What have you been up to lately?

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Lady Fraktor Slovakia
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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#841

Post by Lady Fraktor »


OPT may still carry the Gerd Neumann Ronchi eyepieces as well.
Save a bit on shipping if they do.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#842

Post by Ylem »


SkyHiker wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 2:26 pm
Lady Fraktor wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 5:38 am Did you know you can get a Ronchi eyepiece? I mean if you are checking things...
https://www.gerdneumann.net/english/ron ... piece.html
Now you tell us! This would have been such a great Xmas present, ok where's my credit card... thanks!
My 2 preferred astro venders have my CC on file lol, how dangerous is that 😆
Clear Skies,
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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#843

Post by Lady Fraktor »


So when is the ronchi eyepiece arrival due? :)
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
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, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#844

Post by SkyHiker »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 7:17 pm So when is the ronchi eyepiece arrival due? :)
I'll find out when OPT ships it, tomorrow hopefully.
... Henk. :D Telescopes: GSO 12" Astrograph, "Comet Hunter" MN152, ES ED127CF, ES ED80, WO Redcat51, Z12, AT6RC, Celestron Skymaster 20x80, Mounts and tripod: Losmandy G11S with OnStep, AVX, Tiltall, Cameras: ASI2600MC, ASI2600MM, ASI120 mini, Fuji X-a1, Canon XSi, T6, ELPH 100HS, DIY: OnStep controller, Pi4b/power rig, Afocal adapter, Foldable Dob base, Az/Alt Dob setting circles, Accessories: ZWO 36 mm filter wheel, TV Paracorr 2, Baader MPCC Mk III, ES FF, SSAG, QHY OAG-M, EAF electronic focuser, Plossls, Barlows, Telrad, Laser collimators (Seben LK1, Z12, Howie Glatter), Cheshire, 2 Orion RACIs 8x50, Software: KStars-Ekos, DSS, PHD2, Nebulosity, Photo Gallery, Gimp, CHDK, Computers:Pi4b, 2x running KStars/Ekos, Toshiba Satellite 17", Website:Henk's astro images
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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#845

Post by OzEclipse »


New Wheels have arrived!.
IMG_1727 copy.jpg
.
Some of you who read my "Astronomical Reunion" Visual report a few weeks ago may recall this tale of woe:-

"We got off to a bad start. The tyres on my 18” dob were flat and needed a pump. As the first was pumping up….BANG! It blew, big time. The rim failed and folded as the tyre blew. My ears were ringing for hours afterwards.
blow out.jpeg
blow out.jpeg (33.81 KiB) Viewed 1180 times

After this, there was no safe way to move the 18” dob rocker box without wheels so that ruled out the dob for the night.
Just before writing this report, I ordered two replacement high density flat free polyurethane wheels. No more flat tyres. Expected delivery (1 week)"[/i]

Well, one week was a little optimistic but they have arrived today after 11 days, not bad. I received a notification that they were delivered to the property today.
Screen Shot 2023-02-01 at 3.17.58 pm.png

I won't be out at the property until the weekend to see if I ordered the "Goldilocks" size, not so big that they stay in contact with the ground and are impossible to remove, not so small that the base of the rocker box can't be lifted off contact with the ground, they need to be juuussst right!

Rain, clouds, & storms are predicted!
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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#846

Post by pakarinen »


Went to an ortho surgeon b/c my knees have been bothering me. Tendonitis. But x-rays of both my knees were fabulous, so no titanium needed there (knock on wood).
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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#847

Post by GCoyote »


Standing in line at the big box store because we don't go out on ice days.
Same thing every year, first day of slick roads and people act like they've never seen such a thing before.
Any metaphor will tear if stretched over too much reality.
Gary C

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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#848

Post by OzEclipse »


GCoyote wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 8:40 pm Standing in line at the big box store because we don't go out on ice days.
Same thing every year, first day of slick roads and people act like they've never seen such a thing before.
Hi Gary,

Can you explain what you mean by ice days?
Temp below freezing? Ice storm? Icy roads?

