[APML] M8....

["Don Spencer" <ecdon@cox.net>]

Hi All,
            Well, I finally convinced myself that it was time to start
shooting through my 12" LX200. I made one attempt back in June, but it was a
feable one. Last night was the first time in about a month that the
monsoonal flow stayed away from Southern California, so I set up in my
driveway and gave it a go.
http://members.cox.net/ecdon/M8.html

My first hurdle was the guiding. I'm using the GEG and finding a star in the
pickoff tube is a real chore until you get use to it. That, and focusing the
ST-4. I managed to achieve both and have now become comfortable with the
guiding. Refinement will be the next process. That being said, getting the
camera focused on a fork mount is a real pain in the...well, you know. I
know how to knife edge and have been given an adapter to use (once
calibrated to the camera) once film has been loaded, but the big problems I
am finding are:
Getting knife edging down. I know how to do it, but am still a basic rookie
at it.
Getting the adapter calibrated correctly. Same reasons I stated above.
Lastly, focusing when the scope when it is not in a convienent position,
which seems to be about 60% of the time.
If anyone on the list had used or is using a fork mounted scope, any hints,
tricks, suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I hope to change my
imaging setup in the next year or so, but until then, I'm stuck with what I
have...lol
Thanks,
Don Spencer


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