Stu_53N_002W

I’m a bit of an expert in matters of this nature. My first telescope was little used and quickly became unsuitable for whatever needs I thought I had for it. After being overwhelmed by too many accessories in attempt to remedy my perceived shortcomings of what I thought it had. I bought another totally unsuitable telescope. That first telescope has long gone. The replacement, although unsuitable is actually my favourite. It’s also has company. Several OTAs (Optical Tube Assemblies), mounts and tripods. None perfect and some mistakes. Each has taught me something. Turns out there’s a lot to learn. That I don’t mind, it’s the expense that can be hard to take. A telescope is rarely complete and optional extras may start to show weakness and thus prompt upgrade paths leaving some accessories redundant. This leapfrog process has a cascading effect on the piggy bank funds. The stars are quite wonderful and the faint whisper of Andromeda, when seen, a challenge well done. So I mentioned a totally unsuitable favourite, it’s a 12” dobsonian. Big but dobsonians are so easy to point. Andromeda was seen using a pair of 25x70 binoculars. So portable but do benefit from a tripod mount bracket and tripod or monopod. Or a bean bag on a shoulder. Anyway, I do natter on a bit but found the question so interesting that I had to buy myself one of these 76/700 telescopes and also a 24 hour clock (1 full rotation per day). Enjoy the hobby, spend wisely and clear skies 😊

The finder scope is very similar to my StellaLyra 8x 50 which I like. Finder scopes really help nail down targets far more than naked eye red dot type. Although the red dot does do the ball park. I also have the threeway bracket with StarSence and a red dot. Not used in anger yet but sturdy enough. However, I'm only looking through one, the StarSence is just a camera. It's also mounted on a 6" SCT so a bit of space to view from. The right angle is a good choice for a dobsonian.

So fitting this kit is straight forward enough, just odd the bracket is still unsuitable for the EQ5 after so many referances to the issue. I can't comment on usage as only fitted last night but the DEC Motor bracket has a 90° bend that neither supports the bracket during fastening nor bridges the gap the bracket is fastened to. My heavy handed solution was to straighten the bracket in a vice having removed all fittings except the round threaded nut pinned in place. The red arrow indicated the bend stress line after straightening. The bracket may be suitable for other mounts such as the EQ3-2. Other solutions with less impact on the bracket are spacers but as there's enough material, just seems odd the bracket wasn't flat. Astronomy is a funny hobbie. I think it's supposed to be like this to add jeopardy. Anyway, it's all fitted and I've purchased new D4 cells, so this is getting serious. The silver knerled nobs on both slow motion gears are clutches so that manual tracking is still available and of course, the main clutches still function allowing full manual sweeping. I'm actually looking forward to using this setup and including the Autoguiding port function also. All good fun.

I have a Meade ETX90 and it's brilliant. It's not really. I've also got a Celestron Astromaster 114EQ with optional motor. It's brilliant, not really. I could list quite a few telescopes that I have and although they're all brilliant, had I spent wisely, I trully would have a brilliant telescope. £180 is the staring cost. Their discription may, although trueful as far as they know, may not be factual. I recommend passing unless you really want a Meade. Then it'll be which version. Original with single motor or one of the many varieties of the later versions. Collecting is a money pit. I do have a SvBony MK105 and it's brilliant. Came new with warrenty. I think it was £220 without any mount or eyepiece. On balance, not worth it as a telescope that has a future that money isn't wasted on. I'm keeping the Meade though as it's in bits and the Astromaster's mount is a good pratice equtorial mount and scope to get used to and understand.

thank you wimvb for Albireo the read up looks to provide quite a view

Good news. The PC communication cable PIN outs maybe found at https://www.nexstarsite.com/PCControl.htm Note that the PC connection is a 4PxC plug, possibly the Hand Control RS-232 Port Cable link. I've actually purchased an FTDI version for serial emulation via USB. As for the short plug. I asked a very gracious eBay seller for a picture which they sent. PIN's 1 and 8 are short, so I've made one. I better mention, the image above is a photo of my phone screen with the ebay image. On the screen, to the right, I've placed my home made short plug. Hence the different sizes.

Thank you for the welcome messages and web link. Also hello to Titus. Looking forward and of course upward, to new posts and developements from the members of SGL.

I have a Sky-Watcher SynGuider version 1 with Ver 1.1 firmware and want to update but don't have the required cable kit. The PC serial cable and shorting plug. edit: Ver1.1 is actually the last available update for the early version of SynGuider. That is, the one without USB and having a Sony sensor. So I do have the latest firmware. Any one know the wiring for each? VER. 1.1 is the last available firmware for the SynGuider none USB version.

Hello, I'm new to the forum and this is my first reply to a question as I may have a little insight. My first telescope recently was the StellaLyra 12" Dobsonian. I had Googled most options regarding 8" to 12" dobsonians. The Bresser having tube rings for possible mounting to equtorial mounts. Explore Scientific Ultra Light being compact. But I never saw any up close and personal. All online. Even now, having had the 12" StellaLyra for a few months, I've used it the once. Now this is the tricky bit. I'd go for the 12" again - it's 12". The dobsonian is visual and a basic imager. But such a light grabber. The 8" and 10" are both smaller and I've no experience of either but we know bigger is better. That's always on our minds. I'm pretty sure the StellaLyra 8" and 10" all use the same accessories and focusers but do check. I'm very happy with the StellaLyra 12". It's a life time purchase. So when it is used it's appreciated. Heavy and big. The swivel base is two parts. The base/feet, then a bearing, then the cupboard type upright. It comes apart with a small handled screw in the middle. That is the point of rotation. To move the telescope, I'll disassemble then base into those 3 parts. The main tube is carried as one piece. Heavy and awkward. So in short, I wouldn't recommend a 12" dobsonian to anyone and wouldn't sell my 12" dobsonian ever. But, the funny thing is. All 3 of those StellaLyra Dobsonians will introduce 2" eyepieces. It was this 12" dobsonian with a 2" 30mm eyepiece, if I remember correctly, that introduced me to Arcturus a month or two back. Yep, sorry, won't be getting rid of that 12" any time soon. Good luck.

Usually, it's at the beginning but today, I'll start with my interest in the sky. From fluffy clouds to crimson sunsets and distant planes full of travellers with stories to tell. I love the expance. Then as the evening draws in and the sky sweeps from powder blue to indego the stars start their show. For those in the north it's Arcturus to appear early and Arcturus was the first star I viewed through my newly aquired dobsonian a few weeks back. I gazed at that star and slowly brought to focus. It's was not alone! Quite wounderful really. However, it's not always clear and when it is, it's not always convienient. A compromise is made. So that's me, a bit of a dreamer with a telescope or two. I've signed up as I have a question of the technical kind. One with cables and connectors. No rush, the stars aren't going anywhere. So whilst I search for the correct location to ask said question, I'll browse the forum and if I have something positive to add to a discussion I'll chime right in. Other wise I'll soak up the wisdom of others. Stu 53°North 002°West