AWR

What I meant to say was that the Baader Newtonian Focuser fits to the Lunt once you remove the base plate (I THINK!).  The Baader focuser should be cheaper than the Moonlite. 

If you want to use the Moonlite focuser, you need the Moonlite Lunt flange.

HTH Andrew

Also I'm 99% certain that the Lunt flange is the same as the flange on the Baader Newtonian version (holding the focuser to the mounting plate) but I'd love someone to confirm that!

Andrew

36 minutes ago, paulastro said:

Andrew, is the Moonlite focuser easily available, and more importantly - is it easy to swap it over with the original focuser?  Regards, Paul

Hi Paul,

I bought the Moonlite from FLO.  It wasn't on their website but they ordered it for me.  The spec is:

• CS
• Orange
• Lunt flange
• 1.5"
• Dual rate

Obviously you can have whichever colour you like (as long as you accept that orange is the best!).  It was really easy to swap with the original!

Andrew

This my 60mm Lunt LS60THa-1200 with a Moonlite focuser on a Vixen Porta II.  I use my TS 9mm planetary most of the time.

Andrew

Typically great service from FLO, who I've used a couple of times these past weeks.  In the first instance Steve replied to my multiple questions even though it was an hour past their helpdesk closing time.  In the second instance an excellent 11 minute wait for a reply from Martin.

(By way of comparison, I've been waiting 3 days for a reply from Altair - I'll not hold my breath!)

The live stock levels on their website are also really useful.  Both orders were dispatched and received promptly.

Andrew

Thanks all,

I may go for a Tracer battery in the future but initially I was looking for something that I can run of the mains.  I don't have an observatory which was leading me away from the Maplins style PSUs towards something a bit easier to plug into an extension lead outside.

Maybe the answer is just to go straight for a Tracer battery!

Andrew

Which PSU did you use?

10 minutes ago, Tinker1947 said:

Depending on the size you require, 11" SCT or bigger won't require a controller....

Just on all the time at this size?

Thanks,
Andrew

I'm going to buy a heated dew shield and controller for my new scope.  Most likely an Astrozap Flexi-Heat.  I am tempted by one of these controllers with temperature regulation.

It's going to need a fair bit of current, which leads me to my question:  What power supply to use?  For my mount I use one of these Baader Outdoor Supplies.  Would another be suitable for the dew heater?  It's a switched power supply (I have a vague memory of switched-mode power supplies 20+ years ago at uni).  Does this matter?

What do others use to power their dew heaters?

I don't have an observatory but I am observing from home.  I'll look at batteries in the future.

Many thanks,

Andrew

Rest in peace, Sir.

Andrew

Unfortunately today's delivery of webcam adapters didn't arrive so it looks like we will be dispatching them tomorrow. They are sent via First Class mail so, in theory, they will begin landing on doormats Saturday.

You must have got them out quickly - mine was delivered before I got home from work on Friday. The adapter and end cap are excellent!

Andrew

Mine came today (a kind neighbour took it in for me). Now I need to order an adaptor and filter. I'll order an adaptor from Wayne. Where's good for a cheap filter (I'm assuming a cheap one will work fine)?

What software do people recommend for capturing images? Is K3CCD still the way to go?

Many thanks Russ for the heads up and everyone elso for all the stirling advice.

Andrew

Good, prompt, efficient service from both Teleskop Service in Germany and the ever reliable FLO.

I ordered from both late on Friday evening, an eyepiece and an adapter from TS and a diagonal and a lens cleaner from FLO. Both orders were placed well past the close of business.

The goods from FLO turned up on Tuesday and from TS on Wednesday.

You order - it comes! Why do some other companies find this so difficult?

Andrew

Good, prompt, efficient service from both Teleskop Service in Germany and the ever reliable FLO.

I ordered from both late on Friday evening, an eyepiece and an adapter from TS and a diagonal and a lens cleaner from FLO. Both orders were placed well past the close of business.

The goods from FLO turned up on Tuesday and from TS on Wednesday.

You order - it comes! Why do some other companies find this so difficult?

Andrew