Paul_Sussex

A late update... Real life got in the way a bit and, along with extra clouds from FLO, just starting to get out more. On 10th June set up quickly in the garden for some lunar observation - a bit early and no visible stars to align. Almost (?) full moon and a filter made a huge difference. Finding my way around but managed to identify Tycho, Schiller, Gassendi, Gassendi A, Copernicus and Kepler. Must get a decent lunar map. On 7th July out with the local club. With a bit of help, found out I can centre the moon and then just set too lunar tracking. Worked well without doing a proper alignment. Had a nice chat with a lady and her son also getting started with a similar scope - Celestron Astro Fi 6? Similar problems to those I had, so maybe it's just getting used to the mount? And this morning, up early to view Saturn and Jupiter. Again, couldn't find any stars to align on - sky too light. Nice low power view of Saturn and rings - no cloud or ring definition. The supplied 25mm is fine, but I think I definitely need a replacement for the 10mm. Didn't bother with the Barlow, although maybe should have tried it with the 25mm? Found Jupiter but very blurry - unfortunately, where I was set up Jupiter was right over the conservatory, so plenty of hot air! 🙄 I'll know better in future. So...things are looking up. Just need more practise! Watch this space...

Hurrah! The handset went back to FLO, who checked and replaced it. Just done a quick test indoors (lying about the time to pretend it's night) and everything seems to be working properly. Next few nights are looking a bit 'orrible, but may be able to get out later in the week to try out properly...fingers crossed!

Don't know if it's any help, but on this page - https://www.meadeuk.com/Meade-StarNavigator-NG-102-Refractor.html - under Support there are guides and manuals for your telescope.

I've recently bought the same set-up new from FLO. I found following the manual worked, but you have to be careful with north alignment - true north, not magnetic - and levelling - best with a separate level rather than the on mount bubble level. Also, as mentioned US date format and either GMT/UTC or confirm daylight saving time. Found that two star alignment would get me in the general location, usually in or close to the finder scope view.

Well, the factory reset worked for a while. Then the handset froze again. Tried to do a firmware update but couldn't even get started. Handset refused any input. Emailed FLO, so hoping to hear something back on Monday. 😞

So, after advice from FLO I checked the handset and battery leads/sockets were clean and properly fitted, made sure the powerpack was fully charged and then did a reset to factory settings. A quick indoor test seemed to operate okay. I will try out properly on the next clear night...possibly Thursday? If no joy, can then try a firmware update. Many thanks to Alex at FLO for his help.

The BST Starguiders seem to be popular - pity they don't do a 30mm/32mm as well.

I've just had a couple of nights out with my new Skymax 127 SynScan AZ GOTO and Celestron Lithium LT powertank. Initialising and alignment go okay and the mount slews and tracks but at some point the handset seems to freeze and won't accept any key inputs. The only way to clear it seems to be powering down and starting from scratch - a little frustrating and annoying. Has anyone else had this problem? I'm hoping it might just be a firmware issue. Queried with FLO, so waiting to see if they have any ideas as well.

So, just been out on the South Downs - a nice clear night. Managed a good 2-star alignment and started tracking the moon. Good views along the terminator, even with the 10mm EP and Barlow (which was pushing it a bit). I will have to get some decent EP's eventually, as I want to try out some lunar sketching. Still having problems with the SynScan. Every now and then the handset seems to freeze and won't accept any input from the buttons. I'll have to contact FLO and see if there's a fix. I'm hoping it's just a firmware issue and can be sorted with a download. Has anyone else had this issue? It's a little frustrating.

Did a lot of trawling through threads, including yours. A lot of accumulated wisdom on here. And yes, the immediate upgrades - Used the AA battery pack for a quick peek but now have the same Celestron lithium battery. Lowered the tripod indoors - seemed much steadier. Need to find a suitable seat for observing. And have a couple of clothes pegs standing by for minor fettling.

I'm slowly finding my way round the mount. Although one problem - certain items in the menu seem to freeze up and I have to power off to continue. Must check if this is a known issue. Also, don't think I could download to my phone - Hope you have as much fun with the Celestron! 😉 Be interested to hear how you get on with it.

Yes...I had a lot of help and input from @Tiny Clanger. And another bookmarked site!

Yes, I'd need to caliper the i.d. to make sure there's enough room. Too loose would be better if anything...I could pack out with some rubber.

Have some pegs to play around with. And yes, have a dew shield from Astrozap already! I'm surprised Skywatcher or an aftermarket company don't produce a rigid dew shield for the Maks. I'm tempted to see what I can do with this - https://www.screwfix.com/p/manrose-150mm-round-ducting-0-35m/686GY?tc=JT1&ds_kid=92700055281954508&ds_rl=1249404&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIja2L_drB9wIVbhoGAB1m1Q4DEAQYAyABEgIVwPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds - and some black felt.

Thanks for all the advice. Any changes will be down the line, apart from a clothes peg and a comfy chair! But I have a little list...😀