RE: Big Dobs on EQ mounts

From: Mark Wagner (mgwagner@No-Spam)
Date: Wed Jul 16 2003 - 10:52:32 MST

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    Michelle Stone (michellestone@No-Spam) said:

    >The problem with equatorial tables is that the two axis are not orthogonal.
    >So you are going to have a tough time with guiding. Additionaly, with CCD
    >shots, you'll want to shoot the object of interest for 3 or 4 hours, so
    >pushing the table back, reaquiring the object, and resuming your shooting
    >can be a pain.

    What about the images shown on Tom Osypowski's EQ platform page:

    http://www.equatorialplatforms.com/images.html

    Many of these are done with larger Dobs on dual-axis platforms, typically
    stacking multiple shorter images.

    >You should consider the objects that you are going to photograph before
    >purchasing a large scope and mount. The most interesting objects are most
    >easily photographed with instruments in the 4" to 14" aperture and 900 to
    >1300 mm focal length ranges.

    Ray Gralak is getting some beautiful results (locally) with an 18"
    equatorially mounted Newtonian, focal length 2058mm.

    Mark



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