Klitwo

On 25/08/2020 at 01:39, Robindonne said:

Ha thanks.  Ill take a look at it.   Are you able to smell the baader filter yet?   Or is it still somewhere in between?😬

http://ems-bino.com/ems-product-line-english/

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/interstellar-visitor-oumuamua-could-still-be-alien-technology-new-study-hints/ar-BB18iWQR?li=BBnb7Kz

Still revelant...Still possible.

19 hours ago, mark81 said:

I really want to mount my 10x50s and am kicking myself that I gave my camera tripod away a few years back, all I have now is an AZ3...Has anyone tried this? And if so, what sort of adaptor/adaptor plate did you use...

Thanks

Mark

I particularly like this clock-driven and/or even slow motion equatorial arrangement for mounting a pair of 10x50s binoculars.  It's a very steady and rigid way to enjoy binocular observing if you want to spend time viewing an object for an extended period of time while tracking on it too..,.>

http://i.picasion.com/pic82/aeb620f0bfc1caf2dfb70cb4b442b87b.gif

Klitwo

19 hours ago, Sunshine said:

Ok well that's a piece of art of a telescope if I ever saw one, I love it! how long did it take you to make that?

Thanks for the kind words.  It was basically all hand-made out of 1/4-inch plywood with some 1/2-inch plywood thrown in places for good measure.....Strictly made in the same tradition as Sir Isaac Newton hand-crafted his splendid wooden Newtonian telescopes.  All of the plywood was cut by hand...same with any drilled holes with the use of a non-electric hand drill.  Lots of wood glue, hand sanding and some redwood stain.  I hand-ground and polished the 10-inch f/4 Pyrex mirror back in the early 1960s and still found use for it in my Dob-Buster (See 4th. image)....All-in-all it was about 12 month project.  Note that the four brass knobs on the top four corners of the primary mirror's optical box (3 brass knobs for collimating and the 4th for locking the primary mirror in place once collimated via black O-rings and small hand-made wooden pulleys - See 3rd. image).  Collimation of the primary mirror is accomplished by adjusting the three brass knobs in a sequence while looking through the 2-inch PVC eyepiece holder with the eyepiece removed.

How does a sled focuser work? that's cool as heck!   

Because you kindly asked....>

The low profile two-speed horizontal lead screw sled focuser carries a secondary mirror and it's PVC secondary mirror holder on a single 1/8-inch dia. 6-inch long stainless steel strut that is attached by a threaded insert into the bottom of the wooden sled (slide). Simply said...The secondary mirror and it's holder moves horizontally via the 2-speed horizontal threaded (coarse/fine) two-speed lead screw....forward or backward along the primary mirror's optical axis (cone of light) for focusing the 2-inch Erfle eyepiece....See 2nd. image.

Klitwo

My homemade periscope-style off-set magnetic base all-plywood 40mm finder I use on my homemade all-plywood 10-inch f/4 Dob-Buster.

P.S.  The image also shows my all-plywood horizontal lead screw (two speed) sled focuser with my homemade 2-inch PVC 32mm 5-element Erfle eyepiece.

Klitwo

2 minutes ago, Rush said:

Hi David,

If u mean picture of the set up, its up there. ( please do Scroll up, 6 pictures from yours)

The blueness of that sky makes me remember of KALAHARI desert stinging cold nights. 

I can see the outlines of two fracs ( 60 or 71 mm) on Your SA.  SA does a good job with widefield optics. its a nice grab and go set up.

Hope u like it. Clear skies and Cheers

Rush

 

 

1st. Class Image...Excellent!

Klitwo

Splendid 1st. image.....Next stop is the Horse Head!

Klitwo

On ‎31‎/‎01‎/‎2019 at 09:13, Rush said:

Addicted to sky?

CS

Rush

.

 

 

 

Excellent!  Splendid looking setup.

Klitwo

For those interested....these are some "big" binos....>

Even before I completed my dual 6-inch f/15 Dall-Kirkham clock driven Cassegrain binos in 1980.....these big dual 1.2M Cassegrain binos were in operation at the AMOS Observatory (10,023ft. elev.) on top of Haleakala on Maui in Hawaii.  Little did I know in 1980 after completing my own ATM bino project that a short time later starting in the early 80s I would be operating and help maintaining them for AVCO Everett Research Laboratory and the U.S. Air Force at the AMOS Observatory on Haleakala on Maui myself.  (wikipedia.org Public Domain images)....>

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/AEOS_MSSS_GEODSS.jpg

The 1.2M Binos are housed in the large white lower left observatory dome in the bottom AMOS Observatory image. Most of my assigned astronomical duties and engineering projects were in the two large white AMOS Observatory domes (upper middle large white AMOS Observatory dome housed a 1.6M telescope) in the bottom image.  The large silver metallic observatory dome houses a 3.67-meter telescope, known as the Advanced Electro-Optical System (AEOS), owned by the Department of Defense, is the United States' largest optical telescope designed for tracking satellites. (wikipedia.org Public Domain images.

