"Mark S. Holden" wrote in message
...

Great place for star gazing too, but the mount for my new portable
refractor still hasn't been shipped. :(

Which refractor and which mount??

J.

Buzzygirl wrote:
"Mark S. Holden" wrote in message
...


Great place for star gazing too, but the mount for my new portable
refractor still hasn't been shipped. :(


Which refractor and which mount??

J.



I've got a TMB 115/7 CNC and I'm waiting for a Losmandy GM-8 with the
Gemini system.

Thomas is upgrading the tripod for me. If I don't like it, I've got a
friend with two spots on the list for the new smaller mount AP is
bringing out "soon" and he only needs one.

Having the individual parts weigh less than 25 pounds is a good idea
because of a back injury.

I'm getting a 2" feathertouch focuser to put behind the 3" focuser, but
I wanted it in "clear" (silver) so Werner said to expect it to take 2-3
months.

Other than the tripod, it's practical to fly with - If I take off the
dew shield it'll fit the C8 case from Stellarvue. I'll keep a spare
tripod in Naples.

When I'm home I have unlimited access to a 16" classical cassegrain with
optics by Perkin Elmer, and a good friend has a TMB 175/8 and he'll be
getting a 228/9 next month.

If you attend Stellafane, contact me direct for instructions on how to
find me. I bring my "portable" 7030+ there. It was put together with a
similar philosophy.

Regards,

Mark

Buzzygirl wrote:

"Mark S. Holden" wrote in message
...


I've got a TMB 115/7 CNC and I'm waiting for a Losmandy GM-8 with the
Gemini system.


Ohh, lucky you. I love the TMBs. Awesome optics; built like small
battleships-- at least the older ones were. A friend of mine has a 152 mm
TMB, not exactly portable, but he does get it out to star parties now and
then. I've had some unreal views of Saturn, Jupiter and Mars with that
scope.


I've yet to see a TMB that wasn't well made with beautiful optics.
Thomas is a stickler for quality.

I was fortunate to get one of the last of the classic CNC's. The new
CNC's have a 3.5" feathertouch, and I'm sure it's nice, but the two
focuser system I'll have will give me more infocus without needing to
change the extension.


When I'm home I have unlimited access to a 16" classical cassegrain with
optics by Perkin Elmer, and a good friend has a TMB 175/8 and he'll be
getting a 228/9 next month.


I have another friend who recently took possession of an 8" and 10" TMB. He
has recently purchased a Paragon and a Mountain Instruments mount to put
them on in his backyard observatory. They are truly massive scopes, not the
least bit portable!


You'd me surprised what some folks think is "portable". My friend
treats his 175 like a grab and go. I'd question his sanity, but I enjoy
the views. His 228 will also be a "portable" but only for "special
occasions". (Knowing him, this will translate to - "It looks pretty
clear".)



If you attend Stellafane, contact me direct for instructions on how to
find me.


I haven't been to Stellafane yet, but it's on my list of star parties I need
to visit. I'm trying to decide whether I want to attend the Nebraska or
Texas star parties this year. Decisions, decisions...


Honestly, Stellafane is more about people and equipment than the sky.
More often than not it'll rain on at least one of the nights, and they
probably get two bad nights more often than two good ones, but the
people are great and you get to check out lots of equipment including
some innovative home brewed stuff. Before he had a business, when he
was using salad oil between the elements, Roland brought his first Apo
refractors there. John Dobson is also a regular.

When it rains, I've got the radio.

But you just need one great night where you can find several M objects
with just your eyes to get hooked.

Clear skies and good propagation!

Same for you.


Jackie