Helen

We can't do it in this software, but ANt will look at the new software tonight and let us know :-)

Very responsive these admin boys in blue

Helen

Hmmm...let me ask

Helen

Sorted

Great idea Mat (and adding names would be great too).

Helen

Hi I have been on this site for A short time, it has provided a great source of information about this hobby I wish to take up, the only things I would like to add or change are:

I would like to add a thumbs up/down voting system on each post because lts if people have an opinion on threads like in my example which type of scope should I go for? Its just that you would be able to distinguish a popular post from maybe a not so popular post and feel safe in the knowledge of numbers voting that particular post.

Also I would like an easier system to see the threads that I have posted on, maybe a messaging system that says new posts have been added to so and so thread so that I can keep track on conversations that I have joined and left for a while.

Over all great website and forum and will be using it a lot.

Glad you like it here

On the notification of threads you've posted in, if you click on control panel it will by default give you a list of new posts in those threads. If you want to get email notification of posts in those, or any other thread that you 'subscribe' to then go to the 'Settings and Options' bit in the left hand menu and choose 'Edit options'. Half way down there's a heading Default Thread Subscription Mode and a tick box for getting email notifications.

HTH

Helen

So far, clear skies, glad I found this place.

One thing I noticed is that one's own posts do not show up when clicking "New Posts".

No big deal, just curious, is this a setting in my User Control Panel or is this a global setting across all of the forums?

Welcome to SGL! glad you like it here

The 'New Posts' will show all unread new posts - I think the software assumes you've already read your own posts If you click on 'Control Panel' you'll get to see where new posts have been made in threads you've posted in/created.

HTH

Helen

That desk is far too tidy Malc!!! Nice monitor set up (I'd like another one for inside the obs to aid focusing)

Helen

Good project- not sure if my better half would like something so close to the conservatory though!

I was thinking along similar lines!!! I thought mine was quite close, but that is extreme!!

Looks a great build though

Helen

Looking great Malcolm!

Helen

The turning on and off didn't work. I then did a couple of things, while awaiting assistance - unistalled and reinstalled both EQMod and ASCOM (seemed a good thing to do). I then deleted the ini file. My feeling is that it was ini bit that made the difference, but because of the other actions I can't be sure Chris.

Helen

Thank you! Sorted I love this place

Helen

I'll try - bye for now!

but I'll be back ;-)

Helen

Can anyone help please? I'm trying to connect my scope via EQMOD to Maxim and/or CdC and I'm getting a runtime error Its worked fine up until now. I've reinstalled EQMOD but no joy. Any suggestions please? I'd hate to waste some precious clear skies!!

Helen

PS I suppose I could resort to the old fashioned method of using the handset

A great thread and one that I think should be maybe added to the sticky thread in the DIY obsy section.

.

Moved to Observatory section and stickied for now (I'll add a best of sticky for security if I find any more)

Helen

I've been thinking about this as well, and while trying not to give anything away to would-be criminals, there are a few weak points in an imaging system that are easy to get and small enough to be away with in seconds if you know what you are doing. Securing these without making life more difficult for yourself is quite difficult

Obviously there are a few bits that are almost impossible to move even if you wanted too, I remember someone on here saying that someone tried to make off with an EQ6 and didn't get very far

My logic runs pretty similarly Euan. The main aim is for the Obs to be convenient for its purpose, and I'll take the risk of that meaning its easier for someone to nick stuff if they really want to. But generally, it isn't visible from the road, the access is alongside the house and we sleep that side of the house and have a noisy side gate!! So smallish risk while we're here. Our neighbours are good. So the biggest risk is when we're away, and we do tend to remove the carry-able stuff when we go away (quite often to use while away ).

My house insurance includes cover for stuff in the shed.

Its all a question of balance.

Helen

My starting point has been 'don't make it look as if its got lots of expensive equipment in it'. So it looks like a shed. It hasn't got alarms on the outside or mega locks, just normal ones.

