RT65CB-SWL

This is a good resource site... http://www.weasner.com/etx/menu.html ...for all things ETX related.

When this COVID-19 'lockdown' has been given the all clear; maybe we could meet up, if that is OK with you and then you can 'eyeball' my ETX. I am somewhere in between Reading & Wokingham, Berkshire.

The Celestron f/6.3 FF/FR is slightly better than the Meade one.

I think the eyepiece choice is OK size wise, though as to quality I am not. @rwilkey is the man who knows his eyepieces inside out and not forgetting @John and @Louis D too. Solar filter wise... personally go for a solar wedge, (image of my 70mm refractor and solar wedge below on a overcast GB/UK at about midday). Alternatively you can try a full aperture solar filter. There are at least three types. Glass. In my opinion, apart from the solar wedge this is my choice. I have one but is starting to show its age now and no longer not use it. Gives a nice 'comforting' yellow-orange hue of the solar disc. Solar film. Two options available here. One is buy a ready made for your 'scope objective, i.e. full aperture. Can either be ready made or you can make one yourself with some cardboard and stick-back plastic tape, which is also the cheapest option. Gives a very pale blue or white disc. Black polymer. They are supposed to be a longer lasting version of '2' above, though how true, I do not know, as I have not used one. Anyway, if you do decide on a full solar filter, DO REMEMBER TO CHECK IT BEFORE EACH AND EVERY USE for any scratches, tears, pin-pricks, etc., and this includes the glass one too! - do not assume that it is 100% defect free. This is why I have now gone for the solar wedge option. Depending on the brand, (mine is a Lunt), I get a green solar disc when used with a solar continuum filter and built-in ND3.0 filter. Also it is worth noting that they can only be used with a refractor 'scopes. BTW - please remember to remove your finder/RDF before finder too! - I got a nasty rash on my forehead, back in 1999; (I was in Krapets, BG, with a few other members from my local astro. society/club to view it); when I forgot to remove my RDF. It stung for days after! 😳

Hi @BernardH and welcome to SGL. I have the Celestron C6/SCT. If you do intend to start astro-ismaging two of the first things you will need are... a focal reducer a.k.a. FF/FR. A telescope at f/10 is considered 'slow' - a FF/FR will make it f/6.3 a copy of this book: Make Every Photon Count Not sure on how suitable the mount is for astro-imaging, because I am purely visual at present. Other SGL imagers will advise what is best suited for you. Just bear in mind it is a steep learning curve, so you may need to get some practice before you leave.

Another 'photo heavy' post... Ha Ha 🤣... White Dwarf... that's my status ranking. Yours is currently Vacuum. 😜 - it will change as you increase your postings and replies. Yes! the plastic housing has been to known flex a little bit when you add a DSLR, or other heavy accessory to it, or the threaded ring has been known to become detached. 😳 Also a focal reducer should work, but first you will need this part (as shown in my earlier reply)... ...if you attach the Celestron or Meade f/6.3 FF/FR.* Meade released a f/3.3 version. From what I gather; it does have or cause issues. So I would forget about that one and stick with an f/6.3 one. * other brands are also available.

добра вечер / good evening @Stefann and welcome to SGL. 🇲🇰 🇬🇧 Good images from a smartphone handheld over the eyepiece. I have tried many times... and keep trying... and fail. You said, quote: "... and on the upper belt on the right side there was a small dark dot, i am not sure if it was anything..." - that may have been one of the four Galellean moons shadow. Always fun to watch them go in and come out of shadow. 6.3mm e/p and x2 barlow is way to much magnification... even using the 9mm e/p and x2 barlow you may get the same result, so worth investing in 'better' here as you are planning to do. As for brand; do you have a budget? - then we can advise better. Wishing you clear Balkan skies.

Looking good!

I forgot to add these... ...as per my signature. The TeleVue (82deg AFOV) and Meade (84deg AFOV) can be used in 1.25" & 2" focussers and star diagonals... (they are heavy... so balancing is important)! - the Sky-Watcher (56deg AFOV) is 2" only, (reducers to 1.25" are available)... and less weight.

Hi @Etc-125ec and welcome to SGL. If you swap/change the plastic rear cell assembly, which houses the flip mirror and balance weight; you may wish to consider: http://wegatoptical.com/ - it was seeing the site that inspired me to get it done. They are not cheap. They do not do make or keep stock of them for the ETX105. I did email them. They said it would cost more for a "one-off" unless more positive feedback/interest was shown. I did not want to my ETX end up as a landfill statistic. WARNING! this is picture heavy... I have a 'de-forked' ETX105 and had a few 'mods' done to it; notably the rear cell assembly, (images below), following an accident with it a few years back, now enables me to use SCT accessories, (and DSLR, with appropriate hardware and T-ring). The last image is with a SCT 2" star diagonal. The rear port is the same thread and diameter that is found on the original plastic housing. These parts enable me to use SCT and 1.25" accessories too!

