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New / Used Scopes

 

Hi all

As I am a new member to BBAA I was looking at getting some advice
from the membership. As it stands now I am looking at ordering a new
Meade LX90 next month (w/UHTC). This will be my first scope. I have
been looking at Astromart over the last month and have seen some nice
deals….. At least what I think are some nice deals. I was
wondering if I could get some input from you all on what you think of
New / Used and any experiences good or bad anyone has had dealing
through Astromart. Any info that might help so I can make a informed
decision would be great.

Thanks much

Mat
Dale Carey
 

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Mat
I've been dealing on astromart for 3 yrs. buying and selling and have never been
ripped.? I notice allot of the LX200 8" for sale. You can buy a new one for $1999 + ship
I've seen them for 1200 or less (always make a counter offer) I have a LX, awesome machines.
Two of our members have Lx90's and are performing just as well as the LX200's. The difference is
for long exposure photography and a few extra's. The 90 is a great scope for the price.
Dale Carey.

----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2003 6:05 PM
Subject: [backbayastro] New / Used Scopes

Hi? all

As I am a new member to BBAA I was looking at getting some advice
from the membership. As it stands now I am looking at ordering a new
Meade LX90 next month (w/UHTC). This will be my first scope. I have
been looking at Astromart over the last month and have seen some nice
deals….. At least what I think are some nice deals. I was
wondering if I could get some input from you all on what you think of
New / Used and any experiences good or bad anyone has had dealing
through Astromart. Any info that might help so I can make a informed
decision would be great.

Thanks much

Mat



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I have never been burned at Astromart, and think it's a valuable source for
an amateur. However, you should be versed on what you're buying. Remember,
if you're not completely satisfied there is no recourse when buying
something used.

Along the lines of Meade telescopes I will say I cannot remember seeing bad
optics from them. Quite the contrast, both they and Celestron are making
better optics now than ever in their history. The mechanics/electronics are,
however, varied. And forget those instruction manuals! Still, it's amazing
they can sell complete telescopes for the price they do.

Kent Blackwell

----- Original Message -----
From: <newfie122@...>
To: <backbayastro@...>
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2003 6:05 PM
Subject: [backbayastro] New / Used Scopes


Hi all

As I am a new member to BBAA I was looking at getting some advice
from the membership. As it stands now I am looking at ordering a new
Meade LX90 next month (w/UHTC). This will be my first scope. I have
been looking at Astromart over the last month and have seen some nice
deals... At least what I think are some nice deals. I was
wondering if I could get some input from you all on what you think of
New / Used and any experiences good or bad anyone has had dealing
through Astromart. Any info that might help so I can make a informed
decision would be great.

Thanks much

Mat



To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
backbayastro-unsubscribe@...



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to



Lelane Arneson
 

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HI Mat,
??? I have never purchased anything from Astromart. All my purchases have been from Orion. Which I have never had a bad experience. I myself prefer a dob. There is nothing like it. They are the least complicated and in my opinion have the best view. I like the challenge of finding it myself instead of the go to feature. Good luck on any choice you make.
?
Lelane Arneson

-----Original Message-----
From: S. Kent Blackwell [mailto:kent@...]
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2003 10:35 PM
To: backbayastro@...
Subject: Re: [backbayastro] New / Used Scopes

I have never been burned at Astromart, and think it's a valuable source for
an amateur. However, you should be versed on what you're buying. Remember,
if you're not completely satisfied there is no recourse when buying
something used.

Along the lines of Meade telescopes I will say I cannot remember seeing bad
optics from them. Quite the contrast, both they and Celestron are making
better optics now than ever in their history. The mechanics/electronics are,
however, varied. And forget those instruction manuals! Still, it's amazing
they can sell complete telescopes for the price they do.

Kent Blackwell
----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2003 6:05 PM
Subject: [backbayastro] New / Used Scopes


> Hi? all
>
> As I am a new member to BBAA I was looking at getting some advice
> from the membership. As it stands now I am looking at ordering a new
> Meade LX90 next month (w/UHTC). This will be my first scope. I have
> been looking at Astromart over the last month and have seen some nice
> deals... At least what I think are some nice deals. I was
> wondering if I could get some input from you all on what you think of
> New / Used and any experiences good or bad anyone has had dealing
> through Astromart. Any info that might help so I can make a informed
> decision would be great.
>
> Thanks much
>
> Mat
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> backbayastro-unsubscribe@...
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
>
>
>
>



To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
backbayastro-unsubscribe@...



