RT65CB-SWL

Hi @Meganformayor It will see more than what Galileo, Sir Issac Newton, etc., would have seen with their 'scopes. I have posted a reply in your other posting.

Hi @Meganformayor and welcome to SGL. The ‘scope [note: tube only] you have bought is called a ‘Newtonian’. Judging by the aperture, it will be ok for observing the Moon, positions of the Galilean moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn … at a squeeze. If you have a ‘play’ with the FOV calculator tool in the resources tab, it will give you an idea of what things will look like when viewed through the eyepiece. If you cannot see your particular 'scope, e/p, etc., listed, enter the details in the 'custom scope', 'custom e/p', etc. I don’t know what e/p’s are included, but if they are 0.965”, then you are somewhat limited to what you can upgrade. Below is an image of my 0.965” e/p and a 1.25” adapter. I don’t wish to dampen your enthusiasm, but did you purchase it new… (i.e. department store/online warehouse) or second-hand? - please advise as to what you/husband wish to observe, budget, etc., then other SGL’ers can or may recommend something that maybe better and that will last a lifetime of enjoyment, etc. BTW - many SGL’ers, myself included, have more than one ‘scope at our disposal, as one ‘scope does not do all or everything.

I have the Baader Planetarium contrast booster and neodymium filters and also the Explore Scientific CLS. Another popular filter I use when observing Venus or Jupiter is a variable polarising filter. Often overlooked, but it works for me.

Another cheap tripod hack… A 0.965” & 1.25” e/p & filter tray from an EQ1/2 [or other] tripod that conveniently attaches to the end my Manfrotto 055PROB tripod centre column using the included triangular 3/8” adapter plate. It’s just the thing for those ‘grab & go’ or lightweight travel sessions.

I have recently picked up a second-hand Meade 2102 and I am too looking for a suitable carry bag. I have been looking at the ‘padded’ tripod only bags on amazon, aliexpress and eBay. Compared to the ones for sale on amazon and eBay, the aliexpress ones maybe a little cheaper for an unbranded one. The tripod/telescope branded ones that are sold on aliexpress, (ie Manfrotto, Celestron, etc), are expensive and I don’t know whether they are genuine or counterfeit… despite the logo.

I too have not had chance to try mine since it was delivered a few weeks ago, apart from the usual few terrestrial targets, ie trees, TV / FM aerials, rooftops, etc. Early impressions of it so far are looking good. I cannot wait to see how it compares against my TV 3-6mm zoom when viewing the Moon or planets.

Hi everyone. Hope this is the right place to ask! A few weeks ago, I received a tip-off about a house clearance sale of some astronomy and photography equipment, via my astronomy society, I picked up and paid £5 for a used cradle/clamshell for my 're-modded' ETX105. Only problem, it is slightly over size. I have decided to remove the Jubilee rings/hose clips the have secured the dovetail bar to the ETX [images below] for many years and use the cradle/clamshell and an existing dovetail bar. As the cradle is larger in diameter... I think it is from a 130mm OTA and the ETX105 is 124mm diameter. My question is: What material to use to pack it out for a snug fit. I have a 1m strip of 20mm x 10mm nitrile rubber. Will this be ok? or would some thick felt strip or cork strip be a better option? - tnx in adv. BTW - I purchased/picked up a Meade DS-2102 [complete with cradle/clamshell attachment] from the same house sale/clearance earlier this week.

A-ha... so the wolf is in the Dalek's clothing! 😉 BTW @Ags I have downloaded your books to my iPad. They are amazing. Thank you for all the hard work and sleepless nights that you have put into them.

Do you want to borrow my WW1 [c.1916] sighting telescope? 😜

Hi @InTheWakeOfStardust and welcome to SGL. As previously mentioned, a manual bulb blower is the best thing to get rid of the FOD [Foreign Object Debris]. I have a 'rocket' blower. When you are satisfied 99.9% has been removed, use a soft bristled brush, ie camel hair or an unused make-up brush, followed by a gentle wipe with a microfibre cloth. If using Baader Optical Wonder Fluid, apply it to the cloth. If using disposable lens wipes, one swipe, two at most if it is big enough, then bin it, and use a fresh one. Also a good idea and what I do and that is to wear a face mask when cleaning anything optical... 😷 Aerosol/compressed air sprays can or may leave a residue or streaks and are best avoided.

That's a fantastic image @Kon

I would say that is 'spot-on'... pun intented! 🤣

After giving it some thought over the past days, I decided to purchase it. It is the Meade DS-2102 [OTA and cradle only - no end caps]. I offered the seller £50... He said and I quote: "Don't be silly. Just give me £20" 😊 I will have to drill a couple of holes in the cradle to attach the dovetail bar... and place an order some pipe end caps for the e/p end and objective cell from the online warehouse in the far-east... 😉

Excellent result @Herb H and thank you for taking the time out to achieve it and your step-by-step guide.

Hi @Yodaisgreen / Dylan and welcome to SGL.

Hi @Asparagoose and welcome to SGL. The ST80 [or clone] would be a good start for many targets. If Lunar and planetary piques your interest, then maybe a small aperture Maksutov or SCT. Each design of ‘scope has it share of pros & cons. This is one of my ‘portable’ setups, so I get the best of both, so to speak.

Also a bonus of flying overseas with the Maksutov is that it can be stored in a backpack/rucksack and [maybe] considered ‘carry-on’ baggage*. Tripod and mount can be packed in your suitcase. Below is an image of my ‘carry-on’… It is my ETX105, DwarfStar [alt-az] mount and a Manfrotto PROB tripod. * at the discretion of the airline and/or handling agent.

I too have the SkyWatcher 2”/28mm LET|LER e/p. You can buy a 2” to 1.25” filter reducer ring. I purchased one from 365Astronomy.

Nice naked eye visual conjunction of Mars and the Moon this morning prior to the occultation. I forgot it was today. Noticed it after I parked my car in one of the LHR staff car parks.

Hi @John27 and welcome to SGL.

A few weeks, I got a ‘tip-off’ of a local house clearance as some of the content was astronomy related. Anyway... not sure if this is the right place, but to cut a long story short; it was an Aladdin’s cave of astro and photo-equipment. A few OTA’s caught my eye and one was a Meade 102mm/focal length about 900mm. My question is: how much is it worth? and should I get it? I did not leave empty handed and I managed to find a cradle, albeit slightly oversize my ‘re-modded’ ETX105 for £5. The cradle is going to need some packing for a snug fit.

Hi @walks and welcome to SGL. Assuming you are in GB/UK it’s going to cloudy for most of next week too!

Hi @CocoBungoClub and welcome to SGL. As already mentioned by other SGL'ers, it is an EQ2. We all at some point started of with them when we started and then upgraded to something better. Mine was upgraded to the Vixen GP... I now use alt-az mounts.

Hi @GeorgeP and welcome to SGL ...and from Lower Earley

Hi @MichaelDiggs and welcome to SGL from the Thames Valley, GB/UK.