Klitwo

2 hours ago, CBH 0312 said:

Hi All, I know this post goes back a bit but I've only just found you and, as a real newbie, I could do with some advice please.

I too have a pair of Russian BNU 12 x 40 binoculars. They were a present from my Mum and Dad in 1977. They've been superb and I still use them as I can get a great image ... if I close one eye!

Indpendent Focus ring on the right eyepiece no longer moves and I have what I've just learned this afternoon is a collimation  issue (or so it seems). As Mum and Dad are no longer with us I'd really like to get them back to their former glory, your thoughts please for a real novice. 

Many thanks.

 

They do good work on restoring and servicing modern and historical binoculars....and are highly recommended....>

http://opticalrepairs.com/

Klitwo

2 hours ago, F15Rules said:

My FS128 last night (first clear night for weeks) with Celestron/Baader Binoviewers loaded with a pair of Morpheus 17.5mm and twin microfocusing Baader eyepiece holders. And one with the waxing moon in the background☺.

Dave

Nice binoviewer set up on your FS128 you got there.....

I went the cheap route with my homemade 1980 6-inch f/15 Dall-Kirkham Cassegrain bino.  Used a pair of 1979 7-21x Bushnell small lever "zoom" eyepieces with a mechanical  IPD adjustment knob under the black box.  The aluminum vertical action focusing knob is visible in the 1st. pic.

Klitwo

On ‎17‎/‎01‎/‎2011 at 10:23, Quatermass said:

From another thread on imaging thought it would be helpful to post any links we might all have on astrophotography on line tutorials that we have all found to be helpful.

So heres a few I have found to get the ball rolling..

http://sharmaastrone...age.com/PS1.pdf

Levels_and_Curves_for_Photoshop

Astro Imaging Tutorials Photoshop Processing Nebulosity DeepSky Stacker

Star Color Enhancement in PhotoShop CS

Loads more out there but hopefully we can all find some more good ones and share them with each other..

PS>>>Can you all keep thanks and comments to a bare minimum and just post the links to any great tutorials you have found with a short intro for us all, I promise to tidy this thread up when I have time. Many thanks everyone for contributing. QM

I'm sure that Mr. Damian Peach's astro-images have circulated around the Stargazers Lounge website and various public media before....but it's always nice to once again show his splendid astro-images to those (first-timers) and others who are less experienced and are also striving for perfection in thier astro-imaging efforts too....> 

http://www.damianpeach.com/

Klitwo

On ‎18‎/‎01‎/‎2019 at 09:36, david_taurus83 said:

Had a visitor last week while imaging IC405.

That cute little Fox ? sitting on your observatory fence is probably waiting patiently to see the results of your astro-imaging session....and in particular....IC405!

P.S.  This appears to be a rare event.  Not often one sees a little Fox ? so interested in astro-imaging. 

Klitwo 

Waiting for sunset at the 2011 RTMC Expo at Camp Oakes in Big Bear, California with my homemade Nexstar 4SE powered (40K object database) dual 102mm f/6 Celestron GOTO Binoscope..... (2011 RTMC EXPO Warren Estes Memorial Award)

There are so many choices for star diagonals (prisms or mirrors) out there on the market today that it's almost too confusing for the user or beginning novice to decide which one to choose...especially if you are budget minded.  No matter which top quality star diagonal you end up with...there is always going to be a better one out there thanks to new coatings technology.  However, if you're just interested in buying a star diagonal for general observing use on a f/5 Richest Field refractor....I would recommend reading the following information first to educate one self about star diagonals (their attributes...etc.) and then start focusing (pardon the pun) in on which commercial star diagonals (read the reviews) would be the best fit for your observing needs.....>

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_diagonal

Klitwo  

1 hour ago, Alan64 said:

This erect-image diagonal has a 29mm aperture...

https://uk.telescope.com/Orion-125-Pentaprism-Diagonal/p/130876.uts

It's a five-sided prism, a pentaprism diagonal, and for correctly-oriented views.  In addition, there would be no Amici-line seen when viewing brighter objects; although you would very rarely encounter that, if at all.

