old codger

Thanks guys. I haver now received my Redcat 51 from FLO and am very impressed with the quality and size of this small ''scope'' It fits on the Star adventurer very neatly and easily. Not tried it out as yet - the clouds are back again!

Keith

Has anyone any experience with the Williams Optics Redcat51 telescope . I am considering its use on my Star Adventurer mount with my Cannon 600D camera.

The latest issue of ''Astronomy Now'' details the SkySafari6 programme, and indicates it can be used for remote telescope control. Has anyone had experience of this programme ? I am interests in the possibility of using it to remotely control my iOptron MiniTower mount so that I can get accurate star alignment.

Keith (old codger)

I have just started using the Star Adventurer and can confirm the very good impressions mention above. I have sunk 3 wooden pegs into the lawn such that the mount is polar aligned when placed on them .( a quick check with the finder on the pole star position is very easy) I hang a building brick under the tripod for added stability. So far I have managed up to 6 minutes tracking without any trailing, but usually use shorter time exposures.

My only problem is finding and pointing the camera at the chosen target. The Canon 600D has a flip out screen which helps to centre a bright star, but does not show faint objects so that I am making repeated trips to my shed (heated !) to see if I have the image on the computer screen. Is there any way of mounting some form of right angled finder on the camera. Focusing a DSLR is a bit of a trial and error and not as easy as with a telescope focuser.

Keith ( Old Codger)

I'm trying to get info with the intention of buying an iOPTRON Mini Tower..

Phone message to their answer phone is unanswered, tried an e-mail with the same result. Next tried Astronomia who said they would phone me back when they had contacted their supplier (Altair Astro). I'm still waiting.

Next tried Green Witch who said the same thing, but they did phone back within 2hrs to say unable to make contact with AA but would send them an e-mail. They admitted that they have had difficulties cotacting AA and it begining to look as though the only emails answered are those placing an order. If Green Witch fail to contact them in the next 4 or 5 days maybe I shall have to try placing an order direct with AA which I am reluctant to do because of thei appaling lack of curtesy.

Keith Moore

ADDED by Keith 27/08/11:

Please ignore my previous moan as it was all MY fault! Altair Astro DID try to contact me on the sme day as I phoned and e mailed them. I missed my Voicemail recording, and worse, had given them an incorrect e mail address. So my fullsome apologies to AA, who were very prompt at answering my questions and also in speedily dispatching a Mini Tower to me, which arrived in perfect condition this afternoon. So far everything is working perfectly.

Keith Moore