Telescope Pilot Wings
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Telescope Pilot Wings
Tasco BRK Essentials Model: 169735 7x35, Celestron Cometron 7x50, Bushnell 10x50 Legacy WP, Oberwerk 15x70 LW, Meade Infinity 60mm AZ Refractor, Bushnell Deep Space 3 inch Reflector, Meade Polaris 80mm EQ Refractor, Meade Polaris 114mm Reflector.
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Re: Telescope Pilot Wings
We can always create 'flairs' (little icons) if folks want to create the topics.
Scopes: Explore Scientific ED80CF, Skywatcher 200 Quattro Imaging Newt, SeeStar S50 for EAA.
Mounts: Orion Atlas EQ-g mount & Skywatcher EQ5 Pro.
ZWO mini guider.
Image cameras: ZWO ASI1600 MM Cool, ZWO ASI533mc-Pro, ZWO ASI174mm-C (for use with my Quark chromosphere), ZWO ASI120MC
Filters: LRGB, Ha 7nm, O-III 7nm, S-II 7nm
Eyepieces: a few.
Primary software: Cartes du Ciel, N.I.N.A, StarTools V1.4.
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Re: Telescope Pilot Wings
Cheers,
JT
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6R, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100 ∞ AP Gear: ZWO EAF and mini EFW and the Optolong L-eXteme filter
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°
Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."
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Re: Telescope Pilot Wings
If anyone would like an article about a bank holiday weekend just past with three days of perfect weather, yet three nights of clouds, I'm your man
Orion xt10i
Celestron Nexstar 6se
Tal100r
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Re: Telescope Pilot Wings
Hi,
The vast array of both different size and type optics AND your viewing location make a contest between visual astronomers virtually impossible.
What we do offer are self-directed accomplishment badges, for example, the
Cheers,
JT
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6R, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100 ∞ AP Gear: ZWO EAF and mini EFW and the Optolong L-eXteme filter
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°
Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."
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Re: Telescope Pilot Wings
Having observing challenges is a brilliant idea! It set apart AF from other forums and we should develop it further here onJayTee wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2019 9:29 pmHi,
The vast array of both different size and type optics AND your viewing location make a contest between visual astronomers virtually impossible.
What we do offer are self-directed accomplishment badges, for example, theMessier award badges. We have in the works other badges, possibly Herschel and or Caldwell badges.
Cheers,
JT
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Delos, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.
Solar: HA: Lunt 50mm single stack, W/L: Meade Herschel wedge.
Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2461, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 261
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Re: Telescope Pilot Wings
JT
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6R, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100 ∞ AP Gear: ZWO EAF and mini EFW and the Optolong L-eXteme filter
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°
Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."
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Re: Telescope Pilot Wings
How do we let the telescope makers know that design updates are long overdue for the less expensive telescope mounts like the ones that I have to use? They are so archaic that they actually have dunsels on them.
Tasco BRK Essentials Model: 169735 7x35, Celestron Cometron 7x50, Bushnell 10x50 Legacy WP, Oberwerk 15x70 LW, Meade Infinity 60mm AZ Refractor, Bushnell Deep Space 3 inch Reflector, Meade Polaris 80mm EQ Refractor, Meade Polaris 114mm Reflector.
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Re: Telescope Pilot Wings
For some reason our gear, our instruments, our equipment really suffers from poor technical writing. Chalk it up to whatever excuse the manufacturer is willing to provide.seer wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2019 1:27 pmIf an essay would be required in order to get them on say the workings and use of a manual EQ mount we could mine them for good proper instructions for everyone. Ya know even AZ mount instructions suck. There would be other things to like putting together star hops. Maybe there could be different rankings and or classifications.
BUT, technical writing on the scale that you are suggesting is extremely difficult. Here's why, take the
Your goal is admirable but we are stuck in a consumer universe that makes technical writing a very real challenge.
Cheers,
JT
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6R, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100 ∞ AP Gear: ZWO EAF and mini EFW and the Optolong L-eXteme filter
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°
Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."
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Re: Telescope Pilot Wings
You underestimate how poor I am. I don't know mounts like theJayTee wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2019 11:32 pmFor some reason our gear, our instruments, our equipment really suffers from poor technical writing. Chalk it up to whatever excuse the manufacturer is willing to provide.seer wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2019 1:27 pmIf an essay would be required in order to get them on say the workings and use of a manual EQ mount we could mine them for good proper instructions for everyone. Ya know even AZ mount instructions suck. There would be other things to like putting together star hops. Maybe there could be different rankings and or classifications.
BUT, technical writing on the scale that you are suggesting is extremely difficult. Here's why, take theCGEM , for example, the overall mechanical function between manufacturers is nearly identical, but the operation of that particular manufacturer's equipment is very specific as to the procedures and features that it contains. These procedures and features not only differ from manufacturer to manufacturer but also between different models from the same manufacturer. So making an "overall" manual for aCGEM is a huge undertaking. This the reason why we typically see just a generic version of how to "basically" set up the equipment. Some even give you the "why" you are doing what you are doing, but even that sometimes leaves a lot to be desired.
