chaxastro

I bought mine back in August 2019 (Pre Covid and just as the prices went up, luckily I got mine at the old price (Thanks Tring Astro Centre!) They also supplied a suitable mains power supply and a Wi-Fi dongle. Yes, it costs more than the EQ6R, but the latitude adjustment system is well worth the extra you have to pay... in my opinion. Never understood why you would entrust the entire weight of the EQ head, plus any kit you have on it, to a couple of M8 bolts in a threaded casting. So easy to strip the threads as some have experienced. The AZEQ6GT Pro option is a much better engineered solution and is so easy to adjust. My mount is pier mounted and set in equatorial mode (not used Alt-Az option) and lives in a 2-piece mini-observatory, that lifts off. Only had a couple of glitches when using the handset, but after reading through the instruction manual (and a few YouTube vids) the error has been down to me, incorrect data input, hit the wrong key etc. (I've since found it useful to write out an 'idiot sheet' listing all the steps you go through when starting up and shutting down again, well worth the effort. Less errors that way). So far, have only used the dongle a couple of times, but worked fine with my Smartphone (Android). Also the 'grease' used in the bearings can make both axis stick, so first thing I do before mounting any kit is to release each axis in turn and rotate fully in both directions to break the 'sticktion' that can occur. Moves smoothly after that. (No doubt a strip down and re-grease will happen at some point!) Only changes I have made are: 1. Replace the cigarette lighter plug/socket arrangement for a Waterproof Junction Box, IP68 Waterproof Cable Connector. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07SPVGLRV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 2. Upgrade the saddle for the ADM option, kit seems more securely held. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adm-replacement-saddles/adm-dual-saddle-upgrade-for-heq5-neq6-avx-zeq-ioptron.html In use it tracks smoothly and very, very quietly! Overall... very impressed/pleased with it. I just wish the weather would improve so I can use it more! Hope that helps. Chaxastro "Humour is reason gone mad" Grouch Marx

I didn't make it to this one either, found this on YouTube though: Practical Astronomy Show 2022 Regards, Chaxastro "Humour is reason gone mad" Grouch Marx

Amazing what you can find online if you poke around! Take a look at these websites. You can download them for free: Taki's Maps http://takitoshimi.starfree.jp/ The Night Sky Maps - Freely Downloadable & Printable https://www.olle-eriksson.com/night-sky-maps/index.html The TriAtlas Project - Free Star Charts https://allans-stuff.com/triatlas/ The first two are very easy on the eye, contain a lot of information, probably best to start with those two. The third is a little more 'heavy going' but still useful. Worth a look before buying anything! Regards, Chaxastro "Humour is reason gone mad" Grouch Marx

Try pouring boiling water (from a kettle) over then nut, give it a few seconds, then try to loosen the nut again. Have found this method to work in the past. Or... freeze the shaft, but that not really going to help in this situation as its buried in the casting and you cant get at it. Also, wear some gloves to protect your hands, you don't want to scold yourself! Regards, Chaxastro "Humour is reason gone mad" Grouch Marx

Hi Danny, It is something I am considering doing with my mount in the future. I'm outside the warranty period, but want to get a bit more use out of it (assuming we ever get a clear sky again?!) before I strip it down. Re: the recent AZEQ6 overhaul video "Graham Holmes doing a strip down on an AZEQ6" I've watched it several times, looks fairly straightforward. I stripped down a Meade LXD55 some years ago, by comparison, this looks much easier! As for choice of grease, I'd go for Bike/cycle grease, the sort that contains Teflon (available from Halfords). I used it on the Meade, worked extremely well. Regards, Chaxastro "Humour is reason gone mad" Grouch Marx

Hi Andy, XT8. According to the internet that's a 20cm Dobsonian. In that case I would go for the laser collimator. Hope that helps, Regards, Chaxastro "Humour is reason gone mad" Grouch Marx

Thanks Jon, Out of curiosity.... what made you get the mount, instead of the EQ6-R Pro? Regards, Chaxastro "Humour is reason gone mad" Grouch Marx

Yes, I meant the latitude jackscrew. 🙂 Chaxastro "Humour is reason gone mad" Grouch Marx

I agree with Ouroborus. There is a risk of the mount moving in altitude, especially if your equipment set-up is nearing the mounts payload capacity. And if you were to try adjusting the latitude, without slackening the locking knobs, you'll likely strip the threads off the adjusting bolt... And which point, you will find yourself in 'the brown stuff!' 😞 Chaxastro "Humour is reason gone mad" Grouch Marx

Hi bluesilver, Length of ADM saddle plate, approx 18cm. My DSLR is mounted on a ball and socket head, fitted to a Vixen dovetail that measures 19cm. As you can see in the photos, it sticks out a few mm either end of the saddle plate. A pier is a good option if you can do it. Location is always a compromise. I made sure I could see Polaris above neighbours roof for ease of polar alignment (you can do it without) and that was about it. EQ head stay outside in all weathers housed in a 'mini-observatory', a 2-part box that lifts off and very easy to refit and the end of your observing session. May post it on here at some point. Any thing else you want to know, just ask! Regards, Chaxastro "Humour is reason gone mad" Grouch Marx

