AdeKing

I got my filter set from SGL Classifieds a while ago and they are housed in what I assume is a craft box.

This works well for me.

7 hours ago, John said:

I use the Sky & Telescope Pocket Star Atlas at the scope. Despite it's name it goes quite deep and is a very useful tool.

For more detailed reference I also use the Cambridge Double Star Atlas (it's not just double stars !) and the very detailed and comprehensive Interstellarium Deep Sky Atlas or Uranometria 2000.

If you don't mind printing your own, these are free and very good:

http://www.deepskywatch.com/deepsky-atlas.html

 

In addition to the above, @Martin Meredith has also produced the very detailed "Pretty Deep Maps" that are hosted here.

https://zenodo.org/record/3522809#.X-2M41OnzN4

These maps are available as hyperlinked pdf files and go down to Mag 18. 

I tend to use these to print off individual charts that I can mark up and use at the scope to save my bound atlases from getting ruined.

Ade

On a similar to @Marvin Jenkins an Xmas present from Mrs K.

2 hours ago, Highburymark said:

There’s a story on the Sky and Telescope website at the moment: “Will the next solar cycle surprise us”, which floats the prospect of the new solar cycle being one of the most active in recorded history. Only a theory, but a mouthwatering one. Certainly the increase in activity recently has been fast and consistent.

PS - nice sketch Add

Thanks Mark, not up to my usual standard as I was being pressured to pack up and go out, but hey ho, better than nothing.

Just noticed the cardinal sin though, I haven't noted down the orientation of the sketch and things look odd as I was viewing with the diagonal twisted around to one side for comfort.

This was the first time I'd really done as @Peter Drewsuggests and fully backed off then gradually increased tuning via the pressure tuner to draw out all of the features that I have sketched.  Some were pretty subtle (more subtle than I have shown in the sketch) and were not visible when the disc was showing the most contrast, but an interesting exercise for me at least and has shown me just what I might be missing by not doing this every time I set up.

Thanks for the heads up on the Sky & Telescope article, I will be reading that with interest later this evening.

Ade 

I had both the WL setup and LS60 out today Mark. It's the first time I've had the Lunt out for a while and was amazed at how many small filaments there were dotted across the surface of the disc together with some lovely arching proms in the north.

Here is a rudimentary sketch of what I saw.

Probably the most action I've seen on the disc since starting solar observing.

14 minutes ago, Fozzie said:

Bit late to the party on this.. I've got a nice bag for my 102/f7 which is similar if not the same Paul.. 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0899YVDDW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_89e5FbWQJ1NF6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Plenty to choose from on Amazon.. 

The one I have is padded on base, tbh I'd like more padding to the sides but then it's a quarter of the price of manfrotto or geoptik bags.

HTH

Seasons greetings

Fozzie

I have one very similar to this but from eBay, using the same cheesy photos anyway.

Purchased it for a tripod but found it fitted my 80mm f/15 perfectly.

Like Fozzie says it's a bit lacking in the padding dept but I cut up a cheap sleeping mat/yoga mat to fit any it works well enough to provide all-round padding.

Ade

1 hour ago, Ibbo! said:

This is mine and of course its not a GP but a GPD

 

Ah, I see, so you're not missing anything, that arrangement is identical to the GPD2 that I also have, which was I believe the last incarnation of the GPD/GPDX.

6 hours ago, DaveL59 said:

That was my thought too John, no witness marks from the bolt on the cam so perhaps the offset weight of the head & counterweight was enough to keep things safely in place against the rear bolt, at least for visual.

Thinking about it when I'm not tired I can see that the second latitude bolt (on the counterweight side of the mount) is not really necessary as you say gravity and the counterweight should keep it in position when set up and operating.

But it leaves potential for pinching of cold fingers (ouch) when attaching to the tripod.

7 hours ago, John said:

You might think that the small plate had never been on Dave's GP. There is no wear mark on the lug which the 12mm bolt would bear against to hold the latitude angle of the mount

I agree about the lack of wear, it does suggest that it's never been fitted.

6 hours ago, michael.h.f.wilkinson said:

For what it's worth, my (black) Vixen GP mount that came with the Celestron GP-C8 does have the plate in question. I suppose it is not really necessary, but I do rather prefer securing the polar axis with both adjustment bolts tightened, rather than gravity doing the job of the second bolt

As above, now I'm fully awake and alert I can see that it's not really needed.

Dave (@F15Rules) I've just quickly removed the latitude adjuster plate from my GP before starting work.

The two bolts securing the latitude adjuster plate are indeed M6 and have a 12mm threaded shaft.

I've had a very quick search through my nuts and bolts box and might be able to locate a couple of M6 x 16mm bolts, though I can't guarantee it.  I certainly don't have any as short as 12mm though I'm afraid.

If you want me to send you the dimensions of the original vixen plate then let me know.