Given its generous aperture, and per the observational agenda, that one would be best; for a correctly-oriented view.  It is only a 1.25", however.  For comet-hunting, I would use a 2" diagonal, and 2" oculars.

Speaking of comet hunting brings to mind Mr. William Bradfield of Australia and his homemade 6-inch 100 plus year old Dallmeyer camera lens refractor that was equipped only with an old war surplus 26x Erfle eyepiece mounted on his barn yard rickety looking wooden adjustable height tripod.  However strange looking his 6-inch refractor and wooden tripod setup appeared to the modern day comet hunter....Mr. Bradfield was able to discover "visually" an extrodinary long list of comets that bear his name and his name only.  And interesting enough...he did so "without" the use of a star diagonal....>

https://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/bill-bradfield-comet-hunter-extraordinaire-1927-2014/

http://i.picasion.com/pic88/b11d367439789ef9e6c7fc3806230a38.gif

P.S.  Even with all of the modern comet hunting refractors of today that sport the ED glass, top-of-the-line star diagonals and high-end primary mirrors and secondaries that yield nearly 99% reflectivity...including those that are equipped with the latest CCD technology.....it's a good bet that Mr. Bradfield's remarkable list of visual comet discoveries in the modern era will no doubt "not" be surpassed and will be around for a long long time. Whereas most if not all of us would be happy with just "one" comet discovery bearing our name in our life time....Mr. Bradfield had 18.....

Klitwo

5 hours ago, Louis D said:

And a more recent follow-on article by Bill P. about the Baader Broadband Hardened Silver (BBHS) diagonal versus a dielectric and prism diagonal.

With favorable reviews...the BAADER BBHS 2" CLICKLOCK SILVERED MIRROR DIAGONAL lists for a "deep pockets" price of $764USD....but probably could be had after shopping around a little for a modest sales price approaching $500USD....if you could find any that were available that is....>

https://www.eyepiecesetc.com/BAADER_BBHS_2_CLICKLOCK_SILVER_DIAGONAL_2456115_p/1403010.htm

Klitwo

Mirrors require maintenance over time....whereas prisms are more-or-less stand alone and require less attention.  If you're looking for perfection in reflection in terms of coatings....then expect to pay for it with mirrors.  Both mirrors or prisms used in star diagonals have thier attributes but in the end....astronomical discoveries are made with both or none at all. 

However...those who desire perfection in thier astronomical viewing will perhaps appreciate the following link and the information it contains in thier search for the so-called perfect star diagonal that will meet thier astronomical needs and expectations....>

http://www.baader-planetarium.de/news/mirror-Prism-Dielectric-Diagonal-Comparison_2014-03-06_v2.pdf

Klitwo

55 minutes ago, PeterW said:

THought i recognised that dual cassegrain bin picture from the  back of Harrington’s TOuring the Universe through Binculars. I’m about out to take delivery of a pair of commercial 70mm bins... easier to transport than some of the large creations here and avoids having to stretch ones DIY skills, though I bet the views through these big bins is worth the effort!

PeterW

Yeah...The dual 6-inch f/15 Dall-Kirkham Cassegrain binos have been since 1980......RTMC in 1981...S&T in Nov. 1982 and Harrington's 1990 book,,,,and a few others.

Klitwo 

2 hours ago, philj said:

Fascinating stuff Klitwo the box IPD arrangement is something Im mulling over at the moment.

I especially like the "small twist of the knob" mechanical action that creates the dual eyepiece "Pitch and Tilt" IPD adjustment on the Avalon Instruments (Italy) splendid 107mm Binoscope.  It has some mechanical characteristics that are similiar to the one I created for my homemade 1980 6-inch f/15 Dall-Kirkham Cassegrain binocular telescope....See the following Avalon Instruments website link.....>

http://www.avalon-instruments.com/products/binoscope 

Klitwo

On ‎15‎/‎11‎/‎2018 at 03:29, Stub Mandrel said:

Show us your neck-strap...

No neck-strap on this guy....How about a pair of 16x80mm Parks binocs mounted on a homemade GOTO binochair with a 40K object database powered by Nexstar 4SE servomotors/electronics/software?  Pick the celestial object you want to observe on the Celestron controller, press "Enter" and the chair will take you there with it centered in the big Parks 16x80's field of view in less than 30 seconds powered by two big Nexstar 4SE servomotors on each axis via a steel cable (wrapping/unwrapping) on a steel drum in Altitude drive (last pic) and a big gear in the Azimuth drive.  It's one-of-a-kind.  Sometimes on occasion...I attach my C-8 with a binoviewer too for a different GOTO observing experience....

