Steve Reed

Thanks for the replies. Still finding my way with this mount. I have managed to get hold of a dongle but have failed to find the wifi connection it supposedly generates. I am just running it off batteries at the moment and I am wondering if I need a mains adapter (see related post). Steve

I want to get a 12V power supply for my Supatrak mount. The manual is a bit vague, simply saying you need a 12v supply. Would a standard laptop charger offering 12v and 5A fit the bill? Don't want to plug in the wrong supply and blow the motor! TIA Steve

Pleased to report some success last night. Managed to get the mount zeroed in and tracking the moon with craters staying pretty central in the field of view. Already thinking of upgrades. Currently no mains lead/powertank and I guess the batteries will be drained quite quickly. Also thinking of GoTo potential for this mount. I understand I can either buy a WiFi dongle and use the app on my iPhone or buy a SynScan handset. What are the pros and cons of each? The handset is more than twice the price of the dongle - is it worth the extra expense? Thanks in advance. Steve

BTW - now I know it's called a Supatrak it suddenly becomes easier to find more info on here! Steve

Many thanks. I will have a play tonight if the sky stays clear! Steve

Many thanks Peter. I have this manual but (probably me being a bit dense), I'm not finding it easy to follow. Was hoping some kind soul had posted a YouTube video, but can't haven't found anything yet. I'm not even sure what the mount can do. When properly set up, does it track targets across the sky? Can it be upgraded to GoTo by plugging in a synscan handset? Thanks again. Steve

I have recently acquired a secondhand Skywatcher 127. It came with a tracking mount that I am unfamiliar with and I find the instruction manual rather opaque. I have attached a couple of pictures of the mount and the controller. Can anyone identify this setup and advise where I might be able to find additional instructions on setup and use? Thanks in advance. Steve

I can highly recommend this guide! Steve

I went to Alta in February a couple of years ago. We paid quite a lot to go on a 'Northern Lights safari' but the views were disappointing. The following night there was a breathtaking display right above the lodge we were staying in. I managed to get some good photos and the technical advice I was given as part of the safari was very helpful. It is always going to be pot luck in terms of cloud cover, solar activity etc. but I can honestly say it was one of the most incredible things I have witnessed. Steve

Great advice! Many thanks. St6eve

So I have myself an ASI 120 MC which I am using with an Explorer 200p. My first efforts at imaging Jupiter and Saturn were surprisingly decent, more by luck that judgement I suspect. Last night I had another session, Jupiter was less impressive (although GRS showing up this time) but Saturn was overexposed and lacking detail. I have used the camera directly plugged into the scope which gives a small image but I have yet to get good focus with a 2x barlow. I will persevere with this. I am using ASICap and adjusting exposure until I get some details on the planet on screen. This seems a bit unscientific. I have no idea what I am doing with gain! I am using a resolution of 1280*960, this is the default and not sure if this is the best to use. I am not tracking so I record for about 2 minutes, using the fine controls to keep the planet in the centre of the view. Can anyone please advise me on: Exposure - how do I get it right? Gain - do I need to adjust it? Resolution - is 1280*960 optimal? Video recording - is 1.5 - 2 min about right? Any hints of getting focus when using a 2x barlow? Thanks in advance! Steve

Many thanks - what a fantastic resource!

Many thanks to those that have replied to my questions. Lots of great advice. I think I need to sort the eyepieces out first, get some observing under my belt, and then think about imaging. Seeing the rings of Saturn with my own eyes for the first time was truly awe inspiring and I am looking forward to my astronomical journey! Steve

Many thanks. Presumably the 'stock' barlow I have won't cut the mustard and would need upgrading. Anything I should look out for? Thanks Steve

I am finding my way with an Explorer 200p on an EQ5 mount. I have stock eyepieces (Super 10, Super 25 and a 2x Barlow). Last night I managed to get a decent view of Saturn. Seeing the planet clearly for the first time was quite a moment! With views of planets improving over the next couple of months, I want to make sure I can get the best possible views and maybe try and get a view photos. I assume an eyepiece upgrade will help with visual observing. Can anyone with this scope suggest an upgrade that will specifically help with viewing Saturn, Jupiter and Mars? Thinking of basic astrophotography, I like the look of the ZWO ASI 120 MC-S. What additional kit would I need to marry this to my scope and have half a chance of getting some acceptable planetary photos? Thanks in advance. Steve