inapottingshed

I've been reviewing the specs of the Yuasa L26-70 12V 70Ah 480A Leisure Battery. It claims up to 160 cycles at 50% discharge. Practically, that's probably going to cover a few years' use. So, based on a 50% discharge I would need to overspec the battery accordingly? Looking at other 'deep cycle' batteries, e.g. Hangkook they say deep cycle but don't specify any figures (other than '100% maintenance free').

Take your time, stay focussed, and you'll be fine. Good luck!

Can anyone please tell me the size and length of the three screws required to fit the Polemaster to the base mount adapter? As a side note, it slightly annoys me how the clamp screw always kicks over the adapter. I know it does not matter in terms of function but it just seems like too big a tolerance on the machining (especially for the price).

OK, it looks like the bar-b cover will not be big enough. Seller above has not replied to query. Another concern (aside from being discreet-ish) is a cover that is not very noisy when fitting or removing.

Thanks. Not a bad idea. I'll have to measure up though as I think it might be on the small side.

That's a helpful list, thank you.

Ah, it's the plain vanilla C9.25 and fitted with a 2" visual back. Televue and ES are nice EP's, but I'm after something more budget friendly (as above, up to £100 max).

Thanks. I can deal with smudges. Viewers include elderly persons and their eyesight/eye health is not too good. It's really ease of use/comfort with glasses on that I'm after. Shame there is not a telescope shop where I could go and browse and try out some EP's. The online option is buy more than one and return the one's I don't like (subject to postage and potential restocking fees).

Difficult to say exactly because it depends on the night and tracking vs slewing. Let's say an average of 4W for the mount plus a dew heater. The latter is going to be around 28W or so, but that's at full power so let's say 70% for a decent margin, c. 20W. Maybe a few hours for observing and longer for imaging. For campsite use (e.g. LED lighting) I guess that might pull another 20W or so (maybe over a couple of hours per night). However, that's without considering the laptop (which would be charged but after 4 hours it would need, I don't know, let's say 40W). I think all that would be around 7AH (though unlikely it would be used all at same time) so I was looking at the Yuasa 70Ah Active Leisure and Marine battery (around £65) and a battery box with sockets, etc. That would give around 10 hours full load and practically (probably something like 3Ah) I would think 2-3 night's use. Not sure about the battery tech and discharge levels, etc. I don't want to be lugging anything too heavy so thought something like that Yuasa in a box might do.

Does anyone have experience of Cygnus Astro Covers? I found this site which might fit the bill for a discrete medium weight cover to leave the setup outdoors for a while. The blurb says the covers are made from 4oz breathable nylon fabric (didn't know that was possible), stitched with polyester thread and all seams sealed. Probably not as good at keeping things cool but blending in to the garden greenery is the priority. https://neilross758.wixsite.com/cygnus-astro-covers/breathable-covers P.S. I have no affiliation with the supplier.

Thanks, I'll check out the SVBONY.

I'm planning to get a 7-21mm or 8-24mm Zoom and just wondering if there is something a bit wider, perhaps around 30-40mm (in 1.25") that would be friendlier towards family users who all wear glasses (general sky surfing/viewing, etc.). I'd read somewhere that Revelation and Celestron EP's offer good value. Budgetwise, under £100, preferably in the £60-70 range or up to budget limit if it makes sense. Something that would work for the same general purposes on a 60mm F6 would be good. Emphasis on comfort at the eyepiece (else I'll never be able to persuade to stretch the budget and landscape the garden).

Thanks, I'm sure that works well though for backyard use I must practice silent astronomy.

Will any brand do or are some a better fit?

Thanks. Alternately, suggestions for plain vanilla power bricks welcome.

I'm leaning towards a leisure battery and battery box over one of the popular PowerTank units firstly because I cannot envisage using the built in lights of the latter (head torch, etc.) and the former can do double duty for camping (eventually with solar charging). However, budget is a concern and just wondering if there are any decent plain vanilla power bricks, as well as any suggestions or recommendations for a leisure battery, box, and fittings. Hopefully I can stretch the budget.

Which is the best way to go - separate shield and heater band or integrated? Which product is best (works, fits well, etc.)? Should I just get a single channel controller or spend a few pounds more and and get a multichannel just in case (currently my other scope is a frac)?

