Jiggy 67

A real 3D feeling with this sketch, you’ve really caught the depth of craters well, a lovely sketch.

Today I made an attempt at ridding myself from cone error following Astronomy Shed's youtube video. When it came to loosening the bolts that secure the dovetail to the tube rings (its a Skywatcher dovetail for rings for a 8inch reflector) the bolts were that tightly fitted they were almost welded tight!! After much effort and rounding the bolts requiring replacements, I took the whole dovetail assembly apart. So now, once I've replaced the bolts I need to fit them back to the rings. Does anyone know a method of doing this that reduces cone error from the beginning, I'm assuming that if I tighten the bolts and just screw the adjustment alan bolts until they are touching the dovetail, there should be zero cone error....am I right??

Does anyone use the PS Align Pro app for polar aligning and in particular the daytime polar alignment facility. Take a look at the videos below. This guy uses the daytime process using the app which identifies where Polaris is and then uses a bubble like animation for you to polar align with the alt/azimuth bolts. He then checks his alignment the traditional way (second video) and the app seems to be pretty bang on.....for visual anyway. What i like is that you can carry out this process during the day during normal set up and then at night you will only need to fine tune for accurate polar alignment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2lwoJeQj44 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq_gKvCmqBI

Beautiful, love the almost 3D effect in clouds to the right of the core

i think it should be noted that criminals, both violent and non violent property crime, are far more likely to commit offences against each other and their own neighbours. Although it does happen, the majority of criminals do not travel far to commit offences so I wouldn't let them win by changing your behaviour too much apart from some basic precautions.....after all....the chances are that if you never locked your front door or your car nothing would happen, obviously, I'm not saying that you should do that. I have considered leaving my equipment set up outside in my back garden but there are obvious concerns about that.....does anyone know of any insurance companies that would cover that risk??

Totally agree

Don't know what your budget is but I would consider the Baader Hyperion Zoom. Might appear expensive but it's a good quality zoom giving you 5 eps in one at 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24mm and combined with a barlow further increases your options

Thanks David......You've reminded me why I've spent the money😉

I’ve had a good look round and I’ve ordered 7 of the grass protection mats from these guys http://rubberco.co.uk they are not cheap!!!!....but these are the cheapest I could find (they are all the same wherever you look, just different prices) and will be worth it if they keep the garden in a reasonable condition

Absolutely!!! .......I really like John’s idea with the grass protecting mats....not cheap cos I think I’ll need 5 or 6 but worth a go , I’ll update with a result for those with similar issues

Interesting and good idea, got me thinking

I use flight cases similar to john from Maplins, they maybe expensive but they are worth every penny...very secure and keep your ep's very stable and safe, I have two and store everything in them, filters, etc. I think FLO sell them now

The environment around my house leaves me no option but to set up on my back garden and specifically the lawn. Given the fact that global warming has led to increase rainfall (it hasn't stopped raining for a week now!!) I am conscious that the ground and lawn is sodden. I have put up with this in the past but it appears to be getting worse and I don't want to turn my lawn into a mud bath and ruin the lawn as I walk around the mount. I am considering pegging out a large plastic sheet and making some holes for the tripod legs to fit through to the ground below it. As I am hoping to keep the mount setup for much of the winter, this will be almost permanent through the winter. Does anyone have any experience of this??.....How did it work for you??....does anyone have an alternative solution (without involving concrete or slabs) or is there a retail solution anyone can suggest Thanks guys Darren

Hey everyone, This is my first post for about 4 years, used to be a regular on here but work/family/expensive holidays and life in general got in the way and i turned away from the hobby for a few years......but now I'm back and keen to get going again now i'm due to retire in a couple of years and all the time that brings!!! A bit of advice for anyone thinking of making a break.....don't!!......you won't believe how quickly you lose your knowledge, I feel like I'm starting again so expect a lot of questions......anyway, good to be back!!!......Clear Skies!!