JG777

I have been in the past a member of the 2 near me, they were OK but neither of them seemed to get the scopes out very much! But it depends on what you want from a society. Most let you attend a few meetings to get a flavour of them, its a good way normally to get advice and most might have a kit night where members bring scopes in for others to see. Having said that there is more and better advice on here! In the end myself and a few nearby formed our own group of stargazers only, all we do is get scopes out and go observing. Once a year we have a kit night at someones house (One of the women who lives in a mansion...more room and better food!) and a few times a year meet up for a drink. To be honest meeting in local clubs and churches for presentations was not my thing, I just like getting the scopes out.

Well your scope is F8 so will not give your EPs a hard time, the BST starguiders a great value for money and receive good reviews on here. I had a set for a number of years and that performed very well for the price. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/bst-starguider-eyepieces.html Depends what you want to spend of course!

Alan, The back screws into the end of the the focus draw tube and there is 2 set screws for holding the diagonal in, it is not a compression type. I am not sure of the size but I think it is 60mm according to the advert.This https://www.tringastro.co.uk/vixen-adapter-compression-ring-60mm-female-thread-to-508-push-fit-5683-p.asp I think is the compression replacement but Tring didn't reply to my enquiry to confirm, and FLO do not stock that part on their site. The Baader looks interesting did you lose any inward focussing, do all your EPs still come to focus?

Last night the new Vixen got first light. Took it to a new dark site our group are going to be using about 15 minutes out of town. It makes such a difference observing away from direct lights and this place is securely fenced and screened as well. Even need a keycard to open the security gate so its closed to the public and a very safe place. Anyway I quickly set up and before doing an alignment I saw Jupiter low down in the sky and decided to aim the scope there and fine tune the RDF in on Jupiter. I had 3 EPs with me as travelling light, the Baader zoom and dedicated barlow plus an ES24 68 and an ES16 68. So the view of Jupiter was a bit scruffy as it was low down so although I could distinguish banding and colour it was not the best view I have had of this planet. I noted the 3 moons were pinpoint however but I cant vouch as yet for planetary performance. So with Jupiter disappearing behind the trees I did a quick alignment using Polaris and Arcturus, and to add a bit more accuracy synced on Vega. Then I stopped for beer and waited for the sky to get a bit darker. One issue with where I live are the aircraft in and out of LHR, more so the arrivals really especially if they are operating on westerlies like they were last night, all those nosewheel lights and retractable s are not good for the night vision, at least after 2300 it comes to a stop. Anyway first task was some star testing, Vega was first and using the ES16 I racked the focusser in and out until I saw the circles. A good start with completely concentric perfect circles, I repeated this exercise on Arcturus and Polaris to ensure it was consistent with excellent results. I didn't see any hint of CA either during this testing so it seems like a positive start. It did feel a bit strange having a focusser without fine tuning at first but the focusser is smooth and works well, depending on the angle of the scope I occasionally had to adjust the tension screw on the top. By the end of the night I was a bit more proficient and snapping things into focus. I think its just a case of getting used to it. To get started properly I then popped the 16mm into the back of the flip diagonal and the 24mm onto the top and dialled in NGC 869 the double cluster. As it came into focus I was met with a totally glorious sight, well this object always looks good but I probably spent a good 25 minutes on it through both EPs. Absolutely pinpoint stars practically right out to the edges I couldn't see any sign of anything amiss, it really did offer up an impressive view. I didn't really have a list of things for the evening so went for a few well know things. M13 easily discernible, but still a feint fuzzy in the not so dark sky, a few other globs M2 M3 and M92 all found with relative ease, and the the owl cluster really sharp and defined as well. M31 was also seen and there was pretty good definition at least before the moon came out. I`m not very knowledgeable about double stars but I saw on SS6 Alberio was in the sky so I dialed it up and turned the scope on it. Using the Baader and the 16mm the 2 stars were totally sharp and the blue and yellow colours of this object easily distinguished, quite a captivating sight. I need to learn more about doubles and start to view them a bit more. Well that was a fast 2 hours or so and with the moon rising up further I decided a few minutes here to finish up would be appropriate. Fantastic detail, very sharp and pleasing and just a very tiny sliver of CA, barely noticeable, had to really look and decide if it was even there, but maybe it might be if the moon was higher and brighter a better assessment could be made. That adventure is for another night. So all in all, optically and mechanically the scope appears to be in very good order. The visual back with the set screw does not feel ideal I had to ensure this was tightened right up but nothing moved or got dislodged and I was often using the back EP to shift the scope around, a bad habit that will have to stop! I will probably convert to a diagonal. The flip box end tube covers are also not held in place by the set screws so it would be very easy to lose them. The RDF is very good, very easy to adjust especially if you need to do big adjustments, the larger lower screw facilitates this. The end cap is a good fit and sturdy plastic and you can also remove the smaller cap built in to it. The handle is so very useful as well. A decent first go and I only had to wait a day from delivery. I think I will keep it!

