Mark at Beaufort

I have been asked to identify a vintage refractor and some of the .965 eyepieces. The scope is 90mm and the F/L would indicate about f/12?? There is a badge which shows the name 'Polaris' and the figures 103A and 184 - see photos. I know that Meade had scopes named 'Polaris' but I have the feeling this is not the same. The scope uses .965 eyepieces - any thoughts?? There is also a box of many I mean many .965 eyepieces. Some have the name 'H' which I assume is Huygens. Others have 'Ortho' which is obvious. However there are others which have a symbol with a 'V' - is this Vernonscopes plus 'V' and HM - see photos. Help would be appreciated

Just a general comment about undercuts especially using the Ethos range. I use the Baader 28mm finetuning rings which gives 2" smooth insets.

Very enjoyable on both reports John. I used my 6" Newt last night but in hindsight should have taken out the 12" Dob especially reading your reports.

That is a great review. I was interested in the comparison between the Tak prism diagonal and your Skywatcher dielectric. I need to get a new diagonal so you comments make me have a rethink

Just been observing with PST+DS and there are some nice Proms. One appears to be forming an arch. In addition a few filaments and plage around AR2857.

Fantastic video image. It just shows how difficult it can be visually picking up a Moon against the surface.

Although I enjoy using my Heritage 130P I really wanted a smaller scope that I could take away on holiday and use it on my Pronto mount. I decided on a small refractor but although I fancy an APO or ED I did not want to spend a huge amount for only the occasional use. So I decided to get the SvBony 90mm f5/5 refractor which only weighs about 2.5kgs. Because I would also use this scope for terrestrial viewing I bought the StellaMira erect prism diagonal and the SvBony 7-21mm zoom. My package for observing would then comprise the SvBony 7-21mm zoom + 3-6mm Nagler + 24mm ES68 eyepiece. Well the scope and equipment arrived a few days ago and I am rather pleased. The focuser is very good and the scope has an extended hood. Collimation seems spot on and at the moment no apparent CA - Moon not yet observed. I have checked out a few objects M13, M11, M57 and with the TeleVue Nebustar filter M16, M17, M20 and M8 and both parts of the Veil. Using the 3mm part of the Nagler zoom I split the double double in Lyra. I did observe Jupiter and observed surface banding and also Saturn but could not see the Cassini division.

Great report John. When M33 is mentioned it takes me back to Lucksall when Admin requested that I visit to access the sky quality before the first SGL star party. I took a pair of 15x70 binos and saw M1 and M33. Reading your report tells me I should get out an undertake some observing.

I agree I would love a 16" Dob but would never be able lift it at my age.

I have flocked my 12 inch all the way. I changed the secondary screws for hand knobs. I also fitted lockable castors and handles to the base.

Also to make things easier when lifting its useful to add additional handles on either side of the OTA but closer to the focuser. I have also added a further handle lower down to carry the OTA only down the garden. These StellarLyra Dobs are a brilliant addition to the range of scopes that FLO provide. My Revelation 12" Dob is identical accept its white and its been brilliant is finding numerous DSOs. I quite fancy getting the 8" 😁

Your 12" Dob looks really good. I bought the Revelation 12" Dob a few years ago which is identical to these StellaLyra accept mine is white. I added 3 handles from WDS as @omomentioned which makes carrying so much easier. Photo attached.

Excellent telescope. I have had mine for several years and made a few modifications. It really picks up the DSOs.

Really looking forward to seeing this zoom and reading the reviews.

Thanks Dave I was not aware of this so I hope for his speedy recovery. I have met Steve and also he has done a few Zoom talks for my local Astro society. I can thank Steve for introducing me to Apollo 15x70 binos which is one of my best purchases.

I can only support your comments Stu. John has been a brilliant member giving so much help to both beginners to more experienced observers. I have had pleasure of meeting John on a few occasions. In fact one of my most enjoyable observing sessions was at a SGL star party where we worked together observing so many DSOs. So we'll done @Johnon reaching 50000.

Neil all I can say is fantastic images.

That is truly a brilliant photo.

Paul the Sun is out and I am having a great view using the PST + DS. A lovely waving filament plus lots of plage and other filaments. A few small proms around the edge.

I would be interested to know whether my PST double stack unit could fit this new scope. Like Paul mentioned above I have an early PS T (2005) which suffers from the rust problem but works very well but after 16 years I deserve a new present.

Thanks Paul for the 'heads up'. Currently cloudy in Hereford but the forecast shows Sun later. I will have the PST + DS ready.

Francis I use an 80mm finderscope on my 12 inch. I am happy for you to try it out once your scope is complete. I can come over to Kingstone or you can bring it to Fownhope. The 80mm really helps with star hopping.

I have owned a few zoom eyepieces - baader, televue and more recently a svbony 10 - 30mm. The first two were excellent but much more expensive than the Svbony. I cannot fault the Svbony which I mainly use on my Ha solar scope. I have never tried the 7-21 version but I guess it should be okay. What scope are you going to use and what objects. Be aware that the 21mms end will have a narrow FOV.

Thanks for the link Chris. I don't remember that incident not the recovery of the 'liberty bell'. It's interesting to look back at the Mercury flights.

I am sure you would be perfect especially looking at your scopes. Are you thinking of buying one?