Matt Steele

Hi all My DWII arrived in the UK last Tue. I ordered my model direct from DW (not through Kickstarter or Indiegogo) last Nov, so it’s taken a while to get here. It’s been a frustrating wait, but I’m certain the DWII has been improved before my device shipped, which I’m grateful for. I spent much of yesterday persuading my iPhone and Android tablet to communicate with the DWII, then updating its firmware (using the tablet)…got there in the end. The Widescreen Centre are also selling these in the UK. Hopefully, in time, they will sell the accessories also. I wonder what SkyWatcher, Celestron are thinking…? I got into this hobby simply so that I could see more of ‘space’. Aperture fever ‘promised’ to meaningfully reveal more. Not without a camera, however! I had no intention to spend an auctioned kidney’s worth of Sterling on an imaging setup, but I am enjoying the challenge. For me, the DWII will hopefully take me back to my original intent to ‘see more’. It’s not going to replace my imaging setup - how could it? - but it should allow me to share the joy and wonder of the universe with others and without much of the fuss. Thats enough philosophising for a Bank Holiday and, besides, I suspect the 90 day monsoon is about to hit SW England… Clear (pah!) skies all! Matt

Dear All Its been ages since I posted anything on SGL, and I hope this finds you and yours well. To increase my chances of using my CPC925, I am in the early planning stages of constructing an outdoor shelter to store it in, and 'deploy' from, with minimum fuss. To elaborate slightly, my home is built into the side of a small hill and 'garden-level' astronomy is severely restricted by mature trees. My intention is to build a raised deck (from 'normal' garden decking) at road height, which is approx 20 feet above ground level: think decking on 20 foot stilts. The CPC925, HD Pro Wedge and tripod will be kept in an enclosed shelter (as small as possible, i.e. not an observatory as such), and wheeled into position on a yet-to-be-constructed, DIY dolly. Clearly, given the height of the decked area, a concrete pier is impractical, hence the dolly/tripod combo. The size of the shelter will allow me to keep the decking area free for other use. I would welcome any feedback with respect to the construction of the shelter (e.g. material, temperature/humidity/ventilation requirements), whether I should protect the 'scope with a Telegizmo 365 cover etc, or any other pertinent advice. I am uncertain whether I would leave the 'scope permanently outside, but I think a few months at a time would suffice to make the project worthwhile. This is just a planning exercise for now but, seeing as my partner is currently concocting 'Project Horse', I am trying to stay ahead by a nose! Thanks for your consideration and clear skies. M