX in a Peli case, cost $80 NEW and it doesn't weigh 26lbs Aloha Rob
participants (9)
-
Canopus56 -
Chuck Hards -
David Rankin -
Joe Bauman -
Patrick Wiggins -
Richard Tenney -
Rob Ratkowski Photography -
Robert Taylor -
Steve FISHER