Re: [APML]: C8 Delux

[RMOLLISE@aol.com]

The Astro-Photography Mailing List
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In a message dated 98-07-12 03:14:38 EDT, you write:

<< 
 I went looking for the combo you suggested, ie. C8 OTA and Losmandy GM8,
 could not find that combo being offered. But I did find the OTA priced
 at $995. There is hope. I agree, I would rather have the equatorial but,
 the Celestrons do not seem that strong enough. I assumed from what I
 have seen, the Losmandy where a bit out of my reach.
  
 Yes I meant motofocus, I am a photographer, and autofocus is everywhere.
 
 What are digital setting circles? I have an idea, but exactly what are
 they? >>

Hi Greg:

I just offered the GM-8/OTA as an option. I know that a lot of folk put down
fork mounts, but I've had VERY good luck imaging with my Ultima C8 (go to the
url below and select 'Astrophotos by members' for some shots I took with the
U8 under very poor conditions). With PEC and a little practice, taking
pictures becomes almost easy (at least as easy as astrophotography--aka
'Murphy's Playground'--ever becomes! As for digital setting circles, this
consists of a couple of optical encoders, one on the RA axis and one on the
Declination axis. These are hooked to a small dedicated computer with an LED
readout. The little computer will display RA and Dec values of where your
scope is pointed. Most of the computers also have built in catalogs of
thousands of objects, and can indicate which way to move the scope to get the
object in view. Most of these systems are accurate and reliable, but they are
hardly a 'must-have;' especially for someone just getting started in
imaging--there'll be enough to worry about without adding in a DSC system! :-)

Peace,
Rod Mollise 
Mobile Astronomical Society
http://members.aol.com/RMOLLISE/index.html
(The Home of _From City Lights to Deep Space_:
The Urban Observer's Guide to the Deep Sky)