Your goal is admirable but we are stuck in a consumer universe that makes technical writing a very real challenge.
Cheers,
JT
Tasco BRK Essentials Model: 169735 7x35, Celestron Cometron 7x50, Bushnell 10x50 Legacy WP, Oberwerk 15x70 LW, Meade Infinity 60mm AZ Refractor, Bushnell Deep Space 3 inch Reflector, Meade Polaris 80mm EQ Refractor, Meade Polaris 114mm Reflector.
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Re: Telescope Pilot Wings
seer wrote: ↑Tue Aug 27, 2019 12:29 amYou underestimate how poor I am. I don't know mounts like theJayTee wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2019 11:32 pmFor some reason our gear, our instruments, our equipment really suffers from poor technical writing. Chalk it up to whatever excuse the manufacturer is willing to provide.seer wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2019 1:27 pmIf an essay would be required in order to get them on say the workings and use of a manual EQ mount we could mine them for good proper instructions for everyone. Ya know even AZ mount instructions suck. There would be other things to like putting together star hops. Maybe there could be different rankings and or classifications.
BUT, technical writing on the scale that you are suggesting is extremely difficult. Here's why, take theCGEM , for example, the overall mechanical function between manufacturers is nearly identical, but the operation of that particular manufacturer's equipment is very specific as to the procedures and features that it contains. These procedures and features not only differ from manufacturer to manufacturer but also between different models from the same manufacturer. So making an "overall" manual for aCGEM is a huge undertaking. This the reason why we typically see just a generic version of how to "basically" set up the equipment. Some even give you the "why" you are doing what you are doing, but even that sometimes leaves a lot to be desired.
Your goal is admirable but we are stuck in a consumer universe that makes technical writing a very real challenge.
Cheers,
JTCGEM . The mounts that I am becoming familiar with I believe are called the EQ1 and EQ2 and some AZ counterparts. TheCGEM is a go-to mount.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Delos, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.
Solar: HA: Lunt 50mm single stack, W/L: Meade Herschel wedge.
Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2461, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 261
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Re: Telescope Pilot Wings
I am just throwing some ideas out there.
I still think that telescope pilot wings are a good idea.
Tasco BRK Essentials Model: 169735 7x35, Celestron Cometron 7x50, Bushnell 10x50 Legacy WP, Oberwerk 15x70 LW, Meade Infinity 60mm AZ Refractor, Bushnell Deep Space 3 inch Reflector, Meade Polaris 80mm EQ Refractor, Meade Polaris 114mm Reflector.
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Re: Telescope Pilot Wings
It's a difference of degree (quality, price, features) rather than of kind. The mechanical principles are the same for all German equatorial mounts,Bigzmey wrote: ↑Tue Aug 27, 2019 12:35 amseer wrote: ↑Tue Aug 27, 2019 12:29 amYou underestimate how poor I am. I don't know mounts like theJayTee wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2019 11:32 pm For some reason our gear, our instruments, our equipment really suffers from poor technical writing. Chalk it up to whatever excuse the manufacturer is willing to provide.
BUT, technical writing on the scale that you are suggesting is extremely difficult. Here's why, take the CGEM, for example, the overall mechanical function between manufacturers is nearly identical, but the operation of that particular manufacturer's equipment is very specific as to the procedures and features that it contains. These procedures and features not only differ from manufacturer to manufacturer but also between different models from the same manufacturer. So making an "overall" manual for a CGEM is a huge undertaking. This the reason why we typically see just a generic version of how to "basically" set up the equipment. Some even give you the "why" you are doing what you are doing, but even that sometimes leaves a lot to be desired.
Your goal is admirable but we are stuck in a consumer universe that makes technical writing a very real challenge.
Cheers,
JTCGEM . The mounts that I am becoming familiar with I believe are called the EQ1 and EQ2 and some AZ counterparts. TheCGEM is a go-to mount.GEM (German equatorial mount) is just another name forEQ you are referring to.
I have a Vixen Sphinx, an older model, and found the manual to be quite well done, with photos, diagrams and text. I had no trouble understanding it, even thought it was my first
Understanding the basic motions of the mount is critical to using the mount; I don't always use
There is certainly room for good materials on the basic operation of any
Mounts: Vixen SXW/Starbook (original); Stellarvue M2C alt-az.
Eyepieces: Televue: 55mm Plossl, 22mm Panoptic, 17.3mm Delos, 13mm Nagler, c. 1980, 11mm Plossl, 7mm Nagler, 5mm Radian; Meade 15mm Super Plossl; VERNONSCOPE 2.4X BARLOW
Binoculars: Leica 8x32 Trinovids, circa 1997; Orion Megaview 20x80, Orion Paragon Plus mount.