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the .

 

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I agree with Lelane about finding objects by starhopping. In all my years of stargazing my true love has been the "thrill" of finding something on my own. It's a rewarding experience one cannot?attain by simply dialing it in on a computer. Now, I'll admit some people simply don't have the time to devote to spending half the night looking for a handful of objects but I do suggest every once in a while turning off those computers and brushing up on starhopping. I did this a few nights ago and will say I had more fun stargazing that evening than I've had in a long time. So there!
?
Kent Blackwell

----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2003 8:57 AM
Subject: RE: [backbayastro] New / Used Scopes

HI Mat,
??? I have never purchased anything from Astromart. All my purchases have been from Orion. Which I have never had a bad experience. I myself prefer a dob. There is nothing like it. They are the least complicated and in my opinion have the best view. I like the challenge of finding it myself instead of the go to feature. Good luck on any choice you make.
?
Lelane Arneson
-----Original Message-----
From: S. Kent Blackwell [mailto:kent@...]
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2003 10:35 PM
To: backbayastro@...
Subject: Re: [backbayastro] New / Used Scopes

I have never been burned at Astromart, and think it's a valuable source for
an amateur. However, you should be versed on what you're buying. Remember,
if you're not completely satisfied there is no recourse when buying
something used.

Along the lines of Meade telescopes I will say I cannot remember seeing bad
optics from them. Quite the contrast, both they and Celestron are making
better optics now than ever in their history. The mechanics/electronics are,
however, varied. And forget those instruction manuals! Still, it's amazing
they can sell complete telescopes for the price they do.

Kent Blackwell
----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2003 6:05 PM
Subject: [backbayastro] New / Used Scopes


> Hi? all
>
> As I am a new member to BBAA I was looking at getting some advice
> from the membership. As it stands now I am looking at ordering a new
> Meade LX90 next month (w/UHTC). This will be my first scope. I have
> been looking at Astromart over the last month and have seen some nice
> deals... At least what I think are some nice deals. I was
> wondering if I could get some input from you all on what you think of
> New / Used and any experiences good or bad anyone has had dealing
> through Astromart. Any info that might help so I can make a informed
> decision would be great.
>
> Thanks much
>
> Mat
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> backbayastro-unsubscribe@...
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
>
>
>
>



To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
backbayastro-unsubscribe@...



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the .

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
backbayastro-unsubscribe@...



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the .

 

After years of not having the luxury of a computer, now I find
it hard to turn mine off I must admit. However, Messier
Marathon time is one occasion I make a big exception.
The sense of accomplishment from finding all those objects
(my personal record so far is 107) in one night is one
that doesn't wear off quickly. And it won't be long before
it's time to give it another shot! I guess the marathon is
something some love to do and others rebel at the idea. I
find it a great excuse to spend an exciting night out under
the stars.

Richard


--- In backbayastro@..., "S. Kent Blackwell" <kent@e...>
wrote:
I agree with Lelane about finding objects by starhopping. In all my
years of stargazing my true love has been the "thrill" of finding
something on my own. It's a rewarding experience one cannot attain by
simply dialing it in on a computer. Now, I'll admit some people simply
don't have the time to devote to spending half the night looking for a
handful of objects but I do suggest every once in a while turning off
those computers and brushing up on starhopping. I did this a few
nights ago and will say I had more fun stargazing that evening than
I've had in a long time. So there!
Lelane Arneson
 

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As do I. See you in March!
?
Lelane

-----Original Message-----
From: rdickson23692 [mailto:dickson@...]
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2003 10:03 AM
To: backbayastro@...
Subject: [backbayastro] Re: New / Used Scopes

After years of not having the luxury of a computer, now I find
it hard to turn mine off I must admit. However, Messier
Marathon time is one occasion I make a big exception.
The sense of accomplishment from finding all those objects
(my personal record so far is 107) in one night is one
that doesn't wear off quickly. And it won't be long before
it's time to give it another shot! I guess the marathon is
something some love to do and others rebel at the idea. I
find it a great excuse to spend an exciting night out under
the stars.

