RT65CB-SWL

I don't think I have a favourite visual filter as such, as each one has it capabilities, expectations, etc. That said, I do like the Explore Scientific filter boxes...

I could think of a few others other than Elon Musk. At least he has re-ignited the space-race.

Hi @Chickpea and welcome to SGL. Have you tried here? https://www.lindy.co.uk/ I think they can make bespoke data cables to customer requirements/specifications.

Hi @Chrissyfbpe and welcome to SGL. Best advice to begin with is to do a few 'dummy-runs' during daylight hours. It will not be so infuriating and intimidating if things end up going pear-shaped... and easier to know where things go, etc.

If your ‘scope accepts 2” e/p’s, then the Baader 8-24mm zoom can be used as either 1.25” or 2”. They come with the threaded 2” nosepiece included.

In reply to your question... …that there is a total and global/worldwide ban of these SOL/SUN filters being included with beginner sets or sold separately...!

Hi @Missy Astro and welcome to SGL. A 5x Barlow lens, as said above, is way to much power for your 'scope. Primarily targeted for use with a modded webcam is doable, but visually it is a 'No!' I have a cheap 7-21mm zoom [not Svbony] that I purchased years ago and is good enough for when I wish to travel light with a 'scope a few fixed focal length eyepieces. Svbony is a young company and giving the older companies some serious competition selling optical equipment at affordable prices.

Although I have not replied, until now, I was going suggest that you look around for some TeleVue Radian's. I have two [6mm & 8mm / 58o AFOV]. TeleVue ceased production of Radian's several years ago. They occasionally come up for sale secondhand. They have since been superseded by the DeLite's which have 62o AFOV. Though I do not own the Baader 8-24mm zoom, it is damn good.

Hi @CharlesS and welcome to SGL. Question: What 'scope are you using? During August 1999, I was fortunate to go to Bulgaria for the solar eclipse. The 'scope I used was my TeleVue Ranger plus a full aperture glass solar filter. To achieve focus on terrestrial and celestial targets it requires the use of a star diagonal. To cut a long story short, I did not use a star diagonal and attached my eyepiece projection unit [aka EPU] and placed a TeleVue 8mm Plossl e/p inside and a Pentax ME Super 35mm SLR directly to the drawtube. It was a bit uncomfortable looking up and crouching and kneeling on Bulgarian ground/soil, but I did get some photo's. <--- the EPU is shown in the centre.<--- my TeleVue Ranger [1].<--- my TeleVue Ranger [2]. For solar viewing now [imaging with an iPhone] I use a Lunt Herschel/solar wedge and at the time of posting, I have not tried any solar imaging with a 35mm camera as I have gone digital compact camera and/or DSLR. image above of my TeleVue Ranger and Lunt Herschel solar wedge.

After many years searching the internet, I came across and ordered a set of 124mm guidescope/telescope tube rings and dovetail bar [brand: StarPal] for my 're-modded' Meade ETX-105... via the well known ware warehouse based in the far-east. They arrived earlier today after two weeks delivery/shipping and customs clearance, etc. I will swap the M6 set screws for M6 x 8mm nylon-tip grub screws and replace the supplied dovetail bar for the longer one [brand: Astro Essentials via FLO].

Wow!

When you have a beautiful sun rise and a dawn chorus of birdsong, it makes me feel good for the rest of the day.

Maybe a local engineering workshop or watch/clock maker maybe able to fabricate one [or the complete set] for you. I did see on ''AstroBiscuit' [aka @rorymultistorey here on SGL] YouTube channel a few months ago, he visited the guy who tunes-up mounts. Unfortunately I cannot remember the guys name. Sorry about that. Have you looked at AliExpress? - it is surprising what you can find/buy there if you have not visited the site before.

I am still waiting for a clear night sky when I can do a comparison of my Nagler 3-6mm and Svbony 3-8mm zoom e/p's in the same evening/night. Working shift-work you cannot predict whether it going to be clear on your rest days in advance, no matter how much you prepare yourself or rely on Clear Outside [or other app] and metrological weather forecasts. I do agree with those that say that zoom e/p's are the perfect travel companion, though I do prefer the view with a 'fixed' focal length e/p. Personally I think the build quality of the TeleVue is better. I can hear a slight rattle when I shake the Svbony.

Hi @Sandygo and welcome to SGL.

Yes! the image will be right way up and left & right reversed.

Hi @tezz Maksutov’s and SCT’s do require a lot of turning of the focus knob, either clockwise or anti-clockwise. Think of the focus shaft as a length of threaded rod. To get a higher magnification you will need eyepieces with lower numbers. Also the higher the magnification then you may have to place your pupil directly over the centre of the eyepiece, otherwise you may end up with a ‘blackout‘ when looking thought it if not centred. Also what is budget for individual eyepieces? Some wide-angle eyepieces may/will induce vignetting. Have you got a 90 degree star diagonal? 45 degree diagonals are normally used when viewing nature/terrestrial objects. Another tip… I don’t fully extend my tripod legs… vibrations will take longer eliminate/calm down if they are fully extended.

At least you remembered to remove the end caps! 😜

Hi @shaztronomer and welcome to SGL. What is the hole spacing? I have a 'spare' Bresser 'Vixen' type saddle [image below] that I purchased, thinking it would fit my AOK-AYO mount... wrong! I do wish saddle plate manufacturers made them with slotted holes to accommodate the different mounts. It would make life and our hobby so much easier.

Hi @Sypher37 and welcome to SGL. Agree with what has been said above. They are either 3mm or 4mm. I usually buy replacements with a plastic cap on the head. They are easier to grip when tighten/loosen, when wearing gloves or mittens during the winter months. Have you got a 90 degree diagonal? - the 45 degree are usually supplied with terrestrial/nature observing/viewing 'scopes.

Welcome back to SGL @russ.will I thought the username sounded familiar.

I will confess that since I ordered and received mine, I have not had chance to try mine out or use my ‘scopes due to my shift pattern and the GB/UK 🇬🇧 weather… ie clear skies when I am working… cloudy/overcast on my rest days. Good to see this topic is having good following and response.

Hi @The60mmKid and welcome to SGL.

Just read on Apple News app via SkyNews that a Japanese space start up company are planning to re-launch their man-made meteor shower… https://apple.news/AwwU6k4TfQLezqp99J9-Frw and will be visible from most parts of the world. Just when you thought 'Starlink' [and others] was bad enough.

Hi @Louis D Apologies from side-tracking this topic, but how do you get SkEye to track/view the target when it is in a horizontal plane? (as shown in your second image). I can only get it to show the horizon when it is in the vertical plane. I would like to do the same with an 'old' Google Pixel 3a that I have.