Hi bluesilver, I upgraded the saddle plate last year, I went for this from ADM: ADM Dual Saddle Upgrade for HEQ5, NEQ6, AVX & ZEQ/iOptron - £136 [$259.50 Australian Dollars - Last updated Aug 19, 2021, 1505UT] https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sky-watcher-mount-accessories/adm-dual-saddle-upgrade-for-heq5-neq6-avx-zeq-ioptron.html ADM https://www.admaccessories.com/ Much better than the SW original. As you can see from the comparison photo, much wider contact area with the dovetail bar, feels more secure. Hope that helps, Chaxastro "Humour is reason gone mad" Grouch Marx

Small world! I drive past there most weekdays, I work in Gerrards Cross. That is, when we're not in lock-down! So is your LX200 fork mounted? You haven't said either way... If you have any more question, feel free to message me.... 😉 Regards, chaxastro 'Humour is reason gone mad!' Groucho Marx

Firstly: As for removing the Meade OTA, suggest you trawl YouTube, chances are someone has done a video about it. Or hopefully someone on here can answer that one. I know it can be done... Second; Beware the EQ8!!!, they have issues! A friend of mine has had a hell of a time trying to get the GOTO to function properly, still isn't working properly after a couple of years. Also, no built it polar finder (mistake in my opinion) As above, look on YouTube, you'll see what I mean...EQ That's not to say the AZEQ6 isn't perfect. There are glitches (from what I've read on here and elsewhere online). Despite that, its a darn sight cheaper than the EQ8! If I were you I'd go for the AZEQ6GT... Tring Astro is my local supplier (I'm in Aylesbury) Where are you based? chaxastro 'Humour is reason gone mad!' Groucho Marx

Back again, have re-read your initial query... Assuming the Meade is fork mounted(?), then I'd recommend replacing the mount. A decent GEM such as an AZEQ6GT https://www.tringastro.co.uk/sky-watcher-az-eq6gt-pro-synscan-mount-eq6-539-p.asp (that's the mount I have, got it last year just before the price increase) or one of the SW EQ6 range. Should easilt take the Meade OTA if you intend keeping it. Be interested to hear what you think... chaxastro 'Humour is reason gone mad!' Groucho Marx

That's OK Philip I assume the Meade is on a fork mount? chaxastro 'Humour is reason gone mad!' Groucho Marx

Hi Philip, I've never been a Meade fan, so my suggestion would be to bin it! (OK, that's not really helpful)... If I were to go for a SCT would probably choose a Celestron. But they (as with the Meade equivalent) are usually long f ratios. Probably a short refractor would be a better bet. As to which one..... hmmm. Lots to choose from and depends on your budget of course! Am about to launch into the field of astro imaging myself, now my mount and pier are done. Hope that helps... chaxastro 'Humour is reason gone mad!' Groucho Marx

"an easier ways to excavate the foundations" LMAO!! :-0 I'll bear it in mind if I think about adding another pier in the back garden! Chaxastro "Humour is reason gone mad" Grouch Marx

Hi Mark Know what you mean. I'm about to configure my own AZ EQ6 and 'field' laptop... and I'm a Linux user! Intending to run KStars. Saying that, I've found YouTube a great source of information, always worth a look! chaxastro 'Humour is reason gone mad!' Grouch Marx Maini desktop Pc: MX Linux/Kubuntu dual boot Main laptop: MX Linux Field laptop: Lubuntu 18.04.4LTS

Think I'll be there, unless Covid19 really gets out of hand! Just window shopping, want to check out some 10-13cm APO's for future consideration... Chaxastro "Humour is reason gone mad" Grouch Marx

You weren't the only one, I missed it too! Too busy 'drooling' over other bits of kit! One to look out for in 2020. Great video Chris, thanks for sharing. Felt like I was back there again! Chaxastro "Humour is reason gone mad" Grouch Marx

IAS 2019 Review - Friday 15 November My second show (first was last year), as before got there on Friday 15th, soon after 0900hrs. Despite the weather, seemed to be fairly busy in the main hall. Had a few good discussions with different vendors, 365 Astronomy in particular. Even the guy on the Vixen stand near the entrance, remembered me from last year! RVO had a whole hall to themselves, not really sure why? They did seem a bit 'lost' in there. All that space and not much kit... Again, there to 'window shop' only, but still managed to spend £90! Got a good price on a WO 1.25" Dura-Bright Dielectric diagonal. (Thanks Widescreen) Best online price I'd found, prior to the show, was about £100 inc. postage/delivery, so saved a tenner! Restaurant was a big improvement over last year. Coffee was OK, lunch was pretty good too. Choice of Fish 'n' Chips or Cottage Pie. All gone by 1345hrs... All in all a good day. Looking ahead to 2020, might make three in a row! Chaxastro "Humour is reason gone mad" Groucho Marx

Your welcome, paulastro. Glad you liked them. Tried not to duplicate anything that has already been posted so far. Shame you could not get there this time, maybe next year. I'm looking to make it three in a row! Chaxastro "Humour is reason gone mad" Grouch Marx

I attended the show on Friday. As requested, a selection of images, mostly Refractors.... Enjoy! Chaxastro "Humour is reason gone mad" Groucho Marx