Richard


--- In backbayastro@..., "S. Kent Blackwell"
wrote:
> I agree with Lelane about finding objects by starhopping. In all my
years of stargazing my true love has been the "thrill" of finding
something on my own. It's a rewarding experience one cannot attain by
simply dialing it in on a computer. Now, I'll admit some people simply
don't have the time to devote to spending half the night looking for a
handful of objects but I do suggest every once in a while turning off
those computers and brushing up on starhopping. I did this a few
nights ago and will say I had more fun stargazing that evening than
I've had in a long time. So there!



To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
backbayastro-unsubscribe@...



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the .

[email protected]
 

I agree too ... just to throw my two cents in.

I get a great deal of satisfaction in starhopping. After all, I'm out there to enjoy learning the sky. But I have to say that computer aided observing has its place. For me that place is low in the sky where star hopping can be painful or in those Aquarius-like constellations that offer so few signpost stars that it just isn't any fun.

Now as to the Messier marathon: "real" observers not only turn off their computers they leave their charts (and lists) at home too! How many can you get purely from memory? Hmmmm?

Ted

In a message dated 2/14/2003 9:32:56 AM Eastern Standard Time, "S. Kent Blackwell" <kent@...> writes:

I agree with Lelane about finding objects by starhopping. In all my years of stargazing my true love has been the "thrill" of finding something on my own. It's a rewarding experience one cannot attain by simply dialing it in on a computer. Now, I'll admit some people simply don't have the time to devote to spending half the night looking for a handful of objects but I do suggest every once in a while turning off those computers and brushing up on starhopping. I did this a few nights ago and will say I had more fun stargazing that evening than I've had in a long time. So there!
 

I'll render an opinion too (I have plenty of them to spare....)

Star hopping is a lot of fun, and a skill that everyone should develop. I've got a LX-90, but one of the first things I did was to start working on my Messier Certificate from the Astronomical League, which doesn't allow the use of goto's for that award. I really learned the sky and the art of observing by chasing faint fuzzies through the guide scope. I just received my copy of "Deep-Sky Companions: The Caldwell Objects" by Stephen O'Meara yesterday, so I'm about to jump into the Caldwell Award, which also prohibits goto's.

All that being said, the goto scopes have several advantages.

First, you'll see a lot more objects in a given amount of time. As my observing time is limited, this is a real advantage. You can always turn off the goto if you want to starhop.

Second, starhopping is dificult under urban skies because of light pollution. You can always see your guide stars to align, and then use the computer to find faint objects that would be extremely difficult to starhop to because of the bright skies.

Third, it is great for star parties, because you can zip back and forth between object quickly to show visitors a variety of objects without saying "Uh, I know it's around here somewhere...."

As they say, "you pays your money and you makes your choice".

If money is an issue, you'll get a lot more scope for the money with a dob.

I guess a final reason is that I'm a self-admitted geek and I like playing with all the buttons, interfacing the scope with my computer, etc.

I'm sure I'll get a big dob some day, but in a sense, I'm still doing my apprenticeship. If I got a big dob now, I'm sure I wouldn't appreciate it as much as I would if I spent a few more years with 8".

Rob





From: twforte@...
Reply-To: backbayastro@...
To: backbayastro@...
Subject: Re: [backbayastro] New / Used Scopes
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 11:59:00 -0500

I agree too ... just to throw my two cents in.

I get a great deal of satisfaction in starhopping. After all, I'm out there to enjoy learning the sky. But I have to say that computer aided observing has its place. For me that place is low in the sky where star hopping can be painful or in those Aquarius-like constellations that offer so few signpost stars that it just isn't any fun.

Now as to the Messier marathon: "real" observers not only turn off their computers they leave their charts (and lists) at home too! How many can you get purely from memory? Hmmmm?

