Helen

@Leon-Fleet 😉

If you go secondhand you'll get a more future-proof set up within your budget. There's an HEQ5 mount in the classifieds (part of a package, but seller says he may split) which would be a super mount for you (there's also the larger EQ6 at a good price, but you'll notice a huge difference in weight etc from your SA!! and it will be overkill for you at the moment). The HEQ5 is much better than an EQ5 😉 Helen

Good luck with the grand plan 😉 Being out of Cardiff may make observing a bit easier 🙂 Helen

Works for me

Hi @Gimboid and welcome to SGL 🙂 Which part of Cardiff do you live in? (I'm a few miles north of you in the Rhymney Valley) Helen

Looking exciting Dave 😎 That reminds me of when my first telescope arrived at home in what my brother described as a wardrobe!! It was 8inch f6 scope and a chunky manual equatorial mount with hardwood legs - all in the same box!! It was pre-internet and I'd bought it from Scotland from a picture without having any idea of how big and heavy it was). The only person in our house to help the delivery man get the crate in was my Dad - but he was in his dressing gown and slippers having just been released from hospital from a hernia operation Thankfully our village is friendly and a passer-by helped instead 🙂 (My biggest challenge was then to find somewhere to store the equipment in a two bedroom terrace....) Have fun unpacking and commissioning 😄 Helen

We're playing catch-up a bit - Star Party planning etc taking priority. So expect a double-header announcement soon 😉 Helen

I'll have to think of an alternative use for my rotating potato..... chips anyone???? 🤔 Helen

As usual I'll be organising some activities, with the help of @SimonS , for kids (and young-at-heart adults!). This will of course include rockets (including some new variations 😉 ) and new for this year a rotating potato.... Just to be sure we have all bases covered, could you let us know if you are bringing children, their ages and if they have been before please 🙂 Thanks Helen

Comet 2017/T2 Panstarrs is close by M36 at the moment 🙂 Got them both in the field of view of my WO123 with a atik 460. Comet is quite faint though - CdC reckons 11.3mag. Helen

@Phillips6549 sorry, will see if I can find where I put the spare. As long as I can find it I will have enough to send you 😁. PM me your address (unless you are going to the star party 😉). Helen

The atmosphere while watching that Wales v England match for the Championship in Matthew's awning was epic 😁😁 (the grins will indicate who won 😉). I'm a bit nervous for tomorrow morning - we've not been so convincing the last couple of matches... 😬. Here's hoping 🤗 Helen

The onsite shop is usually open even if the cafe isn't, so essential supplies like bread, milk, eggs, bacon 😉 would be available. Helen

For my vixen mount - cheaper, lighter and I think more protection (as the polystyrene is appropraitely shaped) than a peli case. Helen

If you want some screen I probably still have some you could have.... How big a funnel are you going to use? Or I think I remember a suggestion of using doubled up shower curtain 🤣 Helen

I used a sun funnel to good effect at the 2017 eclipse 🙂 It was great for group use, and for just keeping an eye on what was happening while still being able to be part of the event, see the surroundings etc. With a cheap refractor and a small tracking mount you're sorted 🙂 Although I have some lots of other kit, I'm certain to use this for the transit if the Welsh weather cooperates! Helen

It must be time to start this thread 😉 So have you got anything surplus to requirements, or taking up too much space that you could bring....? Or are you looking to buy to add something to your armoury? Here's the place to log them 😊 Helen

Yes, a single camera for Uni students to use over the next few years. I think the Primalucelab ones above looks interesting, but the extra power required would negate the advantage of simplicity I think. The students already have access to a mono ASI camera (although I think it is uncooled). Helen

You need to visit the spectroscopy section on here 😉 Cheap way into spectroscopy - fit to a DSLR seems an easy way to start gathering data (analysing it is a bit more of a learning curve though!) I was looking at WEX for secondhand (this is an official University purchase so its easier to go through a supplier) and they don't have 550 or 600, but this 750 looks interesting https://www.wexphotovideo.com/canon-eos-750d-digital-slr-camera-body-used-1719488/ articulated screen, but also wifi for transfer and control. Would that be ok? Thanks Helen

Hi, I've been asked to recommend a DSLR for students to use when starting mobile imaging (less stuff to carry when you don't have transport!). The likelihood is it will be used with a standard lens, probably a staranalyser, and also an ED80. My feeling is a Canon for best compatibility with software control, but which one? Thanks Helen

Thanks for this 😁. That will be really useful! Helen

Another option for a shroud is Proplex https://www.wickes.co.uk/Proplex-Black-Surface-Protection-Sheet---2mm-x-1-2m-x-2-4m/p/118670 It is really light and easy to cut and keeps the circular shape well so doesn't end up in the light path. You just get a very big sheet, so good for endless projects!! Helen

So.... what are you bringing? I'm bringing a 15 inch Ultra Compact Obsession dob (finally has a shroud 😉) - happy for people to come and test drive it 😁 For grab and go, a Tak 100DC. For solar/wide field a borg71. Vixen SX2 mount 😁. A few cameras and eyepieces (and undoubtedly a crate full of 'bits' 🙄) Helen

I'll have my 15 inch Obsession dob if anyone wants a play 😁

A rather cheaper purchase than the last one! A stepper ring to fit my staranalyser to my DSLR ☺️