tezz

Hi all.

My shed\clubhouse should be here next week.

The problem I am having now is insuring it and the contents.

My insurance company(Swinton) will only insure upto £1,500.

I did find another company that would do it.

But under the UK law I can't have 2 insurances on 1 property.
And to ditch Swinton I have to pay £75 to terminate the policy.

So my plan of action is to sort out the shed with very good locks and smart sensors and see if anyone try's to break in.

When I get the insurance sorted, then I will setup the scope  :)

1 hour ago, Ivor said:

@tezz, I've had a similar observatory for about 4 months now and have learnt a few things you might find useful. Hopefully I'm not too late with these snippets.

I've not completed my setup yet, so bits of the setup are rough round the edges.

• Organise the base to be as due south as possible
• I build a raised base on composite posts partly due to the location but also so I could easily thread cables into a pier
• I recommend you consider a pier, with a tripod the legs are going to get knocked when someone pushes the apex down
• Make the warm room as small as you can get a way with, this moves the north apex back to give you access to more north sky for future viewing
• You mentioned your mobilty issues, if you are moving around in the warm room and using a tripod the telescope will be on the same floor so it is likely to wobbly; another reason to consider a pier
• The drop apex section is heavy I've tided a rope to the top of mine to help pull it up but the leverage isn't working great, I have a few ideas for easier methods which I'll explore in the summer
• They don't include stoppers at the end of the rails so the roof can roll off and it is hard to put it back on your own 
• The roof catches the wind and the catch provide aren't sufficent I'm using these: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114664826945 & https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114018206227

Hope it helps

That is an awesome setup.

I hope mine works out as good.

Thank for the advice and links.

I was after some clamps 👍

18 hours ago, Cosmic Geoff said:

It looks like the correct one for your scope, but why not support a proper astronomy dealer who needs your money much more than Jeff Bezos does?

I'm not saying where.

But celestron sell it for £90 including everything.

2 hours ago, Cosmic Geoff said:

It looks like the correct one for your scope, but why not support a proper astronomy dealer who needs your money much more than Jeff Bezos does?

Because Celestron was selling it cheaper.

And if celestron can sell it at that price.

Then should be able to sell it to shops cheaper.

@Cosmic Geoff I just looked and my evolution comes with a celestron Star Diagonal -1 1/4

Looks like I don't need to buy one?

Just bought the one from my link above 

20 minutes ago, Shimrod said:

You've bought the Evolution 9.25 which comes with Edge (HD) optics. From the Celestron range you will need to get the matching Edge reducer which is a little more expensive:  https://www.firstlightoptics.com/reducersflatteners/celestron-reducer-lens-7x-for-edgehd-925.html Celestron specifically say the standard reducer (that you have linked above) is not suitable.

Others may be able to comment on whether any of the third party reducers may be effective.

Whether something is left to right or even upside down doesn't really matter from a viewing perspective in astronomical terms - as long as you remember which way you need to slew the telescope to centre an object! If you decide to follow the suggestion above of using a diagonal to get the required back focus for your camera, you could look at one that contains a correcting prism - some will correct up/down but leave left-right reversed, others containing an Amici prism will give a completely corrected view

 

Hi.

My evolution 9.25 is not the edge version.

So is my link the right one.

It's the cheapest I've found 

1 hour ago, Cosmic Geoff said:

Back focus is irrelevant if you are imaging planets (or other small objects) or live-viewing them on a screen.  It becomes an issue if you are using a large-chip camera and want the image to be sharp right to the corners.  As it happens, the standard Celestron diagonal is about the right length to give the correct amount of back focus (it does not have to be accurate to .001 inch).   Yes, it will reverse the image L-R but you can undo that in software.   There are all sorts of other ways of providing some extension. For instance, if you buy a SCT to T-thread adaptor, you can then use T-adapter tubes to connect the adapter to your camera, which should have a T-thread on its front end. SVbony  do a kit of T-extension tubes which you can play with to get various extensions.

If you have not done so already, consider buying the Celestron f6.3 focal reducer, which will do a number of useful things for you: convert your scope to a f6.3 (faster for imaging and live-viewing), give a wider actual field of view, and IIRC provide some field flattening.

Note that I was obliged to use a diagonal along with my f6.3 reducer, otherwise the imaging train hit the base of the mount when trying to aim at high objects!

Thank you.

I never knew things will be out of wack like left to right.

Is there anything I can buy to this right?