Ted




In a message dated 2/14/2003 9:32:56 AM Eastern Standard Time, "S. Kent Blackwell" <kent@...> writes:

I agree with Lelane about finding objects by starhopping. In all my years
of stargazing my true love has been the "thrill" of finding something on my own. It's a rewarding experience one cannot attain by simply dialing it in on a computer. Now, I'll admit some people simply don't have the time to devote to spending half the night looking for a handful of objects but I do suggest every once in a while turning off those computers and brushing up on starhopping. I did this a few nights ago and will say I had more fun stargazing that evening than I've had in a long time. So there!

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
backbayastro-unsubscribe@...



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to


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The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE*

 

Although the horizon is limited at Coinjock, NC I hope all can attend this
year's East Coast Star Party which I shall be hosting March 28 & 29. You can
use the time observing as many Messier objects as possible or just simply
enjoy observing. This is the 13th or 14th year I've hosted the party. The
skies in Coinjock aren't as dark as 14 years ago, but that seems to be the
sad story worldwide. I'll send out the information about the star party in a
few days. If you'd like to be on my email list please let me know.

Kent Blackwell
kent@...

----- Original Message -----
From: <dickson@...>
To: <backbayastro@...>
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2003 10:03 AM
Subject: [backbayastro] Re: New / Used Scopes


After years of not having the luxury of a computer, now I find
it hard to turn mine off I must admit. However, Messier
Marathon time is one occasion I make a big exception.
The sense of accomplishment from finding all those objects
(my personal record so far is 107) in one night is one
that doesn't wear off quickly. And it won't be long before
it's time to give it another shot! I guess the marathon is
something some love to do and others rebel at the idea. I
find it a great excuse to spend an exciting night out under
the stars.

Richard


--- In backbayastro@..., "S. Kent Blackwell" <kent@e...>
wrote:
I agree with Lelane about finding objects by starhopping. In all my
years of stargazing my true love has been the "thrill" of finding
something on my own. It's a rewarding experience one cannot attain by
simply dialing it in on a computer. Now, I'll admit some people simply
don't have the time to devote to spending half the night looking for a
handful of objects but I do suggest every once in a while turning off
those computers and brushing up on starhopping. I did this a few
nights ago and will say I had more fun stargazing that evening than
I've had in a long time. So there!



To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
backbayastro-unsubscribe@...



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to

Woody, Denice K
 

Please put me on the list...I've already asked for the afternoon off that
Friday.....

Denice

-----Original Message-----
From: S. Kent Blackwell [mailto:kent@...]
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2003 2:29 PM
To: backbayastro@...
Subject: Re: [backbayastro] Re: New / Used Scopes


Although the horizon is limited at Coinjock, NC I hope all can attend this
year's East Coast Star Party which I shall be hosting March 28 & 29. You can
use the time observing as many Messier objects as possible or just simply
enjoy observing. This is the 13th or 14th year I've hosted the party. The
skies in Coinjock aren't as dark as 14 years ago, but that seems to be the
sad story worldwide. I'll send out the information about the star party in a
few days. If you'd like to be on my email list please let me know.

Kent Blackwell
kent@...

----- Original Message -----
From: <dickson@...>
To: <backbayastro@...>
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2003 10:03 AM
Subject: [backbayastro] Re: New / Used Scopes


After years of not having the luxury of a computer, now I find
it hard to turn mine off I must admit. However, Messier
Marathon time is one occasion I make a big exception.
The sense of accomplishment from finding all those objects
(my personal record so far is 107) in one night is one
that doesn't wear off quickly. And it won't be long before
it's time to give it another shot! I guess the marathon is
something some love to do and others rebel at the idea. I
find it a great excuse to spend an exciting night out under
the stars.

Richard


--- In backbayastro@..., "S. Kent Blackwell" <kent@e...>
wrote:
I agree with Lelane about finding objects by starhopping. In all my
years of stargazing my true love has been the "thrill" of finding
something on my own. It's a rewarding experience one cannot attain by
simply dialing it in on a computer. Now, I'll admit some people simply
don't have the time to devote to spending half the night looking for a
handful of objects but I do suggest every once in a while turning off
those computers and brushing up on starhopping. I did this a few
nights ago and will say I had more fun stargazing that evening than
I've had in a long time. So there!



To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
backbayastro-unsubscribe@...



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to



To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
backbayastro-unsubscribe@...



