Which unit do u prefer 2 use for ur scope?

[SpaceGeek]

Nuthin annoys me more than having to convert inches into millimetres to find out the size of a scope.

So, me question is:

Which unit of measurement do u prefer when looking at the size of telescopes?

Mine is millimetres

[mickoking]

Spacgeek mate

I am an Aussie true blu. since Australia has adopted the metric system I much prefer to use millimetres. Wot's the pont in using inches when both a scopes focal length and eyepieces focal length are given in mm. In the field of astronomy the only time I will use imperial is when describing the barrel diameter of eyepieces.

[asimov (John)]

Funny about that....I have no preference. But I 'automatically' talk in inches for some things, & mm for others....thus: 12.5" newt using a 1.25" 6mm EP. (go figure)

BTW I have a tape measure kept at all times on the table my puter monitor is on.

[acropolite (Phil)]

My scopes an LX90, 8 inch with a 2000mm focal length and a 26mm, inch and a quarter EP; only the yanks could do that....

[Jonathan]

My job requires me to know both metric and imperial insideout so I know most of the common conversions (down to 0.01mm, sad in't it!) off the top of my head, but I much prefer measuring in millimetres. I dislike using inches because sometimes it's given in 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 etc and then other times it's given as decimal points. I hate it!
One useless measuring unit is the centimetre. The only time it seems to be used is when measuring the size of a television, but for some reason they like advertising the size of plasma screens and computer monitors in inches.

[SpaceGeek]

Couldn't agree with u more, Jonathan

[Lee]

My Dad is a builder, so as I grew up (and still to this day) if He mentions a length/size in mm or inches he automatically adds the other to the end....
ie the tube outer diameter is 250mm 10 inches..... the nail is 3 inches long 75mm.... he can't help it - I guess he was indoctrinated as a young carpenter during the imperial metric changeover.....
I'll giggle all week now, I'm heading back home for work for the week and staying with Mum and Dad, Dad and I are going to build a transport box for the Dob....

So I guess I use inches/mm/cm/m interchangebly - although NEVER give a builder a sizing in centimeters - EVER!!! You can use inches, millimetres, metres, feet or yards - not centimeters - they just don't go there!

[ving (David)]

whichever its advertised in i guess. I am a very flexible person

[toetoe (Peter)]

I grew up being taught feet/inches yards and miles and still talk in them. I guess it comes down to being old fashioned for some people. With telescopes i use both and at times i get so frustated and confused.

[mickoking]

Correct me if I am wrong but didn't the Mars polar lander crash coz some bonehead used feet instead of Metres on its final approach. Excuse me if im wrong but it's wot I heard.

[mickoking]

Originally Posted by plasmodium

NEVER give a builder a sizing in centimeters - EVER!!! You can use inches, millimetres, metres, feet or yards - not centimeters - they just don't go there!

As a Picture Framer we use millimetres but never centremetres. occasionally some inexperienced member of the showroom staff will give a size in CM's without indicating the unit, you can imagine the stuff ups. Ocasionally we have to convert from inches coz photo sizes are in the old language.

[RAJAH235]

I use both, but prefer what I was brought up on.... Imperial.
Yes Micko, That's what I heard as well.
Similar to one of the Russian probes they sent to Venus. The 1st probe crashed into the surface at full speed. Apparently, the altimeter was set to read NEGATIVE values as well.....or something along those lines. I don't know if the technician in charge is in a salt mine in Siberia or ............. L.