Making it easier for the younger kids

[coldspace]

Hi everyone,

Going to order my new Lx200r next week; won't be able to sleep till we get it. Just a question, we always have lots of young kids over including ours and when I get the other scopes out some have lots of trouble using focuser's ect. My 4 year old daughter is becoming more obsessed with this astronomy bug than me.:eyepop:She is always telling cousins etc about planets so my question was do you think the G-star ex hooked up to a small monitor would help me keep the littlies instrested including me when wanting to view DSO,planets and the moon in semi-light pollution. I don't mind spending the money if it gives them fun and educational at same time. Also would a focul reducer be good and which one would you recommend. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Regards Matt.

[ballaratdragons]

Hi Matt,

I have never seen a G-Star in action, but from what I've heard it would be great for viewing on a TV.

Yes, I believe a Focal Reducer would be good. Some objects may be a bit small but it will certainly make objects brighter.

Sorry, I can't suggest a particular FR coz it would have to work with your model of scope in conjunction with the G-Star.

[netwolf]

I have used my mate Apoman's Stellacam III and its awesome. It has a built in stacking function that can let you stack up to 128 frames to gether and this result in being able to see faint and fuzzies that are otherwise difficult to see visually. But the greatest benfit of this technology is for display to groups. This also reduces the risk to your equipment. As you can have the cable run into the house and have it displayed on the TV screen.

The G-StarX is more sensitive than the Stellacam III based on the specs i have seen and as such is an excellent choice.

Regards
Fahim

[[1ponders]]

Hi Matt. There are a number of FR you could use, but for a relatively inexpensive 1.25" one I'm quite partial to my Mogg one (I've tried a few ;) ). If you check out the Webcaddy site you will find a bit of a description of it and how to increase the reduction ratio. Works well with an SCT but is not so friendly with refractors and Newts when trying to extend the reduction ratio (not enough in focus travel )

[OneOfOne]

To make focusing easier for everyone you could get an electric focus of some sort. I moved my Orion Accufocus from my Newt to the C11, I have a Crayford attached to the end of the tube. I use the normal focus control as a rough focus and then touch it up with the Crayford. I find that adults and little kids can easily operate the focus buttons and they won't move the scope off the target. It will be the best hundred odd dollars you will spend.

As for a focal reducer, I got a Celestron 5.6 and found I don't have enough in travel when I have the Crayford and diagonal in place...but I mainly bought it for when I have a go at taking some shots.

[coldspace]

Tks guys for your imput I will get the new scope first and play with it for a month or so then clear it with management(won't be too hard if it is for the kids) to get a G star ex for it .Will post some pics here when I get going.