JBadger
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I don't understand why you felt the need to explain this to me? I didn't say 2" is inherently better than 1.25" nor did I ask to be told what eyepieces I do or don't need, thanks.
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I have the full set apart from the 2.3mm. I find them to be great considering the ~£90 price tag. I tend to use mine with my 4" mak, because focussing that instrument is pretty fiddly, and these eyepieces are pretty much parfocal so I don't have to faff with much refocussing when switching eyepieces. Edited to add: also, for me at least, the ability to get a set of decent 1.25" eyepieces across a useful range of focal lengths for relatively little cost means I save my budget for the nicer 2" eyepieces I'm trying to assemble for my better 'scopes that accept 2" eyepieces.
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Skywatcher AZ GTI mount owners thread
JBadger replied to AstroNebulee's topic in Discussions - Mounts
I've started using a Svbony illuminated crosshair eyepiece for my initial alignments. It is surprising how far off you can be doing it by eye. This makes it easier to align the finder accurately too. -
Skywatcher AZ GTi with ADM Dual Dovetail Adaptor installed
JBadger replied to alanjgreen's topic in Discussions - Mounts
Afraid I can't remember, but I do remember that mine was a little snug at first which I solved by rubbing it on a piece of fine grit emery paper until it would rotate freely. -
Skymax 127 must have accessories
JBadger replied to Steve Reed's topic in Getting Started Equipment Help and Advice
This is very true. On a cold night, on AA batteries the mount is not reliable. It needs 12v -
Skymax 127 must have accessories
JBadger replied to Steve Reed's topic in Getting Started Equipment Help and Advice
I assume you're buying the all-in-one kit like this one https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sky-watcher-az-gti-wifi/sky-watcher-skymax-127-az-gti.html ? I bought the same kit (albeit the Skymax-102 version) originally and I found that the vibration at higher powers was just too bad on that tripod. I had to buy the steel tripod upgrade (https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sky-watcher-mount-accessories/sky-watcher-38-stainless-steel-tripod.html) before I was happy. You might consider getting the 'scope, mount head & that tripod separately in the first instance. The other thing I have found useful is one of these: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/baader-t-thread-to-125-helical-focuser.html. I struggle with the built-in focuser when observing, so what I do is get it into a rough focus at the start of a session then leave it alone, using the helical focuser between the 'scope & diagonal for fine focus instead. -
Alignment problems with AZ-GTi mount
JBadger replied to Peter1984's topic in Getting Started Equipment Help and Advice
In case OP ever comes back, a couple of points: You have an AZ-GTe not a GTi, this shouldn't matter when you're aligning using the Synscan app but your mount will lose alignment if you move it manually thereafter What are you using for power? I can see you have a cigarette lighter lead plugged in there, what is the voltage/max current of your supply? This mount needs a good 12v supply to work reliably, despite the manual claiming it'll work down to 7.5v -
Skywatcher AZ GTi with ADM Dual Dovetail Adaptor installed
JBadger replied to alanjgreen's topic in Discussions - Mounts
What I did with mine was drill holes for the bolts into a plastic lid from a jar of hot chocolate powder & sandwich that between the two metal parts. This provides the same 'cup' over the exposed bearing and doesn't take up more than a couple of mm of thread on the bolts. -
C/2021 A1 (Leonard)
JBadger replied to Mark at Beaufort's topic in Observing - Widefield, Special Events and Comets
Amen. I really must get myself organised for an early morning trip out to my dark site; I'd hate to miss a decent comet because I can't get out of bed & ready in time. I don't often transport the 10" dob but I think it may be worth putting it in the van just to get the extra aperture for the tail. -
Choosing a new scope
JBadger replied to Sullivan1's topic in Getting Started Equipment Help and Advice
I don't disagree, but I see that like me you also have a Mak. If you didn't, do you think you would probably prefer the F11 version over the F7? I think I probably would. -
Choosing a new scope
JBadger replied to Sullivan1's topic in Getting Started Equipment Help and Advice
I have recently bought the Altair, and whilst it is a fantastic instrument, it wouldn't be ideal for someone who is interested in doubles or planets. I think you'd want something better able to deliver higher magnification. -
Skywatcher Evostar 90/660 AZ Pronto
JBadger replied to wibblefish's topic in Member Equipment Reviews
Thanks for this. Considering one of these (or the longer version) for eldest daughter's Christmas present. -
SVBONY SV503 102ED f7 - any experience?
JBadger replied to nfotis's topic in Discussions - Scopes / Whole setups
They were out of stock last week when I emailed; I bought one from Harrisons instead https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/altair-starwave-102f7.html#SID=1706