Rob

Congrats on the scope. I'm sure it will serve you well. I'll keep an out for the coming observing reports Rob

Maybe worth giving some of our 3D printer guys a shout?. they maybe able to create a new one for you?. Rob

Oh, needless to say some do have a rubber gasket, so keep An eye out for that too...

Very true. I learnt not to fear along the way!... Also been lucky enough to meet (psychically & online) the right people to guide me.

I never come across anything Stu. Its frighteningly basic in side. usually a simple foam pad & v spring metal tensioner. Needless to say, clasp the diagonal in your hand with pressure on the back plate. Remove the 4 screws and un-tension the back plate slowly. You will soon see how on complex they are. The v tensioner sits under foam/card in the middle to make sure the mirror is pressed fully upward to where it will then sit pressed fully square.. Its fine. Best Rob

Should be no problem Stu, panic not!. I agree. Take the mirror out of the housing. Air dust with a bobble blower first, then run some distilled water over it to shift extra loose particulates. I then pop it in some warm water with just a touch of fairy liquid, keep your fingers to each side of the mirror run it around in the water for a while (don't run anything over mirror surface.. not even a wet microfiber cloth or fingers!. Take out and swill it over with distilled water once again. The place a piece a kitchen towel out and prop the mirror up to dry. Once fully dry. Finish with Baader Liquid & microfiber cloth. The re-assemble. All good! Rob

Nice Build there.. looks very sharp!. Enjoy

£20!.. wow thats amazing!. Welcome back. Rob

The 150P sits nicely on an EQ-5. And as always the suggestion is to max out on the mount as best you can, so yes go for the EQ-5. Then when funds allow purchase the enhanced dual Drive set!. It will serve you well. However. Don't discount second hand!.. pop a wanted up on SGL, check UK Astro Buy n Sell also. Rob

I'm sure some others may provide further recommendations. I just don't want you to be underwhelmed Best Rob

I agree they both scopes for both visual & imaging. resolving wise you will only gain widefield, but that's about it. But i can see and understand your bulk/weight issues

They are close to what you have. The only direct difference adding widefield ability TBH The 150PDS is a nice scope (I have owned one) wide views, quite nice on DSO's & widefield (which is it strong point). Of course you can view planets with the scope, but a barlow is required to get good image scale.. so your 127Mak wins there! The ED80 is a nice performer in all aspects, but you will be dropping down on aperture. However as you will see around the forum here, the 70/80/100 ED's have proved well for Planets current as low in the sky. To really gain here. You need to think about more aperture!. As a nice match what about an 8" SCT or Newt Rob

Keep an eye on here also.. Good if on a real tight budget!. But shop carefully and come back and ask if needed. https://www.astroboot.co.uk/AstroBoot/telescope-and-astronomy-stuff.html Regards Rob

Really looking forward to Jupiter 2024!.. good old days. for those that have not witnessed the Planets high in the sky, its a real treat. So over the next 3 years get your kit together! Rob

In larger aperture scopes (above 100mm) the Wratten #8 is very good in pulling detail from Jupiter & Mars plus correcting CA in big Frac's. That said you will have to expect a yellow hue, if you don't mind this the results are fantastic!. I have managed (not this year) 4/5 belts, GRS, Occultations & transits in the 200P without a filter and super sharp!, but that's back in the days of height in the sky!. The small APO refractor's are really showing off what they can do on planets right now. I personally feel planet observing would have been a true wash out through 2018 & 19 with out them. If you are looking for a small refractor seriously look towards an APO 70mm - 100mm if budget allows!. Best Rob

Very nice indeed!.. Rob

Welcome aboard. You will find many interesting members here. Hope you enjoy!... Rob

Lots have been said here that's all very good advice indeed. Two that stand out are that the planets are low right now, so even with the most premium EP. You will find fab detail tough. The other is patience.. The most important element. You may/will end up with a little eye strain or tiredness. You need to hold at the eyepiece and eyeball the whole area. The atmosphere quality is changing constantly, then suddenly for a second or two a sharper view will be presented. That said I will advise on he following EP's to get started with. I own the 6mm in this range, and boy it performs really well! https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-eyepieces/skywatcher-uwa-planetary-eyepieces.html Budget friendly, and a step up towards pleasing planetary observing. However you shall need to do the math with regards to which size will perform best for your scope. Best Rob

Nice report Stu, thanks. Always wanted to have a look through one I have to say!. Their quality reputation has been around for such a long time. Rob

I know guys!.. I feel the same being 50 this year. I've been into astronomy from 10 years of age (in a serious manner with a scope). I recall the amazing years in the early 2000's. The way I see this (and will exercise as best as funds can) is to replace the small ED I owned with another ED/ Mak and travel to southern Europe and observe. Of course the reaming Planet appearances are limited being low, but don't stop trying!. Astronomy is about pushing limits, we also know we do have those very occasional fabulous seeing nights. Plus plan to get out of the city/town to areas that have a dark, wide open site to observe/image. The higher the better. There's always a way to achieve your goals. Best Wishes & Clear Skies Rob P.s As mentioned. Mars is looking ok for height at opposition next year on Oct 14th, and with only a 11% Moon!

Yes indeed Stu, we take what we can.. Mind you (as always) its a waiting game for a awesome Planetary season. It does seem like such a long time ago! I'm trying to to think back to when Saturn & Jupiter were really high up.. must have been 10/12 years ago now. Rob

Already looking forward to Mars 2020 opposition. Thought I'd grab some details, height looks better than this year!. I know its not as close as 2018, but hey its Mars!. Thought I'd also share once again a wonderful site to check observing details & data from your own location. https://in-the-sky.org/index.php Regards Rob

Have it recorded. Brian is an excellent Live speaker. Got to see him at the IPExpo2018 last year in London, plus to meet after. Really nice guy! Rob

Thanks Skipper Billy. Kind offer indeed Sir, appreciate it. M8 huh, that's good to know. I also have some Allen heads, but would like some sort of rubber gripped heads so I don't need a tool. But I appreciate you kind offer. Thanks.. Rob

All, I'd like to replace the mounting bolts on my HEQ5, could you advise what with & where to get them please?. I have a few reasons as to why : I find them a little fiddly, so would like nicer grips. And also a better (A2 Stainless if possible) quality bolt, mine are a little rusty.. I think also 2 different lengths may help as they are quite close together!. Cheers.. Rob