Chris Rowland

Eros Lite is probably the best option.

While Per is theoretically correct that DCOM could be used in practice it's a nightmare to set up because there are so many security and compatibility hoops to jump through.  We are lumbered with this at work because some microscope manufacturers use it.  We reckon it adds an extra half day to the installation time, and that's with the benefit of a 60 page manual.

Chris

The first scope I used was an elderly 4.5" Tasco reflector, borrowed from my local Astro Society.

It gave good views. The light equatorial mount was poor and the finder wasn't good, I fitted a simple red dot finder.

It had 0.965" EPs.

I managed to see a number of deep sky objects with it, probably the most challenging was M97.

Chris

I collimated my new 6" RC at the weekend and it wasn't very traumatic. I used a Cheshire EP I got at AstroFest and just centred the centre dot on the secondary. Hopefully that will be enough to start with. The collimation adjustment hex screws were surprisingly tight, I kept them tight so it should not drift too much.

Chris

I bought one at Astrofest today, it's supposed to arrive in about a week. Not sure if I hope it arrives by the 15th so I can try it for asteroid spotting or later so it's clear for the asteroid.

Chris

M&S do some seriously nice Cherry Liqueurs - a whole CHERRY soaked in LIQUEUR & COVERED in rich DARK CHOCOLATE

And each one is wrapped in a square of dark red cellophane, just right for wrapping over the front of a torch. And if one isn't enough (and it seldom is) then try another one.

Chris

I've been thinking of getting one of these, will probably have a look at them at AstroFest.

Can you say what mount you used for it? I'm thinking of hanging it on an AS-GT class mount. I'm currently using two 80mm scopes successfully and was thinking of something that will give a narrower FOV.

Chris