Cool - I was a little worried but figured I just needed to get closer
with the initial alignment. Looking around for a level, I spotted this
neat little gizmo:
http://www.hfo.org.uk/Meade%20LX90/lx90.html#ALIGNMATE
(Scroll upwards, not downwards) it's a combination spirit level and
compass that fits into your eyepiece holder - looks like a good idea to me
!
I have a Silva Lightweight compass (I use it for orienteering), which I put
ontop of the scope sometimes.
It doesn't seem to make any difference if I align with that or by eye to
Polaris. I don't think it's worth the £23 for that gizmo. A cheap spirit
level is £1.99, and can be used to level the Base of the tripod before
attaching the scope (It's alot easier to extend the legs without having to
worry that the scope might to topple over (smash!). Also you can pick up a
good quality entry level compass for £6.99 from Millets
http://www.millets.co.uk/cgi-bin/Mil...ducts/09246899
It's alot cheaper, and you don't need to dedicate it to the scope.
Third tip, Get hold of or make a #505 PC link cable.
Got one with my scope :-) They are including the LPI for free now which
comes with one, so I am ahead of the game now, even if it takes a while
to get around to doing anything
That's cool, in this day and age I'm a little suprised that they didn't ship
the cable when I got my scope a couple of years back. Oh well.
Get a dew shield.
I bought one yesterday but haven't used it yet - it didn't occur to me
that it would help with light shielding. On it goes tonight.
hehe. Hope it's wasn't cloudy like where I am
Get a dew heater.
Strangely enough, I was looking at a website by a guy named Colin Dawson
in which he shows you how to make your own dew heater ;-)
I know that guy.
I'm currently working on a new power solution for my Scope. I'll be
putting details on my website, once I've
completed the unit.
That would definately interest me -
I've been working on it this weekend. Just need to get the battery voltage
monitor circuit working. Then build a box to house the battery and circuits.
Here's a sneak preview of some of the work so far...
Part of the project is a power distribution box that will be attached to the
scope, which sticky back velco. It's not complete yet, but there's enough
for you to get the idea.
http://www.cjdawson76.btinternet.co....y_powerbox.jpg
The picture shows where I'm planning to attach the box. The silver things
sticking out of the box are 3.5mm mono jacks. The six at the top will be
used to attach dew heater elements. (I'd be suprised if I ever use all six.
Currently I tend to only ever use the one heater on the corrector plate)
The jack at the bottom is an 12v power supply, this can be used for powering
12v devices. I'm not sure if it will be used, but if it's not there I'm sure
I'd miss it. the socket on the right is a standard 8 pin circular DIN.
There will be one of these in the battery box.
The battery box will be used to provide scope power, and will house the dew
heater controller. This feeds the box, to I don't need to unplug the
dewheater everytime I set the scope up.
At the moment the plug that provides scope power, takes the strain of the
cables for the dew heater. This new box will stop that, as you can see from
the picture.
The clear blue box shows the insides of the box really well.
Already seen 'em :-) A couple of the projects really appeal to me,
thanks for taking the time to document them.
Let me guess. The blinking lights. They're always popular.
Actually, I'm glad you read
this group - that way I can holler for help if I get in a mess ! I'm
fairly ok with electrical stuff, so DIYing these sorts of things appeals
to me - after all you need something to do on those long summer nights
before it gets dark ...
hehe yeah. And those long cloudy nights when there's no point settting up
the scope. Feel free to drop me an e-mail anytime.
I've just taken a quick look at your website. I can't wait to see the
images that you'll be producing with your Coolpix and Scope combined!
Regards
Colin Dawson
www.cjdawson.com