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to

 

Done.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Woody, Denice K" <denice.k.woody@...>
To: <backbayastro@...>
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2003 2:30 PM
Subject: RE: [backbayastro] Re: New / Used Scopes


Please put me on the list...I've already asked for the afternoon off that
Friday.....

Denice




-----Original Message-----
From: S. Kent Blackwell [mailto:kent@...]
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2003 2:29 PM
To: backbayastro@...
Subject: Re: [backbayastro] Re: New / Used Scopes


Although the horizon is limited at Coinjock, NC I hope all can attend this
year's East Coast Star Party which I shall be hosting March 28 & 29. You
can
use the time observing as many Messier objects as possible or just simply
enjoy observing. This is the 13th or 14th year I've hosted the party. The
skies in Coinjock aren't as dark as 14 years ago, but that seems to be the
sad story worldwide. I'll send out the information about the star party in
a
few days. If you'd like to be on my email list please let me know.

Kent Blackwell
kent@...

----- Original Message -----
From: <dickson@...>
To: <backbayastro@...>
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2003 10:03 AM
Subject: [backbayastro] Re: New / Used Scopes


After years of not having the luxury of a computer, now I find
it hard to turn mine off I must admit. However, Messier
Marathon time is one occasion I make a big exception.
The sense of accomplishment from finding all those objects
(my personal record so far is 107) in one night is one
that doesn't wear off quickly. And it won't be long before
it's time to give it another shot! I guess the marathon is
something some love to do and others rebel at the idea. I
find it a great excuse to spend an exciting night out under
the stars.

Richard


--- In backbayastro@..., "S. Kent Blackwell" <kent@e...>
wrote:
I agree with Lelane about finding objects by starhopping. In all my
years of stargazing my true love has been the "thrill" of finding
something on my own. It's a rewarding experience one cannot attain by
simply dialing it in on a computer. Now, I'll admit some people simply
don't have the time to devote to spending half the night looking for a
handful of objects but I do suggest every once in a while turning off
those computers and brushing up on starhopping. I did this a few
nights ago and will say I had more fun stargazing that evening than
I've had in a long time. So there!



To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
backbayastro-unsubscribe@...



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to




To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
backbayastro-unsubscribe@...



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to


To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
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Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to

 

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Hi Kent:
?
Please keep me on your email list.? Thanks.
?
H.L.
?
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
?

----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2003 2:28 PM
Subject: Re: [backbayastro] Re: New / Used Scopes

Although the horizon is limited at Coinjock, NC I hope all can attend this
year's East Coast Star Party which I shall be hosting March 28 & 29. You can
use the time observing as many Messier objects as possible or just simply
enjoy observing. This is the 13th or 14th year I've hosted the party. The
skies in Coinjock aren't as dark as 14 years ago, but that seems to be the
sad story worldwide. I'll send out the information about the star party in a
few days. If you'd like to be on my email list please let me know.

Kent Blackwell
kent@...

----- Original Message -----
From: To:
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2003 10:03 AM
Subject: [backbayastro] Re: New / Used Scopes


> After years of not having the luxury of a computer, now I find
> it hard to turn mine off I must admit. However, Messier
> Marathon time is one occasion I make a big exception.
> The sense of accomplishment from finding all those objects
> (my personal record so far is 107) in one night is one
> that doesn't wear off quickly. And it won't be long before
> it's time to give it another shot! I guess the marathon is
> something some love to do and others rebel at the idea. I
> find it a great excuse to spend an exciting night out under
> the stars.
>
> Richard
>
>
> --- In backbayastro@..., "S. Kent Blackwell"
> wrote:
> > I agree with Lelane about finding objects by starhopping. In all my
> years of stargazing my true love has been the "thrill" of finding
> something on my own. It's a rewarding experience one cannot attain by
> simply dialing it in on a computer. Now, I'll admit some people simply
> don't have the time to devote to spending half the night looking for a
> handful of objects but I do suggest every once in a while turning off
> those computers and brushing up on starhopping. I did this a few
> nights ago and will say I had more fun stargazing that evening than
> I've had in a long time. So there!
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> backbayastro-unsubscribe@...
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
>
>



To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
backbayastro-unsubscribe@...



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the .

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