Thanks Alan, not sure if the tube is oversize like the 103. Yes I mostly use the Argo Navis with the AYO , the Nexus with the Tecnosky. The Argo may be older tech but its very reliable and gets the job done, I prefer the input wheel which you can operate in Winter with gloves on. Really looking forward to first light with the Vixen. Thank you Steve, yes they seem to compliment each other! 👍Thank you. Fantastic set up, serious kit! First AYO I have seen with the handle as well.

I have been wanting one of these for quite a while and today it arrived, I made use of FLO`s price match button and they kindly obliged and got a £99 reduction. As always it starts with a box that may contain clouds, this one didn`t, its clear outside and set to stay that way according to the forecast. Inside every good box is another one trying to escape. First glimpse of the Vixen SD81S Must remember to store that bag away somewhere in case some babies come around and choke on it.... So first real look and I have to say the quality of the fit and finish to the tubes paintwork is top drawer. The dovetail, rings and handle feel really solid and dependable and those rings are lined. The finderscope feels like a good quality unit and no issues with aligning it a bit later on. I have never used a flip mirror before so not sure on this yet, I will give it a chance. I have a few dielectric diagonals that can be pressed into service if required.I`m not sure about the focusser end clamp it is just 2 set screws. It seems to hold everything in place but I have a nagging doubt about it. I think there is a compression ring that can replace it so may need to look into this. The focusser is single speed R&P on these newer models with one adjustable screw on top. It feels nice and smooth and no noise or grinding, but I guess it needs to be tested in anger and I am wondering if I will miss the fine tuning like my Equinox 80 has. I have seen that a fine tuning control can be added for the cost of an internal organ. So the plan is to marry the Vixen to the AYOII and the Report 112 and with the Argo in MODE IDENTIFY poke it around the skies and see how this Vixen performs. The dovetail is nicely finished with plastic ends and the Vixen branding. Optics are crystal clean and in this image you can see the spacers. I hope not to see them in first light. I`m not sure if I can get out tonight, so hoping it is clear tomorrow as there is also a new dark site to test out. If it happens I will post up some non scientific results. Clear skies!

There is no right or wrong way only a route that has has the right setup, the right scope and gets you observing with minimum fuss so you enjoy it and can maximise your time. When you are new to this hobby it can take a fair bit of experimentation to get there, and it often means losing a few quid on the way, we have all been there. Star hopping can be very frustrating when you are new or even when experienced because I found it left a very vague area where I did not know if I was genuinely missing a target or whether it was light pollution or seeing conditions that were stopping the target from being seen. I personally do not need the thrill of the chase in finding objects manually star hopping, if I don't see them it will not be because I was not in the right place. In any case with UK skies being so challenging and observing time at a premium in between cloud breaks the reason to be pragmatic in your approach and make this hobby easier is prevalent. I mostly operate in a halfway house of sorts with push to systems, that is using digital setting circles, where after a simple alignment wherever I push the scope to a small computer tells me what is in the area and which direction to push the scope to get there. Of course there is a choice to make a list before I head out as well. What it does is remove the doubt when I am out there. A fully computerised goto and tracking system will do the same as long as it is set up correctly. Telescope maintenance is in addition to all this whether manual or not. When you drive somewhere for the first time you may use a map or a satnav, after a few times going there you remember where it is so it becomes easier. After a period of time without visiting you might forget and need the map again. Astronomy is like this. There is no shame in being poor at star hopping, it depends on many factors, time, experience, eye condition etc. Therefore I would suggest you get a go to system in addition your manual dob if finances permit. The goto will get you seeing objects quicker and boost your confidence and enjoyment. Later on you might find the manual dob a lot easier to use, if not stay with goto and let the dob go. One other thing joining a local club can really help, you get to see and use other telescopes and this will help you make your choices.

This is what I use for travel abroad, total weight 7.75 Kg and I just split it between carry on and checked in baggage. It is the excellent TS72mm currently in France with me and last night had gorgeous views of Jupiter and Saturn!

Alan it is 1/10 wave, at the time OO were doing an offer of a free upgrade although to have it done is not a huge cost. I don't know how much difference it makes if any over a standard SW mirror, it may depend on seeing conditions and how good your eyes are!

Looking superb Piero!

