TheThing

HTH = Hope That Helps?

Peeling the sticky plastic off a new electrical item?

Nah, just kidding. Nothing.

By Jove, I think you've got it!  I've only got a small head torch to use but, at certain angles, I can get a glimpse of a tiny image exactly like Louis D's post.  I used to have a Star analyser many years ago, probably bought after I got this item!  I might give this a whirl next clear night and see what it produces.

Thanks to all who responded.  Very much appreciated.

Ok, so have tried it out in the day.  As far as I can tell, it does not magnify the image through an EP at all (used with my trust Tal 40mm plossl).  It simply makes the image look like there are lines running across it, a little like the blurry image taken directly through the lens but, with the image in focus. 

I'm stumped!

This thread made me buy a SW 127 mak.  Nothing else, just this thread. 

Cant wait to pick it up now.

Stunning!

Lovely collection of shots so far.  Rooting for you to succeed.  Please.keep sharing.

Great ideas, thank you.  I'll try it.out tomorrow and report back.

7 minutes ago, StevieDvd said:

Is it a 1.25" or 2" focuser - it looks small in the images? And perhaps you should measure the hole for the focuser tube from inside to get a better idea of your replacement options.

It's just a 1.25" focuser.

Thanks for all the posts.  I think a new focuser is the plan, I'll just have to 'bite the bullet' and drill new holes!  The suggestions about giving the whole scope a bit of a tdiy up whilst I've got it apart are quite genius too.  Thank you all.  I'm off to trawl the web for a suitable replacement.  May as well go 2" as well, while I can... 

No sorry.  I think it may have come with an old telescope, possible a Tal 1 but I'm not sure.

Anyone seen anything like this before?  It was in my box of astro bits and I cannot recall anything about it, having bought it etc.

Its metal construction with nylon screws and solidly made.  The lens in it seems to be magnification of some sort, although holding my phone camera to it doesn't yield very clear images.  I assume it is to go over the top of an eyepiece but to what purpose?  A kind of Barlow maybe?  No identifying marks or features on it.

Any guesses?

The answer to your question can be expressed by the formula n+1 where n equals the number of telescopes you currently own.  So, 'Do I need another telescope?  n+1 then yes, yes I do!'

To answer your second query, a 127 Mak is a great scope to have in any collection.  I myself am currently looking for one to compliment my scopes.  I don't think you would be disappointed with one.

Quick shot of the focuser in question.

19 hours ago, Mr Spock said:

The 12" is big, very big. Also heavy. I can just move mine from the shed to the patio. It wouldn't fit in my car even if I could get it there!

Sorry, just wanted to say that that is one mighty fine looking scope!  Not in the market for one and have never considered a dob  but I might be tempted now!

That's a good un! 

That's a great image!  Well done.

A CG-5 GT mount. Not new but as good as.  And it works unlike any of the previous goto I've had.  Senn here with my OO 8" newt.

It's been 10 odd years since I did any imaging but I seem to recall there was some software that you could put images of the moon into and it would identify the prominent features for you?  Or did I just imagine it?

Does anyone recall this or still use it?

Finally managed to get a clear night and out with my new set up - old 8" Orion Optics Newt on a new (to me) CG-5 GT mount.

As its been some time since I last imaged (about 10 years) it took me a while to get set up and everything running as it should.  Captured 4 short avis of the moon of which 3 were duff due to focusing issues.  The last one, however, came together not too badly.  Room for improvement as they always say but I'm pleased as punch as I wasn't expecting anything for a first go.

I have this lovely old 8" Orion Optics UK newt that I've had for, probably 12 or 13 years and it was second hand when I got it.  Its a fantastic scope with brilliant mirrors, so I'm in no rush to change it.

However, the focuser let's it down badly!  It the original steel r&p focuser and it's just dire.  It's barely workable for visual and a nightmare for planetary imaging.

As its so old, I'm wondering what would be my best plan of action to improve it?  Should I replace the focuser completely and; if so what with?  Could I get something with dual speed that might be a pretty straight swap?  I don't really want to drill or cut the tube if I can get away with it.

Alternatively, would I be better just getting an electric focuser for it?  Budget is tight, so the cheaper the better!

Thanks in advance

My set up an 8" Orions Optics Newt on a new (to me) CG- 5 GT. I've never had much success with goto but thus mount is fantastic!  Handles the big newt with no problems. First night out with this set up and the goto kept the scope on the moon and Jupiter perfectly.  Very impressed.

Now, if I can just upgrade the focuser...

That's a really great image! Thanks for sharing.

Great image. 👍 

Awesome.

Great job.