P.S.  The story of the GOTO binochair design and construction appeared in Sky & Telescope and Astronomy Technology Today during the same July monthly issue in 2012...a first!

Klitwo

On ‎21‎/‎11‎/‎2018 at 02:23, philj said:

Inspired by Peter Drews post on his ED80 bins I picked his brain (thanks Peter) at Kelling and had a go myself.

 

Ive had observational bins in the past and never really was a fan of the mags available plus if I wanted decent glass I would have to pay quite alot, so when I saw Peters thread I thought I would have a go.

 

So 2 SW ED80s dual speed later and some ali plate, bar, screws and broken hacksaw blades, blunted lathe and milling tools later I present my Mk1 version mounted on my Berlebach and Giro11.

 

Just sorted collimation today and its all working. Ive got a few bits of tidying up to do like beef up the prism and eyepiece clamping arrangement, make OTA 1 collimation tool less (needs allen keys at the moment), sort a pan and tilt handle and a carry handle out.

 

Its fitted with 2 off 8-24mm Vixen LV zoom eyepieces and these are working nicely having tried the rig out on some apple trees about 80 yards away. Collimation wanders a little when zooming due to some play in the eyepiece and prism clamp arrangements but thats next on my agenda to fix.

Not had chance for first light on astro yet but on terrestrial it performs nicely.

 

 

 

 

 

Nice Job you did there.....

I went the cheap route...used a pair of swapmeet Nikon 1-1/4" prismatic microscope eyepiece holders for my humble homemade Nexstar 4SE powered (electronics/software - 40K object database and hardware - gears) GOTO dual 102mm f/6 Celestron binoscope mounted on a Lumicon Universal adjustable height pier/tripod.....The dual eyepiece holders swing independantly on thier own axis for individual IPD settings. Very easy to adjust.  The views thru the 102mm binos are quite splendid.  They were the cover story in the July/Aug. 2011 Astronomy Technology Today magazine and the Warren Estes Memorial Award winner at the 2011 RTMC Expo.

P.S.  Speaking of "Zoom" eyepieces"....I use a pair of 7-21x "zoom" small lever action eyepieces I cannablized from a pair of 7x40mm 1979 Bushnell binocs for my 1980 dual 6-inch f/15 Dall-Kirkham Cassegrain bino project....They worked splendidly.  It sure beats changing eyepieces in the dark.  See last three attached images below.  I use a mechanical "Pitch & Tilt" action knob (underneath the black box) for the dual "zoom" eyepiece IPD adjustable setting.  The aluminum focusing knob is visible in the photo image.  It's a fantastic observing experience to "zoom" into the bottom of those lunars craters using both eyes at over 300x.  The dual 6-inch f/15 Dall-Kirkham Cassegrain binos won the "Engineering Merit Award" at the 1981 RTMC and also appeared as a 3 page story in the Nov. 1982 issue of Sky & Telescope.

Klitwo

Yeah...life's a "struggle" sometimes.  Even so, I'm expanding on Sir Isaac Newton's original ball mount concept "x2" with a pair of 6" to 10" Newtonian telescopes attached to a simple bowling ball on a humble pipe mount that allows you to align and move them in any direction with ease across the entire night sky.  ?

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NewtonsTelescopeReplica.jpg

Klitwo

P.S.  One can also be pretty creative in making an Alt-azimuth pipe mount with a rich field refractor on board....>

https://www.cloudynights.com/articles/cat/articles/a-novel-alt-az-mount-for-a-rich-field-telescope-r3036

Binoscopes (binocular telescopes) are evolving rapidly nowadays....new designs, new mounts, new ideas and new concepts since I made my 40 year old dual 6-inch f/15 clock-driven Dall-Kirkham Cassegrain bino.  A "Bowling Ball Binocular Telescope" design was bound to appear on the binoscope scene sooner or later.  Well now it has appeared in a recently published book called "Building Binoscopes"....on a simple pipe mount no less.  Soon it will be time to make more room on those star party observing fields...here comes the Bowling Ball Binos on the pipe mount express..... ?

Klitwo

Here are some more photos of my ATM GOTO 102mm f/6 Celestron Binoscope showing the Sky Align NexStar 4SE electronics, dual axis drive gear and clutch system with a 40K+ database........It's a very simple user-friendly ATM GOTO 102mm f/6 Celestron binoscope that provides a very pleasing and comfortable field of view for the observer, all mounted on a Lumicon Altazimuth adjustable height tripod. Very simple to transport, setup and use.