At one time when I had no money and no scope, I did subscribe to this magazine. I might as well try it again.

 I went nuts in the past three years buying the optics that I never had when my eyes were far better than now. Some of the stuff that I have now that is going to waste are several 8" SCTs including the first year of the full production Celestron 8 and Meade's first. They likely are both cleaner than the manufacturer's exhibits of their firsts. The history didn't cost a terrible amount to me.

 I have five C-8's and two Meades. For longer FL I have some 5-6" Maks. Biggers are 11" Celestron altaz and a Meade 16 Dobsonian. I blew a lot on good oculars-Pentax and lessers, but supposedly excellent.

 All of the noise about my toys doesn't mean much if they are not used, and I don't really use them because of the rotten conditions and my difficulty in getting away to use them.--- All dressed up and no place to go.--

 I hope to get some good input and ideas from the rest of you here. I'll lurk for the most part as I am  expert on nothing.

 I am particularly interested in beginner astrophotography. The bigger scopes are not well suited, so I will be more interested in 8" sct and 5" mak.

 I thank you in advance for any guidance and reading of your comments.

  to the forums Mudturtle, and good luck this time around.

 Hi Mudturtle and to the forums!

   I'm kinda in the same boat with failing eyesight but try to get out under the stars whenever I can, even if just with binoculars. That's what happens in "old age" - the body optics start to degrade while the scope's remain as good as the day you bought them

   Wishing you many clear, dark skies, Mr Q

 Greetings from Indiana,

I just joined the forum recently.  I have subscribed to the magazine on and off for the last 10 years.  Over a year ago I bought a Meade 12" LX200GPS and it hasn't been out of the box yet (such a shame [on me]).  I have a lot of accessories for it and have since bought a Meade Series 5000 ED 80mm APO which I have used on occasion.  This season I do plan to get much more involved with imaging as that is my primary interest, with maybe a little spectroscopy when I can get  situated.

My conditions are not great in Indiana, but they are tolerable and better than some other places.  I just have to get motivated to get out on shorter notice rather than plan for a night and then be disappointed with conditions.

I have done a lot of reading and studying on imaging with CCD cameras, web cams, and DSLR, all of which I want to try.  There seems to be alot of talent on this forum.  I will be pouring over the posts just like it sounds like you will be.

If I do end up knowing something about any of the posts and have something to contribute I will certainly dive in.  I know it's good to have fresh thoughts and perspectives.

I hope you enjoy your time on the forum and the magazine.  I have.  Maybe we can hook up and exchange newby stories sometime in the future.

Regards,

Bill