TakMan

Update to unboxing pics earlier...

Had chance at the weekend to get it all set-up and sort the 2-axis balancing routine specific to Half Hitch mounts - allows for fluid movements without the need for tension.

Encoders are hooked up to the iPad Air2 via a Nexus WiFi device. iPad attached with a 'gooseneck' from Amazon. LiPoly battery pack velcro fastened under the 'DSC' bracket can also power the iPad if needed. Also have the option to go 'old school' using the SkyCommander and atlas when I don't want 'electronics'!

Just need the Hand Tracking Control Unit to arrive from the States and we're..... finally.....  'finished'!!!!

Looking forward to first light at some stage now !

Damian

Thanks... Damian!

When I said it was my "last scope"... well, that's the wife speaking!

I do have a spare dovetail for the Nova Hitch mount though - better not tell 'dearest' that, hey!

Damian

Arrived yesterday!

All looks safe 'n' sound - will have to test once back from holiday...

Rang TEC and spoke to Yuri to thank him for such a fine scope - will be my last!

Initial impressions are that she's not much longer or heavier than the 4" Tak and has a far less reflective lens... I wonder if that's the oil spacing...?

TEC have gone back to the FeatherTouch focuser but with some design changes taken from their own in-house focuser that's no longer made.

Damian

I hope that his home is turned into a Museum to remember him...it's an amazing treasure trove of information and astronomical history.

Now that is a good idea - perhaps his estate executors, the BBC and the National Trust could get together...?

They would not be short of treasures to exhibit from his days in the RAF, Music, Astronomy, TV and Radio broadcasts (even the home TV studio the BBC set-up), the masses of literature and drawings, even his political views.

The garden and his beloved telescopes could be on display with limited evening viewing opportunities and perhaps a small planetarium...?

That would be a fitting tribute to the man...

Sad news indeed... a great loss to us all

RIP Sir Patrick then, I'll spend a a moment longer observing the moon next time I'm out...

Damian

Hi

It's appropriate now (with M42 starting to re-appear), that I should post my first ever astro image....

.....with what was 'my first and new' (2nd hand) astro gear - just to check it out in early January '09 before embarking on a self-imposed 'visual only' period of learning my way around the night sky.

Just 2 exposures: 1 x 60 sec (for the core) and 1 x 180 sec to try and capture the Nebulosity.... equipment - see signature.

All unguided as I've only just worked that bit out (!) - see M27 shot ......

No flats or bias frames (only just worked them out also!!!) - just automatic dark frame subtracted by the camera and Equinox Image - on my Apple Mac.

Messed with in Photoshop and 'Noel's Actions' - heavily 'nuked' - a derogatory 'in-house design studio term' (!) for something that's been too heavily Photoshopped - I was still happy though:icon_confused: despite what my guys thought.....

Hopefully get another go at this sometime over the winter!

Thanks for looking.....

Regards and clear skies,

Damian