Elara

56 minutes ago, Stu said:

I have a Gitzo GT5542LS which I use with a ScopeTech Zero and mainly with a similar spec 4” scope. I don’t think the tripod is over specced for that setup, it is a great combination of stability vs lightness. I can carry the whole rig outside with one hand quite easily.

Lovely setup and thank you for your thoughts 

I’ve recently acquired a 100/800 APO (weight, less eyepieces <5kg) and I’m thinking of a Vamo Traveler mount  

Is a Gitso Systematic tripod too high a spec?
I saw this setup on the Baader website under reviews of their 95/580 Travel Companion and the green eyed monster came calling!

Cheers for anyone’s thoughts…

Again, many thanks!

I have the aftermarket mirror lock already installed, so just a case of tightening it up prior to installing the Peterson Engineering EZ Focus Upgrade, which I’ve ordered from the UK distributor, RVO. I’ve also ordered the Peterson Eyeopener III. I’ll let you know how I get on.

Having been ‘away’ from using my setup for several years owing to personal circumstances, I’ve decided to join a local Astronomical Society, so I’m sure I’ll get lots of assistance from them too.

Clear Skies!

Cheers!

10 hours ago, Spaceship said:

It was easy. You can do it!

If you look at my pictures you’ll see the back of the mirror has a stem that the focus knob attaches too. I cleaned and re-greased the mirror slide tube for ease of operation.  There’s a video put out by Meade mods that describes the process also. 
 

 

Thank you for the positive encouragement!

I have seen the Meade Mods video on YTube. 
On other forums showing a Starlight Microfocuser (SCT) being installed, things looked ‘fiddly’? 

Perhaps I’m making too much of what appears easy? 
Question: Is it straightforward to detach the end of the focuser, therefore ‘learning’ how to re-attach.
Is that the ‘stem’ you mention ( at about 5:25pm) on the attached copy photo? 

Apologies to any dyslexics, but I’m mechanically ‘similar’, so don’t want to end up bodging it!!

Thanks for any help! I

On 09/03/2023 at 22:44, Spaceship said:

Hello my LX200 12” did have a weight. 
 

I de-forked and started the cleaning/lubing process.  With intent of trying it with my EQ6
Installed Peterson’s Focus kit

Removed the weight I believe it was 4-6 lbs. can’t remember. I believe my OTA weight was 38lbs once completed. 
 

It worked on the EQ 6 but it looked like a big camper on a half ton pickup  

It’s now on a Losmandy G11

Thanks for the post and photos!
I’ve just had my Meade 12” SCT (possibly an original LX200 OTA) serviced, cleaned and primary mirror/secondary recoated. My ‘first light’ opportunity was yesterday and I was reminded of how much ‘play’ there is with the focuser. The scope has travelled a bit since collecting it, so it needs collimating again which I didn’t do due to the limited ‘clear sky’ opportunity.

My question is whether the Peterson focuser upgrade is easy to do for a ‘non-diy’ type such as myself.

(To the OP: I’d add that the scope sits on a NE6R with 4 counterweights and seems to balance nicely. I’m a visual observer only btw)

Thank you all! - very helpful stuff! I may well get RVO to do the Rowan mod. but I’ll look at the @kbrown YouTube video first.

Clear skies!

I’ve a  NEQ6-Pro, bought early 2014, so 9 years old.

I’m going to sell my 12” Meade SCT (in good condition, primary and secondary recoated very recently ) 

I’m considering a smaller aperture refractor and getting into AP.

Question:

Is it worth upgrading the NEQ6 mount ie Rowan belt mod. and/or investing in a Dark Frame Optics ‘tune up’?

I’ve funds set aside but should those be invested instead in the future AP setup.

Many thanks in advance for your suggestions.