You could try Tri-Atlas. All three .PDF volumes will just fit on a CD-ROM. Galaxies are down to magnitude 15.5 and stars to 12.5, (if I remember). Also you could try Petty Deep Maps - a detailed all-sky astronomical atlas. I found a link to it via another SGL'er signature. Looks like it is going to fill at least three DVD-ROM, (the charts are .PDF), and one CD-ROM, (other info., etc). It's a very big download! edit: I have 'burned' Petty Deep Maps - a detailed all-sky astronomical atlas, (3x DVD's & 1x CD), this afternoon and took about 40-60 minutes from start to finish, (including where I messed up on DVD-ROM #2 and another 'burn' to get it in the order I specified, as below). DVD-ROM #1 ...spring & summer DVD-ROM #2 ...autumn/fall & winter DVD-ROM #3 ...Northern & Southern circumpolar CD-ROM... indicies & guide ...approximately 8.10 G/byte of HDD space too... 😳😱

I have been on SGL for 21 years in September...does that count... (and 11 years as a member)... and "No!" I am not buying the next round with you all when the pubs/bars open after the COVID-19 lockdown is over to celebrate my time here. Seriously: I am always finding SGL a useful source of advice and other info, and SGL'ers are very courteous to each other. Wishing you all clear skies without [or with] the hangover!

William Parsons, £rd Earl/Lord Rosse, 'Leviathan of Parsontown' telescope at Birr Castle, Offlay Eire 🇮🇪 ; had two primary mirrors made for it, and the coatings were made from speculum* and because it degrades rather quickly and is extremely fragile. I assume the secondary was also speculum* too. (I need to research this). I can imagine you and him comparing notes and exchanging ideas. * the ingredients for speculum are: 2/3 copper - 1/3 tin

Hi @Leigh J K and welcome to SGL. I just have the 'basic' version on my devices. The more you pay; other databases and features are included. If you have an Apple iPhone or tablet, it includes an augmented reality (AR) feature; which is [still] not yet available on/for Android devices.

A few weeks ago; I read an article that said the reason Betelgeuse was getting dimer, was because of a dust cloud. I was thinking the same... whilst the world was caught up in the hype of it going supernova. Damn dust gets everywhere!

Hi @Karen Bexley and welcome to SGL. Besides owning three telescopes... (and a WW1 sighting telescope)... I also own two pairs of binoculars... (images below). (left) Sony 7x50 - (right) Revaltion Astro 20x80

Hi @Cuto100200 and welcome to SGL. Below is a list what I have and use on my Apple iPhone and Android phone & tablet in alphabetical order. note: some are 'free' apps - others are 'paid' apps. Apple iOS... Constellation ...puzzle/game to help you recognise the 88 IAU constellations. Clear Outside Eclipse Safari DSMIYL 2015 ...iOS version of a sky quality meter. Jupiter Moons ISS Spotter Moon Globe Pluto Safari Satellite Safari Saturn Moons Sky Safari Sky Week + ...weekly guide to what to expect - temporary unavailable at present time. Star Charts ...Will Tirion's 'Cambridge Star Atlas' in your pocket. TriAtlas ...Jose Ramon Torres's star atlas in your pocket. Android OS Constellation ...puzzle/game to help you recognise the 88 I.A.U. constellations. Clear Outside Heavens Above Mars Sky ...displays the sun, solar system planets, (includes Pluto), and Phobos & Deimos from a few sites on Mars. Moon Atlas 3D Planets ...displays the solar system planets and the Moon and do a virtual flyby. Does not include Pluto as it was released before the 'New Horizons' mission - also displays the night sky in the 'visible' & 'invisible' electromagnetic spectrum. Planet Droid SkEye Sky Safari Sky Week + ...weekly guide to what to expect - temporary unavailable at present time. Sky Wheel ...displays the sun, solar system planets, (includes Pluto), from almost anywhere on Earth.

If I have a duplicated post, I normally send a PM to one of the admins, quoting the subject title. Only the admins have the 'permissions' to delete/remove them.

Hi @Stargazing_Newbie and welcome to SGL. +1 one for the the advice given by other SGL'ers. Do not be tempted to purchase a pair of cheap 'zoom' binoculars. Go for a 'fixed' focal length. I have two pairs of binoculars... <--- 7x50 <--- 20x80 If you have a camera tripod or monopod, (depending on your height), you may wish to consider one these to mount them... ...and an 'L' bracket or other binocular mount for attaching to a tripod or monopod. The trigger grip/joystick/ball-head; (I think, is better than using a pan & tilt head)... note: the base thread is 3/8" instead of 1/4". If you do not have a tripod on monopod; then there other ideas/methods elsewhere on the internet showing you how to mount binoculars on a budget. To finish off, this maybe of help...

