Successful session on new Alt-Az mount

[Special K]

I've recently got an AZ4 for travelling and had found it a real challenge to my habit of doing things with an EQ mount. Aside from not having any slo-mo help on board, the main challenge from the first night was the massive imbalance when hanging the 31mm EP off the back end. Tonight, I worked with the lighter EPs in the collection and had a great time:

To see how well I could track I took on the moon full in the face! I'm not that prone to lunar obs but once into it I really enjoyed the sights. I don't know my geography up there but it was easy to get lost amongst the craters and valleys along the terminator. The moon filter was essential and for fun popped the blue filter in. My son thought this looked pretty cool! I was able to track easily at 120x so feeling better about the different mount.

Then I thought I'd test out one of my easier star hops from the tip of the arrow in Sagitta, going straight up in altitude to land on the Dumbell Nebula. This was as straightforward as ever using the 17mm Hyperion. I just cannot get over how robust this nebula is with a strong moon, and some fairly moderate LP to boot. It really cannot be missed!!! With the UHC filter on it, I can't choose between averted and direct vision. Popping between the two starts to reveal the shape. If only we could make out the colors which are there with our eyes. Shame about that.

I spent quite a bit of time just making sure I could find my way around to favorite spots, and managed to squeeze in a view of Andromeda, which was not bad given the lighting conditions. I finished off by exploring some of the major stars in Sagittarius, though it's pretty murky down that low and plenty of trees in the way.

It's been really good to get back in the swing of things with the Astro, and feeling some fresh excitement in the days and months ahead. The relatively warm summer nights make for some fine viewing opportunities. Clear skies all!

[FenlandPaul]

Great report, Kevin, and glad you're getting familiar with the AZ4. I picked one up used a few months ago and it gets a lot of use as it's so robust. Spends a lot of time in the boot of the car so I can take advantage of lunchtime white light solar sessions, and sometimes sits in my study with the ST120 or SkyMax on it ready to go outside at a moment's notice. "Simple, robust workhorse" is how I'd describe it.

[laudropb]

A very nice report. Thinking of getting this mount for grab and go. Thanks for posting.

[xtreemchaos]

great report mate,i really enjoyed reading it. thanks for posting.  charl.

[John]

Great report Kevin

I find that pushing the scope forward using an overlength dovetail bar helps couteract the weight the beast like the Nagler 31mm. I'm thinking of getting a TV Equaliser so that my lighter eyepieces weigh closer to the heavier ones though, which might also help.

[Special K]

Great report Kevin

I find that pushing the scope forward using an overlength dovetail bar helps couteract the weight the beast like the Nagler 31mm. I'm thinking of getting a TV Equaliser so that my lighter eyepieces weigh closer to the heavier ones though, which might also help.

Many thanks, John, that's helpful. Having thought about this several times, I could bring the rear tube mount forward so that the scope can be brought further forward to help balance. Alternatively I can just bolt on some extra weight when needed to the front end of the dovetail. Easy when you've got a garage full of spare hardware bits hanging around ! Think I'll go have a rummage