I do need to increase the internal security a bit more though, and that'll be designed into my new build. So I'll be picking up tips from this thread

Helen

This may be of interest Pier top plate for Skywatcher HEQ5/pro mount & CG5 | eBay UK

Helen

Note: sorry links not currently working - will try and sort out over next couple of days.  Helen

Here are some of the best as-you-go-along build threads:

Stardust: http://stargazerslou...tory-build.html

Paul 11(back by popular demand!!): http://stargazerslou...bservatory.html

Malc-c: http://stargazerslou...d-underway.html

Ransu: http://stargazerslou...shed-ransu.html

Wayne: http://stargazerslou...ild-begins.html

TJ: Stargazers Lounge - TJ's Album: Observatory (home build) - Picture

Billinforres: http://stargazerslou...e-bin-obsy.html

Freff: http://stargazerslou...art-1-pier.html

Sara: http://stargazerslou...tml#post1964549

Aoraki: http://stargazerslou...tml#post1972805

Baz: http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/155833-asign-observatory-ii-is-back-on-track/

YesYes (Chris): http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/186841-the-yesyes-observatory-the-build/

If you've got any other recommendations for inclusion please PM me.

thanks

Helen

Here are some options for suppliers:

Pipe for piers: Drainage Pipe Systems & Supplies - Plastics Express
 

Recommendation from NigeB:

I can thoroughly recommend Ross Handling in Leicester for a wide variety of fittings like wheels and ball transfer units (for roll off roofs, dome tracks), hand wheels etc. I've used them for the last two builds I've undertaken. Their URL is:

http://www.rosshandling.co.uk

 

If you've got recommendations for inclusion please PM me and I'll add in.

Helen

This reference thread provides links to finished observatory builds. A great place to start if you're thinking of building one yourself!

(This thread is locked to keep it tidy - discussions can take place in the linked threads though).

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/104815-finished-observatories-bunnygod1/?view=findpost&p=2003235

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/104993-finished-observatories-focaldepth/?view=findpost&p=1099955

Helen

Many thanks Mark, I've made this a sticky.

I really enjoyed the session you did at SGL6, and hopefully this guide will inspire many other people to go hunting for themsleves!

Helen

Hi,

I only joined this evening and was given for Christmas a Celestron Astromaster 76, which so far I've not been able to use or see anything ?? Can anyone help with some pointers?

Welcome to SGL Milky Way! I've set up a new thread for this question as you're more likely to get advice if its in a separate thread http://stargazerslounge.com/beginners-help-advice/134709-celestron-astromaster-76-pointers-please.html

Helen

Firstly, it's great to finally find a decent source of information and access to experts on the web, particulalry aimed for U.K astronomers. I am a complete newbie to astronomy, barring a few cold nights with my brothers old Tasco (yikes!) Refractor in the early 1990's, and yes despite using this PoS I ams still interested in Astronomy! After seeing Jupiter and Saturn all those years ago I'm still hooked and keen to kick-start off my insterest again.

My main gripe is that I am obviously looking to purchase a good quality telescope, but at minimal cost. Why do I have to have submmitted 50-posts before I can access the Classified sections of this site? This seems to be somewhat of a handicapped to us newcomers. Is this sto stop newbies from buying good 2nd-hand kit or beating you amatuers/pros to the good stuff...?

Is there any fast track way of getting 50-posts without annoying the hell out of people by asking seriously pointless questions just to get my 50-posts logged on the system?

Cheers,

Gary

Welcome to SGL Gary, I'm glad you're finding it a useful resource. We thought long and hard about the restrictions on the classified sections. We've had problems with traders snapping up bargains before members had a chance, and people just using the forum for buying and selling and not being prepared to be part of our community. Therefore all we ask is that you become an active member, and wait for a month, before getting access.

Helen

Hi Twinkles welcome to SGL.. more people are likely to see your question if you post it help and advice section... Thsi part of the forum is where peopel express there views on the forum and tenbds not to get read that often by most members...

Give an idea of the budget and I am sure you will get plenty of advice

Perhaps one of the mods would move or copy the post for you

Billy....

I've copied your question to here twinkles and if you add a few more details about what sort of thing you want, you'll get lots of good advice

http://stargazerslounge.com/beginners-help-advice/126224-newcomers-feedback-scope-advice-needed.html#post1653719

Helen

Have to agree with the above sentiments.

Just one thing I see from various members signatures that some belong to user and/or area groups. Where can I find details of these.

Thanks.

We're glad you're enjoying the site

For area groups etc, if you click on the Community section on the top blue bar you'll see an option for Social Groups, click on that and you'll see all the groups.

HTH

Helen