JAG007

9 hours ago, Dark Vader said:

I use it mainly in the garden but have transported it in the car to a society outreach session. The base fits in the boot and the OTA fits nicely across the back seat. I have an estate car. If you have to carry it up or down stairs and drive a smaller car, you may have issues.

I do have to contend with "security" and street lighting from my garden. I'm in a Bortle 6/7 suburban area, and have found that for planetary and lunar observation especially, house lights are not that much of a problem. 

They are quite big - I knew it was going to be big but it still surprised me when I put it together - and as long as storage and transport is doable they are very good scopes.

Andy

Hi Andy, currently that’s my issue, up and down stairs, I live in a flat about my clinic so the only options I have are viewing in the attack though my velux window or transporting it each time to a venue. Not sure which reflector model matches up with your Dob, I will have to do more research. 

6 hours ago, Dark Vader said:

Hello

The Skywatcher Skyliner 200p comes apart if needed for moving. You unscrew the bearing tension screws and lift out the OTA. It can be carried in 2 parts. Personally, for short 5 yard trips from house to patio, I pick it up by those bits and carry it as one. 

As for the height, I'm 6'5 and use a musicians stool for seated observing. You could use a camping chair or adjustable drum stool just as easily. 

Another option - I raised the height of my Dob base by putting it on a water butt stand. 

Just a question on your Dob. Do you use it outside of your house or do you transport it in the car to go to less light polluted areas? Asking because I am looking at the Dob and I live in a light polluted area and I don’t have a garden or a useable back yard (too much light from house lights and motion sensitive cameras and the back street lights).

this looks really good i like it, where is this one available from?

4 minutes ago, Gfamily said:

Here's a view of the Philips planisphere so you can see how it looks - I think I prefer the white on black appearance, but then, I've not used a blue on white version so who knows.

Yes i saw that there were various ones for northern and southern hemispheres as well as different Latitude, thats why i listed mine in the original post. i wanted to make sure i was getting the correct one and suitable for myself.

So I have been asked by my work colleague what I want for Christmas, and as I am just starting to rekindle my astronomy inters I thought I would tell them I just wanted a good Planisphere. As I live in Padiham (Lancashire UK - Latitude - 53.801510), I wanted to know which Planisphere would be best for them to get me.

So throw your suggestions this way and I can tell them which one to buy me.

Cheers

John

I am intyerested, i dont have any scopes but i am willing to come along and see whats up there.

Keep me posted.

John

Nope not yet, funding at the moment, and sorting life issues out.

For me its either the attic or outside somewhere where there is no light polution, i dont have a garden and the back yard is very small and the light polution is terrible, at the moment its Bino's throught the windows (still dipping in and out yet).

John

On 05/01/2015 at 22:07, John2503 said:

Hi all, the wife and I are total novices at star gazing

In our late 30,s have always had a bit of an interest in the subject.

I just bought my wife a celestron nexstar slt130 for Christmas with 9mm and 25mm eyepiece

Aware we might have to add and upgrade these at some point

I hope the kit is a good starting point

Keen to get out and view the night sky

Any advice and tips are very welcome

As at the moment we seem to be just muddling along

Living in Lancashire Im hoping there are some good spots to set up

Many thanks for reading and happy new year everyone

Hi there John, i am a tad late on this thread but i also live in Padiham, no telescope at the moment due to finances and no where to use it in my house (no garden, light polution) working on an idea for the attic though, just a simple set of bino's.

On 07/02/2016 at 22:29, HowardHopkinson said:

Hi Paul and welcome to SGL.

I'm a Lancashire lad too, I live in Padiham, so not too far from you mate. I also have the Skywatcher 200P and an EQ5 mount. It's a great scope and I have managed to see some wonderful sights with it as well as take some nice photos with it. I recently upgraded the EQ5 by means of a Synscan upgrade kit and would recommend it, particularly if you intend to do any astrophotography and even if you don't, it makes viewing visually a lot more relaxed and satisfying.

Hi there Howard, i am a tad late on this thread but i also live in Padiham, no telescope at the moment due to finances and no where to use it in my house (no garden, light polution) working on an idea for the attic though, just a simple set of bino's.

Its been a few years since i was there, i would like to go again during the winter months but unfortunately its closed due to COVID.

Someone please tell me when its back open.

Cheers.

John

I know i am late to this thread, but i am having my house redone and i was thinking of viewing from the attic, i just wanted to ask JonnyAlpha, how did it go?

I have been deciding on my first telescope for over a year, I am drawn to the dobsonium but I will probably buy a decent pair of binoculars first ,help and advise is always welcomed.

Anyone with advice on binoculars I am listening.

John.

This is the best site for all items related to stargazing, the admin team must be praised, the people on here are all friendly and are willing to offer advice to anyone even if they ask stupid questions (I know I asked 1), I have only been on the site for 1 week and made some great friends. Keep up the good work.

John.