whooshbang

Ah I see! Looks good. Might have to give that a look.

Is that the 10:30 "fly me to the moon" talk? Looking forward to that one. In fact, there isn't one that i'm not interested in seeing. The idea being that if i stay busy with the conference i'll have less opportunity to overspend in the exhibition. 🤑

Indeed 😎

Any members attending attending this year? Not a roll call, just curious. I haven't been since the late 90's. I remember purchasing a Meade 10" SCT there after getting the astro bug from Comet Hale-Bopp. I have fond memories of many great nights observing with that scope, it was a breeze compared to my Meade refractor on a very manual Alt-Az mount and badly collimated newt on a withering EQ mount with no setting circles... its no wonder i didn't have a clue how to find anything with the newt (that put me off newts n gems for a while). Anyway, I'm looking forward to going again... booked a conference ticket for the Friday Anyone else thinking of going? buying something perhaps? Or doing the conferences?

That's a swear word on here! 😉

I too have been looking for some of these. Found a company (India) that accept paypal so going to email their sales department later today... need to double check my requirements first. https://www.holmarc.com/thumb_screws.php

Or, Finishing your own and murdering a Pig - which carries a far less punishable crime - is far more likely scenario... In keeping with the context of the OP I guess we should be asking "How safe does the pig feel" when outside at night alone in a field?

I prefer to get out of the town/city when i can. When i lived in centre of Bath i used to drive out to spot near Marshfield. Only ever had one person approach me and that was the farmer who's land i was set up next to (dead end dirt track) He was fine once he knew what i was up to. Now living in central Bracknell I've be scouring the countryside for dark spots. I've used Puttenham common car park a few times and the only thing i've ever encountered is the odd car pulling up, staying for half hour or so then leaving. It's a nice out the way spot. Generally when i see car headlamps approaching i grab my Mag lite put my hoodie up and watch them drive into the car park. I don't wave, I don't smile, I just stare for at least 5 seconds (but not more than 10s). I try to position my scope behind my car so all they see when entering the car park is some bloke on his own with a 1000 yard stare and potential weapon in hand. Who do you think is more scared? If it's the police or farmer they will approach regardless... If it's doggers, swingers weed smokers or adulterers they may find a quiet spot in the corner to carry out their business. If it's scum they'll probably think twice about approaching, but 9 times out of 10 any visitors in the night see me staring at them and do an about turn. I had a car pull into the carpark one evening, they parked up and shined their full beam headlights directly at me. After about 5 mins i got a bit annoyed and started to walk over to politely ask them to kill their lights (please). I must have taken 5 or 6 steps in their direction and they drove off. I didn't even have the Mag Lite in my hand. For most people driving out to a dark remote location in your car is one thing but getting out of your car alone and in the dark? Most people won't entertain it. So when they see someone out there alone in the dark they are very unlikely to get out and join you. (unless of course, they are fellow observers or cops) That's my experience anyway! Good luck! Get out there! And clear skies! Oh, if anyone wants to buddy up at Puttenham in the autumn PM me.

This is what i get: The Sun - William Optics FLT98 Telescope and Baader zoom eyepiece at 24mm - Samsung s10 Camera phone Not the best footage Using a Seymour Solar filter (Orange) I have a slightly bigger refractor and a phone holder so i'll have another go at it

I wouldn't normally chime in but i am in the process of designing a collar/spacer for a dumbell weight to fit a counterweight bar and by sheer coincidence stumbled across your similar build thread. it's shocking how much stuff can be designed and sent to print, 10 years ago i would have never considered buying a 3d printer... today, i would not be without one.

You would definitely had been on the sauce especially making spoons with holes in. Excellent idea though. Food for thought when i get an AZ mount

Did actually look at the AZT6 but the payload is half of what the Hercules can apparently handle. I plan of throwing 6 or 7kg on it Thanks for the heads up on the newer model though.

Thinking of giving one of these a whirl. Quick question. If you placed a scope on the mount with a suitable length dovetail couldn't the Alt axis be balanced out so when the axis is unlocked the scope won't drop (or rise) in declination? I'm assuming the Alt and Azimuth axis can be locked and unlocked? Thanks

Looking good now

Many thanks! Finally pulled the trigger on Topaz!

I don't think many will complain about this: Millions more funding for projects to make our streets safer - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) more street lighting.... but safer streets is the trade off.

I can confirm that Frensham large pond carpark closes at 9pm. There's a smaller carpark up the road for the small pond but the trees are fairly high so the views are limited.

I'm gonna ride the bike down to Frensham car park today. I'll let you know (if i don't get lost) Thanks for link about Hankley/Thursley common.

I went to Thursley site last night but it was closed due to military training. I proceeded to Puttenham top carpark which is big and open. The photo is a south facing view. Unfortunately the heavy cloud moved in and bailed out. Definitely worth another look.

Thanks. I have pulled the trigger on the SQM-L from FLO

Could i ask which SQM's you all use? Thinking of getting one, as i understand it they have different FOV.... which one is generally the best? I See FLO sell this one... Unihedron SQM-L Sky Quality Meter with lens | First Light Optics Thanks

awesome! perhaps snap a photo of the view south? if it's clear or patchy cloud i'll be there Sunday night got new gear to try out so i'll happily dodge a few clouds to capture some light

I reckon set up straight out of the boot of the car. looks pretty open and i can't stand lugging kit too far from the motor. Plus i like to keep an eye on the car and use it for a comfy flask of tea. I 'm gonna check it out Sunday.

I got this car park https://goo.gl/maps/d4u2QL1wYzfwtbu76 on Thursley Common

That's brilliant thanks! Plenty of car parks around Ranmore Common according to google maps. Bignor looks okay... bit of a jaunt though. Thanks again for all your comments. most welcome!