Joe
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Amateur astronomer since 1978...................Web site : http://joe-cali.com/
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Eyepieces: TV Naglers 31, 17, 12, 7; Denkmeier D21 & D14; Pentax XW10, XW5, Unitron 40mm Kellner, Meade Or 25,12
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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#849

Post by GCoyote »


[warning: senior citizen rant follows]

The mid-Atlantic states are sort of a transition area between the North East which experiences sub-freezing temps daily and sufficient snow cover for skiing, and the Southern states that rarely have snow cover or prolonged periods of below freezing temps. Our average temp in the winter months in my part of Maryland is about 38F. With the Appalachian mountains to the West and the Atlantic to the East, we sit in an atmospheric mixing bowl. The forecast need only be off by a couple degrees to change from rain to snow, or worse, freezing rain. We get too little snow for most of the population to become proficient winter drivers so any unexpected frozen precipitation can snarl our perennially bad traffic, turning it into a stationary mass of human dysfunction. We get freezing rain or some mix or rain and snow or sleet a least a couple times a year, half a dozen times in a bad year.

When we moved here 30+ years ago, we naively assumed that as seasoned drivers from snowy Michigan, we'd be fine. Turns out that safely navigating a snowy street yourself is only advantageous if the inattentive locals behind you don't slide into your trunk.

So our rule these days is to take forecasts with a healthy dose of salt and plan for weather at least one grade worse than predicted during the winter months. Waiting a few hours for crews to pull all of the idiots out of the ditches, clean up the wrecks, and salt the roads is usually a good policy. We can then attend to our usual errands while most of the population is chattering about how horrible the roads are after the fact.

Or just stay home and make a pot of soup.
[/rant]
Any metaphor will tear if stretched over too much reality.
Gary C

Celestron Astro Master 130mm f5 Newtonian GEM
Meade 114-EQ-DH f7.9 Newtonian w/ manual GEM
Bushnell 90mm f13.9 Catadioptric
Gskyer 80mm f5 Alt/Az refractor
Jason 10x50 Binoculars
Celestron 7x50 Binoculars
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(And a bunch of stuff I'm still trying to fix or find parts for.)
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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#850

Post by Nakedgun »


~

I just replaced the CV boots on both front axles of my 2005 Tundra, as the inner boots have been leaking for a few months. I waited until, 1) I retired and did not have to rush the work on a weekend, and, 2) the weather warmed enough to work on it outdoors. First time they've leaked, and the first time I took on this task.

I was going to post a photo of the work in progress, but just realized after all the work completed, that I forgot to take one.



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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#851

Post by Ylem »


GCoyote wrote: Thu Feb 02, 2023 2:56 pm [warning: senior citizen rant follows]

The mid-Atlantic states are sort of a transition area between the North East which experiences sub-freezing temps daily and sufficient snow cover for skiing, and the Southern states that rarely have snow cover or prolonged periods of below freezing temps. Our average temp in the winter months in my part of Maryland is about 38F. With the Appalachian mountains to the West and the Atlantic to the East, we sit in an atmospheric mixing bowl. The forecast need only be off by a couple degrees to change from rain to snow, or worse, freezing rain. We get too little snow for most of the population to become proficient winter drivers so any unexpected frozen precipitation can snarl our perennially bad traffic, turning it into a stationary mass of human dysfunction. We get freezing rain or some mix or rain and snow or sleet a least a couple times a year, half a dozen times in a bad year.

When we moved here 30+ years ago, we naively assumed that as seasoned drivers from snowy Michigan, we'd be fine. Turns out that safely navigating a snowy street yourself is only advantageous if the inattentive locals behind you don't slide into your trunk.

So our rule these days is to take forecasts with a healthy dose of salt and plan for weather at least one grade worse than predicted during the winter months. Waiting a few hours for crews to pull all of the idiots out of the ditches, clean up the wrecks, and salt the roads is usually a good policy. We can then attend to our usual errands while most of the population is chattering about how horrible the roads are after the fact.

Or just stay home and make a pot of soup.
[/rant]
Show me the Soup! :lol:
Clear Skies,
-Jeff :telescopewink:


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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#852

Post by pakarinen »


Picking up tax return today. My tax person only emailed that it was complete. Is her silence bad or good, I wonder.

No matter. Tacos for lunch today!
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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#853

Post by Ylem »


GCoyote wrote: Thu Feb 02, 2023 2:56 pm [warning: senior citizen rant follows]

The mid-Atlantic states are sort of a transition area between the North East which experiences sub-freezing temps daily and sufficient snow cover for skiing, and the Southern states that rarely have snow cover or prolonged periods of below freezing temps. Our average temp in the winter months in my part of Maryland is about 38F. With the Appalachian mountains to the West and the Atlantic to the East, we sit in an atmospheric mixing bowl. The forecast need only be off by a couple degrees to change from rain to snow, or worse, freezing rain. We get too little snow for most of the population to become proficient winter drivers so any unexpected frozen precipitation can snarl our perennially bad traffic, turning it into a stationary mass of human dysfunction. We get freezing rain or some mix or rain and snow or sleet a least a couple times a year, half a dozen times in a bad year.

