ATM Re: Fiber Optics Vs. Ladders

[Ari Friedman <ari@birmingham-us.crosswinds.net>]

I do believe that F.O. will only cover about 1/2mm of viewing area, but I know what you 
mean about the eyepieces. There's something magical about that view through a real metal 
widget...if I wanted CCD images, I'll go the the Hubble Heritage Project :)


Ari Friedman
There's a light at the end of the Sonotube.
http://www.mtnbrook.k12.al.us/MBJH/student/ari/
Birmingham, AL  USA


Aplanatic@aol.com writes:

 Hey all,  stupid  question time.  Fiber optics....  would it be possible and 
feasible to perhaps use them as a way to get off the ladder. Would also help 
with the whole F.L. , coma, diag. size, top end weight, etc.  What I mean 
using the "collector" either in place of the diagonal or in the eyepiece 
holder and running the light guide down to an eyepiece on the nice safe 
ground. This would cost more than a ladder but less than a body cast. That's 
right, I don't know a thing about F.O. So if you do, I hope my highly 
technical explanation has'nt left you crippled thru hysterical laughter.   As 
soon as your eyes stop watering could i have your opinion as to if its doable 
and if its worth it. Yes, i know you can do almost the same thing with a ccd 
to a pc but, i want to lose the ladder, not the eyepieces.  ok, tear me up!
(our hero strolls into the lions den wearing his meat suit with the catnip 
aftershave.)
                                                                              
                  neal