Hi Alan, The AYO mount is superb, I have added another clamp to the other side which gives a little more clearance as well for the OO 6, I also often remove the extension tube which converts it to 3/8 mode and use it on a Berlebach Report 112 with the smaller refractors. The scope is my most used scope, performance wise on wide field and DSO it out performs the SW100 ED PRO I had, on lunar not much in it and on planetary it performs well pulling more detail although the frac did have better overall contrast and on nights of good seeing delivered a crisper view of planets. I upgraded the secondary collimation screws to thumbscrews which speeds things up as well. Overall collimation is easy and fast and holds well. Focusser is very good, practically no slop which makes using the Baader laser very accurate and matches the cheshire. All in all a very good all rounder and 6 inches of aperture is excellent for grab and go whilst being short and light with a quick cooldown. I have been thinking of a dedicated planetary scope but am undecided on that right now. I like the look of the TS classical cassegrain, amongst others. The DSC is less impressive. Functionality wise it is excellent but the build quality in my view is fragile. The unit has been back to Australia for a new encoder port after the retaining lug snapped, and recently Serge sent me a new casing after 3 of the retaining screw joints cracked and failed. The on off switch has also started to disintegrate and there is not much of it left. Pretty poor for a £435 unit, and I go to a lot of trouble looking after my kit in use and storage. In comparison the Argo Navis is built like an outside toilet , it may be older technology but it does the same thing and its thumbweel is easier to use in winter when wearing gloves. I will probably nab another Argo as a back up as I can't see the Nexus going the distance. Thats about it, I like the push to set up for simplicity and less power requirements, and also the wider variety of options. Set up is quick and easy and you observe in silence.

I had some good observing last year in Arizona during August, skies were lovely and clear, it's just the relentless heat of the place! Having said that it's a dry heat and not humid, but it still saps your energy. Currently now set up just outside Blaye France, Aquitane region about 40 minutes from Bordeaux but the clouds have rolled in after a clear day so maybe later if it clears again, I have a load of targets for the TS 72mm. The other danger here is the massive choice of fine wines which may hinder observing.... 😁 Mrs G has tested quite a few already.

There is a lot of info in this thread on CN about AZ Pro https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/658180-ioptron-az-mount-pro/

I once looked at the AZ EQ5 but people were reporting issues with movement in AZ I wonder if that has been sorted out now? Another option is a Ioptron AZ Pro as I see FLO sell just the mount on its own if you want it, good if you have your own M12 bolt tripod. Only thing to consider with that is the scope clearing the tripod legs. The pier option looks good though, maybe too expensive.

Celestron Evolution users might be interested to read a discussion over the pond on CN concerning a number of problems users are having with the mounts tracking and slewing behaviour after updating their firmware to the latest public release which is HC NXS 5.31.9102 MC 7.15.9120 The discussion is here https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/666786-latest-update-has-wrecked-havoc-on-my-evolution-scope/ One user has linked to a You Tube video that shows what is going on. Now it is important to stress it is not proven yet as to what the issue is, the common denominator is the fact that a number of users have reported this after updating to the latest public release and the general consensus is moving towards this possibly being the motor control firmware. Personally I did update my gen 1 Evo mount before seeing the thread and my initial testing at home seems to show the mount working normally. I cant fully test the tracking until it is back out under the stars but at home it appeared to be tracking the moon via HC and on WiFi with SS6 without a problem. The mount is barely audible in use, except for the slew. Anyway, just a heads up that it may be worth holding off if your thinking of updating until this problem is completely understood and dealt with.

@johninderby I have to say this is the most comprehensive thread anywhere on this particular scope so thank you for your efforts here, it has been very interesting to read, particularly your mods. I'm looking at various Maks at the moment for future purchase and this one has piqued my interest although really a 150 class Mak is appealing to me more. I did have a SW127 briefly, maybe I should have kept it but it was at the time competing against a 100 SW ED PRO and the refractor won on cool down for my short sessions. Look forward to more observing reports.

Are there any Mak 150s on that Pallett? 😎

Been home about half an hour, storm kicking off outside at the moment, can't complain about the few hours I managed earlier. The 80 Equinox is a great scope for this kind of thing.

Looking good for a few hours. In situ with a cold one on the go 👍

Not really a hit and miss forecast its the EGLL weather radar live feed, very very accurate, and I have a 17 mile drive to a dark site so I plan it as carefully as I can. As it stands I have a clear corridor so its worth a go tonight.

Forecast looks reasonable, grab n go ready!

There is some more detail in this review side by side with an SW. Some good images as well showing the focusser. I like the built in dew shield as well. You will need the google translater and some bits are lost in the translation, but its fairly easy to decipher the reviewers meaning. From 2015 so fairly recent. http://posec.astro.cz/index.php/clanky/technics/15-scopes/69-ioptron-maksutov-cassegrain-150-1800-uzivatelska-recenze-a-srovnani-s-sw-mak-150 It would fit my Evo mount, and look great on my AYOII side by side with the 6 inch F5 OO Newt!

Fantastic, I might be your first customer. Looking for a planetary and Luna scope in the future to complete the set!

Have a look at these threads, not conclusive of course but owners have reported on them. I saw some owner reviews on Amazon as well and again very favourable. https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/601903-ioptron-maks/ https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/447055-skywatcher-vs-ioptron-150-f12-mct/ https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/343998-anyone-have-the-150mm-ioptron-mak/ There was also this from 2012 right here, so the scope had some clones

They seem to be getting very favourable reviews over on CN, plus a few other ones I have read as well. Optically and mechanically people appear to be saying they are a cut above the SW Maks, but that must be reflected in the increased cost.