gold682

Hi,

If I was to use my iPhone 13 Pro Max on my mak127 using a holder, what of the 3 lenses on the phone do you line up with the eyepiece?

Hope that makes sense.

Hi, just an update. With thanks for all your input and help, I have ordered the following to get me started:

Starguider 12mm, 18mm & 2x Barlow 

Astro Essentials RACI finder

Talentcell powerbank

(was going to order the dew shield but it’s out of stock and would have delayed the order as FLO only send when all is ready). 
 

I plan to print off a focusser knob but until then a clothes peg will do. 
 

Thanks all for your advice.

Paul

3 hours ago, rob_r said:

Hi, welcome to the 127 Mak club.

Yes, I would agree with your initial shopping list plus a dew shield. A portable power pack certainly and replace the red dot finder with a RACI/finderscope. I got an AstroEssentials one, https://www.firstlightoptics.com/finders/astro-essentials-9x50-right-angled-erecting-finderscope.html . If you are primarily observing perhaps upgrade the diagonal and EPs too, the stock ones the Mak comes with are not all that well regarded.

The whole setup is quite light and portable which is a nice plus. The above and the other suggestions should be good starting points anyway. Have fun!

Hi, what diagonal do you recommend? Haven’t heard about people complaining about the diagonal, only the eyepieces. I’m going to go with Starguider eyepieces as recommended earlier in this thread and a RACI Finderscope (probably the Astro Essentials as you’ve mentioned). 
 Will also get a power bank of some sort as can’t be arsed with AA’s.

10 hours ago, Jules Tohpipi said:

A clothes peg.

That Mak can be somewhat frustrating when making fine adjustments on the focus wheel. Putting a clothes peg on it increases its circumference (to paint a picture) and so allows for finer focussing. Plus its inputs are less likely to make the tripod wobble for a few seconds (if using the bundled black somewhat light-weight tripod).

 

Also the ADM saddle is a popular improvement. While not 100% a necessity, this saddle clamps the dovetail on the Mak much better that the single screw. I say 'better' but the original saddle is possibly perfectly adequate. However, the ADM upgrade certainly gives a perception of being much more secure.
https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adm-replacement-saddles/adm-dual-dovetail-adaptor-for-az-gti.html

 

As for a case, I went with the MAX465H220 with the Pick and Pluck foam interior option added prior to check out. My photos show the Mak 127 inside along with the AZ-GTi and the Sky-Watcher tripod extension tube (standing vertically). I have removed the top of the extension tube and fitted it to the base of the AZ-GTi. The diagonal is kept in a separate eyepiece box. This case is extremely robust and well built and heavy. Packed as shown the total weight is 10.5 kg.

https://www.trifibre.co.uk/product/max465h220/

and the roller version

https://www.trifibre.co.uk/product/max465h220tr-blk/

I absolutely love that last picture of that high tech equipment sitting in a secure padded case along with a wooden clothes peg 😁 (but yes I’ll try the clothes peg mod and if works I might 3D print something) 👍

1 hour ago, Zermelo said:

Hello, is this your first scope?

An eyepiece or two, perhaps: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/bst-starguider-eyepieces.html

RACI: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/finders/stellalyra-8x50-right-angled-correct-image-raci-finder-scope-with-bracket.html

A dew shield: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/dew-prevention/astro-essentials-flexible-dew-shield-for-5-telescopes.html

An observing chair. This doesn't have to be an expensive astro chair. Many people have done well with adjustable stools, or home-made, if you're handy like that.

Thanks for the link to the Starguider eyepieces, they look extreme good for the money. Any particular recommendations for say 2 eyepieces to get started (assuming I can use the supplied 25mm as that doesn’t seem as bad as the 10mm). I’m thinking maybe a Starguider 8mm & 15mm along with the Starguider Barlow. It will be mainly used for planetary/moon with maybe the odd DSO if feasible. 
 

ps. Yes this is my first ‘proper’ scope. 

I’ve just purchased a Skymax 127 Gti and was wondering the best first upgrades to get the most out of it.

im assuming:

- a battery pack of some kind?

- a replacement for the 10mm eyepiece and/or a complimentary eyepiece (zoom?)

- replace red dot finder with the skywatcher RACI? 
 

I intend to take this on my travels (place where we stay in Spain is particularly good as it’s not been ‘urbanised’ hence no light pollution), so a good carry bag would be needed. Recommendations?

Thanks

Paul