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

On 10/12/2022 at 21:24, Spile said:

I’d recommend a Cheshire eyepiece for the secondary and a cap for the primary. The laser can be used to check and fix tilt and rotation errors but it will not identify offset errors. I’ve written a guide which you may find useful https://astro.catshill.com/collimation-guide/

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

On 04/08/2022 at 21:23, Spile said:

I own the 200P Dob and have written up a number the upgrades and viewing strategy I have found works for me. Link is below.

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

2 hours ago, Cosmic Geoff said:

A Barlow lens to increase the effective focal length - planets are small.  The barlow may also help to get the camera in focus - something which is by no means guaranteed with an unmodified visual Newtonian. Also consider buying an atmosphere dispersion corrector (ADC). You will also need at minimum a RA motor drive, and software to capture and process 'lucky image' videos to get a sharpened image. e.g. Sharpcap 4 + Registax 6.

Any eyepiece should be an improvement on the Super 10.

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

Thanks for the replies. I separate the OTA, mount/tripod and weights to move. The question is more about what I use to cover everything when it is stored in the garage. The quilt cover idea sounds good in that I can probably smuggle one out of the house! 

Steve

I would like to keep my newly acquired Skywatcher Explorer 200P primed and ready for action. It will be stored in a dry garage and I seek a suitable cover to keep the dust off. I gather specialist telescope covers are available but was hoping for something a bit more budgety. Thinking of a BBQ or patio heater cover or something similar. Has anyone bought something similar for this setup?

Thanks in advance.

Steve

I have been looking into buying a scope for months and hovered over the buy button numerous times. I am lucky indeed to be gifted what looks like a very good scope to get me started. I will do a full stock check when it arrives and I am sure I will be back for more advice. 

Nope, it looked like this:

I must admit I am wondering if I have been given the correct model number. It is definitely a newtonian as I remember going to my friend's house to look at Jupiter when it was first purchased about 10 years ago. I guess the closest model would be an Explorer 200P. 

I will know for sure when it is dropped off in a couple of weeks. Also not sure what mount it is on.

Steve

I am beyond excited. A friend bought a Skywatcher 200GTX a good few years ago, gave it minimal use and packed it away in its box where it has sat ever since. It is being gifted to me in a couple of weeks and, apart from the model name, I don't know much about the scope. I assume it is the forerunner of the 200P. I am looking forward to recommissioning and using my first 'proper' telescope.

Does anyone know anything about this specific model and how it differs from the current incarnation?

Apart from collimation, what else should I think about when recommissioning a telescope that hasn't been used for many years?

Thanks in advance.

Steve

Thanks again for loads of useful information. My kids were asking me for my Christmas list so your responses make this very easy! The clothes peg focuser mod has to be the best!

Steve

Many thanks for the replies. The heavier tripod makes sense. In fact, all of the suggestions make sense! Budget isn't limitless and would be interested in recommendations for additional eyepieces.

What a great forum this is!

Steve

After much deliberation and procrastination I am about to hit the buy button on a Skymax 127 on an AZ GTI mount for my first serious scope. What are the must have accessories for this setup?

Thanks in advance.

Steve

New to the forum and doing research before buying my first scope. this thread has been a revelation. Many thanks for posting.