wormix

Great mods, giving me some ideas. 

Where  did you source the azimuth setting circle?

Take a look here for some tips;  

Laser Collimators can need collimating themselves helpfully, at the very least you need to ensure they are seated squarely in the focuser or it can throw things right off

On 06/10/2019 at 13:06, mikeyj1 said:

Are we having the table top sale again this year?  I've got a few things to move along.  Maybe a separate thread needed for ppl to list their items in advance if so

cheers

Mike

That would be a sound idea - have a few things I need to shift. 

My ‘scope collection has started to grow recently, now up to 5 tubes!

Thank goodness - thought you had disappeared after it went quiet for a while. 

I like to catch up with these projects with my morning tea before starting work!

This is fantastic - have ordered the parts to give it a whirl on my EQ3

thanks for sharing. 

Hi all, apologies not sure if this is the right place but does anyone know the “going rate” for a HEQ5 non pro mount?

ta

22 minutes ago, wookie1965 said:

I may sell it.

I may have to come find you at Lucksall then!

I’m bringing one of my 5” Maks - probably the ETX (tho may bring my Skymax 127 for the Bring n Buy)

Also my 8” Orion Newt and maybe the 150pds - but I guess the forecast will decide for me!

4 minutes ago, wookie1965 said:

I'm hoping to bring both my scopes the Meade 5" and the Tal 100rs depends on room.

Oooh - Tal 100, that’s the frac I’m holding out for. 

9 hours ago, Dr_Ju_ju said:

Its nothing special so it would probably be easier to make one, from some 10x15 mm Ally bar, & drill\tap as needed ….

 Cheers - that’s my plan B

Evening all,

I have just picked up a dirt cheap EQ5 which is missing the front Latitude Adjustment bolt and bar. 

Not too worried about the bolt, but does anyone know where I can source the bar/bracket itself? 

Starting to upgrade my EP collection

I love it!

Was eying an 8” mirror the other day and wondering if I had the skills to do something with it. 

 Thanks everyone for your comments. 

I have plumped for a couple of BSTs.  Will let you know how I get on. 

On 24/09/2019 at 14:50, Louis D said:

 

2 hours ago, Louis D said:

I bought sets of the HD-60 and Paradigms (BST Starguiders) and compared them for field of view, edge correction, and eye relief and compiled my results in this thread.  Under the stars, they're pretty equivalent as far as contrast and stray light control.  At the shorter focal lengths, there isn't much to distinguish between them and the more premium eyepiece lines other than field of view and eye relief.  It's in the longer focal lengths (12mm and up) where the edge of field really starts to fall apart compared to premium lines.  In the center 50%, they're pretty equivalent to the premium offerings even in the longer focal lengths.

Thanks for this - given me something to think about, especially as I wear glasses. 

Also makes me wonder whether 15mm is the size to go for.  My current “collection” includes a 9mm, 26mm and 28mm so I’m missing the lower end and mid range. 

Appreciate everyone else suggestions  too, though does give me more to consider!

Cheers

Good morning all,

I figure it’s about time I start to consider purchasing some better eyepieces as I’ve been using the ones provided with scopes for a while now. 

Question is would I be better served spending ~£40 on new BST Starguiders or hanging around and try to find second hand Baader hyperions for ~£50-60?

I’m currently looking at a ~5mm and ~15mm for use on a 150pds (f5) and an ETX125 (f15)

cheers

Some reading for next week when the rain and clouds close in;

Loving this write up - looking forward to the next instalment. 

Evening all,

As this is going to be my first star party I was seeking any hints and tips from the seasoned veterans. 

Things like how to light proof a caravan, do you leave your scope set up during the day and what is there to do during the day?

Cheers

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but I am really interested in trying out some DSO photography. 

I currently have a RA guided EQ3 that I use with a Meade ETX which I know is unsuitable so I would need an “imaging” ‘scope.  The SW PDS range seems to be very suitable (being designed for it after all!) but was wondering if there is a marked improvement over a 150p for example as these are more readily available in the secondhand market. 

Also, resources for beginners - would a copy of “Every Photon Counts” be the best starting place?

cheers

Thanks Philip, so it’s not a cheap answer at the very least. 

Ta

7 minutes ago, Philip R said:

Hi @wormix if you find...

...let me know. I am after one for an ETX105, as they do not do one for it. 

Though I did manage, (...and persuade), to get this, (image below), made by a local engineering company/workshop not far from my home.

Even the rear port is the same screw thread as the ETX90/105/125 plastic rear cell. 

I was considering this as an alternative - how did it compare to the Wegat prices (acknowledging that they don’t do a 105)?

cheers

Good afternoon all,

Quick query - I have a de-forked Meade ETX125 and have been considering changing the back end for a Wegat style setup. 

Does anyone know if there is an easily accessible UK based equivalent or am I going to have to stomach the shipping?

cheers

Gareth

Just booked in for myself and a friend Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. 

Our first ever star party - looking forward to it!