jason.p

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/230480-my-patio-pier/?hl=%2Bpatio+%2Bpier

I made my patio pier over a year ago and have to say it's working well.

 It's permanently​​ fixed and polar aligned (nearly) so all I have to do is drop the tube on connect the dew straps and off I go.

I spray the shiny bits of the mount (Eq 5) with silicone and WD40 and uncover whenever the weather allows to let it "breath"

I cover it with a big strong polythene bag and it appears to have survived all weathers for over a year.

I'm working my way through the Cassiopeiae doubles and was looking at Iota last night. The small companion was no trouble, but I could not make out the closer element. Is it "do-able" with the 8 inch? I should have spent longer on it but I gave in to the cold. Minus 3c and everything frosted up!

Welcome John, and congrats on new scope. Don't hesitate to ask anything, there's always someone only too willing to help. I would thoroughly recommend you download "Stellarium". It's free, and an invaluable aid to finding your way around the night sky.

Good luck and clear skies

Jason

I read through this when it was first posted, now just gone through it again and picked up more. Although I've been messing around for a couple of years, I still see myself as a complete beginner. This helps put things in a proper perspective and keep expectations realistic.

Thanks

Jason

I use this polytunnel which I keep the tripod and mount in. The OTA stays in there for short spells if the weather is ok (so not often).<br />

I got hold of a spare one which I've covered it making a double skin.<br />

So far it's survived some pretty wild weather.<br />

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I'm lucky having fairly dark skies, but like many others I have a couple of annoying (to me!) street lights. I've set up a crude sight screen which takes a couple of minutes to roll out. My original was some old blankets on a washing line. Crude but effective

Here's mine, a sandwich box with plastic pill pots lined with bubble wrap. A bit crude but will have to do for now.

Tragic. Never be replaced

I've been running Seti@home for years now and have 428175.05 credits. If I joined the group would my credits be counted?

Can someone give me an idiots guide to transferring to the group.

Thanks

Jason

I'll be the first to admit that I'm at the bottom of what seems to be quite a steep learning curve, but the help I've been given so far has been genuinely and generously given despite what must have seemed some pretty dull questions. I'd like to thank all those that have so patiently offered their help so far and only hope that at some time in the future I can offer the same help and advice to those starting out.

A forum is only as good as it's members, And we've sure got some gooduns here!

Jason