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[dewayne]

My Telrad arrived yesterday.
The clouds broke this afternoon.
The Telrad went on the scope about 9 p.m.
Then I had to wait for dark skies. I tried it on the Moon.
Then a neighbor came over with a 60MM refractor he bought for his grandson at a garage sale for $15.
We looked at the Moon and Jupiter with it.
By 10:30 it was dark enough to try the Telrad on a DSO.
Hercules was high in the sky.
M13 was my test subject.
I found it in about 2 seconds on my first try.
INCREDIBLE!
This really is going to maker my life so much easier.
I can now see Messiers being bagged so much easier.
Thanks to all who encouraged me to get the Telrad for Father's Day instead of a barlow. You were so right!

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

The Chicago Astronomer...Knows All......Sees All....

No extra charge for the advice.

Did you have to calibrate it much? Send us a pic of your new set-up.

I have updated the Quick List on the Inventory Equipment board. Enjoy your new toy.

[stargazer]

Dewayne,

Congrats on the new equipment. I hope you enjoy it more as time goes on. Yes it makes it easier to find those elusive DSO's. I use mine all the time. It also helps in finding the Comets as well. Glad you had clear skies to test it out. Every time I get new equipment I get rain for a week.

Becky

[ripps1]

Telrad Tips for the Newly Enthralled:

When targeting with the Telrad (or any other 1x finder), keep both eyes open - it's much more relaxing.

That being said, when using both eyes, use your dominant eye mainly for looking through the bullseye. If you use the other eye, you may find yourself aiming the scope a bit skewed off to one side.

The window on the Telrad is highly succeptable to dew-up on you. A dew shield can help immensely. You can purchase one as an accessory or can make a simple but effective shield out of cardboard.

Take an empty toilet paper tube or a paper towel tube cut down to about 5" long and cut a lengthwise slit down one one side of the tube. Spread the slit wide open and place the tube over the Telrad window with the length of the tube parallel to the top of the Telrad body. You now have a sort-of "tunnel" to aim through. Of course if you want to go first class, paint both sides if the tube with Krylon Ultra Flat Black to darken it and prevent the cardboard from absorbing moisture.

Rip (from the St. Louis Sister-Site)

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Damn! I'm still lining up screws on top of my tube to sight up the targets. I'm so not with it.

I still plan on making on though.

[stargazer]

Hey Guys,

Just a word of advice with the Telrads. I have had one for two years now and the only way I can finfd anything using it is with one eye closed. It makes it easiert o see teh center circle and line up your target. But this is just my 2 cents.

B

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

The ultimate finder tool would be to attach one of those green lasers to the tube and pinpoint your targets. I can see it now...thousands of green shafts zig-zagging across the skies, increasing the light pollution 10 fold.

[ripps1]

I've heard the green lasers are to the point of being banned at some star parties - something about irate attendees doing astrophotography. If you have one and are planning to attend such an event, read their rules & regulations closely.

[stargazer]

Hi Ripps1,

Yes you are right. Some Star Parties are banning them for a couple reasons.

1. They do interfer with the astropics.

2. If you just so happen to hit a plane with one you can blind the poor Pilot.

3. To many people were playing Star Wars with them and hurting people.

I had thought about getting one but when I saw the price tag on them I wasnt so sure anymore. I had thought it would be a good idea for small Star Parties to show people where the scope is looking but at $125.00 a pop I dont think so. I will just stick to the old method of pointing to the area.


B

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

With the lasers of any color or even a simple flashlight, we are sending out into the universe photons that will go an eternity. I wonder if to sensitive alien instruments, our planet looks like a cheap flashing neon sign.

[Al Degutis]

What exactly is a Telrad? I've seen them mentioned in various places. My take on the little I've taken in is that it's a finderscope but better (better how?).

Regarding the green lasers: I was considering getting one for use in my backyard so I can try and point out things to my 15 year old daughter to keep her interest in observing. Then I saw the price and decided the money would be better spent elsewhere (I could get an electronic focus for my LX200 at that price). Guess I'll just stick with teaching her the main stars and constellations (as I continue to learn them) and use them as reference points.

Al

[stargazer]

Al,

The Telrads are finderscopes that have no power to them. What you see in them is the actual sky. they help you find the guide stars for star hopping. they have three rings in the center I dont remember what they are at this moment but if you have the star or object in the center circle you have it in your scope. I have had one on my scope now for two years and use it all the time. if you do the photography it will help you in tracking because you can see the star or object as your scope is tracking it.

I hope this helps.

b