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From: Courtney Thomas (no email)
Date: Wed Aug 11 2004 - 10:43:03 EDT
Thank you for the information Bruce.
I have a CHO-M sextant [same as a SNO-T, I think] that has only the
inverting scope and have not tried to use it and was thinking of getting
the shorter scope. But, it sounds like maybe I don't need to.
Pardon my obtuseness, but what is a "rough contact" regarding connecting
scope to frame, please ? Also, why do I need it ?
Appreciativley,
Courtney
Bruce Stark wrote:
> Courtney,
>
> I wanted an inverting scope partly because the old-timers used them, and
> because it was Lewis's favorite (Lewis as in Lewis & Clark). I also
> wanted to be able to measure long lunar distances accurately. An
> inverting scope has wires in the field of view that help you keep the
> plane of observation parallel to the plane of the instrument. On page
> viii of the introduction to my Tables there's a small table showing how
> important this can be. You'll find similar tables in Bowditch, Raper,
> and other old manuals.
>
> What threw me off in using the scope was that, with everything inverted,
> normal reactions had the opposite effect of what was wanted. How would
> you like to drive through town with a car in which the gear shift was
> upside-down and backward, and that went left when you turned the wheel
> to the right?
>
> Learning to use an inverting scope is rather like learning to ride a
> bicycle. Don't frustrate yourself by working too hard at it. Just give
> it a try now and then until you get the hang of it and it becomes
> "instinctive."
>
> Also, be sure to get a rough contact before putting the scope on the
> sextant.
>
> Bruce
>
-- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619
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