It has arrived

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

The SolarMax II 60mm has arrived. As I was unpacking it, clouds covered the sun. The new scope sits very nicely on the lightweight mount and tripod I used for the LS35THA. Now all that is needed is patience.

[vlebo]

ver ver nice !!

[JB80]

oooh nice!

I bet you can't wait for first light.

[spaceboy]

Looking good Michael. What swung it for the solarmax over a quark??

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Thanks guys!

Looking good Michael. What swung it for the solarmax over a quark??

This came up second-hand for a good price. One thing that swung it was the fact that I can now sell the LS35THA (the astronomy department has shown an interest for outreach ), as the SM60 is a direct upgrade. Set-up and tuning are just as fast.The Quark is still on the wish list, and will certainly come in the future. A bigger-chip camera has higher priority, however.

[Mick J]

Well if it snows here tomorrow and you feel your ears burning ..............

looks like win win all round, you and the astro department, and you may get to help the astro department out, good stuff.

[Floater]

Looking good, Michael.

Clear Skies!

[bingevader]

Nice bit of kit.

I hope you get to enjoy it soon.

[Moonshane]

Very nice Michael!

[nightfisher]

Very nice, look forward to some reports on how it performs

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Thanks everybody. Looks like I will have to wait until Saturday at least to see anything with it.

[SnakeyJ]

Can't wait to hear your first light report Michael - congratulations on the new arrival

[Stu]

Looks fabulous Michael, should give a very nice improvement over the 35. Fingers crossed for some sunshine

[K3ny0n]

Nice, hope you get some clear skies soon.

Rob.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Cheers guys, it has had first light, as reported here:

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/235588-january-30-2015-first-light-with-sm-ii-60/

It is certainly a step up, and a huge prom was visible to mark the occasion :-)