djpaul

Ive only had my 300p for a couple of weeks so not sure if this info helps but i bought a baader 47mm click lock for my 300p. 

My main eyepieces used so far are 26mm nagler and 17 mm and 10mm  ethos .

I have the stock focuser and when out fully its 50mm.

So the baader makes it almost 100mm 

Which leaves me with sufficient back focus if ever needed.

4 hours ago, Stu said:

Well, I still have an FC100DC, my most used scope (throughout my 20 years observing), and don’t have another 120ED. Take from that what you will.

My feelings were always that I never felt I was missing out on any detail with the Tak, and the sheer useability and grab and go nature makes it so much easier to use regularly that it’s a no brainer for me. If I were at a darker site and did more deep sky observing I may think differently, although would use the Mewlon more for that.

For the record, if I had the space and spare cash I would probably still want to have a 120ED around because I do think they are great scopes.

Heres the 120ED i bought off you Stu . My first scope i bought when starting off some 4 years back . 

It has served me well and ive done some upgrades to it over the years.

2 hours ago, Geoff Barnes said:

Blimey @djpaul how tall are you? You're bending down to look through a 300p that is nearly vertical. 😮

Im about 5ft 11.

2 hours ago, garryblueboy said:

My friend DJ Paul popped over with his new 300p flex few clear patches 

Thank you Garry for all your help sorting the collimation of my 300p.

Cheers john.

Am i right thinking theres a 2 inch and 1.25 version.?

If so is there a perference?

Thank you for all your help so far.

So do i need a concenter and a cheshire?

Up till now ive only owned refractors.Mainly to avoid collimating..

Paul

Need advise on which collimator to purchase for my 300p dob.

There seems to be a big diffence in costs of collimators

Regards paul

Cheers Baz

I thought that was the answer

It would be nice if i could find something as a quick release to replace the nut.

but i will adjust it just a little to make it slightly tighter and see how i get on

well i purchased a 300p second hand for £475 2 days ago

One thing id like to know is can the azimuth be adjusted using the nut on the baseplate to give a little bit of friction as i find if i just touch the eyepiece with my face when observing it moves slightly

Im looking to possibly buy a skywatcher flextube dob..Manual version  not goto.

Either the 250p or 300p.

Anyone experienced using any of these range of scopes?

Any advise at all would  be great

Regards paul

5 minutes ago, johninderby said:

I havent bothered with the encoders at the moment but they will be available as a DIY option later on. Also had a nice new heavy duty dual fit saddle that will be ideal for this mount. Have ordered the counterweight shaft and a weight. 

I'm thinking of just getting the mount and hopefully they will produce vixen only saddles.

John did say he managed to fit his adm but said it somehow didn't look right. 

I dont really want to spend £150  x 2 for 2 dual fit saddles when really all I'll use is vixen fittings

Paul

BTW. 

I would be interested in knowing if most people are ordering just the basic mount with or without any accessories?

Saddles,encoders,etc?

Regards Paul 

I will be ordering one early in the new year.😁

I also have a 32mm tv plossl. 

However I did notice it had a very long  eye relief. 

But purchased it for observing with my specs on.

For use without specs you really need an extender. 

Yes I had a look at 6pn but had to go to my local astronomy club.

Otherwise I'd have set up to observe.

5 minutes ago, Stu said:

Great stuff Alan, all looking very good and I'm glad to see the additional alt lock which will be very handy.

It also looks like they have now produced dual format ie Vixen and Losmandy clamps which was another request, will be much better having everything matching! When funds allow, I will certainly be going for one myself!

Yes Stu.

The dual format saddles are quite expensive at £150 each. 😓

2 minutes ago, Stu said:

My lovely wife has just said how proud she is of me, having a knob named after me 😉😉😉🤣🤣🤣.

Lol😂😂😂😂😂

Also good to see all the components in their raw form at the show. 

All machined in house by Rowan Astronomy.

58 minutes ago, Alan White said:

I was at the IAS today and one of my main points of interest and visiting was the Rowan Astronomy AZ100 on the Rowan stand as well as the IKI stand.

Had a very long chat with Dave and Derek Rose of Rowan about the mount., thank chaps for being so friendly and open in our discussion.
Also chatted with SteveG of FLO / IKI about things, the mount and supporting UK manufacture as a whole.

Firstly, wow what a well engineered item this is.
Decent bearings throughout, solid metal throughout, super machining and finish.
Made here in the UK.

The movements were buttery smooth,
slow motions sublime and oh my I just want one more than ever.

The development through the Beta testing was talked about and the changes made.
What a brave and trusting move by all involved, respect due on doing this.
The mount is all the better for this additional input, it was rather good before this though anyway.
Big thanks to @Stu and @John for the Beta testing to date and yet to come.

The one item I loved was a second altitude clutch added after suggestion by @Stu, thanks Stu, EP changes will now be simples.
From now on refer to this as the 'Stu Lock' please 

@johninderby, wow you have a treat in store my friend.

I also saw another SGLer @Helen looking at the mount and captured her in full inspection.

Took a few images.

The manual no encoder Beta test rig on a pier.

The chaps in full conversation with Helen.
This is the Encoder version with Nexus DSC fitted, wow that's nice.

Encoder version and DSC with fitted 'Stu Lock'
This I am told very close to the production model now.

I am so impressed with the mount, the guys attitude and care for detail and also my conversation with SteveG at FLO as well.
This mount is destined for great things, so much so I want one myself and it is now the target for my Astro Want list.

All in all, this is something good for Astronomy.

Can we have a smaller encoder version too one day chaps?

PS I will call in for a cuppa as you invited so nicely.

 

What you have said about this mount is absolutely true.

I was also at the IAS just to see this mount.

I will be placing my order in the new year.

I was also told that ADM saddles should fit this mount.

I'll probably order a mount and go for the encoders later in the year. 

39 minutes ago, John said:

Is the AZ100 actually on sale now ?

I was told it will be ready by end of the year.

I will order one probably February. 

I did notice some new tension knobs I think have been added since john had one to test.

14 hours ago, djpaul said:

Well it's my next purchase as far as I'm concerned  

So I may well go just to see it and see if it's as well built as it looks.  

Just been to the IAS I have spoken to the guys at Rowan Astronomy and seen the AZ100 in the flesh. 

Beautify made and to a very high spec.

So it's defo my next purchase in the new year.

😁

Perfect. 

I may go tomorrow then .... 

Looks like it gives the losmandy mount a bit of competition. 

Well it's my next purchase as far as I'm concerned  

So I may well go just to see it and see if it's as well built as it looks.  

Anyone  know if Rowan astronomy had their new az100 mount on show?