johninderby

I find a simple coli cap works very well for collimation The TS 2” LED collimator I bought from FLO went back as I found the coli cap did a better job with the CC.

So you can see the white ring around the primary when adjusting it. Remember you will only get the scope near collimated and will need to fine tune the secondary with a star test to get it spot on. As the scope comes collimation is usually fine for visual but a bit of fine tining is needed for imaging.

The extension tubes have no real effect on collimation although always a good idea to do a star test to fine tune collimation afterwards.

Macca = McCartney Used like Mac is used in the US and Canada for someone with a name that starts with Mc.

Nope, nothing on ABS UK.

Can’t see one on ABS.UK.

And one day you’ll get one of these then. 😁 https://astrograph.net/epages/www_astrograph_net.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/www_astrograph_net/Products/AGTEC250-35

Having owned an Equinox 120 and now the Tecnosky 125 I do notice the difference. Not a huge difference but it’s there.

From my book on lunar features.

EbonyStar laminate was the best for bearings but now discontinued unfortunately. A laminate with a pebbly surface is best and this seems to be the best one currently available. F1782 Stardust Quarry https://www.blackheathproducts.co.uk/products/lam/formica/f1782/ Trying to find offcuts can be difficult though.

So much easier to track and keep a target centered using slo-mo controls. Would never have an alt-az mount without slo-mo controls any more. Just couldn’t go back. Have been spoiled with my Rowan AZ100 mount. Incredibly smooth and no need for counterweights. It can be used manually or with the slo-mo controls and as mine has the GOTO system fitted can also use that if I want to so have the best of all worlds. Can be using GOTO and if I want push to a target or use the slo-mo controls can do so all without affecting the GOTO. Of course there are those that prefer alt-az mounts without slo-mo controls so each to their own.

Or https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-star-adventurer/astro-essentials-3-8-photo-adapter-for-heq5-az5-tripod.html

You use either the 1.25” adaptor or the 2” but not both together.

You could always fot a handle to the blocks. 😁😁😁

Looking good………………………….but I would say that wouldn’t I😁 BTW you can remove the radius blocks and fit screws.

Simple solution with the Steeltrack is to replace one of the grub screws in the M90 adaptor with a thumbscrew. Then easy to rotate by loosening the thumbscrew. Some people don’t seem to be aware you can do this.

Best thing would be to get the 125 and keep the 102 for now and see how often the 102 gets used before deciding to sell on the 102 or keep it.

Think it’s all a matter of personal preference.

One thing to mention is that the scope can be had with a 2.5” or 3.7” focuser but I went with the 2.5” as it helps keep the weight down. Had the 3.7” focuser on another scope and would say it didn’t work any better than the 2.5”.

So the OTA can be rotated.

Although FLO rates the Skytee at 10kg per side the mount will handle 13kg per side but real world experience has shown that the mount works best if you keep the load under 10kg.

If you want to lighten the scope a bit you can move the vixen dovetail to the bottom and leave the Losmamdy one off. Will save a kg or more.

Must not comment on the scope, must not comment on the scope. 😁😁

Love my Tecnosky 125. A great visual scope that has given me the best solar white light views I have ever had. Great lunar views as well. Looking forward to when Jupiter and Saturn are higher up this summer. An excellent all round scope. Better optics than the SW120 with noticeably sharper views and better contrast. Should be fine on the Skytee. I did replace the stock dovetail with a longer Losmandy one. Thought about the 102 but in the end decided I would always regret not going for more aperture.

Neil is using his CC8” on an EQ5.