Celestron f6.3 focal reducer. I will have to do some reading in this.

But I will go and price it up.

Is this it?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Celestron-Field-Lens-Corrector-Reducer/dp/B00009XVHZ/ref=asc_df_B00009XVHZ/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309904628344&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3482787380875555236&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006524&hvtargid=pla-404336624377&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

My Bluetti EB3A and the Celestron focus motor has turned up   

I have a small heater and a fan ready for summer and winter.

I have got to get items to lock the sliding roof in place and a very good door lock.

I am going to use a wireless extender(in my bungalow) with a Lan port to go in to the clubhouse   :) 

So I think I am good to go once my shed(club house)arrives.

I do dislike like all these space rings to get back focus. The evolution  it has a 5.475 inch focus distance.

Would buying this or something like this be a better option?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Telescope-Extension-Compatible-Projection-Astrophotography/dp/B0B9BWLJGZ/ref=asc_df_B0B9BWLJGZ/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=606572198636&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13992995265074432390&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006524&hvtargid=pla-1869702456691&psc=1

22 minutes ago, Cosmic Geoff said:

Apparently the observatory section has low sides but a fixed gable end. I would be inclined to make a modification there, and make the top half of the gable end hinge down.  Nevertheless it is an improvement on the high-sided roll-off-roof designs I have seen pictured elsewhere.

If you look at the listing.

The apex one one side does go down.

So no need to mod it.

I won't be able to see north. But according to what I have read. It doesn't matter. Unless I want to see north 😅

I could, down the road get a power chair electric riser for the scope.

But I will never be able to clear the roof.

Just an update to the things I have added.

Sheds sheds is building me a 6FT X 10Ft one of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/282153730577

I have bought 2 solar 100w panels and a BLUETTI EB3A.

This will power a small heater if needed plus red lights.

I have bought a 1.25 moon and sun filter.

Just trying to find someone to level some ground for me for cash.

Thanks people.

I'm ok now with the purchase.

Paid my deposit and it will be with me in 3 weeks.

I have took on all your great advice.

Good day to you all.

I have been chatting to a guy who owns Sheds Sheds Sheds.

He has gave me a price,

He wants £550 Bank transfer upfront and the rest(about £1800) when he comes.

I'm having second thoughts, so I thought I would ask here.

Thank you 

Has anyone had dealings with Sheds Sheds Sheds?

Th guy wants money upfront and the rest of the cash when he comes.

1 hour ago, bosun21 said:

The barlow 2x is inserted into the visual back of the telescope and then the camera fits into the open end of the barlow. 

I think I have got it now.

So either I can look through the barlow and\or put the camera in it?

If the above is true. What do I need to but to use both at the same time?

I want to try everything     Sorry I am a pain.

I'm about to order the shed I posted above.

So that's another thing done.

Thank you all for your help and support.

14 hours ago, Cosmic Geoff said:

I do not think you need one. They are used for guided imaging of deep-sky objects (e.g. small galaxies) with long exposures (minutes).  Your mount is not well suited to this advanced task.

Exposure times for lunar or planetary imaging are very short (milliseconds) so no guiding is needed.

Thank you.

So how would I use my Barlow 2x and camera at the same time?

I want to try everything I have bought. 

This is the shed I was going to buy.

But to far and they don't deliver

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/282153730577?hash=item41b1ac4211:g:mmQAAOSwQgpW~iwr&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoFzG1ohoJ1sCeelSWGgO2IZ%2FpQeYciU79A8jO8jWia8zw%2F4t%2F2sP8tvrzlXknf1q7w3SAr9gCBHu85P2zL7k9z%2F8SbRn%2BhwwV1cOpuC%2Fe%2BrU9OuY6YxQMvM9cVEmwSgyVEB7PqzA1dzWt87SQCy4on%2FoLX2UdrvMvpfljLPvmIYYlccnnYuELI1MPCBPCGsar10gBT25yrMpRcLIxlW2ol0%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR77a0dTBYQ

1 hour ago, bosun21 said:

Where did you buy the Celestron electric focuser? I’ve searched the UK and none were available. Thanks 

Amazon uk.

It's a US import.

I have bought a Barlow 2x and would like to use it later on.

Which  off-axis guider should I buy that includes everything I need?

