Re: ATM Square inches vs retinal gain

["Ed Erbeck Jr." <ed@crazyedoptical.com>]

> From: "pdk" <pdk@tampabay.rr.com>
    Asked:
> When running the numbers I get this..
> 16 inch mirror = 201 in^2
> 20 inch mirror = 314 in^2
> in terms of surface area that is.
> Ok heres my query,  in audio i must double the wattage in order
> to percieve a the tiniest of gain in volume percieved. (approximations
> throughout this post, I'm not a scientist, nor do I play one on tv)

     I wouldn't even try
 
> Is this effect the same with the eye?

     Similar

> Must I double the surface area of my mirror to percieve any gains in
> overall brightness?

     No more than you have to increase volume by 3Db to hear an increase
(your Ears and Eyes do not require a doubling to notice a difference).

> I am disregarding the increase in mag possible at this time for purposes
> of understanding the relationship of mirror surface to percieved
> "brightness"

     But the increase in visualized  Mag. seems to be what you are asking
about, forgive me I'm easily confused......
 
> What I am trying to do is determine if 4 inches is worth a 100 bucks? :-)

     If you can get a 20" Primary for $100 more than a 16" Primary (and you
can set them both up just as quickly and easily) then yes the 20"er will
"see" more. 
> -- 
         Crazy Ed