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What's your name? Introduce yourself to IFAS!

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14 years 6 months ago #80710 by mjc
Sorry to hear that its the Azimuth drive that's harder to deal with. Now assuming that you scope is an ETX 70 or same design ensure that the Az clutch lever is properly engaged. Should feel it get tight when engaging. Also just might be worth trying "training the drive"? If you haven't got the manual you can get it here

www.meade.com/manuals/TelescopeManuals/E...60-70AT%20manual.pdf

Here's a good site for ETX tips, hacks, etc
www.weasner.com/etx/menu.html

I enjoyed my ETX when I used to use it on original mount - but it did come with problems and frustrations. A fine scope for using a webcam to image the moon.

I think you are right, however, to have your eyes on a dobsonian.

Mark

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14 years 5 months ago #81504 by cathalferris
Replied by cathalferris on topic Re:Introductions! - Welcome to IrishAstronomy.org!
Hi everyone.

I suppose it's time to introduce myself.
My name is Cathal Ferris, I'm currently living in either Galway where I work as an engineer in an enterprise security software corporation, and Limerick where I tend to spend weekends.

When I was a kid I had a very strong interest in astronomy, getting a half-decent Tasco 60mm scope and upgrading from that to an 8.75" f6 pier-mounted GEM newtonian that got a lot of use from the parent's hompeplace in dark-skied South Tipp.
After moving away to college and my parents moving house, I lost the pier mount but I brought the tube and mount away.

A decade later I got myself an EXT-70 from Lidl, and that kept me entertained for a year or two. Recently I found I was getting back to be more interested in looking up and doing simple afocal videoing with a digicam, and using registax to get images. I'm currently budgetting for a 10" lx200 or close equivalent. I came across the newtonian tube again and I decided I would do something useful with it. I built a simple and rough dobsonian mount and a sling to strap the altitude bearings last weekend. Suprisingly it gave good enough images given the primary mirror is cloudy and tarnished, but I may get it recoated if that doesn't cost a fortune.

I'm remembering my old observing techniques and getting to know the favourite starhops again, and I'm looking forwards to seeing if I can help anyone here if I can.

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14 years 5 months ago #81508 by mjc
Welcome Cathal

I hope your renewed interest with astronomy rewards you - this is a good forum for exchanging experiences etc.

I had a quick look at cost of recoating primary mirrors and it isn't that expensive - looks like less the £30 in UK for your mirror. Of course shipping has to be added to this.

This crowd appear to be worth looking at - they'll also remove the old coating.

www.galvoptics.fsnet.co.uk/telescope7.htm

Mark

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14 years 5 months ago #81510 by Frank Ryan
Hi Cathal.
Welcome to the IFAS boards.
I have to say I went down a similar road when I began although
with the ETX125.

At Shannonside we go observing usually on good clear weekends
so if you are around Limerick an want to meet up just keep an eye on
the SAC message boards for when we are going...
shannonsideastronomyclub.com/phpBB2/index.php

My Astrophotography
Shannonside Astronomy Club __________________________________________
Meade ETX-125PE, Bresser 10 x 50 Binos & Me Peepers

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14 years 5 months ago #81512 by Seanie_Morris
Replied by Seanie_Morris on topic Re:Introductions! - Welcome to IrishAstronomy.org!
Welcome along Cathal, mey these boards help entertain and elighten you in Astronomy once again when the nights are cloudy!

cathalferris wrote:

...given the primary mirror is cloudy and tarnished, but I may get it recoated if that doesn't cost a fortune.


I have a 200mm F8 reflector. Currently, the optics are in storage, having been put there about 4 years ago when I recoated them last. They are part of a reflector I built in 1995, and from when I bought the optics new from Orion Optics, 4 years ago was the only time I had to get them recoated.

Your key things to remember about having a reflector are:

*Never wipe the mirror except when needed, and do so with a camel hair brush.
*Always allow a fogged mirror to dry off naturally, and preferrably not pointing straight up - have the tube tilted.
*If you ever need to wash a mirror because of e.g. bird crap or bad dew/water marks, soak it in a basin of lukewarm distilled water with a small amount of washing up liquid to make up the suds for about 10 minutes, gently brush with the camel hair brush (do not swirl or use circular motion), then wash off with room-temperature distilled water, tilt the back of the mirror against an object e.g. a book, on a towel, and use a hair dryer on a warm, not hot, setting to dry it.

Dew will always get on your optics at some stage, but if cared for and stored properly, you could get up to 20 or 30 years on a scope getting monthly use before having to get it recoated.

Hope this helps,

Seanie.

Midlands Astronomy Club.
Radio Presenter (Midlands 103), Space Enthusiast, Astronomy Outreach Co-ordinator.
Former IFAS Chairperson and Secretary.

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14 years 5 months ago - 14 years 5 months ago #81514 by dave_lillis
Replied by dave_lillis on topic Re:Introductions! - Welcome to IrishAstronomy.org!
Hi Cathal and welcome,
There is a guy selling a 10" LX200 on the boards,
have a look at
www.irishastronomy.org/forum?func=view&a...7&id=78001#81506
Once the scope is ok, you'll save a packet going second hand.
There are IFAS clubs in both Limerick and Galway, either way you're covered.

Dave L. on facebook , See my images in flickr
Chairman. Shannonside Astronomy Club (Limerick)

Carrying around my 20" obsession is going to kill me,
but what a way to go. :)
+ 12"LX200, MK67, Meade2045, 4"refractor
Last edit: 14 years 5 months ago by dave_lillis.

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