Oldfort

Gary, the Rowan website says its fits with EQ5, and that's what my tripod top is (I think - it says Vixen GP, but I also use an AZ EQ5 on it). The UNI 28 is good and stable. I got the whole kit (other than the Nexus, which I had already) direct from Rowan. I ordered it last weeekend, got a confirmation on Monday and delivery Thursday.

John, mine has the add on for an M10 thread, and an EQ5 type post.

My head said no, but my heart said yes. It's well packed with partitions between the major parts. And here it is And here again, with a tripod, scope and Nexus.

There's nothing that matches what you saw on a fireball monitoring website that I looked at. https://ukmon.imo.net/members/imo_view/browse_events But its a great resource.

I'd second the AZEQ5. I use it for an APM/LZOS 105/650 and it performs well. If you don't want a goto then the Giro II is fine, but it benefits from counterweights. As a halfway house, ie push to, the Tecnosky Elle v2 with the Nexus computer also works well.

Threads and fasteners, and a dabbling in metallurgy.

If they are not M6, then probably 1/4 - 20 UNC.

I agree its a shame these are not manufactured locally, but I guess it's a small market. Telescope Express have realtively reasonable postage charges from Germany to UK (16 euro) and do have an M68 f to M54 m adapter https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p7254_TS-Optics-M68-System---adapter-from-M68x1-to-M54.html If you buy some other stuff as well the postal cost is not too bad.

Light pollution.

I think guiding rings would work, but they are more of a fiddle to remove than the ones than open on a hinge. I got some rings for my Televue 76 from Ali express. They were just slightly larger than I wanted but a bit of felt had them sorted out.

I find that Autosol metal polish works well. Easily obtainable from motor parts shops or on-line, and not expensive. Plus you can buff up the chrome on your car or bike as well.

Like Paul M, I subscribed to S&T for many years. However I felt the quality of articles started to decline, and the magzine got thinner. When my sub came up for renewal about 2 years ago, I did try to renew online, but their system would'nt let me. I contacted the helpdesk, but it was no help at all, so I gave up. This was such a contrast to my experience several years earlier, when one issue never showed up. I phoned up and spoke to a lady, who was very apologetic (sounded genuine), didn't try to blame anyone else and just sorted out the problem without delay.

I have used efoam as well, and was very happy with them.

This is a great part of the world for dark skies (when not cloudy). From a site a few miles west of Penrith, I got a fabulous view of Comet Hyakutake in March 1996. It was spread across the sky like a faint gossamer cloud, absolutely gorgeous.

The UNI 28 has a decent height. Its load capacity is 50 kg, vs 55 kg for the UNI 18, but that won't matter for the SW100ED and any likely mount you use. It's a great tripod.

It just needs a saddle and then clamp your dovetail to it. Job done.

Yes, I use it with the Nexus II. But I think you can also use the DSC. I have used it with an TMB/LZOS/APM 105/650, loaded with 50mm finder, 2" diagonal and whatever eypiece without a problem. BTW, I have been using a Giro 2 for 20 years or so, and it's still a great performer. The counterweight is probably need for 6kg+, to get the smoothest result.

The Tecnosky elle v2 is also a possibility. Tripod mount, encoders and Nexus controller is a good combo.

I stand corrected. However they are flat, and as you tighten the collar, they don't tilt, unlike some other brands.

One thing to note about the TV everbrite is that the nosepiece is not undercut (or sloping) which ensures a snug fit in compression fittings.

The Matrix book looks interesting if it does what it claims to do.

I too observe mostly from Bortle 8 skies. I'd say that M13 is much easier than M57. I think part of the problem is that M57 is so small, so (unless you have goto) it needs more magnification to identify, but then it's harder to find. It's a faint smudge in my C8, and I think an 80ED would be pushing it,

I have astigmatism of 1.75diopters, and I find I don't need to wear my glasses (except for v low power daytime observing). However you will likely need to adjust the focus between you and your wife's viewing. BTW, the 6se is a great scope for visual observing, and small enough to take on holiday in a car - if we are allowed to go.

Yes it was very pretty. Although I got some photos, the difference in brightness makes for a rather dull image..

Looks like it has now moved to 19 March 2022!