Ade

8 hours ago, Ibbo! said:

Well this is embarassing, I have just been out to look at mine and there is no plate.

In my defence it has been sat on that tripod in the same place for about 3 years its my alternative mount that is semi perm.

Sorry no help from me.

Interesting, how were you previously adjusting the altitude of the RA axis Steve?

Seems an odd part to be missing from both GP mounts unless they're the result of failed attempts to convert to Alt Az use.

Edit: Have now read the "Any Vixen GP2 Owners on Here" thread mentioned above and that might well answer the question as to why its missing, apparently some GP2s were shipped without the second latitude adjustment bolt as it got in the way of the motors when used in places at low latitudes, I imagine its the same for the GP.

Maybe your mounts have made their way to the UK from more exotic places guys. 

Ade

7 hours ago, DaveL59 said:

There was someone selling bits off an EQ5 in the classifieds, ok it'd be white but if its the same size might be a quick cheap option if they still have that bit, unless you already have that kicking around in a drawer/tin somewhere or want to fabricate from scratch.

Good shout Dave, though I've just searched for it and the thread seems to have completely vanished from SGL, not just moved to the Completed for sale forum.

I know it existed and that I posted in it as I got a white plastic RA cover for future use on my GPD2, but the thread doesn't show up in my history any more.

@Alicja was the original seller, might be worth a PM.

I've just dug my GP out and the plate setup is identical to the EQ5.

The bolts look like they're M6 based on the cap size but I'll dismantle it and pull out the digital caliper tomorrow as it's too late now.

I have a box full of machine bolts so if I have some the right length I'll pop them in the post for you.

Just need to work out where I've put the digital caliper gauge as typically I've found its case but it's empty.  One day I'll learn to put things back in their correct place, in the meantime I'll have to keep searching.

Ade

17 minutes ago, Grumpy Martian said:

Thanks Ade. I have fallen in love with the 150mm Maksutov. Would you post a link to the Porta 2 table top. It would be interesting to see. I know that people who owned 127mm Meade ETX could put the mount on a table top. In fact I used to observe with my Meade LX 90 set on a table top many years ago.

I'm glad that you're enjoying it Martin, I look forward to having a look sometime in 2023 when we're eventually allowed to meet up again 😉

I don't have a photo of the actual setup at the moment as its all neatly stored in boxes, but here are some screenshots from the Porta ii Manual and Vixen website. 

The bottom of the HEQ5 pillar extension or EQ6 pillar extension fits onto the base and the Porta ii adaptor plate fits the top of the HEQ5 extension, it will make a smart little setup with slow-mo controls when I get the short tube squared off, skimmed out and three holes drilled at each end to hold the ends in place.

13 minutes ago, johninderby said:

For a small scope..

https://www.astroshop.eu/alt-azimuth-without-goto/omegon-mini-ii-dobsonian-mount/p,53648

Or this

https://www.astroshop.eu/alt-azimuth-without-goto/omegon-mount-dobsonian-mini-base-with-synta-dovetail/p,46439

Thanks John, not sure what the difference is between those two bases, they look identical to me though the price is different.

I've bookmarked this and might treat myself to one as a Christmas present.

Ade

That looks like a nice setup for seated observing Martin.

I've been on the unsuccessful lookout for one of these bases to use with my short Zenithstar 66 OTA.

I've now got a Porta ii with the tabletop base that will do the same job, I just need to get a short EQ6 pillar extension to use with it as the HEQ5 one makes it too tall and I don't want to cut it down.

Hope you enjoy this combination.

Ade

I managed a quick look and managed to get both in the same FOV with my ZS70 and Lunt Zoom, though being very near the field stop neither looked really sharp but it was obvious what they were, even Mrs K joined in.

Cranking up the mag didn't do the view any favours as a lot of low haze about.

Did a quick higher mag view of each in the centre of the FOV before packing up and coming home for dinner.

The Towa 80mm f/15 is now set up in the garden on the AZPro and tracking Mars, will be out fir a detailed look after dinner.

I've been thinking about my collection of equipment and guess I'm pretty happy with my scopes and eyepieces so just two items that are seriously on my wish list:

1) Rowan AZ100 with the bells and whistles (encoders, Nexus DSC, Clamps, etc)

2) Berlebach Planet

Ade

1 minute ago, Stu said:

I really liked my little blue ZS SD66mm too Ade, another I regret selling! So tiny and yet very capable.

Yes, mine is a little gem Stu.  I didn't get on with the original focuser as I found the field of view moved about a lot as the focuser was adjusted, which irritated me so I put a lump of Moonlite on it.

I've since stripped the stock focuser down and re-assembled and re-adjusted and its now much better than it was.

Since getting the ZS70 I've contemplated selling it, but Mrs King won't let me as apparently "it doesn't look like an astronomy telescope because its blue and actually quite nice to look at" which I think is a tad harsh on the rest of my stable of telescopes, as I'm attached to them all, but there you go.

