Dixie

Iain - pretty quiet I think. Especially this time of year.  The north east has had a bit better of it than Yorkshire as far as I can tell, but the long range forecast is not good for the north and west..  Oddly my last two clear spells coincided with a lovely time at Kielder and again in Galloway. Apart from that bleak.... 

Fair geographical spread of replies so it's been a misery everywhere. Got a Dutch friend and she says it's been hopeless there too. By the time this improves there'll be no dark sky left. 

In my part of the world this has been one of the cloudiest winter  observing seasons I can remember.  How are other folk getting on. Am I being paranoid?  

To update this thread the dark sky lighting scheme got the go-ahead from the national park so onwards and upwards. 

Good to have you on board Andreas. WILLKOMMEN.

Adam, yep does seem that way - ZWO.

Actually in answer to my own question are these ZWO filters? Same bandpass.

I see Atik is offering a cut-price deal on  its own branded narrowband filters when bought with a camera. Does anyone have experience with these filters? Are they rebranded Chinese ones? Baader perhaps? Cheers

Rich

Very good narrowband sensor. I've used the 460 for quite a few years.

Dave

I have a ST120 and bought it for public outreach events under dark skies in places like Northumberland.  It excels at wide field views and is really easy to use.  Mate it with an expensive wide field eyepiece and the effect on big objects like the Andromeda Galaxy is jaw-dropping. But here are few points to consider. If you want to look at planets and the moon a five inch mak would be better.  In the synscan flavours you get tracking which makes viewing at higher magnifications much easier. Yes you will have to provide power and use a good dew shield/dew controller. Also the AZ3 is not a good match for the larger ST120 tube, especially if you start adding a heavier diagonal and eyepieces.  Not only is the whole thing shaky but you will find it very difficult to adjust the altitude bolt to the right tension.  Do yourself a favour and plump for the AZ4.   I picked up a mint condition second hand one for just £80.  The tube balances really well.   One more suggestion.  I also have a Celestron version 80mm ED scope (F7) - come up second hand for about £170 - also used with the AZ4.  Very little false colour, good on solar system, but still wide field enough to get lovely views.  

Rich

Bought Baader Click Lock - ordered at 2pm and arrived the following day well packed at 10.45am after checking it was in stock. Nice and easy transaction and I would use them again no problems.

Richard