steve_bham

Hello 👋 from a fellow brummie!

I’ve got the full set of BST eyepieces and love them!

Hi, had a break from astronomy due to work etc, but slowly getting back into it! Love to join in if you are planning any observation nights etc

No problem, will try for the next weekend that's clear ? I'll drop a post on here 

If it's clear Saturday anyone up for a bit of stargazing?

53 minutes ago, spaceboy said:

PERFECT!! Just doesn't get much more grab and go that that !  Only shame is I can't see where you could squeeze a 9x30 in there.

There is a large section of foam under the OTA that could be cut out. That's where my vibration pads are stored.

best thing they don't touch the tube so no risk of marking.

1 hour ago, Kef9 said:

So Steve what eyepieces have you got in there?

I have a 32mm skywatcher plossl and the full set of BST starguider eyepieces 

Here is mine, combined scope mount and eyepiece case so I only have to carry this and tripod out with me.

I don't normally write reviews but was so impressed with the customer service of FLO thought I would share my experience.

i ordered a star discovery AZ mount, 15mm, 12mm, 8mm, 5mm BST Starguider eyepiece, astrozap dew shield, 17ah power tank, 32mm skywatcher plossl and a Rigel quick finder (this item was added to the order after the others). 

I arrange for all of the above to be delivered on a Saturday as I'm up and down the country with work during the week. FLO confirmed not a problem and would be delivered on 2nd September via DHL.

saturday came and I got a text notification from DHL saying the items are out for delivery split into 2 parcels. I sat there looking out the window every 5 mins waiting for DHL ?.

DHL turned with just one parcel, which clearly stated "1 of 2", the mount was missing ?. I phoned DHL and they tried to fob me off saying that it wasn't a Saturday delivery item and they delivered it so they won't have a large number to deliver on the Monday! I double checked the label on the parcel that was delivered and it clearly says Sat delivery on label ?

Basically DHL forgot to put the other parcel on the van, and said it will be delivered Monday. Spoke to FLO about it and they were amazing even though it wasn't their fault as they have no control over the goods once it leaves them.

They offered me a free BST eyepiece to make up for the mess up in the delivery! Wow, can't ask for better service.

i wouldn't hesitate in recommending this company, go above and beyond to help their customers.

3 hours ago, Stub Mandrel said:

Is anyone up for tonight? Forecast looks like it could go either way but improving after midnight, better in Staffs than Shropshire at the moment...

Clear skies at the minute up in fife fingers crossed it stays that way! Where u looking to go?

I've just joined Shropshire Astro society as they appear to have some good observing sites.

be good to get this group going again

I'm going to highlands for week on sat, I'm hoping to have some clear nights!

will have to try and ask some farmers over Shropshire way. Also Shropshire Astro society might be able to help us?

10 hours ago, Stub Mandrel said:

Cannock Chase on Saturday night?

We need sufficient cars to deter any doggers...

The Glacial Boulder car park is (possibly) small enough and far enough away from the road?

Wouldn't fancy Cannock chase to be honest. It doesn't have the best reputation after hours ?

I've not been on for a bit, got distracted with work stuff lol! But I'd be keen to get out more if we can find a good local place to observe from

4 hours ago, haitch said:

Hi Steve

Not met up with anyone of the old gang for quite a while (since we lost the access at Cosford)

Neil, I think the urban areas are a bit far gone to worry about light pollution now unless there is some dramatic reversal in street lighting policy - even my "quiet" residential street is light up like daylight with high pressure sodium lights that have no shielding - when I complained to Walsall Council that the light outside my house was shining into my property they sent a guy out who stuck gaffer tape on the back edge of the light which did sod all good.

 

It's probably better to focus on areas a bit further out that still have a hope in hell of surviving the ignorance of the bureaucrats.

 

Regards

 

Paul

 

Shame about Cosford as that was a really good site. I'll have a look around see if there are any others in the area.

Evening get all! Just getting good back into astronomy after a rather long break, do you guys still meet up etc?

I'd be interested as well

A very sad day. RIP.

I wanted to get a short tube refractor this month as a basic grab and go bit of kit, found the one I wanted one FLO's website the Skywatcher 120mm F5 AZ3 kit. I thought thats the one for me!

Then i read a few posts saying lack of response and shortage of scopes But ive met the guys a FLO and dropped them a quick email to ask if they had it in stock and ETA on delivery.

No problem on a response, had a few emails the same day saying it was in stock

Ordered the scope friday morning and a few Vixen eyepieces, all items delivered to my work bang on 9am this morning I must admit for a short tube refractor the 120mm is a bit of a beast!!

Great service, good communication and a very honest supplier. Particularly when they make us aware of stock problems upfront.

Just joined as well

Are these any good for you:

SnS 1.25" dust plug and cap set

Astro Engineering Astro Engineering Posh 1.25" dust plugs (AC756)

Thought id add my thanks to James, brought some EP's of FLO at Salisbury and James was really helpfull. Def use them again. Especially when i want to by my new scope in next few weeks

its away from home becuase i dont have a garden!!!! so im covered when all set up its just when its left un attended in car!! stuck with them for the next few months so if you know any good ones im all ears. Mine is More Than

That'll be £3,000 of total cover per claim with a single article limit of £1,000

Nope its cover of £3525.00 with a single item of £1500 away from home but limited to £1000 for any gear in locked boot of car.

You need to read the small print if you add the items on your home insurance and intend to take them away from home. Mine covers all my gear away from home (approx £3000) but limits it to £1000 whilst in the car!