When we moved here 30+ years ago, we naively assumed that as seasoned drivers from snowy Michigan, we'd be fine. Turns out that safely navigating a snowy street yourself is only advantageous if the inattentive locals behind you don't slide into your trunk.

So our rule these days is to take forecasts with a healthy dose of salt and plan for weather at least one grade worse than predicted during the winter months. Waiting a few hours for crews to pull all of the idiots out of the ditches, clean up the wrecks, and salt the roads is usually a good policy. We can then attend to our usual errands while most of the population is chattering about how horrible the roads are after the fact.

Or just stay home and make a pot of soup.
[/rant]
Very nice rant! :clap: :clap:

You get my vote for ROTD (rant of the day)
Clear Skies,
-Jeff :telescopewink:


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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#854

Post by SkyHiker »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 7:17 pm So when is the ronchi eyepiece arrival due? :)
They said the lead time from the manufacturer to OPT is 10-14 days before OPT ships it to me. Sounds like about 3 weeks total, not too bad.
... Henk. :D Telescopes: GSO 12" Astrograph, "Comet Hunter" MN152, ES ED127CF, ES ED80, WO Redcat51, Z12, AT6RC, Celestron Skymaster 20x80, Mounts and tripod: Losmandy G11S with OnStep, AVX, Tiltall, Cameras: ASI2600MC, ASI2600MM, ASI120 mini, Fuji X-a1, Canon XSi, T6, ELPH 100HS, DIY: OnStep controller, Pi4b/power rig, Afocal adapter, Foldable Dob base, Az/Alt Dob setting circles, Accessories: ZWO 36 mm filter wheel, TV Paracorr 2, Baader MPCC Mk III, ES FF, SSAG, QHY OAG-M, EAF electronic focuser, Plossls, Barlows, Telrad, Laser collimators (Seben LK1, Z12, Howie Glatter), Cheshire, 2 Orion RACIs 8x50, Software: KStars-Ekos, DSS, PHD2, Nebulosity, Photo Gallery, Gimp, CHDK, Computers:Pi4b, 2x running KStars/Ekos, Toshiba Satellite 17", Website:Henk's astro images
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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#855

Post by SkyHiker »


Lady Fraktor wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 7:17 pm So when is the ronchi eyepiece arrival due? :)
It just arrived, 10 days total, very good. I will be trying it this weekend.

Meanwhile, I will be retiring by the end of this month. The choice was made for me and the rest of my department due to budget cuts. The timing is great for me; I am 65 and had been wondering if I should have retired before taking on my current project. The work has been great, but I always suspected it would have to end someday, so no regrets. I look forward to having more time for my hobbies and finishing some long overdue home chores.
... Henk. :D Telescopes: GSO 12" Astrograph, "Comet Hunter" MN152, ES ED127CF, ES ED80, WO Redcat51, Z12, AT6RC, Celestron Skymaster 20x80, Mounts and tripod: Losmandy G11S with OnStep, AVX, Tiltall, Cameras: ASI2600MC, ASI2600MM, ASI120 mini, Fuji X-a1, Canon XSi, T6, ELPH 100HS, DIY: OnStep controller, Pi4b/power rig, Afocal adapter, Foldable Dob base, Az/Alt Dob setting circles, Accessories: ZWO 36 mm filter wheel, TV Paracorr 2, Baader MPCC Mk III, ES FF, SSAG, QHY OAG-M, EAF electronic focuser, Plossls, Barlows, Telrad, Laser collimators (Seben LK1, Z12, Howie Glatter), Cheshire, 2 Orion RACIs 8x50, Software: KStars-Ekos, DSS, PHD2, Nebulosity, Photo Gallery, Gimp, CHDK, Computers:Pi4b, 2x running KStars/Ekos, Toshiba Satellite 17", Website:Henk's astro images
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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#856

Post by Lady Fraktor »


Congratulations on the retirement Henk! I have either 3 or 8 years to go, retire at 50 or 55 depending on how I feel about work :D
Have fun checking the optics with the Ronchi eyepiece.
See Far Sticks: Antares Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser BV 127/1200, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885
EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, AXJ, AXD
Az/Alt: AYO Digi II/ Argo Navis, Stellarvue M2C/ Argo Navis
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, Takahashi prism, TAL, Vixen flip mirror
Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss
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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#857

Post by OzEclipse »


SkyHiker wrote: Thu Feb 09, 2023 3:49 am
Lady Fraktor wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 7:17 pm So when is the ronchi eyepiece arrival due? :)
It just arrived, 10 days total, very good. I will be trying it this weekend.

