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Mark at Beaufort

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Everything posted by Mark at Beaufort

  1. Mark at Beaufort
    Damian I thought we were generally discussing the Unihedron SQM-L which at £129 from FLO was not a unreasonable amount
  2. Mark at Beaufort
    I agree totally what has been said about giving out information on a precise location. I suppose we need to remember that this is a totally open forum and the discussion can be seen by anyone member or not. Its regrettable that someone, not interested in astronomy, will think 'expensive equipment' I will seek that location out. My Astro Society does advertise its observing dates and location but about 12 members turn up on average so its safe from that point of view. So stating Elan Valley or Isle of Skye gives members a general opinion on the dark site which I think is good enough.
  3. Mark at Beaufort
    Nice idea Sam - I will link @Grant into this as we are discussing topics for the star party
  4. Mark at Beaufort
    What would be good if someone that is attending the SGL star party in October takes a measurement at Lucksall. Assuming its clear ever night ?
  5. Mark at Beaufort
    John that looks an incredible scope for the money. I really look forward to your review which I know from the past will go into good detail. How easy was it to change the finder bracket?
  6. Mark at Beaufort
    Thanks Iain a very helpful report. I organise outreach events for my Astronomical Society and it would be useful to measure the sky from the various locations. Last season we used the grounds of a National Trust venue and it was dark and one of our members took a reading (I will find it shortly) which proved the quality of the site. I am currently in discussion over another venture which is a short distance from Lucksall which is used for the SGL star parties. Perhaps I should purchase a meter for the Society and my own use at home.
  7. Mark at Beaufort
    I viewed the Venus transit in the USA in 2012 through one of these scopes - https://www.365astronomy.com/Lunt-LS152THa-B1800-152mm-H-Alpha-Telescope-Feather-Touch-Focuser-Pressure-Tuner.html The owner had Dentmeier binoviewers and TeleVue EPs (can't remember which one) - so if money is no object there you go. However, I really want to keep the thread on line and I don't believe Mark-V is thinking about this sort of expenditure.
  8. Mark at Beaufort
    I bought a PST in 2005 initially to view an Annular eclipse followed by a Total eclipse a year later. I was very happy with my PST which I felt covered my needs. About 15 months ago I borrowed a Double Stack, at a star party, which screwed into the front of the PST. The difference it made was amazing IMHO. Several months later a S/H DS came up on the SGL classifieds (£400) - I bought it and over the last year I have had some very enjoyable views of the solar surface. I do compare the standard PST with the DS in place from time to time and it confirms that I am glad that I bought the DS. I agree that it does dim the view but I put a cover over my head which works brilliantly.
  9. Mark at Beaufort
    Thanks Peter I was reading the Sun when I was typing this!!
  10. Mark at Beaufort
    Yes I agree with Peter. I have been involved with astronomy for well over 50 years and have seen some wonderful events and met some great fellow astronomers that will remain friends for the rest of my life. It has been rather annoying weather recently and I have only really used my PST and the small Heritage 130P. Next week I fly out to California for nearly a month and I am taking my 12x70 Binoculars in the hope of seeing some delights of lower Scorpius and Sagittarius plus hopefully catch a view of Omega Centauri. If the skies are kind I will be a happy observing astronomer again.
  11. Mark at Beaufort
    Mick - @Doc did a great job on the Lunar 100 and I think he also produced his own Lunar 200. He did the job when he had his 16" Meade Lightbridge. I must admit that when I go lunar observing I usually look out for libration by viewing this website - https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/4605 Once I have established the area I use the book listed above - turn upside down because I only use a Newt now. My Lunar 100 is nearly complete - Drygalski has caused me a few problems.
  12. Mark at Beaufort
    Garry that is really a great Ha scope - I can understand your excitement when you have its first light. I will never forget viewing the Venus Transit in 2012 with a Lunt 6" Ha scope using binoviewers and TeleVue EPs. I really enjoy using my little PST +DS so in your 80mm Lunt it will be mindblowing.
