What is the best gadget you have bought for you astro kit?

h0ughy (David) · #1 17-06-2005, 11:09 PM

Well we have already had a post on what the worst item was so this one is for your best astro gadget.

For me, my best gadget would have to be my GPS mate that i bought for my precious 12" SCT classic Meade.

RAJAH235 · #2 17-06-2005, 11:16 PM

I must say that the gadget that I find the best, is my home made,(with bought bits), Electric focuser. 2nd would be the 'Meade' Magellan 1. A great help.

L.

h0ughy (David) · #3 17-06-2005, 11:20 PM

My second one would be my Pentax *istDS and the attachemnt ring, the scopetronics DSLR MaxView™ DSLR Variable Projection Adapter. Oh but that is two in one go

[1ponders] (Paul) · #4 17-06-2005, 11:35 PM

My binoculars. When I didn't have goto it was the only way I can find things

acropolite (Phil) · #5 17-06-2005, 11:37 PM

Probably my shorty adapter for the LX which gives just enough clearance for my EOS to clear the forks. I haven't used it yet as I'm still collecting the necessary gadgets to allow accurate tracking.....Other than that my head torch, I was so impressed I bought another one to use at work.

h0ughy (David) · #6 18-06-2005, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acropolite

Probably my shorty adapter for the LX which gives just enough clearance for my EOS to clear the forks. I haven't used it yet as I'm still collecting the necessary gadgets to allow accurate tracking.....Other than that my head torch, I was so impressed I bought another one to use at work.

Actually now you mention it that head torch is a great gadget, I bought one for me and one for my mate. He loved it (he didn't have access to IIS when it was discussed)

Starkler (Geoff) · #7 18-06-2005, 12:30 AM

DSC , definately

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #8 18-06-2005, 01:37 AM

My best gadget came with my scope, but I could have ordered it without it. And that is my Crayfish . . Crawford . . errr Crayford Focuser!

Second and third are my GS 2" 30mm SuperView EP and my GS 2" 2X Barlow.

(actually my whole telescope is the best gadget but that's cheating).

Daring Dave · #9 18-06-2005, 02:56 AM

MMmmmm My best and MOST used gadget/item is my humble $10 dollar Planisphere.. LOST without it...

iceman (Mike) · #10 18-06-2005, 07:54 AM

DSC, without a doubt.

Orion · #11 18-06-2005, 09:08 AM

Mine would have to be the DSC followed by the GoTo.

wavelandscott (Scott) · #12 18-06-2005, 09:37 AM

To date I would have to say my Telrad...but the Moonlite focuser is moving up the list...

trufflehunter (Wayne Robinson) · #13 18-06-2005, 10:45 AM

13mmT6 Nagler. If I was only allowed to have one eyepiece, this would be it. Followed by the WO 2" SCT diagonal.

cahullian · #14 18-06-2005, 08:17 PM

My beautiful 8" mirror 'eh John' then my green laser pointer

atalas · #15 18-06-2005, 08:48 PM

Telrad for sure!

Louie

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #16 18-06-2005, 11:01 PM

Tell Rad what Louie?

atalas · #17 18-06-2005, 11:03 PM

What ever you like Ken,what ever you like.

Louie

gaa_ian (Ian) · #18 18-06-2005, 11:34 PM

Green Laser pointer ... followed by the Telrad :-)

ausastronomer (John Bambury) · #19 19-06-2005, 01:03 AM

Argo Navis DSC's by a long way

Cs-John B

ausastronomer (John Bambury) · #20 19-06-2005, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cahullian

My beautiful 8" mirror 'eh John' then my green laser pointer

Irish,

That 8" mirror is an absolute cracker but on the other hand that focuser is possibly the "worst" excuse for a focuser I have ever used. "Tarzan" would strugle to adjust it. Have you pulled it apart and cleaned the poor excuse for grease out, re lubricated it with lithium grease or silicone spray and re-assembled and adjusted it properly yet? The standard GS focusers are "fair" if you keep working on them. Also you gotta do the ebony star/teflon thingy with the azimuth bearing. Get the mechanicals on that scope sorted and you will be in 7th heaven.

CS-John B