Expert: Ed - 10/29/2005

Question
Hi:
I just bought my second telescope and it is a reflector 114mm aperture, f/4.4. The problem that I encountered is that I cannot achieve focus using the eyepiece projection method. Also I realized that I cannot do prime focus because my reflector does not have a thread, is this common in all the reflectors? I have tried the afocal method and it is the only thing that have worked. Is there anything I can try to achieve focus without using the afocal method?
Thank you.

Answer
Alex,
I could answer this -- but to be honest, I live in a city with lots of ambient light.  So, I have almost zero personal experience with telescopes.  I recomend that you ask Paul Wagner, or Tom Whiting.  They are the two best Allexperts people when it comes to telescope-related questions.  They each have TONS of experience, and everyone gives them high marks for their Allexperts assistance.  Here are their websites:

http://www.allexperts.com/displayExpert.asp?Expert=4834
http://www.allexperts.com/displayExpert.asp?Expert=18522

I'm sorry I'm not helping you directly, but trust me, this is better.

Keep Looking Up!
--Ed