[AZ-Observing] Re: Saturday night on the back patio with the C11/CGE
- From: "Jimmy Ray" <jimmy_ray@xxxxxxx>
- To: <az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 25 Feb 2007 15:59:58 -0700
...and in "Celestron Orange" or Black! Perfect and what I was hoping for.
Thanks Matt.
-----Original Message-----
From: az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Matt
Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2007 2:17 PM
To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [AZ-Observing] Re: Saturday night on the back patio with the
C11/CGE
Jimmy,
http://www.astro.premcom.com/ADM/ADM%20Products/CGE%20SET.htm
I asked for clear anodized, which he had in stock, but is not listed on the
Web page. They are very nice.
Matt
-----Original Message-----
From: az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jimmy Ray
Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2007 2:05 PM
To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [AZ-Observing] Re: Saturday night on the back patio with the
C11/CGE
Whoa Matt,
"Otherwise, the mount goes together quickly and requires no tools (thanks to
Anthony Divoli of ADM machining for the knob set)."
Tell me more.... (Don't like dealing with nuts, bolts, screws, wrenches in
the dark or out in the field) (One minor downside of the CGE)
Jimmy Ray
-----Original Message-----
From: az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:az-observing-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Matt
Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2007 1:11 PM
To: 'AZ-Observing mailing list'
Subject: [AZ-Observing] Saturday night on the back patio with the C11/CGE
Hello everybody;
As part of the SAC SCT testing contingent, I feel compelled to relate my
experience of last eve.
Regarding the equipment:
The CGE head is manageable but too close to my limit weight-wise to put it
in the "easy-to-handle" class. I have to think about it when I heft it
because it definitely is a two-handed operation. Same for the Losmandy
21-pounders - with no built-in handle, a good grip is imperative or bad
things could potentially happen (I am thinking about my toes here).
Otherwise, the mount goes together quickly and requires no tools (thanks to
Anthony Divoli of ADM machining for the knob set).
The head is currently mounted on a GPS tripod, which is inadequate. A
Parallax 10" portable pier is on order to damp the shakes. An electric
focuser, too, will help.
My test configuration includes Losmandy DM dovetail bars on the top and
bottom of the C11 OTA, with an ST80 (for now) mounted on the top bar. This
config works fine, but at some angles the ST80 is too high in the air for
me. So, I am going to go the tandem-bar route and put the C11 and whatever
refractor I end up with side-by-each.
Alignment proceeded without incident, and the CGE consistently put objects
near the edge of my "low power" field (147x) with the binoviewer and 19
Pans. A pair of 24 Pans is in my immediate future to get the power down a
bit. At 147x, seeing can be an issue depending on the quality of the night.
This should be less noticeable (hopefully) at 117x.
However, tracking was not as good as expected - objects slowly drift out of
view in about 15 min at 147x. I have to investigate this further.
Hopefully it is merely calibration and/or user error.
Regarding the views:
The C11 star-tests as slightly under-corrected, but has good focus "snap"
and a clear focus point.
M42 - impressive at 147x in the city. E and F Trap stars easy, extensive
nebulousity visible extending outward.
Luna - spectacular at 200x in spite of roiling atmospheric conditions. The
terminator was a blend of punchy black shadows and crazy-intense levels of
surface detail. Two-eyed viewing totally rules here.
Saturn - variable views, moments of settled seeing revealed the ring shadow,
multiple bands, and polar darkening.
All-in-all, I am very happy with this latest rig.
Any input regarding tracking or anything else is certainly welcome!
Matt
--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.4/702 - Release Date: 2/25/2007
3:16 PM
--
See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please
send personal replies to the author, not the list.
--
See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please
send personal replies to the author, not the list.
--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.4/702 - Release Date: 2/25/2007
3:16 PM
--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.4/702 - Release Date: 2/25/2007
3:16 PM
--
See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please
send personal replies to the author, not the list.
--
See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please
send personal replies to the author, not the list.
Other related posts:
