johninderby

Found this on CN. Price of ED glass is substantially stable over time. FPL53 costs 18x BK7, FPL51 11x and FPL55 costs 15.5x.

If the optics are anything like the 125 version I have I'm sure the 102 will impress. 👍🏻

FPL55 is supposedly the replacement for FPL53. Not quite as good but easier to finish apparently. so probably similar to FPL53 in performance.

I know what you mean. Spending finished for a while although getting an RC ready to put on eBay so maybe a few quid coming into the hobby fund. 🤔

No noticeable CA on Jupiter with the ScopeTech 80mm f/15 but then it has very fine optics optics with the latest coatings. Even a stepped down cheap achro can’t match it as the optics aren’t as good..

There is this maker of tubes to any size. https://www.gerdneumann.net/english/instrument-building-parts-teile-fuer-den-fernrohrbau/fernrohrtuben-aus-hartpapier-phenolic-telescope-tubes-hard-paper.html

Have a read of this. Useful info and some good links. . https://stellafane.org/tm/dob/index.html

The Lacerta dual speed knob is good but it doesn’t address the build quality limitations of the stock focuser. Think the SW upgrade focusers is a better alternative as you get a much better made focuser as well as the dual,speed.

Never, never should have sold my 26mm Nagler 😢😢😢

I looked everywhere bit couldn’t find a suitable adaptor. I’m thinking some 1.25” ali tube with 1/8 wall and then enlarge the bore to fit over the barrel of the zoom? Edit: Just ordered an 50mm long “sample” ot 1.25” ali tube and will see if I can make it work.🤔

Yes the SW dob will,benefit from a focuser upgrade. The SW upgrade crayford while not exactly a high end item is a straight forward bolt on and a big improvement over stock. The Baader is far, far better but will require drilling new mounting holes. The Baader would be my recommendation as it’s the next best thing to a FeatherTouch and not a crazy price. BTW Moonlite recently discontinued all their regular focusers. They only make motorised focusers now. They claim it was down to lack of materials but has left many very disapponted. You can fit a simple focuser motor such as the SW one to pretty well any focuser bit as you say a bit wasted on a dob.

A ZWO ASI462MC camera from FLO. Was a customer return so got it at a good discount and indeed just like new. 👍🏻 Will be used fpr colour planetary imaging. Already had a ZWO ASI290MM which will now be a dedicated lunar imaging camera as it will have better resolution than the 462. 🙂 462 and friend 🙂

I think the Qrion and SW are the same except for the colour and half pillar tripod. 🤔

Maybe FLO should stock boots? 🤔 StellaWellies

The AZ-GTi mount only needs 8v unlike the SW mounts with a handset. Its the handset that needs 12v not the mount.

Opticstar are great to deal with. First class service. 👍🏻

You might also consider the Opticstar eyepieces. Same eyepiece as the ES bit slightly cheaper. http://www.opticstar.com/Run/Astronomy/Astro-Accessories-Telescopes-Opticstar.asp?p=0_10_5_1_8_322

It’s actually not a bad little camera but the SV205 is more capable and not much more.

What year? 😁

My cunning plan is get enough lift so the scope can move itself outside. 🤪😜😂

And named Santa by E. de Caro, who calculated its orbit.

This looks like a great alternative to the Esprit 80. 👍🏻

Not a usual problem but first do your scopes have compression bands that clamp,the diagonal or just scews? Also is the barrel on the diagonal loose at all? Is it screwed in tightly.

I remember when Thunder Bay was just Port Arthur and Fort William. 🙂 Proper winter snowy weather can be a lot of fun if you have the right clothing. My favourite was walking through a pine forest when it was snowing and with heavy snow on all the trees. Incredibly peaceful and quiet. Good for the soul. 🙂🙂🙂 You can actually fairly accurately judge the temp by the sound your boots make. Wether they crunch or squeek etc.

Think this is the right full manual. Haven’t used an SLT mount in many years. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/85018.pdf