johninderby

This is the HEQ5 version with the belt mod that you should be comparing it too. The AZ EQ5 already has drive belts. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/sky-watcher-heq5-pro-with-rowan-belt-mod-upgrade.html

Looks like it would be great for solar observing. 👍🏻 Although in midsummer dressed in shorts anf t-shirt and the hood doing a bit of solar observing you could get a few odd looks. 😁😁

The AZ-EQ5 GT has the same max load capacity as the HEQ5, 15kg in EQ mode but can handle a 15kg load on each side in ALT Az mode. I think of it more as an ALT AZ mount that can also be used in EQ mode. Ideal if you are mainly visual and just doing a bit of imaging. If it’s mostly imaging then the HEQ5 with belt mode would be more suited. Would fit a decent saddle though. The Primaluce saddle and puck are very good. Really liked my AZ EQ5 and would like to get another one someday.

Interesting to see that Primaluce is selling them with the Sesto Senso. https://www.primalucelab.com/astronomy/catalogsearch/result/?o=evbolux&q=evolux

Better image when seeing improved. 🙂

That’s why I’m a convert to the Concentre. So simple to use but it gets the secondary spot on as when you’ve adjusted the secondary mirror to a perfect circle using the concenric rings it is now precisely centered under the focuser as well as being rotated correctly and not tilted. Even a total beginner can get the secondary perfectly set up very easily. One thing I have found is that everyone I know that has tried a Concentre becomes a convert to the concept. Can of course also be used for adjusting the primary. It is a good idea to check the squareness of the focuser to the tube as well.

Was supposed to be good tonight but the forecast has just been updated to this not so good one. 😢😢😢

There is 6.5 Morpheus on ABS at the moment.

Thiis might be worth a read on the subject. https://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=353430

With the alt-az mount and the dob I prefer to sit. Bought a “drummers throne” a few years ago and it gives a decent range of adjustment. Replaced the vinyl cushion with a fabric one which is a lot more comfortable in the cold. Being three legged also better suited to unevan surfaces than a four legged one.🙂

Fine until someone hacks nto your Alexa and unclamps your scope. 😁

You: “Unclamp Scope” Saddle : Are you sure? Are you really, realy sure? Are you absolutely positive? OK scope will be unclamped afer five minute delay You: ”Just jolly well release the scope....... NOW”

Maybe what we need are motorised knobs and voice activation so just place the scope in postion and say “Clamp scope” 🤔😁😁😁

The only thing I don’t like about the Farpoint is that the saddle clamp isn’t spring loaded so you have to make sure the jaws are spread apart before fitting the scope.. Minor inconvenience though.

Few bits. 🙂 Small palm ratchet driver, polarising filer, bluetooth shutter release for smartphone and some desicant sachets.

With the Rowan saddle a small palm ratchet driver with a 5mm hex bit gives extra grip if needed. 👍🏻

The dovetail is aluminium so no problem with rust. I did modify one a few years ago but used a drill press but as it’s aluminium not hard to drill with a power drill. Drill out the holes then use a countersink bit and buy some countersunk stainless screws. Makes it easy that way. Oh yes and buy a new drill bit if needed which can be had for a couple of quid off Amazon.

Have found the 4.5mm Morpheus gets used more than expected. Bought it for my 10” f/5 dob originaly but now also use it in my 8” classical,cassgrain where it gives nearly 550x on the moon.on nights of decent seeing. Noticable improvement in sharpness and contrast over my old X-Cel eyepieces which are similar to the planetary eyepieces. Good eyepiece for the price. 👍🏻

Best tool bar none for setting up the secondary is a Concentre. I now consider it an essential for setting up a newt. Using a Cheshire will get you somewhere near but not spot on. Once you’ve used one you just can’t go back to a Cheshire. https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p5506_TS-Concenter-2--colimation-eyepiece-for-Newtonian-Telescopes.html After the Concentre then I use a Hotec laser. Surprising how much having an accurately positioned secondary helps with the colimation.

Luggage straps for the StellaMira 80mm f/10 case. While the case is OK for storage wanted a bit of extra security for carrying it around. Never trust the latches on cases like these so better safe than sorry. Quite cheap on Amazon.

More expensive but a nice eyepiece and a bargain at the price and the wide fov can be very usefull. Had one and really liked it and only sold it as I bought a 4.5mm Baader Morpheus.. https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/ovl4nirvana.html#SID=1677

Yes it’s a standard 5mm socket so you could use any hex key. If space is really, really tight you could get one of these 10 pc hex key sets. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neiko-01324A-Screwdriver-10-Piece-Construction/dp/B07GNPD7T6/ref=sr_1_12?crid=2QTZPV4SMSJQ0&keywords=stubby+hex+keys&qid=1581696272&s=diy&sprefix=stubby+hex%2Cdiy%2C174&sr=1-12

Rowan uses knobs with a hex socket in the top to tighten with if you need to. Very simple idea and you could use a short ended hex key for tight spaces. .

Did someone mention turtle? 😁

Get one of the ADM or StellaMira dovetail bars with proper recesses and long slots. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/dovetails-saddles-clamps/stellamira-universal-vixen-style-dovetail-bar.html