I've noted the positive regard about Telegizmos covers. I'm looking for something cheaper and found that STL have some products around the £40 mark. However, they seem to function as solar covers too, with a bright 'aluminized' coating. I'm looking for something more discrete and less likely to attract attention. One other consideration is silent operation. I need the cover for temporary use the garden and need to keep noise down (don't want the rustling of plastic covers, etc.). I'm really looking for a cover (that can be folded up) rather than an upturned bin, etc. Any suggestions please? Perhaps an oversized anorak from a clearance outlet?

The FFC is very nice but I will have to make do with something lesser until next year (haven't budgeted for the obsy yet and I know it will be more than I think). It seems the Baader 2.25x barlow has a specific version for the zoom (around £90) and requires an adapter (additional cost - around £70) to be able to use other EP's. Perhaps the modular VIP product (Part No 2406101) is those two together? Maybe I should just get a zoom first and try it out.

Thanks. Baader seem to have a strong value proposition.

Two telescopes 🙂

Thanks. I was not aware of that product. I'll check it out. I guess the other thing I need to figure out is if I can get away with one (barlow) or if I need two (one for visual and another for imaging).

Having previously used PowerMates (2x, 4x, and I think I had a 5x at one time) mainly but not exclusively for visual I'm now in need of similar and wondering if I should consider Baader products such as the 2.25x or VIP. In the short term (i.e. the next few months) the application is lunar/planetary, again mainly visual. I'll also be doing some widefield imaging with a DSLR. Next year (when I hope to have an obsy before winter, or at least a semi-permanent setup) I plan to be moving more towards imaging, though I expect to spend some time observing (mainly lunar) in the backyard with occasional visits to dark sites. Currently my telescopes are an F10 SCT and a small F5.9 refractor. Skywards its Bortle 5/6 at best. I need to add to my EP collection (which is planetary at the moment) though I don't plan to sort out EPs until the obsy is built. Meantime I'm one of many also looking out for a Baader Zoom. I had been looking out for some used equipment (and probably would have taken whatever came along) though decent used barlows/PowerMates seem to be hard to get hold of. Therefore, rather than miss out on the excellent seeing ahead I'm thinking to buy new (I need at least a 2x in the short term). Thoughts and suggestions most welcome.

If all goes well, I will be able to start and hopefully complete my obsy next year. Planning a ROR. Meantime, I need to relocate/re-orient a 12x6 shed and landscape the garden (to an acceptable visual experience, etc.). I'm planning to reconstruct the old shed using existing ship lap over a new frame. I'll be adding an extension for garden tools, etc. to free space in the 12x10 for a remote warm room (RWR). The buildings will be 12x10+6x8 (or something like that). Due to the garden layout and proximity to the eventual obsy it's easier to site the RWR in the shed as it will be nearer the obsy and reduce noise of comings and goings. Due to levels I do not have the possibility to site the obsy adjacent. Still trying to decide on obsy size but difficult to make it any more than 2.4mx2.4m. Recent weather changes brought condensation overnight which made me think how to best manage it in the RWR construction. For the walls I'm planning 2x3 framing with 50mm wall insulation as well as same in floor and roof. The RWR will be an insulated and discrete unit inside the extended 12x10 shed, which will also be insulated (except possibly the 6x8 floor area where a workbench will be installed). What are the best design features and countermeasures to reduce and manage condensation? Another concern I have is to manage noise levels. How effective would a construction of shiplap/air gap/celotex/air gap/11mm OSB (or plywood) be at reducing noise transmission at night (e.g. radio, talking on phone, etc.)? The exit to the obsy would be via RWR door, shed door. I've not decided on roofing yet. To keep costs down ideally it needs to be DIY. The shed/RWR is under a large treeline on the eastern elevation (it drops a lot of leaves, deadwood, and occasionally branches in heavy storms). Surprisingly, the existing outbuilding has held up OK. I would like something visually appealing which I could then use on the ROR. I looked at plastic roof tiles but they seem to be very expensive. The existing shed has felt shingles over underlay which have lasted very well (about 15 years) and show no significant deterioration. I'd consider them again but think they would be less visually appealing on the ROR which is both nearer a house an on the boundary fence line. Maybe shingles on the shed and plastic tiles on the ROR (though not sure the ROR roof pitch would be enough for either) I've noticed that EPDM roofing has become popular and I guess I could consider this for the shed/RWR. However, whilst it is robust I'm concerned that it looks much less visually appealing, and I cannot imagine using it for the obsy. Also, the late pm sun blasts onto both the obsy and shed/RWR location, so I'd like, perhaps, a lighter colour that better reflects heat. Thoughts, opinions, and suggestions welcome.

You might want to consider adding a bonding agent to the mix, something like Everbuild SBR5L S.B.R. Bond 503.