johninderby

Probably better to just loosen the rings just enough to rotate then. These are the perfect solution but ££££££££££££££ https://www.buytelescopes.com/search?category_id[]=all&q=Parallax+Rotating+Rings

One aspect to street lighting and safety that would be effective is dimmed lights on most of the road and regular lighting at intersections. That way it’s more obvious that you are approching an intersection. Can’t remember where I read that though but seems like a good idea.

yes just unscrew the eyepiece holder from the body and the filter is screwed into the bottom of the holder. Here’s a pic from someone elses thread that shows it.

The continuum filter is stacked with the ND3 filter in a single screw in filter housing so it can be removed and be replaced by a standard plain ND3 filter. You must never use a wedge without an ND3 filter fitted. The housing gets warm but not too hot. Performance is the same as the Lunt wedge so I’d only ever buy a second hand Lunt wedge.

Yrs that’s it. Probably the most common size. Mine is 30.5 which bugs me as why not 31.7 the standard telescope size.

The standard microscope eyepiece barrel sizes are 23mm, 30.0mm and 30.5mm. The most common microscope camera comes in the 23mm fitting and has adapters for the other two sizes.

The difference is noticeable but not a huge difference just a bit better.

There are proper bearings but a bit pricy https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p1646_Azimut-Roller-Bearing-for-Dobsonian-Teleskopes-D---320mm.html One of the reasons I now recommend the Bresser dob over the Skywatcher is it has proper alt and az bearings.

Perhaps magazines should just accept that they aren’t the best place for images to be seen and concentrate more on equipment reviews and how to articles etc. and have a website to properly display images. They could then show a web address for an image along with the printed photo. Perhaps a first time submission section for beginners would help.

One problem to be aware of with using a lazy susan bearing is it will turn too freely. You may want to add some friction. I found using teflon pads as in a standard dob setup and shimming to just add some resitance to turning helped and made the movement smoother.

Have a pair of matt stainless steel clamping knobs if you want to upgrade the knobs. The stainless knobs make it much easier to tighten the clamp. The knobs are M8 thread and were nearly £30.00 from WDS Ltd. Will sell the knobs with the saddle for an extra £15.00 or £20.00 if sold seperately.

Altair TMS Heavy Duty Losmandy / Vixen Saddle Clamp As new. Was going to use with a Rowan AZ100 but now that they will be offering a dual fit saddle the Altair is no longer needed. Save £50.00 over buying new. £79.00 Collected - UK postage £5.00 Heavy duty saddle plate which is compatible with both the Vixen/Synta-format telescope mounting bars, or the Losmandy-format wider mounting plates. This all-in-one design means you don't have to change clamps for different telescopes, making your mount more compatible. Payment by PayPal (buyer pays fees) or Bank Transfer. John

The problem with trying to use the baseplate from one brand of focuser with another ficuser body is that most focuser bodies have slightly different fitting. This begs the question why don’t all focusers have a common size of fitting?

A question for Steve. Any idea on availability of the dual fit saddle for the Rowan AZ100?

Thank you Keith for your comments and some good points made. Always interesting to hear the view from the “other side”.

I have to correct you there. I have tried a number of binoviewers on some very fine scopes and despite being “optimised” still prefered the one eyed observing. And it’s not just me. Many very experienced observers have found they don't like binoviewers. It’s just a matter of personal preference that’s all. They may work for you but not for everyone. Peoples eyesight does differ so you can’t make the sweeping assumption that your opinion is correct for everyone..

Yes the ADM are a matt finish that that wouldn’t match the mount. Hopefully the Altair dual saddle that I already have will match. Did replace the stock knobs with some stainless steel ones that are far easier to tighten up.

I’ll be using an Altair dual fit saddle and Rowan have provided plenty of mounting holes so the ADM should be fine. They have added a couple of M8 holes on an 80mm centre that aren’t shown on this drawing.

And inside the box a stereo inspection microscope. Will be used mainly for my model making but also useful for soldiering. Comes with two sets of eyepieces and has two LED lights.

Yes Alan I am indeed looking forward to receiving my AZ100. I’ve dealt with Rowan before for some non astro bits and they were very accommodating in making changes to suit me. Good old British engineering. Those Americans on CN will be so jealous.

A box arrived this evening. No it’s not a telescope but does have eyepieces and an R&P focuser.

I’ve heard nothing from FLO lately about my order so assume it’s not yet for sale. Wouldn’t be surprised if they are taking orders at the show though.

Why observe with one eye? In my case I just find it more comfortable and easier. But as I have said before some people just don’t get on with binoviewers and I’m one of those that doesn’t. Bins during the day I can manage but at night just don’t like them at all as they give me eyestrain and a headache and find they don’t improve the view one little bit so why bother. But if binoviewers work for you why not use them.

Seems a better built and heavier duty mount so not so much as competition for the Losmandy AZ8 but an alternative if you want something that’s a step up from the AZ8 .The AZ8 is a cheaper alternative.

Hi The weather has been so bad haven’t had much chance to get it out very often but here is the thread I’ve started on it. Very promising and cools down surprisingly quickly. The other night I had it out to observe the moon as was impressed by how good the views were with no cool down time at all. I would say less than an hour is needed to cool down properly. Also dew doesn’t seem to be a problem. Will take very high magnification and found a 4.5mm Baader Morpheus was useable if seeing is good. So everything has been very positive so far.