Post by Paulie pchris00 on Jan 2, 2012 10:36:55 GMT -6
I think we all know the usual method of projection solar observing, but just in case, here's a look at how it's done.
pchris00pnc.blogspot.com/2010/12/last-friday-morning-i-was-greeted-to.html
Lately I've been thinking about another method for projection viewing of the Venus transit, and possibly other public observations, especially the Moon and planets.
While finishing my Christmas shopping, I came across this A/V projector for less than $60. I bought it.
www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/persistentgiftshop/forhim/PRD~514325/Discovery+Expedition+Wonderwall+Entertainment+Projector.jsp
Having done some prior research on projectors, it seemed too good to be true. Maybe it is, as I haven't even taken it out of the box yet. I know that I won't be able to run it through my laptop, but it has standard audio/visual hook-ups. That's where this comes in:
www.telescope.com/Accessories/Sale-Accessories/Sale-Astrophotography-Accessories/Orion-StarShoot-Video-Eyepiece/pc/3/c/361/sc/374/p/52174.uts#tabs
I haven't ordered the video eyepiece, but if the projector works okay, I think I'll probably spring for it.
I would still need a screen, and though they're more expensive than I thought they'd be, some are still within reason, like this:
www.bestbuy.com/site/Elite+Screens+-+Tripod+T119NWS1+Portable+Projection+Screen/4220764.p?id=1218465418198&skuId=4220764
Of course, for nighttime observations of Moon and planets, I can do this outside as long as I have a power source (also on my list, and talked about in this thread started by Rich).
astronomer.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Equipment&action=display&thread=3551
For daytime viewing, that's where my recent post about a sheltering canopy comes in.
astronomer.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=2012venustransit&thread=3610&page=1
Now, the Venus transit is going to be awesome, and I want to make the most of this once in a lifetime observation, but is it really worth dumping all this money into, money that I don't really have? Yes. Because once I have the gear, it gives me new ways to show people the sky. And let's face it; as cool as it is to let your eyeball soak up some long-traveled photons, today's generation is impressed by gadgets and technology. I don't know what the demand is like, but I fully intend to market myself as an astronomer for hire at private star parties. I want some cool stuff at my disposal that will both impress, and allow large groups to observe simultaneously. I will still have eyepiece observing, but having more capabilities will let me charge higher rates. The Venus transit just gives me an excuse to gear up and experiment.
I just hope I have a really nice tax return coming this year.
pchris00pnc.blogspot.com/2010/12/last-friday-morning-i-was-greeted-to.html
Lately I've been thinking about another method for projection viewing of the Venus transit, and possibly other public observations, especially the Moon and planets.
While finishing my Christmas shopping, I came across this A/V projector for less than $60. I bought it.
www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/persistentgiftshop/forhim/PRD~514325/Discovery+Expedition+Wonderwall+Entertainment+Projector.jsp
Having done some prior research on projectors, it seemed too good to be true. Maybe it is, as I haven't even taken it out of the box yet. I know that I won't be able to run it through my laptop, but it has standard audio/visual hook-ups. That's where this comes in:
www.telescope.com/Accessories/Sale-Accessories/Sale-Astrophotography-Accessories/Orion-StarShoot-Video-Eyepiece/pc/3/c/361/sc/374/p/52174.uts#tabs
I haven't ordered the video eyepiece, but if the projector works okay, I think I'll probably spring for it.
I would still need a screen, and though they're more expensive than I thought they'd be, some are still within reason, like this:
www.bestbuy.com/site/Elite+Screens+-+Tripod+T119NWS1+Portable+Projection+Screen/4220764.p?id=1218465418198&skuId=4220764
Of course, for nighttime observations of Moon and planets, I can do this outside as long as I have a power source (also on my list, and talked about in this thread started by Rich).
astronomer.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Equipment&action=display&thread=3551
For daytime viewing, that's where my recent post about a sheltering canopy comes in.
astronomer.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=2012venustransit&thread=3610&page=1
Now, the Venus transit is going to be awesome, and I want to make the most of this once in a lifetime observation, but is it really worth dumping all this money into, money that I don't really have? Yes. Because once I have the gear, it gives me new ways to show people the sky. And let's face it; as cool as it is to let your eyeball soak up some long-traveled photons, today's generation is impressed by gadgets and technology. I don't know what the demand is like, but I fully intend to market myself as an astronomer for hire at private star parties. I want some cool stuff at my disposal that will both impress, and allow large groups to observe simultaneously. I will still have eyepiece observing, but having more capabilities will let me charge higher rates. The Venus transit just gives me an excuse to gear up and experiment.
I just hope I have a really nice tax return coming this year.