Richard136

Thanks

Yes, good point re astigmatism in outer field.

I wear glasses but don't require them for using binoculars.

Most of intended use is landscapes and wildlife.

I'm looking for a pair of binoculars and would value your collective input 

Requirements:

• High quality (min colour, field brightening / curvature, etc.)
• Suitable for general observing and (mainly) day time use
• Probably looking 50-60mm aperture (though could go to 40mm since mainly used in day time)

I've used Celestron SkyMasters in the past (70mm) and wasn't very happy with the field curvature (at least on my pair)

I have not settled on a price point but would like to hear a range of options for less than £250.

Thanks in advance!

15 hours ago, Captain Scarlet said:

I bought an Intes Mak (M603) a couple of years ago from a member here @Richard136. It was in a pretty poor state, no fault of the person I bought it from, but it may well have been some of the reason he sold it. Admittedly it's old, early 1990s I reckon. It's a Rumak-Mak with collimation adjustment screws front and back, 12 screws in all! The collimation screw-heads were a mixture of slot- and cross-head, and all seriously worn: clearly some heavy metal-tearing torque had been applied .... for collimation!!! But the process of fixing it was pure joy: I replaced all the bolts/screws, had it completely apart, much stuff went in the ultrasonic cleaner bath, I rebuilt it and now it's a scope I really love.

M

 

Indeed you did @Captain Scarlet - and how I still regret letting it go!! But the fact is I had not got the time to fix it up. I glad you've given it a new lease of life.

(for the record the high torque wasn't from me!)

You did a great post on the rebuild, IIRC

From the main celestron website ? Not Team Celestron?

Thanks. I'm still waiting for my access to be approved to TeamCelestron

thanks for response

Please can someone give me the low down on Maxvision scopes? I understand they are imported by Ali Express and essentially the same as the Explore Scientific range?

I'm interested in the 127 triplet with FCD1 glass.

Anyone got one or used one? Will it work with a binoviewer?

Any quality issues or other to watch out for ?

good idea @Carbon Brush. I'll post a photo if I do the upgrade (when I said "found", I mean identified - not yet purchased)

Thanks. I've found a 9AH of the same size (or at least, a size that should fit).

Is it possible to replace with a higher AH rating? Or is the circuitry configured for 7AH battery only? Assuming I can find a same size higher AH battery....

I may try to replace the older celestron battery in the power-pack as proposed. Not sure what model or capacity but guess it would say once I open up the pack.

2 hours ago, Mick H said:

I use the TalentCell Rechargeable 36w Lithium Battery pack, lasts for hours and can charge other appliances like mobile phones/headlights etc.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0713T4XT9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks - looks very compact. That says 3A max output. Mount needs 4A so might be a bit under-powered

Thanks for the input 👌

That's good to know, @Jiggy 67. 

I was wondering whether running an AZEQ6 from batteries was simply too much

1 hour ago, DeanCJ said:

I use one of these,

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/batteries-powerpacks/nevada-ps-08-6a-8a-regulated-linear-power-supply.html 

It is rated at 6a continues with an 8a max surge. Usefully, the  ring connectors are also  female banana connectors, so that is three different connection types including the cigarette socket. My az eq5 on maximum slew plus an 8se dew heater turned on pulls approximately 3 1/4 amps according to the built in ammeter, so still quite a bit spare.

Seems to suggest use in dry areas. I'm outside without cover... would it suffer?

Hiw do you split the power feed? With in line connectors or diasy chains ?

Thanks, both.

I hit some issues last night with GoTo accuracy and never thought it could be the power supply - will be careful on that in future.

I'm discovering that my Celestron lead acid power packs only last for a few hours before running out, resulting in a need to power off and re align the mount.

What is the state of the art Li Ion equivalent these days?

Are people generally using 240 to 12v power converters if observing from home? And if so, which power supply and do you have one with multi outputs for dew heaters and the like?

Thanks. How do you do that? the CFM programme didn't obviously allow me to select what version I update to, it just sent and trawled the internet and did it.

Is it possible to downgrade the firmware, if you apply the Beta update?

Thanks. I've registered for that, awaiting approval to join. 

When I do join, suspect I'll see the bug warning you refer to and get access to the Beta download.

Would like to get this working - just glad I didn't shell out for the whole unit!

I had the Celestron version of StarSense, worked a treat in my Celstron mount. I purchased the Interface Box to enable the kit to work on SkyWatcher mounts... it doesn't work on AZEQ6. It hangs on boot up, immediately after selecting the alt-az or equatorial mode.

I found a thread on CN about this, stating a bug in the Celestron firmware. 

Does anyone have a similar issue to me? Any fixes?

Thanks, will try that. Seems an odd way of doing it but if it works... 

Hi all,

Is there any way in which I can input RA and Dec coordinates to a V3 hand controller for the AZ EQ6 and get it to slew to those co ords? Essentially go to these co ords, instead of go to this object.

I can't find a way to do it, although my arguably lower calibre SE Celestron mount can. Must be a way, surely!

Thats the snag isn't it: always need an adapter!

Thanks, all.

I had identified the SVBony versions on Amazon, and also noticed the adapters are costly compared to the rig itself.

Think I may go for a version with 2" SCT thread and then buy a 2"-to-T2 adapter to enable it to used on both the SCT and the refractor.