Illuminated Reticle Eyepiece Question?

[Chief Wiggum]

I have recently purchased secondhand a LXD75 mount with a 10" SN. I only have limited eyepieces and wanted to buy an illuminated reticle eypiece to help with polar alligning. I really only want to spend upto $150.

Can anyone recommend a brand. I have seen the Meade 9mm for $165 and 12mm for $130. Would 9mm or 12mm be better for polar alignment? Also what is the differnece when they say PL or MA in the product description.

This is my first post so thanks to anyone that can help.
Warrick

[iceman]

Hi Warrick

:welcome: to IIS!

A 9mm is better because the higher magnification will reveal drift sooner - but there's no problem in barlowing the 12mm either. I use a 3x barlow with my illuminated reticle.
The star can end up quite dim, so you need a bright star, but it works fine.

I'm quite sure mine was around $100 from Bintel, but it was on sale at IISAC2007. I'm not sure what the new price is.

I used to remember what PL/MA meant but now I can't! But don't leave the power on - it'll run out of batteries quick, then you've gotta spend another $12 to replace them! :doh:


Oh and get one that's battery powered, it's much easier.

[koputai]

IIRC
PL = Plossl
MA = Modified Abbe

Cheers,
Jason.

[ausastronomer]

Hi Jason,

That is actually incorrect. MA stands for "Modified Achromat" which is a 3 element design very similar to and based on the original Kellner design.

Cheers,
John B

[Chief Wiggum]

Does one give better quality than the other?

[acropolite]

I bought a cheapy $90 one but I seem to remember the one h0ughy bought was functionally much better. Where are ya Dave???

[Chief Wiggum]

Thanks guys. I have ordered a 12.5mm skywatcher cheapy from bintel for about $90. Should do the job of helping with the polar alignment.

[Glenhuon]

Thats the one I bought smallgirl, works fine for me, although it can be a bit too bright so use it just turned on. Never tried it with a barlow, but should be OK in a 10"

Cheers
Bill