DAVE AMENDALL

Twenty below freezing ?

On the evening of the 21st December Jupiter and Saturn will be at their closest for 800 years (only about a 10th of a degree apart. This will not occur again until 2080. Let's hope it's cloud free in the UK for a change.....Dave

You did the right thing. You can't be too careful with Cardio. The problem is the signs of indigestion and pending heart problem are much the same. The night sky will not go away. hope you feel better soon and that you will be ok....Dave

Hi, No doubt many of you will remember those magnificent (3" diameter ?) Charles Frank setting circles. They got you within a couple of degrees of your target and with a bit of scanning and some good luck you could find the object you were looking for in the finder. The numbering on these circles was a photographic process They ran out of stock when the camera broke down. At least they were machined alloy disks. Lovely to look at and delightful to own............David

Looks very posh! a private nursing home no doubt for astronomers suffering from late night syndrome ....Dave

The Light Hearted Astronomer is new to me. Looks interesting tho . Possibly American or Australian judging by the hat!..........Dave

The Charles Frank Book of the Telescope has been accepted as the Bible on this thread. But one must not forget the supporting Hymn books such as: The Observer's Book of Astronomy by Patrick Moore published by Fredrick Warne & Co 1962. pocket edition hardback. ....Dave

Yes Charles Frank made everything needed in those days except observatories. These you had to cobble up yourself. was fibre glass invented then ? Dave

It was June 1963 when I ordered mine and was delivered end of August with apologies for the delay. I also ordered a small EQ with plastic setting circles

OoopS! my mistake the Small EQ with the plastic setting circles came from Fullerscopes the following year....Dave

It was June 1963 when I ordered mine It was delivered towards the end of August with apologies for the delay. I also bought a small EQ from them with 5" dia plastic setting circles. All very primitive compared to modern kit but like you say it worked! and I had a lot of pleasure using it in those days.......Dave

I have a copy of that book which came free with my scope a Charles Frank 4" Newtonian took two months to deliver it . I used for about three years before selling it on getting all my money back because scopes were generally not plentiful.It was a case of we make it but you try to get one!.......Dave

Hi Kevin and welcome. I am just down the road in Bingham. You should get better skies in Aslockton at Bortle 4. Bingham is Bortle 5.......... good viewing !.................Dave

Twenty thousand Euros plus which reminds me of my lottery winner friend Edwin,who resides in the Canary Islands. I was supposed to pay him a visit to look at his set up, but will have to wait now until Covid restrictions are lifted.................Dave

You have my sympathy That is a very bad luck train of events...Dave

I see the point Malcolm . Thanks for sharing the you tube video ...Dave

Hi, There is a £50 set of upgrade on these Az bolts . they may make a difference on the chewing problem ???...............Dave

Hi, Makes me wonder how long these type of mounts last before they need attention what with regular use ,dew formation, (connector pin corrosion because of dampness) motor problems and the like. My NEQ6 is permanently sited in an obsey and has been trouble free for 5 years (touch wood) but we still live in a poor climate in the Uk which seem to play havoc with everything it touches over a period of time. Comments welcome....Dave

Thanks for the info. will take the advice given and settle on the Baader...........Dave

Hi all, I am looking for UV/IR Cut filter to use with a full spectrum DSLR (1.25" or 2" will fit ) with SCT. The market looks rather confusing with prices varying from £10 to £100 .How much should I pay approx to get good results. Any advice on this would be appreciated..............Dave

Yes Andrew, A good number of people who live near me are frightened by the dark. as well. I grew out of that about age 11...............Dave

Some amazing fracs on this posting. I drooled over this Byers on youtube some time ago. The video is still on there. " TELESCOPE FOR SALE Research Grade 12" F12.2 Achromatic Refractor" If he ever sold it ,I simply don't know..................Dave

Hi Thanks for the input,some useful comments which will help in practice . Processing gets rid of that rose pink look and the star images show improvement...........Dave

Hi All, I have a full spectrum DSLR. which I will be using with my C11xlt. My question is do I need an IR/cut filter for DSO imaging ?........Dave

At last a use for my telescope