DavieH

Thanks for the link Elp

Thanks all - if it ever stops raining i will give the two steps a go Mr Spock!

Hi, I have an Evolution 8 that needs collimation - I'm sure there must be a thread somewhere on SGL with a tutorial, but I can't find it. It's the first time I will have done anything like this so ideally idiot proof and words of one syllable of possible!

Hello Heids and welcome from another newbie with an evo 8. If you don't get on with the strap another option would be a big-ish rucksack. I use one to move the ota and mount in one go and find it easier to go up and down steps with it on my back (better for balance and I can see where I'm going!). Plenty of used ones on gumtree/ebay. Only problem is that it knocks the finder out of true so have to spend a few minutes re-aligning at the start of a session.

Yep, what they said! One thing that sets sgl apart from other forums for me is the complete lack of snobbery and one-upmanship despite the fact that there are a good number of real experts here. I'm new and have already asked my fair share of stupid questions but without exception the replies I have had have all been friendly, patient and helpful. Makes me want to join in and try to be helpful too!

Hi Gocats, I'm a newbie too and have recently upgraded to an evo 8 so same scope as you. I had the same issue, not helped by wearing glasses. I have a couple of BSTs and have found that winding the rubber eyepiece out helps get my eye the right distance from the eyepiece to get the full effect of the fov. Hope that helps!

Hi dave34, That sounds good - do you mind me asking where you found it?

Hi dave34, I've been looking at those too - I reckon they would be fairly easy to modify it they weren't a perfect for for your 102 Mak. Only thing putting me off is the postage from the U.S. - it's more than the knob!! Have you come across any being sold in the UK?

Really beautiful images Israel, and I could read your description over and over - great post

Hello and welcome! Already jealous of your skies, look forward to reading your posts

Hi, and welcome! I'm new to SGL I but have had some sound advice from other members. I guess I'm at stage 2 - had a 130p for a few years, spent most of my time looking at the moon, Saturn,Jupiter and Mars, Orion nebula and still think it's a great scope. That said (like the Harley!), I wanted"more". You mentioned the Nextar 8se, I've been lucky enough to find a used evolution 8 and while I'm still getting used to it, I love it. With the the 130p finding planets was easy but I'm a bit impatient and am probably never going to be a die hard star hopper so goto was something I wanted to try, and I am already a fan. So, cutting through my waffle, I think you would be pleased with the 8se and I don't think you would outgrow it for a fair while. Hope that helps!

As always really helpful advice. I've pressed the button on the flo website - an 8mmm and 25mm are on their way! That's this month's pocket money spent, now all I need is something to aim the scope at...

Thanks Jetstream, that's a useful rule of thumb. Disappointing as I haven't seen the Milky Way from here for ages!

I have mixed those two scales up from time to time - definitely got more hazy as the night went on...

I have to admit to being really confused by the Bottle scale. I'm close to central Bath and according to Clear Outside that's Bottle 5, which is ok-ish I think? However, because Bath is surrounded by hills air pollution can get pretty bad when we get settled weather so surely that would affect viewing?