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Re:astrocruiser
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Date: 2006/11/14 21:40
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By: tog
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Status: User
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Karma: 3
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F.J.C.O. Pro
| Posts: 77 |   |
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FJeologist wrote:
ASTRONOMY GEEKS UNITE! Hey tog, I've got an 8" Celestron Classic SCT with a fork mount drive which fits very nicely in the back of my FJ, tripod and all. Believe it or not, it even fits nicely on the roof rack, but don't ask how I got it up there. Anyway, something to note: If you plan to plug a motor drive into the optional AC outlet in the cargo area, you have to have the motor running. It works great, but it's kind of a bummer as it uses a bit of gas during the typical all-night star gazing session, and the noise tends to ruin the mood, even though the FJ's do have a nice throaty exhaust sound. If it's cold, as the best star gazing nights are, the FJ's very capable heater comes in handy. The alternative is to clip an inverter directly to the battery, but the last time I did that, I found that the scope's motor drive cut out or paused from time to time, probably due to the irregular or DC current... not sure. I'm still trying to resolve that minor problem, but either way, FJs definitely make awesome "astrocruisers"!
I wish you dark nights and clear skies!
Hey Thanks fjeologist! I have an Orion 8 inch reflector and an Orion 120 mm refractor, both use the SVP mounts. I like to have them both set up at the same time and "tuned" to different parts of the sky. I was planning to use the plug in for something like the power pak sold by Orion and others. Would there be a problem if you charged the pak in route? Thanks
tog
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Re:astrocruiser
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Date: 2006/11/14 21:43
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By: tog
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Status: User
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Karma: 3
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F.J.C.O. Pro
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Robotchef wrote:
I added some pics to the Off Topic area for you to stare at!
Thanks Robotchef, I like that comparison. It's one of the best models out there!
tog
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Re:astrocruiser
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Date: 2006/11/15 07:27
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By: FJeologist
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Status: User
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Karma: 5
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F.J.C.O. Pro
| Posts: 82 | |
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Just what I need, Robotchef, a picture of Uranus!  I can't help myself! 
About charging en route, tog... I seem to recall that the cargo outlet has a 400 Watt maximum output when in Park and 100 Watt maximum output when in any gear other than Park, like Drive. The indicator lights on the dash button will confirm this. Beware: the button lights take a minute to respond to any changes. I don't imagine that charging a battery while driving would be a problem. Running the margarita blender or the coffee maker might have to wait until you have it in Park though. (Wouldn't want to hit a bump and spill your drink!)
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Re:astrocruiser
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Date: 2006/11/15 16:07
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By: tog
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Status: User
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Karma: 3
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F.J.C.O. Pro
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FJeologist wrote:
Just what I need, Robotchef, a picture of Uranus! I can't help myself!
About charging en route, tog... I seem to recall that the cargo outlet has a 400 Watt maximum output when in Park and 100 Watt maximum output when in any gear other than Park, like Drive. The indicator lights on the dash button will confirm this. Beware: the button lights take a minute to respond to any changes. I don't imagine that charging a battery while driving would be a problem. Running the margarita blender or the coffee maker might have to wait until you have it in Park though. (Wouldn't want to hit a bump and spill your drink!)
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