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Re: Telescope Pilot Wings
It would be a symbol to help confirm ones ability to use equipment properly and effectively (get to where you want to go).
Getting a good issuing authority behind it would be great.
Tasco BRK Essentials Model: 169735 7x35, Celestron Cometron 7x50, Bushnell 10x50 Legacy WP, Oberwerk 15x70 LW, Meade Infinity 60mm AZ Refractor, Bushnell Deep Space 3 inch Reflector, Meade Polaris 80mm EQ Refractor, Meade Polaris 114mm Reflector.
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Re: Telescope Pilot Wings
I refer to it as steering the telescope and I have a habit of doing it by holding the diagonal. A good strong focuser can take the abuse but a poorly made one will suffer from it.
If you master using a
Peirs, polar-scopes, single or dual motors, different saddle plates or even
See Far Sticks: Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser 127/1200 BV, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS 100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, SXP2, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II, Stellarvue M2C, Argo Navis encoders on both
Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102
Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Tak prism, TAL, Vixen
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss (1000101)
The only culture I have is from yogurt
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Re: Telescope Pilot Wings
I think what you are really getting at is designating somebody a subject matter expert also known as a SME. The question is who decides when somebody is a SME or not?
Food for thought,
JT
∞ AP Scopes: #1: TPO 6" f/9 RC #2: ES 102 f/7 APO #3: ES 80mm f/6 APO
∞ G&G Scopes: #1: Meade 102mm f/7.8 #2: Bresser 102mm f/4.5
∞ Guide Scopes: 70 & 80mm fracs -- The El Cheapo Bros.
∞ Mounts: iOptron CEM70AG, SW EQ6R, Celestron AVX, SLT & GT (Alt-Az), Meade DS2000
∞ Cameras: #1: ZWO ASI294MC Pro #2: 662MC #3: 120MC, Canon T3i, Orion SSAG, WYZE Cam3
∞ Binos: 10X50,11X70,15X70, 25X100 ∞ AP Gear: ZWO EAF and mini EFW and the Optolong L-eXteme filter
∞ EPs: ES 2": 21mm 100° & 30mm 82° Pentax XW: 7, 10, 14, & 20mm 70°
Searching the skies since 1966. "I never met a scope I didn't want to keep."
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Re: Telescope Pilot Wings
I disagree with you as far as piloting a telescope goes. It's akin to navigating.JayTee wrote: ↑Wed Aug 28, 2019 7:25 am Not to harsh your buzz, and as I said before your overall idea is admirable, but as a retired military and commercial pilot you categorically do not pilot a telescope, you operate it. And as Gabrielle pointed out above, once you understand the basic theory and function of your mount you can apply that knowledge across the board. All you have left to do at that point is just understand the features and procedures for that particular mount.
I think what you are really getting at is designating somebody a subject matter expert also known as a SME. The question is who decides when somebody is a SME or not?
Food for thought,
JT
I have already said about getting a good issuing authority behind it. That would make it even better.
Tasco BRK Essentials Model: 169735 7x35, Celestron Cometron 7x50, Bushnell 10x50 Legacy WP, Oberwerk 15x70 LW, Meade Infinity 60mm AZ Refractor, Bushnell Deep Space 3 inch Reflector, Meade Polaris 80mm EQ Refractor, Meade Polaris 114mm Reflector.
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Re: Telescope Pilot Wings
I agree that judging someone ability to master the scope over internet would be difficult, but we could have a star hopping challenge of some sort which would show your ability to drive, operate, navigate, pilot your manual scope.
Mounts: SW: SkyTee2, AzGTi; iOptron: AZMP; ES: Twilight I; Bresser: EXOS2; UA: MicroStar.
Binos: APM: 100-90 APO; Canon: IS 15x50; Orion: Binoviewer, LG II 15x70, WV 10x50, Nikon: AE 16x50, 10x50, 8x40.
EPs: Pentax: XWs & XFs; TeleVue: Delites, Delos, Panoptic & Plossls; ES: 68, 62; Vixen: SLVs; Baader: BCOs, Aspherics, Mark IV.
Diagonals: Baader: BBHS mirror, Zeiss Spec T2 prism, Clicklock dielectric; TeleVue: Evebrite dielectric; AltairAstro: 2" prism.
Filters: Lumicon: DeepSky, UHC, OIII, H-beta; Baader: Moon & SkyGlow, Contrast Booster, UHC-S, 6-color set; Astronomik: UHC.
Solar: HA: Lunt 50mm single stack, W/L: Meade Herschel wedge.
Observing: DSOs: 3106 (Completed: Messier, Herschel 1, 2, 3. In progress: H2,500: 2180, S110: 77). Doubles: 2461, Comets: 34, Asteroids: 261
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