jadcx

As an Az GTi owner I can say that it's great for (all of) those times when I really couldn't quite justify / be bothered to lug out the HEQ6.  It has increased my observing time considerably.  I'd definitely recommend the ADM mounting upgrade, it's a two minute job to replace it and gives you much more security than the stock fitting.  And depending on what you're putting on it, look at a small counterweight option.  A standard M12 threaded bar (or 30mm bolt as I use) works, and any small weight you can find that fits.

Any time 😁 This can be complicated to get your head around - at least I found it so.

21 minutes ago, AstroComet3 said:

Fantastic, I have all of the adapters needed to add up to 75mm. If I wasn't using a field flattener, would I have to have exactly 225mm of accessories or could it be under? 

Without the flattener you will be using the ‘standard’ scope specs - which is the overall 840mm.  It’s slightly confusing because (I think) the 225mm refers to what is available, not (just) what is required. So for example, you could construct an optical chain with Barlow,  adapters, filter wheel, diagonal etc. which is longer than 225mm and this would not be able to reach focus (because it’s too long). So as long as you are imaging with an optical chain of less than 225mm, you will be able to reach focus (I.e. imaging plane is at 840mm) using the supplied focuser.
 

I hope that makes sense, I’ve had a very nice beer or two now.

1 minute ago, AstroComet3 said:

I am imaging with a flattener. The back focus of my scope is 225mm and the field flattener is 75mm. Does this mean I have 150mm left for other accessories? 

OK - that’s a clearer case  You need exactly 75mm from the back of the flattener to the imaging plane of your camera. I don’t know for certain where the overall focus point will be but it is likely to be within the range of the stock focuser.  The 225mm figure is irrelevant in this scenario (as this relates to use without the additional flattener).

Yes it’s the same - it doesn’t theoretically matter whether you are visual or imaging, the back focus number is describing the distance to the focus plane, so whether that’s a camera or an eyepiece is not important (although each will have its own additional requirements). Imaging using a flattener is a special case as this effectively alters the light path of the scope, which is why it has a different (and very specific) figure.

I always feel unreasonably nervous about firmware updates, even though I've never actually 'bricked' a device.  Good luck.

I align with as many stars as I can be bothered with 😕  The accuracy improves as that number increases, but depending on what I'm going to be doing, this can be less crucial.  That said, I find the n-star alignment routines better than the 'level north' option, which always seems a little problematic for me.  I think part of this is me using my iPhone as a compass, which probably isn't quite accurate enough near so much metal.

On 20/09/2019 at 20:05, knobby said:

Also, in settings - connection you can choose emulator so you can play with the app without connecting the mount. Just remember to change it back afterwards or you'll be in a dark field one night trying to connect and after 20 minutes you'll remember !

Ha ha - I'm sure I've never done that  

To upgrade the firmware:

You can download the latest versions from here: http://www.skywatcher.com/download/software/motor-control-firmware/   If you're not needing the EQ mode option then it looks like https://inter-static.skywatcher.com/downloads/mc014_1_motor_controller_firmware_0320.zip is the latest version.  You will also need the firmware loader program, which is available form the same SW page.  My memory is that running the loader program is the very straight forward / self explanatory.

Hi

I'm not going to claim expertise here, but I think there may be some confusion.  In the case of the Esprit 120 the 75mm back focus would usually be relating to the dedicated field flattener, which requires that any attached imaging plane is spaced exactly 75mm from the end of the flattener in order to achieve focus.

If you do not have the field flattener attached, then the focus point will be at whatever the focal length of the scope is (for the 120 then its 840mm from the front lens element) which is usually achievable with the stock focuser.  Just to confuse the inexperienced (it took me a while to get any sense of what all this meant at first) SW also quite the visual back focus (for the 120 its 225mm) which is the distance from the end of the focuser tube (with 2’’ adapter installed) to the focal plane. This means, all accessories needing 225mm back focus or less can be installed.

Is that in any way clearer? 😕 

13 minutes ago, Anthonyexmouth said:

 lifes too short to worry too much

You might be right about that.  The idea of just uncovering and powering up is very appealing. It might also make me sort out my RPi mount control.

I’m reading this thread in both excitement and fear. I’m currently not ‘allowed’ to build an observatory, so having to set up and break down every night.  Maybe stupidly, I hadn’t considered leaving my ‘temporary’ setup outside.  It would obviously be a game changer if the approaching dark skies could be enjoyed more often. 

But... what about theft? My gear isn’t as expensive as some on here of course, but if it was stolen I doubt my insurance would cover it when it transpires that I left it in the garden for a few weeks. Maybe I’m worrying unnecessarily?

6 hours ago, marcus_z said:

Check out the Vixen-level dovetail bar with part number TKP71423 😉

That was my first thought, but I’ve seen a couple of people saying it’s slightly small (narrow) and specifically that it doesn’t work well with the AZ Gti because of this.  My no name spare works fine but looks a little ugly, maybe I’ll stick with that.

So this arrived this morning, and it’s apparently clear tonight. I don’t understand?

I have an actual question though - what are people’s experiences of fitting a dovetail? Any recommendations?

2 minutes ago, Steenamaroo said:

If you have an 8" f6 with my name on it, we can make something work! 😂

Sadly I don’t - but let’s not rule anything out 😂

Good to know - although nowhere near 😊

Hello - where in UK are you?

This sounds horribly familiar.  I'd like to say that after my first few weeks/months of observing that it doesn't happen any more.  I'd like to say that, but it wouldn't be true  

Great -  because my FLO wish list was getting too short ? 

Technically I went and picked up the scope... but I'm very happy with my 'travel' kit; TS-Optics photoline 90mm and SW AZ Gti