PatrickO

Welcome!

I was just thinking of starting a post saying the same thing. I'm almost getting to the stage of selling everything The unpredictable nature of the weather doesn't help. Couple of weeks ago forecast was saying 2-3 clear hours. No sooner than i got everything outside and aligned and it started raining. If I were to work out the hourly use cost of my kit I'm sure it would be cheaper to go on a world cruise 😅

Awesome! I love simple, inexpensive solutions that work and solve a real problem.

For lunar observation do you find an erecting diagonal preferable? I'm fairly new to astronomy and lunar observation appeals a lot. Just wondering how more experienced observers do it. Thanks, Patrick

I'm using a Meade 8" LX 90 which is pretty much the same size as the Celestron 8se. Also using a 120mm refractor. I find they are both limited as to how high they will point. I do use 2" eyepieces which perhaps adds to the problem. I'd like a mount I can put different OTAs on. I've thought about the CPC800/925, but then I'd need another mount/tripod for the refractor and SWMBO already feels telescopes take up too much room in the house.

I don't have a specific budget, but like everyone I prefer not to spend more than necessary.

My interests are visual observation and occasional planetary/lunar photography. Not planning any DSO photography. I'm presently using a Celestron C6/8 mount, but it limits how near the zenith I can go. My scopes are a 120mm achro refractor and a 200mm SCT. I'd like a sturdy GOTO mount with a very quick/easy alignment. I'd prefer to avoid polar alignment. I'm thinking of the Ioptron AZ Pro, but would appreciate your opinions. Any suggestions or advice gratefully received.

Thanks!

I have a Celestron Nexstar 8se. I find the hand controller display difficult to read when it's scrolling. When the display is static it's fine, but when it's scrolling the letters are jumbled up and almost impossible to read. Is this normal or is my hand controller faulty? Thanks, Patrick

I have the Celestron Omni 2x Barlow lens. For planetary imaging with a Meade 8" SCT and ZWO ASI224MC camera, what would I have to spend to get a substantially better Barlow? Also, should I be thinking of an Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector? Many thanks, Patrick

Thanks for that. TBH I don't think it answered my question.

Is there such a thing as a MIRROR erecting diagonal or is it only prism? Thanks

Anyone tried this diagonal and able to comment on how it compares with more expensive erecting diagonals? Astro Essentials erecting prism https://www.firstlightoptics.com/diagonals/astro-essentials-90-amici-erecting-prism-diagonal.html

I'm thinking of the 1.25" one

I'm looking for recommendations for a 90° 1.25" erect image diagonal for lunar observation with my 8" SCT. I've read that the Williams Optics one is good. Has anyone experience of it? Or of any others you would recommend or avoid. Thanks, Patrick

Thank you. I'll order some LR54s

Thanks. Unfortunately, that looks like a different model.

Unfortunately, no battery in it

Thank you. Follow up up question. Does anyone know what battery it would take. It looks identical to the Star watcher and Rother Valley 12.5mm ones. The website doesn't mention battery size. The Astro Essentials one which also looks very similar takes 3 LR54 batteries.

I got this with another purchase. Can anyone tell me what it is? Thanks

I have a Meade LX90 8" OTA and I'm trying to decide on a eyepieces for planetary observation. My budget is £200-300. I'd go higher if it would make a big difference. My thinking at the moment is to get a couple eyepieces of around 8mm and 12mm. This would give magnification of around 250x and 167x. I'm assuming it's going to be rare to be able to go over 250x Alternatively, I could get a good quality 8-24mm zoom, which means I can adjust the magnification to get the best view at the time. I'd appreciate advice on what you all think would be best.

Afternoon all Please can experienced people suggest a simple-to-use goto alt-az mount for a Skywatcher Startravel 120. Purely for visual observation, mainly wide field. Fast set up is more important to me than accurate tracking. OTA length 660mm, weight 4.1kg. I'm going to be using a 2" diagonal and eyepiece. Many thanks for any advice.

What sort of heated socks?

Anyone using heated gloves? I find it's my hands get most cold. Any recommendations for gloves?

Thanks! That's a shame. I mainly wanted it to clear the clouds 😂