A few things I forgot to mention in my earlier post. If you are going down the astro-imaging route, get a copy of this book: 'Make Every Photon Count'. You will need an EQ mount, EQ5 or better. As I said earlier, this is where most of your money will be spent. You can do astro-imaging with an Alt-Az mount, but the OTA needs to be move in two axis, (rather then one axis for an EQ when polar-aligned), and you will need to find a method of compensating for the Earth's 'rapid' rotation. They are OK for Lunar/Moon & Solar/Sun imaging; (with appropriate solar filters or solar wedge*, etc). Venus, Jupiter & Saturn are doable too, but do require some patience of the end user. <--- This is my 70mm refractor, (c/w solar wedge*), for viewing the Sun in 'white-light'. * a solar wedge, (a.ka. Hershel wedge), can only be used with a refractor telescope.

Have you considered one of these... ...a Panasonic ToughBook. New, high spec ones can cost £2000+ GBP. You may buy a refurbished one for <£400 GBP. I have the CF-19. They are rugged and can withstand knocks, bumps, drops; (from about one metre); kicks, thumps, liquids, damp, dust, extreme temperature changes, being trampled on, being run over, etc., ...even bullets. note: I have not or attempted to do the last one!

Hi @Mike409 and welcome to SGL. I would suggest you start here: --->https://www.firstlightoptics.com/beginner-telescopes.html If you are confident and know what is what in the sky, star-hopping, etc., have you considered a 'Dobsonian' type? (either a solid or truss tube) - if not then, I would consider buying some binoculars to begin with, or the SkyWatcher Heritage 130p Flextube to begin with; and get a copy of this book: 'Turn Left at Orion'. Do you intend to do astro-imaging too? now or later? - the bigger the 'scope, the bigger the mount; (that is where most of the money will be spent, as it is the foundation for stable views/images). Also needs to be polar-aligned, kept in an obsy, etc. Getting accurately polar-aligned is going to be the biggest challenge for anyone, if it is not going to be a permanent fixture. Also, there are two types of popular mount: Alt-Az and EQ... an Alt-Az needs to be aligned via two or three stars if automated... EQ's need to be polar-aligned. I myself, have a 70mm refractor, a 're-modded' 105mm Maksutov and 150mm Schmidt-Cassegrain on 'manual' Alt-Az mounts.

I know that my local astronomy society/club does have Public Liability Insurance for events on-site or off-site, (i.e. regular meetings, public out-reach, etc.). If the society is organising; you and others, (i.e. members, public, etc.), are/should be covered by it. However, if you and a few other members are organising it, (i.e. not club/society), then it is something worth looking into and investing in for peace of mind. Obviously first thing to do to is shop around for a few quotes to get the best deal out there and/or speak to your current insurer/broker.

Tricky one! I would contact your insurance company or broker and ask them to provide/post any documentation in writing. Ask the site-owner too and can he/she provide a copy in writing; if you can beforehand of what is... and what is not... covered. Read thoroughly all T&C's of all parties involved. quote 1: "The pen is mightier than the sword." - Edward Bulwer-Lytton quote 2: "...many wearing rapiers are afraid of goose-quills and dare scarce come tither." - William Shakespeare Hopefully someone with knowledge of 'Public Liability Insurance' will provide a concise and precise answer.

Hi @DaveMoss and welcome to SGL. Sorry to read about your mishap. You could try a few things... Not sure whether the you have misaligned the focusser/drawtube. Even if slightly out of alignment, it will cause focus issues now or later and may/will require a replacement part or parts. Can you focus the OTA and e/p without the diagonal in place? - (note: some 'scopes the diagonal makes up part of focal length) - if you can focus without it, than you may have misaligned the diagonal. If it can focus, then buy another diagonal, (see sellers/vendors T&C's regarding returns before purchase). A replacement, (not neccessarly the same type or of the same brand; but as long as it is 1.25"), it maybe better than the original. Are you a member of a local astronomy society/club? or is there one nearby to you? - If "Yes!" ask and see if you can borrow one; even if it means taking along your 'scope to try it; assuming you can get out and about and the society/club is 'open' due the current COVID-19 lockdown/curfew restrictions. As a last resort; you could contact the seller/vendor for a one-to-one replacement; assuming there is no physical or visible damage and you have all the original packaging. If it was delivered via postal service or courier; then you may or may not be responsible for the costs of returning it.