Rob

With regards to the counter weight. When I had my William Optics EZtouch (AYO) I needed a counter weight for sure. I get the feeling the Skytee II is a little more beefy! mind you

Equally @John I'd love to fit a feather touch on mine. Did they make/supply the adapter?. I know it would be as much, if not more than the scope. But hey I do love me 127l

(Sorry not wishing to hijack the thread.. just curios)

Rob

My Bresser 127L arrived perfectly collimated. I've also never needed to collimate since.

My general goto re-grease is Superlube. However I would wait for another to advise specifically for the Skytee II. Worries me that its VERY stiff straight out the box TBH... If it were me I'd have it replaced??

I think its staggering what you guys are capturing with these lenses.. great work

Fingers crossed. I'm lucky enough to remember Hale bopp back in the 90's.. just waiting for another like that!. That was a true naked eye comet

8 minutes ago, bluesilver said:

Yes,  my Dobsonian is on a goto mount.

I was looking to use something like the Skywatcher AZ EQ6 mount.

Looking more like the first choice i came up with might be the best option,  the TS Optics Cassegrain telescope C 203/2436 OTA.

Plenty of time to do research,  just thought it would be best to ask opinions first,  and very much appreciate them.

Dobsonian are great,  but more suited for DSO,  but then again,  i could be wrong,   

Always found great advice on here.

 

AZ EQ6 sounds like a great plan. Would carry the C203 perfectly!.. You would have a fine Planetary setup there. Next stop .... eyepieces

I would also suggest a tracking mount also. Does not have to be goto. This allows not having to touch the scope/mount to often, and keep eyeballing the Planet. True Planet observation requires per-longed study at the eyepiece to squeeze out detail.

Now I'm sure you may already be aware of this... so I'm not trying to offend here. You may also already have a tracking mount?. Just think it should be more considered than a manual AZ

Rob

19 minutes ago, Steve Clay said:

Or use the Eq5 extension post. Which granted,  is adding to the cost

I use the extension for mine. To be fair the out lay is so worth it for comfy observing. I use a CG5 2" steel leg tripod, the EQ5 extension & HEQ5 on top. Sure I know that's not an AZ mount, but the setup copes with the 127L perfectly.

The mount/tripod is so important. If its not right the experience will be so off putting which unfortunately happens far to often for folk. 

Rob

We all have them don't we!... take the positive of the Cat's Eye, sorry to learn about the spec's... grrrr

Rob

Pleases me!. I like summer as long as its not too hot!. But winter for me is just fine... longer (earlier) observing, and a better nights sleep!

Nice Mark.. I did read through the same CN threads. I was intrigued about the dolland conversion also. Thanks for posting this

Best Rob

A pristine Meade MA 9mm Made in Japan eyepiece circa 1985!. Been keeping my eye out for one of these for some time.

There's a rumor that the 9mm works really well in long focal length achromatic Refractor's.  Looks like first light could follow early next week. Anyway, so far really pleased with regards to its quality for the age of the item. Optics all lovely and clear, coatings look perfect.

I certainly would not entertain dismantling modern ep's, but like like you. When its Orthos, Modified kellners etc .. all standard stuff and worth while 

Nice thread & good timing for. I have a Meade MA9 (series 2 - Japan made from 1985) due to arrive any day. I looking to fully service it as you have done here.

Nice one... Rob

Thanks for the heads up.. lets hope so!

@Alan White Wow, that is mint. Good find!

@cloudsweeper Its a joy of scope isn't it!

@wookie1965 What a journey for you, so glad your getting pay back for all your troubles. Yes the Meade AR127 you have there is one of the same.

Enjoy!

Rob

Always wanted a 5/6" Refractor. Funds are just not there for ED/APO of that size!. However, my 127L has satisfied this. I just love the contrast & inky black back drop.

The mount side of things is absolutely correct. Its not just the scope your purchasing! (well in my case the scope was a Christmas gift) Then had to buy an HEQ5 to carry it!

Rob

Buying and selling is part of it for me. That said over the time I've been in this Hobby (30 years). I've had fine buying & trying.. but my goal has been to settle on what works for me, then try to keep it!. Works most of the time, but temptation always knocks the door with new kit releases.

I'm happy that I have an investment in kit. I'm with @stu mind.. I want to keep the balance of enjoyment with using it also, and not panic that I have too much money invested.

Rob

Excellent responses here guys. Appreciate the time taken to add important input.

Best Rob

Great replies all, thank you.

I just see so much in the forum where people question why the images are not great etc. I feel the understand of correct magnification along with expectation is important.

Hi All,

Thought I'd start a thread to discuss magnification. So as we know a telescope has a usable magnification. Now this changes with focal length & aperture, but then we also factor in where you maybe in the World and seeing conditions.

So this got me thinking about producing this thread to provide all with guidance to achieve the best out of your scope on various targets!.

So lets categorize these targets. It would be great to have a number users to provide detail on where they are, scope aperture & focal length and max magnification they tend to find provides the best result.

• The Moon
• Planets
• Deep Sky
• Double Stars

I feel this may bring up interesting results, and I hope will provide help with observing.

Rob

Great report Thank you for posting. I very much enjoyed the read with my tea & toast this morning. I'm a real Meade EP fan and have been really interested in MWA, so this really helps me.

As soon as funds allow I'll be looking to grab one I think.

Best wishes

Rob

Lovely scopes you have there Stu. I'm sure they are an absolute pleasure to use. Enjoy!

Best Rob