Herrman

Many thanks niallk,

I see Amazon stock these. Excellent, I will give it a go!

Best, Herrman

Thanks Astronymonkey,

The tip about the Ryman stickers is still helpful: when the luddites at Orion Optics UK spared no expense in wrecking my ED180 (I'd sent it for cleaning and collimation, but it was returned uncollimated), they also managed to stick the primary mirror centre ring around 2 mm off-centre. Now I'll be able to replace the ring when the mirror is next in need of cleaning.

Best, Herrman

Many thanks Astronymonkey,

Did you use these on the secondary as well as primary?

The Tak secondary has a spot rather than I ring, so I wonder if a ring would be as effective as a spot????

Best, Herrman

Hi,

The centre spot on my Tak ED180's secondary mirror has faded following cleaning. I'd like to reinstate it before it disappears altogether, could anyone please suggest a suitable paint/marker pen/adhesive spot to use?

Many thanks, Herrman 

Hi Jon,

Many thanks for your thoughts, which have just read.

That's very useful to know, and I will investigate. One thing worth mentioning though, is that ASIAIR Go-To/Plate Solve is working perfectly- the object of interest is always dead centre in the field of view, I'd image this would not occur if the polar alignment was way out?

I've tried to find the AIRAIR guiding logs- still without success, but what I did stumble upon was the 'Auto Restore Calibration' button, which was active. I wonder if this is the source of my problem? I had been surprised at the speed at which guiding commenced- calibration can take  a couple of minutes when working with EQMod (or GSS) and PHD2. I've  disabled  Auto Restore, not had chance to put the hypotheses to the test, but with clear skies forecast for the Easter weekend, I shouldn't have to wait too long.

Thanks again. Best, Herrman

Hi Paul,

Very many thanks for your thoughts. Apologies for the delay with responding, I also forget to check the forum and the days just roll by.

Yes, the mount appears to not be responding to guiding commands from ASIAIR. This device does use a version of PHD2. I noticed that it does calibrate very quickly in comparison to the time taken by my EQMod/PHD2 setup (although in this case it's an EQ8 being calibrated), which makes me wonder if the calibration process is to blame.

I operate ASIAIR without a USB attached so, perhaps this is why the logs don't appear to have been stored. I'm using a first generation device, although it's been update to the latest software.

I've tried a number of USB cables without improvement.

It's all a bit of a mystery, I can't decide if the problem is with the ASIAIR or the mount. I had hope that someone, somewhere worked with the same combination and recount their experience.

Thanks again for your help.

Best, Herrman

Hi Paul,

Many thanks for your swift response.

Sorry, I didn't make that clear- EQ80/Lodestar control was using iOptron's Sky Commander/PhD2.

I can post the logs for this combination, but can't find how to access the ASIAIR logs.

When I say disastrous; the curves fell of the bottom of the screen!

Best, Herrman 

Hi,

I’m not sure if this would be best posted as a Mount or Software problem, but here goes:

I purchased a secondhand CEM 40 some months ago, it looks as new, and I’ve no reason to believe it’s not in good working order. It slews and Go-To’s fine.

I’ve experimented with autoguiding using with a EQ80/lodestar combination, which after a few problems appears now to be working well.

However, when I try guiding using ASIAIR/Evoguide50/ASI120MM, the results are disastrous- the mount’s performance is more stable unguided!

The mount is polar aligned using iPolar. The imaging scope is a RedCat51 c/w ASI1600/EFW, which is well-balanced.

I’ve tried adjusting exposure and aggressiveness values, but to no avail.

Any thoughts on what’s going wrong, and how to improve matters would be very much appreciated.

Best, Herrman

Hi Richie092,

Many thanks for getting in touch.

I was very tempted by the Celestron pack, it does have favourable reviews, and it's good to hear that it's serving you well.

As I mention above, I've opted for the Beaudens pack, it will be interesting to compare notes in a few months time!

Best, Herrman

Hi JeremyS,

Many thanks for getting in touch.

I do have a 22 Ah Tracer battery, it's several years old now but still holds a charge. I've used this for powering just a mount, but wasn't sure how well it would cope with a cooled camera and dew heater as well. I think the various power outlets on the Beaudens would be useful, particularly the AC one. I've taken the plunge and ordered one, so will keep you posted on its performance.

Best, Herrman

Hi Robindonne,

Many thanks for your reply.

Yes,  Celestron appear to be asking a lot of money for their product, which made me wonder if the Powertank has features lacking in the Beaudens option. 

Amazon reviews of the Beaudens Power Stations are generally favourable (although, I accept you should not have complete faith in these), so I am leaning towards this option. 

Thanks again, Herrman

Hi,

I'm planning to do some imaging in the field (literally!).

I'll need to take a reliable power source with me.

I was leaning towards purchase of the Celestron Powertank: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/batteries-powerpacks/celestron-lithium-lifepo4-powertank-pro.html, but then found a cheaper, and apparently more versatile alternative on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/BEAUDENS-Portable-Generator-Phosphate-Emergency/dp/B07MC7TV2G/ref=pd_ybh_a_21?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=T2KG3YHKQG9VW8VZA2YA.