Thank you

27 minutes ago, M40 said:

Don't worry about an off axis guider, I doubt you will ever need one. I think start nice and easy and go for a target thats easy to spot, that way you will at least know the telescope is pointing in the right direction. Don't use the barlow, just bolt the camera in and select the moon or jupiter or mars. Focus using your motorised focuser on your tablet or device and see what happens. You will be able to get it all talking indoors during day so youknowwhat to expectat night.

The moon will likely be very bright so a moon filter is the only thing you might want to buy at the moment.

One question, did you get the starsense with your telescope?

All the best.

I never got the Starsense. To much money 

But I will keep an eye on ebay for one to add later.

Thank you for your advice. Very helpful.

I have a friend coming round later to check the glass on the telescope before I assemble it.

I did find a Observatory shed. But it's £2,700. But I would have to pay to get it picked up and put together. 

On 09/11/2022 at 16:45, Dinglem said:

@George Sinanis take a look at this it may give you some idea of a cheap easily dismantled solution.

 

This is so helpful for me.

Thank you.

Hi all.

So. Thinking about what I have bought.

I think I have missed something out.

If I put the camera in. I won't be able to focus(not sure about this)

So what do I need to buy so I can focus with my Barlow 2x with the camera fitted as well?

Is it called a "celestron off-axis guider" or something else.

Thank you for your time.

Oh. I'm looking in to getting a observatory shed for my south facing backyard.

But they cost more than the telescope  

Sorry for the late reply.

@dweller25 Hi. My friend is making a thing like a condom that will be fitted to the wall out side. So if it rains I just pull a pin and down it comes:)

@Cosmic Geoff It has wifi that connects to the sky portal app that works on my Fold and my PC.

@mikeDnight The scope will go in the bedroom in the summer were it is cool. I could put a fan in there if needed. I would like to look at the moon and about anything else. If I wanted pictures of mars ect. I would go to NASA and get one. Maybe I will find something that no one else has? 

And thank you for the other reply's. They have been very useful.

I had my Evolution 9.25 come this morning.

And I have ordered these which will be here tomorrow.

ASI 585MC I need some filters if someone knows of a place.

Celestron Universal Piggyback Mount

Celestron Dew Shield DX for C9.25 & C11

Celestron Focus Motor 

Celestron Nikon T-Ring

Celestron X-Cell LX 2x Barlow lens

If anyone can add to this I would be grateful.

11 minutes ago, Carbon Brush said:

Hello and welcome to SGL.
I second the comment from @fwm891 about some background.

I think just as relevant is some information about the person(s) who will be setting up the scope for you.
The C9.25 on a decent tripod is big and heavy. Then you need to be realistic about the alignment and setup.
Goto is often marketed as 'turn on power and view'. The reality is different.

Here are more questions to throw into the discussion.
Is it practical to leave the scope outside under a weatherproof cover?
Is it practical to use a small plastic structure, like a tool store or wheelie bin store to house the scope?

Keep asking the questions and we will do our best to help.
With a £4K budget you can get a really good live viewing setup.

 

Thank you.

Just outside my front from is the backdoor. I have a 8x8ft wooden ramp for my electric chair.

The telescope will go there. My PC will be about 14ft from the scope.

It will make my life easy to keep the scope in my front room.

As friends don't have far to move it.

I don't mind paying £5,000 if need be.

18 minutes ago, fwm891 said:

I can't blame you with FLO but why the 9.25 ? if you can give a reason for going with this scope it will make other recommendations a little easier...

Thank you.

After watching many reviews.

The 9.25 seams the sweet spot for the money. It has wireless so I don't need to pick up the phone for help(I live alone)

I just want to look at the stars and see what I find.

I was going to get a Nexstar 8, but that uses old tech.

Good day to you all.

I am 66 years young soon and disabled(I can not move myself) this is my very first telescope 

The scope will be put just outside my backdoor. I live in Solihull UK.

I have picked out a telescope. It's the Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25.

I need advice on what to buy to do the things I would like.

I do want to buy everything from FLO as I think it will be less hassle.

I want a 4K colour camera for the scope that will plugin to my PC which will be inside of my place.

So I can see everything live. That's the main thing.

I have friends who will bring the scope back in. It will live in my front room.

I know I will need loads of extras like a new eye piece\tracking\dew cover and things I don't know about yet.

But I have read lots of forums and everyone says different things about the items I need and what brand.

I am hoping that £4,000 may cover everything?

So can someone please help me.

Thank you for looking and reading.

EDIT= I forgot to ask. Could you leave a link to things I will need.