wookie1965

Still plenty of time to book, hopefully a great weekend what with SGL cancelled and no tents at Galloway it's got to be 3rd time lucky for us. 

4 weeks this Friday coming, soon be upon us. 

Blowing a gale here clouds flashing accross the sky in between I have seen Leo high up in a very favorable position, unfortunately Orion is now SW so I have no chance of seeing it in my scope. 😢

I've only ever seen the 6 stars once in a 150p it was one of the best nights I had ever seen, clear, crisp and seeing was brilliant. 

I've now got a 127mm refractor and I am waiting for a clear night to have a go but this weather is making it very awkward. 

Hopefully we get some clear nights soon otherwise I won't get a chance as I cannot see anything south. 

When I had my reflectors a 150p and a 200p both F5 scopes (fast) I had a laser threw that in bin I used a Cheshire/Sight tube never had a problem with mine using it always well collimated. 

I was told to screw in the adjustment screws in all the way then back them off 1. 5 times from there collimate as usual then gently use locking screws taking care to look if the mirror moves. 

If the primary is set right that will stay in place unless you bang the OTA

To collimate in the dark, 

Simple, get a laser collimator, ensure that it's collimated. Insert it into a Barlow and ensure that your focuser is wound in. If collimated you should see the outline of your primary centre circle ( marker) on the collimator screen. Minor adjustments with the primary adjusters will make this dead reflection centre. 

My 150p needed a tweak every time I took it out. 

15 hours ago, Thor92 said:

I may have a wonder over to this be one of my first meets. 

Got a skywatcher 150pds with a few mods on a modded EQ5 mount. Be nice to see folk and get some advice, every days a learning day especially with this stuff! 

You will be very welcome. 

Get yourselves a self centering adapter does not use thumb screws and centres any eyepiece or collimator.

 https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/twistlock-adaptor-1.25--2.00.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_6Wx3pjM5wIVDUTTCh0oCQjsEAkYASABEgKhyPD_BwE

Cheaper version, https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/382821201785

On 21/12/2019 at 13:31, Neil H said:

Ok so in lay man terms a fast scope draw light in faster to the mirror then  eyepiece , so this now makes me ask this 

If you have a fast telescope the eyepiece needs to be very good as well ?

BST Starguiders are inexpensive around £50 they will perform great in a F5 scope I know because I had one and still have a couple of BST'S. 

The celestron xcels are the same great eyepieces a little bit dearer but look 9n the second hand market for them. 

Yes those small oil radiators are good just don't have those halogen ones that's a disaster waiting to happen such a bad fire risk. 

Just a heads up people if you are using EHU you will need something similar or the same in the pictures below I prefer a trip one. 

March could be cold so take this into consideration, plenty of layers a fan heater you can pick them up for £10 safest thing in a tent. 

Warm bedding nothing worse than being cold trying to sleep been there done that. 

Plenty to eat with extra snacks and such like. 

Pot noodles are good because it's a good warm meal. 

Extra gas for camping stove nothing worse when cooking something and you run out of gas. 

Just a few tips for camping in the cold no saying its going to be like that but it's best to be prepared. 

Paul 

1 hour ago, Sky-J said:

I've sent my deposit over and had my booking confirmed for all 3 nights. 

Really looking forward to it and meeting you guys too. 

Got to check the tent's up to the job now...

I will probably have to leave the Sunday if I cannot rearrange an appointment hoping to but its a hospital appointment so not sure. 

Think we have 5 confirmed bookings at the camp now if can people book using the camps email please, it is a working farm and do not want to miss any phone calls. 

28 minutes ago, Sky-J said:

Hi everyone, happened across this thread yesterday and it looks brilliant. Haven’t been to a star party yet and this looks like the perfect one start with. So count me in and I’ll drop them an email to book. 
 

Will be great to meet you all. I might have a couple of questions for you seasoned pros before packing if that’s OK. 
 

Jeremy

It will be great to meet you and if we can help we will we are a friendly bunch. 

18 minutes ago, nightfisher said:

I may have a drive over for a visit and catch up with some people i know

It would be nice to see again Jules. 

31 minutes ago, ScouseSpaceCadet said:

When they replied to my booking enquiry, I was only offered a £24 p.n electric pitch...

Out all afternoon. Will pay deposit when we get home.

That's what I'm paying booked 2 nights if weather looks good I will pay for the third but make sure they know its if it is only you and a tent I think that is cheaper but don't quote me. Myself and my wife are coming so it's £24 a night which to be fair is not a bad price. 

Paul 

I've booked today sent my deposit looking forward to seeing everyone. 

Paul 

Great Post those double stars are ones I have not looked at yet, scope performing brilliantly and you had clear skies something I've not had for over a month + enjoy the 150pl ideal for those doubles. 

Paul 

31 minutes ago, Stu said:

Will there be EHU available Paul? Not sure which to book. Presumably they will put us all together, will that be in the back field?

Yes on the back field and also said there will be EHU if there was more of us they said they would throw cables over the hedge.

Hi everyone spoke to the camp they are happy to have the 6 of us and anymore who want to come. 

Can you all book with the camp directly use there email as they are busy and don't want to miss phone calls. 

Quote PSP in your email and I look forward to seeing everyone there. 

Thank you we will have a great time. 

Paul 

36 minutes ago, pcdunx said:

I can confirm that I am a definite for the PSP, all weekend

Thank you I will post tomorrow if it is one I have to speak to the camp at the moment there are 6 people so it is up to the camp do they want to open 2 weeks early for 6 of us.

That is 6 confirmed if 3 more confirm I think we may get away with it.

On 10/01/2020 at 21:28, dannybgoode said:

I’d like to try and make it. Will have to get clearance though as we’re off on holiday shortly afterward and Mrs Danny may decide it’s too close. 
 

I’ll check over the weekend. 

Can you confirm if you are able to come please.

On 08/01/2020 at 20:54, Marki said:

I might be able to - I enjoyed the time I went a few years back. Will check diary and my other half to see if possible!

Can you confirm whether you are able to come please.

On 22/01/2020 at 19:50, pcdunx said:

As a beginner and newcomer to SGL, this would be ideal for my first star party. 

I have been led here by a long established member (whom I have known for many years) and yes,  he has drummed in to me the correct etiquette of lights !!

Can you confirm if you are coming please