What attracts me towards the Beaudens option is the AC outlet, which would provide power for a laptop. Other equipment I'd be looking to power includes, ASI1600/EFW, CEM40 mount, telephoto lens dew heater, and perhaps ASIAIR Mk1.

The versatility and cost of the Beaudens pack makes it a very attractive option, and its power capabilities appear to match the Powertank. 

I'd be interested and grateful to hear your thoughts on the pros and cons of these options.

Best, Herrman 

Many thanks Robindonne,

I'll try somewhere under £500, and see what happens!

Best wishes, Herrman

Dear All,

Very many thanks for your kind and helpful responses. There does seem to be a consensus that around the 66% of retail value is the going rate, so that's what I'll aim to achieve. However, I have an old (but in good nick) ETX125 with Autostar, although a great little instrument, I suspect there are newer all-singing and dancing models out there to be had, so I'd be surprised to achieve 2/3 of the original price.

Tiny Clanger; thanks for mentioning the importance of location- you'll see I've updated my profile.

Louis D; thanks for pointing out the incomplete filter wheel description, I'll be sure to revise my ad to include the missing information, and the US prices you mention are very helpful.

Scotty38; Yes, one person's junk..., never a truer word. I have a friend who trades regularly on eBay and car boot sales I can't believe some of the junk he manages to sell (of some of the stuff he buys for that matter!).

Mobleeddy; Agreed! I had a 10 year old EOS350 which I ended-up giving away. However, I took my first astro-photos with a Zenith B (Christmas present, 1973), I could never part with that- if this old lens could talk.

Thanks again all for your very helpful replies. Best, Herrman

Thanks Scotty38, thanks Carole!

Your thoughts are most helpful.

I have a filter wheel and a mount that I think should prove popular, so I'll peg these at 2/3 retail value. The other items might not be so desirable, so these I'll ask 50%.

Thanks again, Herrman

Hi,

Could anyone please offer advice on how to determine a fair price for second-hand equipment?

Some months ago I place a for sale ad on SGL for a range of items, but managed to sell only one of them. I was surprised by the lack of interest (I had thought someone would have been tempted by the Atik EFW2), and can only assume the asking prices were too high. I’d determined my prices by first looking at eBay and Astro Buy & Sell, and then setting my prices slightly below the asking prices on these sites.

I’m now looking to sell some more equipment, and would hope to achieve greater success this time around.

So how best to determine fair asking prices? With car and houses, prices are set by ‘market forces’, but I’m not sure what forces control the trade of second-hand astro gear. I could invite offers, but then without knowing what to expect, I wouldn’t know if the sum offered was reasonable.

I’m not looking to make a killing; my idea to a good trade is when both parties come away content.

I’d be very interested to hear your thoughts on this.

Best, Herrman

Fozzybear and Wandering Eye, many thanks to you both for your replies.

I like the idea of taking the DIY route, and the rpi4 is readily available through Amazon.

Could I please ask if the rpi4 would require a degree of configuration, or is it ready to go out of the box (allowing for the need to download Astroberry or Stellamate OS)?

I'm able to find my way around most software programs, even PI (well almost!), but have no experience dabbling with programming or tweaking motherboards. If this is required it might be best for me to hold-off until Stellamate Pro arrives .

Thanks again.

Regards, Herrman

Hi,

I've been pondering the possible purchase of ATIKbase.

However, I see operation relies on Stellamate's softwear, with this in mind I wondered if purchase of the Stellamate equivalent to ATIKbase would be a better prospect?

I'm not sure if ATIKbase works with Atik equipment only? If so, Stellamate might offer greater versatility.

It would be great to hear you thoughts, or accounts of experience with either system.

Best wishes, Herrman

An update to all:

I was able to find an engineering company a couple of miles from me who were able to do the job.

Very please with the results, so I'd be happy to recommend to anyone looking to have similar work done.

Thanks for your advice and suggestions. Regards, Herrman

Hi Jim,

Many thanks for your suggestion.

Yes a local blacksmith is a good idea; I know it's a diminishing trade, but I'd have thought there'd be at least one in this relatively rural spot. I'll investigate.

All the best, Herrman

Hi Gerry,

Many thanks for the advice, when I find someone I'll make sure to ask about the gear they use.

Regards, Herrman

Hi Bogdog,

Thanks for doing the Google search.

Horsham's certainly not too far from me, so if I can't find someone 'round the corner', I'll give them a call.

All the best, Herman

Hi Dave,

Many thanks for your reply.

I'm not sure if my welding skills are up to the job! But I will look at the Youtube tutorials, perhaps they'll inspire me to give it a go!

All the best ,Herrman

Hi,

A long short; but worth a try......

I've live in the Chichester, West Sussex area and I'm looking to get some aluminium tube sections welded together. Would anyone know of someone local to me who could did this?

The tube is 10 mm thick, so pretty chunky stuff, we tried to do the job at my workplace, but our welding gear wasn't up to it.

Any information you can offer will be much appreciated.

Regards, Herrman

KT12