19 minutes ago, F15Rules said:

Never, Ade! - having until very recently been the keeper (not owner) of "Bessy", an identical Meade 300 89mm/F15 which had the Moonraker makeover, I could hardly not make an honourable exception for your scope!

Thanks for posting! Here's Bessy below, she has now gone to live in the Lake District where her new keeper will use her for public outreach 👍❤️😊

Dave

Thanks for making an exception for my blatant disregard for the rules Dave 😉.

I didn't realise that you and the lovely Bessy had parted company, but am glad to hear that she has gone somewhere that she'll be cherished and get a lot of use.

I'd love to give the Towa f/15 a Moonraker makeover but fear that my wallet would take too long to recover and although the optics are good, I'm not sure that they are that good.

Thanks for the thread, its been fun to participate and great to see so many small scopes being shown off.

I have four "small" refractors in my arsenal, well five actually if you count the Lunt LS60, but thats a specialist one-trick pony so I don't really count it.

I have a lovely little William Optics ZS66SD in blue (rather faded now), a recently acquired though first generation (I think) William Optics ZS70, a Stellarvue 50mm finder and the "small" one is  a Topic branded Towa 339 80mm f/15, though its a bit long  and 10mm to large a diameter to be considered "small" as set out in the rules of this thread, but what the heck. 

The ZS66SD has probably still is the most used scope in my collection. 

The ZS70 was one of those things that I didn't need but that I'd have regretted not buying if I'd passed on the offer.  Apart from being built like a tank compared to the ZS66SD and having a stock 2" focuser it doesn't really offer me any advantages, but I do love these little WO OTAs.

Moonlited William Optics ZS66SD in blue.

Stellarvue 50mm finder that is often put into service when I have very limited space available.

William Optics ZS70

At the risk of being rapped across the knuckles by @F15Rules here is the Topic branded Towa 339 80mm f/15.

2 hours ago, JeremyS said:

And since you mention the Tak 60

Well, nobody could accuse you of under-mounting @JeremyS.

2 hours ago, JeremyS said:

That's not a mini scope Dave @F15Rules. It's positively huge!

This is:

Mini Borg 25 mm (the clue is in the name 🙂 )

OMG that positively eyepiece dwarfs the OTA@JeremyS

Like John, I've used my 1.25" wedge with my ED120 without problems.

As John said the heatsink gets fairly warm but not so hot that I've noticed it presenting a serious risk of burning yourself.

Ade

I tend to observe year round down here in Dorset.

It does mean accepting that sessions will start late and finish in the early hours so I'm restricted to Fridays and weekends, but still worthwhile.

I also do solar observing in WL and H-alpha which keeps the astro mojo ticking over.

In fact, looking at my observing notebook, I've had far more observing sessions in the summer than I've had over an equivalent amount of time this autumn.

As has already been stated, just adjust the type of target to stuff that is easier to view with a brighter background so double stars, planets, solar and lunar.

6 hours ago, Alan White said:

Postie Pete has been with my recent Classifieds purchase....
My smile gave me away, he noted the grin and commented, More Astronomy Kit then.

You'll love it Alan, I got mine off Shaun (@Pig) last year and have never looked back.

Double post - Deleted

On 19/11/2020 at 21:46, Starflyer said:

If you replace the stock focuser you should definitely check it's square to the tube before collimating. This means removing the secondary and taking measurements to enable you to make a mark on the tube exactly opposite the centre of the focuser opening.  I can't find the procedure now, but it's documented somewhere on SGL.

Once you've marked your tube (Tipex is good for this), use your Cheshire in your focuser, still with the secondary removed. The crosshairs should exactly point at the mark you made on the tube opposite the focuser, if it doesn't then your focuser isn't square to the tube.

I have a feeling that this is your problem.  If your secondary mount is central to the tube and your secondary presents as a circle, but your secondary is not centred when viewed through your colli cap / Cheshire then it's a tilted focuser.

Thanks, I'm pretty sure that this is the case.

The secondary has been removed in preparation for squaring the focuser, but I've been pretty busy so haven't gotten around to doing anything about it yet.

The secondary holder has got three nice divots in the top so I'll be adding a steel washer and milk bottle washer when it's reassembled as well as replacing the secondary adjustment screws with  thumbscrews rather than the stock Allen grub screws.

The focuser is a Skywatcher low profile dual speed Crawford, but not the current version by the looks of it.

The tilt adjusters are a pain in the backside on the model I have because some wizard designer saw fit to put two sets of adjusters behind the focusing knobs so they're inaccessible to an Allen key without first removing the whole focusing knobs assembly, not just removing the knobs from the Crawford shaft either.

I notice this design flaw seems to have been corrected in the current design.

Hopefully I will find some time one evening this week to follow the alignment procedure in Vic Menard's book.

I'll post an update when I've had time to tweak and pull out my remaining hair no doubt.