Richard136

Hi all I'm looking for a helical focuser to assist in fine focusing. Ideally non-rotating, but will accept a rotating one. There's seemingly a huge array of these things and a bit confusing how to attach to the scope. I'm looking for either a 1.25, or preferably a 2" version, that simply fits into the standard 1.25" or 2" eyepiece slots. Alternatively something that screws directly onto the focuser of my scopes (but how to know what thread those use; have several scopes all with different threads?) Also: since these devices obviously lengthen the path, do they actually work for visual on refractors and Newt's? (assume CATs are fine since the mirror moves) Am lost in the woods atm in terms of threads and diameters, etc. Help?!

Awesome, and glad the EQ5 is working out for you.

Nice!

Really interesting responses, guys. I've been scoping my village and found some darker spots quite nearby; and that give a wider view of the sky, too. May try them at some point. The road is my cul de sac would actually be pretty good once all neighbours are in bed, but we have two street lights that stay on all night.

Thanks, all. Great responses

Just wondering how many of you observe away from the house / garden, e.g., to a dark lane nearby or other dark place. My garden is relatively dark, but the nearby houses and trees mean the view of the sky is quite obstructed in certain directions. How many of you venture off into the night to find a dark spot without obstructions?

I'm not as daft as I probably sounded in that last post! The instructions say do the HS upgrade in a stand alone way (done, and it works). I couldn't find any instructions for the MC upgrade. Wasn't sure whether you connected the mount directly or via the HS.

Thanks I did the handset upgrade but it wasn't connected to the mount at the time. Guess that's what iwas missing

What's the mounting hardware underneath the C8? Is that how ensure both scopes point same direction?

I can find the instructions for upgrading the hand controller, but not the motor controllers. What am I missing ?

I'd say its worth the extra. I got one second hand and it's a very strong unit. Largest capacity alt az I could find without going for the Rowan Az100. The latitude adjustment on the eq mode is easy, and the option for two scopes is just great. There isn't a handle, and it's a difficult-to-hold shape and weight. I think that's the trade off

Thanks both

Think this answers a question I just posted. Thanks for the timely coincidence!

Hi I am looking for a cable to perform firmware update on a Celestron SE 8. My pc only has USB ports. The SE8 has Star Sense handcontorler, which, I believe (?) has an RJ22 socket on the bottom. It's not the USB version. Can someone advise which cable to use to perform the update? Thanks in advance

Thanks, both. I think that settles it!

Hi all I'm thinking of getting a heavy scope and riding it on the Sky Tee2. Question is what is the *true* max that mount can take? Before I purchase the scope I need to be sure it'll fit on the mount. total weight will probably be close to 20KG. Obviously I will need to add counterwieghts and a Losmandy clamp, but will the mount take it?

Great, thanks all.

There are several available, seem to be around the £65 price point. I was hoping there would be a cheaper option, but cant find one currently.

Looking for recommendations of large padded bags - the sort you could put tripod legs or a 120-150mm f8 refractor into. TS optocs have some options but at roughly 80 euros I was hoping they'd be a cheaper option available.

Can anyone give me an opinion on the Stellarvue SVA130EDT25S? I'm looking for a big 'frac and weighing up this and the TS Optics 130 Thanks.

Anyone got first hand experience of the TS Optics 130mm f7?

I didn't know there was a SharpStar 130. 365 Astronomy currently have offer proce on the 107.

All other points of view welcome...

The TS optics mount has price on its side! I'd be mounting a 70mm refractor.

The best scope is the one you use. Agreed. Should add that the WO110 FLT I used to own was no problem to whip outside at a moments notice. My other question is why the similarity in price for a significant difference in aperture between the 107 and the 130? The TSOptics 107 (or the SharpStar for that matter) are also comparable price to the 130. So the 130 is either a bargain, or perhaps priced to reflect it's narrower appeal due to portability limitations. (?)