  13. Mark at Beaufort
    Early evening there is an occultation of Aldebaran - it starts to disappear on the Moon's shadow side from 4.30pm and reappears about 5.30pm onwards. Get out your location.
  14. Mark at Beaufort
    Jules I bought the AZ5 and Pillar as a quick grab and go for my Skywatcher Heritage 130p and PST. It works very well as long as the scope is well balanced to use the slow motion gears. I original used the extended slow motion cables but I reverted back to the smaller wheels.. The scope now sits on a Celestron Astromaster tripod.
  15. Mark at Beaufort
    I had an excellent viewing night with the 12". Dob. Unfortunately despite a lengthly session using a Fujiyama 25mm Ortho and 2 separate H.Beta filters I could not detect the HH. The Flame Neb was quite clear so I was disappointed that the HH was no show.
  16. Mark at Beaufort
    Agnes the AZ5 can be adjusted into two positions. The upright position makes it more stable and is recommended for heavier scopes. Well I placed the Orion VX8 in the higher position but I could not get the full range of travel. I only really bought the AZ5 as a quick grab and go for my Heritage 130P and PST Ha scope. I also undertake outreach work for my Astro Society and it is easier to carry the smaller mount in the boot of the car. I only put the Orion VX8 on the AZ5 as an experiment it is unlikely to happen again whilst I still have the SkyTee 2/Berlebach arrangement.
  17. Mark at Beaufort
    Sorry Agnes I should have been more precise. The VX8 was usable on the mount and damping time was maybe 2 seconds. I suppose the pillar and the AZ5 was flexing on top of the metal legs because of the length of the scope (900mm FL). I have a SkyTee 2 mount on a Berlebach Uni18 tripod so I am more used to a very stable set up for this particular scope. As previously stated the Heritage works very well - see photo. I previously had a Skywatcher 150PDS and I would guess that it would work OK on an AZ5 if the tripod was of a certain size and quality.
  18. Mark at Beaufort
    Agnes I have the AZ5 which I have put on a Pillar + metal tripod legs from a Celestron Astromaster. The system is brilliant with my Skywatcher Heritage 130P. I also tried my Orion VX8 on the same set up (VX8 weights 7 kgs) and although it mounted OK it wobbled a bit.
  19. Mark at Beaufort
    John I am so pleased for you after so many years of searching. I really enjoyed the read and I could feel your excitement. It just shows that with the right condition a 12" Dob can be a brilliant instrument.
  20. Mark at Beaufort
    I have owned a PST for over 12 years and its an excellent scope. However, LS50 is better especially the extra aperture and BF600. I have added a double stack to my PST which has really improved the surface detail - but that is extra money. Alan's suggestion is spot on.
  21. Mark at Beaufort
    Mike I do enjoy reading the history of astronomy. There is a book retailer in the UK (The Works) that sells new books but at a greatly reduced price. This book 'The Comet Seeker' was selling a few weeks ago for just £2 so I bought it.
  22. Mark at Beaufort
    Looks great - how did you fix the 80mm Skywatcher Frac?
  23. Mark at Beaufort
    We have been going to Lucksall since SGL4 and many members use the local pubs although the camp site does stock many beers and ciders. The nearest pub 'The Moon', an easy walk, had this honour in the local paper today. So if you fancy a good star party, meeting new friends, with good pubs nearby we look forward to seeing you in October.
  24. Mark at Beaufort
    Mike a really excellent job and so well documented for future reference for anyone. I must admit I had second thoughts about this mount but you may have changed my mind. Skywatcher should give you a credit note because you may have saved their 'bacon' on this mount.
  25. Mark at Beaufort
    Thanks for the initial review and photos Mike. I do like the Mount but not too keen on the tripod. I have a quality Cullmann photo tripod with a hook underneath to hold weights making the tripod very stable. I was thinking of getting the pillar thus making the tripod even more stable. So at the moment its either the AZ5 or the WiFi version for my Heritage 130P
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