bomberbaz

You are completely right of course, my error for not reading the screen more thoroughly. I must say the 28Mb/ps seems a more reasonable rate and x2 as well. Time for some reading on this, interesting! Cheers Steve

I was looking at the data transfer rates for planet earth's array of space junk (joke) and was surprised at the differences in speed of the data transfers currently running. DSN Now (nasa.gov) For example the Chandra was showing a DL data rate at 1.2Mbps, quite fast when you think about it although surprisingly the JWST is only 16 Kbps. Maybe this (JWST data rate) is simply throttled to that DL speed down to preserve bandwidth. Also consider the old modem dial up speed usually ran at around 40-50 kbps. I am presuming this transfer rate for JWST is sufficient for the images it is taking and being it can run 24/7 without it's mum telling you she needs to use the dam phone 😅 it adds up over time to a fair lump of data. Not sure if my maths is right but around 1.3GB, still modest really. But remember the next time you complain about your DL speed whatever that may be, that voyager 1 is currently DL data at a rate of 160 b/ps. (It also takes circa 21 hours to get here)

I had yes although it appears someone has now registered an interest anyway. Only other thing is I am on with a red theme, my OCD itches away at things like that. Thanks anyway Jeremy 😃

My personal thought is images need to be unprocessed if possible otherwise their value is somewhat debateable however you could upload processed images for other thread viewers should you wish.

If I could convince FLO to do so on a sale or return basis I might well do so 😉 There are some good points raised and in particular one does make me wonder is SW's inability to state the glass type. I am going to do a paper based side by side checking stats, product details, comments basically anything I can pull up about the OTA's regarding both to see if I can break my impasse on decision.

Review here in cloudynights: Skywatcher Evolux 82ED finally in stock in Europe - Refractors - Cloudy Nights Some of the comments don't quite ring true to me. They seem quite at odds to other information which is corroborated and are also totally at odds with your previous comment.

Skywatcher do not appear to state the glass type although they do say it is upgraded from the previous models. Evolux 62ED Doublet Apo Refractor — Sky-Watcher (skywatcherusa.com)

Good report John, I like it's look, design and features. One big thing which is only a small thing is the two shoes part. One for a guide scope and one for the AAplus. I note the WW ZS61 has FPL53 glass and the FF glass is unstated. The Evolux has, when used with the FF 2 ED glass elements in the light path but it is unstated. Do you have any idea what the glass type is?

Which one won and why John if you don't mind me asking?

Thanks John, I found that earlier and review is very positive. TBF there is a lot I like about the evolux although the WO pedigree speaks for itself. Hence this thread.

I am torn between the two OTA's, they both seem to be well made, are pretty much the same weight, have good reviews and inc the FF have a similar price tag. Sky-Watcher Evolux 62ED OTA | First Light Optics William Optics Zenithstar 61 II APO | First Light Optics So I am looking for any feedback on performance or better still, has anyone carried out a side by side. Cheers all Steve

I was literally close to tears at one point, some pretty deep stuff when you think about it. Science is truly an amazing hobby to be involved in.

just watching the last 18 minutes now, been very good so far though

Just checked my measurements and don't know how I managed to miss putting on that 21mm spacer now I think about it. TBF to myself I have had a lot on my plate other than astro related stuff so I will forgive myself overlooking it. thanks for the heads up though Lee

Here goes Lee. I do have a 21mm spacer too. I have actually added the mini spacer rings below the 16.5 since last night but I think I will remove the 16.5 and slap the 21 in its place to see if that helps

think my sensor is to close and needs a spacer, but not sure by how much. Any rough idea to start with Lee Well focused Deffo pointing inwards

Hello all. I received my OTA back today from RVO, turns out collimation had been knocked out, most likely during delivery. Anyway, conditions are awful tonight (full moon) but I will swing the scope onto a bright open cluster (ngc6633 looks good) that is in right sky position to test it for the coma aberration. Not going to be a late night, already had a long day.

Nice and sharp without overdone colour (something a few people seem to do) plus I don't know what you have done with the stars but spot on, I like it a very lot.

I did think about this, OVL do a 27-9 zoom which would go very well with the barlow too

If you scope is the 1200 focal length version then the 5mm (x240) may be pushing it too far in the conditions would have to be very good to be able to offer you decent views. You say you have a 2x barlow so assuming it is a decent one you can make good use of both this and a new eyepiece. Here is my idea to help you make the best of a sub £100 spend. A 15mm will give you a native x80 which is a great middle of the range power and also a barlow'd x160. 160 is a very good power for your scope as it will offer good planetary views/magnification and at the same time is more forgiving when conditions are not quite as good as you might hope for. Also your barlow will take the stock 25mm to 12.5mm /x 96 which is also a good and useable middle range eyepiece. Personally the stock 10mm is not brilliant and I would look to replace this when possible. A 12mm BST (yes I realise this overlaps the 25mm barlowed) would give native x100 but a barlowed x200. Between the three eyepiece above (25,15 & 12) you would hit low power (25=x48) and middle + high power (15 = 80/B160) and (12=100/B200) One could argue the above idea has gaps but astronomers are always looking for gaps in their eyepiece collection so they can buy another 🤣 It is always a personal thing and others will have their own choices but in absence of a budget this is my idea to cover your bases for under a £100.

where'd you get that from Lee please?, would be better than my current arrangement!

This looks a nice option should I require another one. Anyways, lets not jump the gun and wait til they test the returned OTA, good shout though.

cheers Lee for the heads up. My own update is as follows, switched the AE mini finder for a WOptics uniguide. There was a collimation issue with the astro essentials one, the uniguide feels like it is a different ball game altogether. I have also return the horizon 60ed with the comet shaped stars, they are going to look at it and we shall take it from there. However if they cannot find anything wrong with it, I may think about not having it back and seeing what other options are available. I have stuck all the old ota (evoguide) and new uniguide onto the AZGti and aim to do some more testing over the weekend, reason to check both tracking and star shapes. If things are well sometimes its best to leave well alone.

I clean mine on average once a year or maybe less. As Ian says above a little grime will not have a hugely noticeable difference on your performance, hence my infrequent cleans. As for mirrors, I have only once cleaned a mirror, the said mirror was something of a dust magnet though.

WO uniguide, tis but a thing of beauty