Roger Fairhurst

This is an absolutely excellent thread and with the possible exception of the pompous and blinkered Meade-owner's reply #23, a veritable goldmine of information on the subject of SW SynScan.

I am considering an upgrade for my EQ3-2 but now will be thinking very carefully indeed before going ahead - thanks to the wealth of experience voiced here. I have read nearly every reply posted in full but will sit down at some point and go through it all again to make sure I fully understand the implications and restrictions that apply to fitting GOTO to my mount as applied to my particular situation ie. location, available view of the sky - particularly Polaris, and other related issues.

This also raises questions for me relating to mounts but I will not hijack this thread to ask my questionshere. I will start a new thread!

To me this is a perfect example of a community dedicated to helping each other by offering to share information and skills gathered over often years and years of hands-on experience in the field.

Wonderful.

KInd regards

Roger

.... Thanks for the review,and also the pic of the monopod/ballhead set up,which we have Steve to thank for pointing both of us to! I'd recommend that set up to any would be bino Astronomer.

Which monopod is that may I ask?

I have the trigger head and 2 "normal" monopods, one with leg clamps and the other rotate to lock type. The "automatic" Manfrotto ones I've seen online look to be the best bet but are relatively expensive.

My experience with "manual" monopods has been a bit frustrating so far, trying to get the leg length sorted then the grip angle, leg length again - so how do you guys go about ?

Kind regards

Roger

I am interested in a reference book of Messier Objects and have looked at the selection on Amazon.

There are several candidates but although several have the "Look Inside" feature virtually none show extracts of the actual object descriptions. Here is a sample:-

The Deep Sky Companians - The Messier Objects - Levy & O'Mearer

Atlas of The Messier Objects: Highlights of the Deep Sky - Stoyan, Binnewies & Co.

The Observing Guide to the Messier Marathon - Don Machholz

Observing the Messier Objects with a Small Telescope, In the footsteps of a great observer - Philip Pugh

Anybody own one or more of these?

I've got Turn Left at Orion, Pocket Star Atlas and several other reference books but nothing specifically just "Messier".

Experience/appraisal of any of the listed books would be appreciated.

Kind regards

Rooger

GREEN WITCH

I received excellent advice and tips from Lee at Green Witch in Birstall when I visited the shop there. He took the time to explain issues which affected the selection of items such, as filters, that I was tempted to buy. There was no "hard sell" or attempt to steer me towards anything I didn't need but his logic in selecting an eyepiece to compliment the ones I already had was professional and much appreciated.

As I was leaving the shop I asked him for a buisness card and it was only then I realised he had a doctor title! I don't know in which subject he holds that title but his knowledge of optical instruments and astronomy seemed, to me at least, profound.

IN FOCUS

I was trying to help my brother in law source spare parts for an old pair of SWIFT binoculars he had bought about 15 years ago at In Focus in Denby Dale Yorkshire. I called the shop and spoke to the manager whose name I'm afraid I can't remember. He said that they hadn't stocked SWIFT for 10 or 12 years but I could try the importers and gave me the name and address. I was able to contact them and although they hadn't imported SWIFT for at least 13 years they were able to supply me with the spares needed from stock!

A visit to the In Focus shop in Denby Dale reinforced this positive image and although they specialise mostly in bins and spotters my brother in law and I spent a pleasureable morning talking with the guy in the shop and trying out numerous bins even though we didn't buy. He was extremely knowledgeable about bins, spotters and photography in addition to being vocal in issues political, social and technical that he felt strongly about!

TELESCOPE SERVICE

Telescope Service (aka Telescope Express) here in Germany are the fastest supplier I have encountered so far. I placed an order for a monopod at 3 o'clock in the afternoon this week via Amazon and it arrived the next day at 8:45 in the morning from Telescope Service in Munich over 400 miles away! I can't speak for there support services but delivery was nearly at the speed of light!

Kind regards

Roger

Nikon 12x50 Action EX Porro (in the post!!!)

Bresser 10x50 Porro (discounter)

Prinz 7x50 Porro(ancient)

Bauer 10x42 Roof (discontinued)

Opticron Oregan 8x42 Roof (bought at Wex Niorfolk)

Uvex 7x42 Roof (20 years old)

Kowa 6x30 Porro (recent purchase)

Just love the tiny Kowa bins, so sharp, light and bright and an absolute pleasure to use.

The Optricons are a good solid reasonable size instrument, nice to use.

The Uvex is used by my wife for bird spotting in the garden)

The Nikons (when they arrive!) will hopefully become my main astronomy bins.

Kind regards

Roger