This harkens back to the discussion about 2 inch diagonals a few months
back. Many took the stand that it was not worth the money to get a 2-10%
increase in usable light. Others went for anything to add to the
betterment of the overall picture. I have always been of the mindset
that you go for what makes you feel you are getting your moneys worth.
You will notice I said "FEEL" This is what makes for competition. I
personally had already by passed the issue. I purchased a JMI NGFS and
had added the large back as part of the upgrade. I was trying to get
away from mirror shift/flop during focusing. I for one feel that each of
us try's to make a decision to improve our equipment. Now which is more
important. Being Able to measure the amount of change or To feel the
experience of said change? I think more money is spent to feel a change
than is spent to know a change will occur. The mind is a funny device.
It can be made to see what is not there. It can also be made to not see
what is there. I for one just like the idea of someone making a part for
this scope to help make it better. If I can figure out a way for it to
work with what I already have I will buy one just to encourage the
company to build more and better items. Now comes the really funny part.
I have just completed outfitting my work shop so that I to will be able
to make parts for these strange beast's we call scope's. The list of
equipment goes from a vertical mill to a lathe to tig welders to plasma
cutters. I too will attempt to make many items. So now before I get to
far into these different items. Lets get people to send me privately
there wish list for pieces for any scope they feel needs a good part
made for it. I for one will attempt to make a completely redesigned
super wedge. I want it not only easier to work with but much less
expensive than is currently priced. I do know that the biggest cost for
making a super wedge is that 1 inch Aluminum plate in 6061 T condition
will cost for enough of it to make a super wedge about $250.00. And that
is buying in quantity. I have to make ten at a time to get to that
price. One and all give me you idea for a piece that would make your
scope better. Then send it to me. Please everyone included you physical
address so that I may be able to give you a fair idea what has then
happened to your idea. Thanks in advance for any help you may give.

Ps I will do machining to custom spec. Just make sure the part is light
enough that you wont break the bank getting it to me and me shipping it
back to you. How much am I going to charge you to fix your prt/piece. I
will let you tell me how much to charge you. Then we can work it out.
Just remember if you tell me too cheap of a price I may not find time to
work on your project the next time. We are on an honor system here. I
have done many Five dollar welding and machining jobs. I do no major
advertising a few flyers locally is all for right now. My LX200 is a 12
inch so that is what it is easiest for me to make parts for. I am going
to be adding a 10" and 8 inch is not to far away as well as a LX90 and
some of the star finder eq setups. I also have a AP 6 inch on a pier
that I can get measurements from. I don't know how my words of
encouragement to others turn into a mini add for me. Please forgive me
as I digress.

D.Ray East
9021 Chaparral Dr.
Redding CA
96001-9711
530-242-5784
530-227-5100 cell
N40 32
W122 26
897'asl

Scott wrote:
>
> I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, but before you run out and buy one of
> these adapters, be aware of what you'll gain. I built myself the very
> adapter being sold by Petersen Engineering for my 10" LX200 f10. Mine has
> two brass thumb screw rather then three nylon, and was just about to put it
> on the market, even had a web page set up. But before I announced it's
> availability, I felt I had better do some tests on what it could really do
> for you. I felt that the only quantitative measurement that I could do was
> True Field of View. I mounted a standard 2" Meade diagonal, that screws
> onto the Schmidt thread and using a 40mm 70 degree AFOV eyepiece, I measured
> the True field of view. I then put in the new 2" back plate and a TeleVue
> diagonal, and using the same eyepiece measured the field of view again. I
> ran the tests three times and came up with the same result, 1.7 minutes of
> arc difference. What this means is that the cone of light coming down from
> the secondary mirror, is only being cutoff by tinniest of margins by the
> Schmidt adapter. To say the least I was depressed. I had high hopes of
> selling these adapters, but didn't think people would pay $60.00 (my asking
> price) for such a marginal improvement, so I dropped my plans for marketing
> this adapter. The other benefits that Petersen claims are real, it is
> stronger and is shorter then the Schmidt to 2" adapter. It does give you a
> tiny bit more light, just don't expect breathtaking differences. Just
> thought you should know.
>
> Scott Baker
> San Diego Astronomy Association

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