Meanwhile, I will be retiring by the end of this month. The choice was made for me and the rest of my department due to budget cuts. The timing is great for me; I am 65 and had been wondering if I should have retired before taking on my current project. The work has been great, but I always suspected it would have to end someday, so no regrets. I look forward to having more time for my hobbies and finishing some long overdue home chores.
Hi Henk,
Great to hear. You won't regret retiring having time for yourself.

My only regret is agreeing to return to work this year. But it's temporary and I am happy to be helping out the person I mentored to take over from me while she's on maternity leave. 6 months to go.
Joe
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Amateur astronomer since 1978...................Web site : http://joe-cali.com/
Scopes: ATM 18" Dob, Vixen VC200L, ATM 6"f7, Stellarvue 102ED, Saxon ED80, WO M70 ED, Orion 102 Maksutov, ST80.
Mounts: Takahashi EM-200, iOptron iEQ45, Push dobsonian with Nexus DSC, three homemade EQ's.
Eyepieces: TV Naglers 31, 17, 12, 7; Denkmeier D21 & D14; Pentax XW10, XW5, Unitron 40mm Kellner, Meade Or 25,12
Cameras : Pentax K1, K5, K01, K10D / VIDEO CAMS : TacosBD, Lihmsec.
Cam/guider/controllers: Lacerta MGEN 3, SW Synguider, Simulation Curriculum SkyFi 3+Sky safari
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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#858

Post by Butterfly Maiden »


SkyHiker wrote: Thu Feb 09, 2023 3:49 am Meanwhile, I will be retiring by the end of this month. The choice was made for me and the rest of my department due to budget cuts. The timing is great for me; I am 65 and had been wondering if I should have retired before taking on my current project. The work has been great, but I always suspected it would have to end someday, so no regrets. I look forward to having more time for my hobbies and finishing some long overdue home chores.
I am sure you will enjoy your retirement Henk :icon-smile:

I am in the fortunate position that, being self-employed, I could retire any time I want to.

However, the extra income for a while longer is very welcome.

I really enjoy my work anyway, and I am only 28 years old so I have a few more years left in me yet :lol:
Vanessa

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Re: What have you been up to lately?

#859

Post by DeanD »


I have had a couple of views of Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) looking north from my house with my binoculars and 6" achro refractor over the city light pollution. It is pretty faint and fast moving, but still a bit of a novelty: especially in a couple of days when it zips past Mars. FWIW I had to use my 15x70's to see it initially and then I could find it in my 10x50's. It is getting a bit higher now and the Moon is out of the way so the view is better; and it would be much better without 40km of city lights in front of me!

However, I must have dropped my printed "finder chart" on to the floor last night after I came back in: and my cat told me in no uncertain terms what he thinks of me going outside at night when he isn't allowed to: ;)

(or maybe he just wanted to add an image to the chart!)
IMG_0748.JPG
Telescopes: 12" f5 dob, Celestron CPC800, 150mmf5 Celestron achro, Tak TSA102, TV76, ETX125...
Binos: Steiner Wildlife XP 10x26, Swarovski 8x30 Habicht, Zeiss SFL 8x40, Vanguard Endeavour 10.5x45, Fuji FMTR-SX 10x50, Tak 22x60, Orion Resolux 15x70
Eyepieces: way too many (is that possible?), but I do like my TV 32mm plossl, 13mm Nagler T6, 27mm Panoptic and 3-6mm Nagler zoom, plus Fujiyama 18mm and 25mm orthos and Tak 7.5mm LE
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Re: What have you been up to lately?

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Post by Thefatkitty »


Why does that look so familiar? Or maybe it's a new interstellar visitor :lol:
Mark

"The Hankmeister" Celestron 8SE, orange tube Vixen made C80, CG4 & AZ-EQ5 mounts.
Too much Towa glass/mirrors.

H/A - PST stage 2 mod with a Baader 90mm ERF on a Celestron XLT 102 (thanks Mike!)
Ca-K - W/O 61mm, Antares 1.6 barlow, Baader 3.8 OD and Ca-K filters with a ZWO ASI174mm.
W/L - C80-HD with Baader 5.0 & 3.8 Solar film, Solar Continuum 7.5nm and UV/IR filters with a Canon EOS 550D.

Oh yeah, and Solar Cycle 25 :D
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