ellanddodgers

perhaps because I didn't do sufficient research. My first beginners scope was a skywatcher and I think that may have been one of the reasons. also the same 127 was at a price I could afford. Sorry but that may not be much help. Haven't been able to use the new scope yet because of fog and cloud but setting it up was really easy. It even came with a moon filter which wasn't in the spec.

My new skymax 127 synscan goto arrived this morning. Only ordered yesterday from Sherwood's. Put it together - pretty easy operation - and took it outside to get it acclimatised. Then the fog rolled in !!!!! There's always tomorrow.

One thing different from my previous beginners scope - this one has a star diagonal which turns the image the right way up and reverses it from left to right (as you will all know). Does antone else find this a problem and will I just get used to it. It is good for my viewing position and my knees, I do confess!

Once again thanks for all the help and advice so far. It is much appreciated. I know my teacher at school (in the olden days) once told me that there is no such thing as a daft question. If you don't know the answer, then its not a daft question.

Thanks aenima for your comments. Will investigate the car cigarette lead in case I take the scope on the moors for the dark skies

Thanks knobby for the amazingly quick reply. Think I will go for the external power lead initially. Don't plan to use the scope away from home at this stage

Hi again

My apologies. I have managed to download the SynScan manual from the Skywatcher site.

Hi all from a (pensioner) newbie in snowy York.

Have had a Skywatcher Skyhawk 1145 for several years but my son has borrowed it and it doesnt look as though it will be coming back!

Have read all the postings with interest as I was on the point of buying a Skymaster 127 Synscan GOTO. Particularly impressed with Nigels opening piece which gave me a lot to think about.

I have two question if I may,

For those of you using AA batteries (not rechareable of course) how long do they last. Are we talking one session or less or several. I know there are external power leads out there and also rechargeable power tanks but to get started it would be good to know how long AA batteries do last on their own

And number two, do you know if it is possible to download a manual for this machine. Would like a look in advance. Have searched online without success!

Thanks a lot