johnha

I'm a bit late to this, I bought a Nexstar 4SE a few years ago (the handset is one with a mini-USB socket for firmware updates) which showed the same problems (seemingly dead but the up/down/left/right buttons worked). I was able to recover it by updating the firmware (reasonably easy with the mini-USB, more difficult via serial port). My best guess as to how it happened was switching the mount off while it was starting up and going through the 'installing packages' process. Hope this helps. John.

SGL was suggested to me several years ago by a member I was working with at the time (and described then as very friendly bunch). I've only really started visiting recently but like to thank everybody for the warm & friendly welcome and help I've received. Credit should go the organisers, admins, users and FLO for creating/supporting such a useful and helpful community. The patience shown to me as a user with little more than an old Tasco 4.5" newt bought from Argos 15 years ago has been greatly appreciated. The advice given to similar newbies with similar questions is courteous and helpful (especially given they may have just spent considerable sums on the 'wrong' or inappropriate gear). The forum format and mechanics are very good, navigation is easy and the various categories are well thought out. The only snag I've encountered with the forum is when I've been logged out automatically while typing a post/reply or changing sections - I now click the 'remember me' tick box and this seems to fix it. Since re-connecting with SGL, the feedback I've received has re-booted my enthusiasm for astro for which I thank you all - it could easily have gone the other way. John.

So far, planning the objects I'm looking for is restricted to what's easily available/identifiable whilst I work out the limits of my scope & ability, using a couple of books and the odd magazine. I'm curious as to how do you record your observations? I'm just starting to and trying to find a format that works (A4 ring binder, bound notebook, page a day diary etc.). Do you make rough notes and write them afterwards, remember & record later or record the final version there & then?