souls33k3r

Yeah that's exactly what I thought I'd need but all these super technical stuff has got me even more confused than I started this topic 🤣 I already have an RCD and use that regularly. The sockets that I've been looking at are Just wanted to be sure of the cable really. Like I said before, I thought all what I'll need to do is plug in the RCD in to the wall socket in my house, get this outdoor cable and extend it all the way to the pier and on the pier will have the above waterproof socket and that's it.

Which is what Ian? I like easy

I do have a linear PSU that runs all my gear outside (apart from the laptop). What I want to achieve with this topic was to have a permanent power cable to the pier (rather than having to reel out the extension and then bring it back indoors every time). A double socket at the pier end from which I will constantly use one of the sockets to power a pet bed to keep the moisture out when the mount is under covers and when I'm imaging, I'll just simply plug the PSU and run my gear off of that. Mind you, the end that is coming from the house will have an RCD attached to it all the time. I really don't get it tbh, isn't this supposed to be a simple job of just making my own (cut to length) extension sort using a rugged power cable?

I supposed buying a long extension cable sounds far more easier but how would they react to being outside throughout the year? I thought it would've been a simple case of buying a cable, attach a 3 pin plug at one end which will go in to an RCD plugged inside the house, wire up a weatherproof socket and I'll be all done. Most of the stuff that is being talked about has gone way over my head

This all sounds super complicated tbh. I appreciate all the input and suggestions but I thought this was going to be a simple job and by the sounds of it, this clearly isn't 🤦‍♂️

Ah ok, makes sense. Time to get in the sparky then. Cheers guys.

You absolutely lost me there mate. I have no idea what those terminologies actual mean Appreciate you chipping in mate. Do you remember what cable and where did you buy it from?

Yes it's metal but it's not part of the early. It is bolted on 4 x M16 bolts

Hi All, From my other thread I gathered that I really should have a mains power from inside my house to the pier (about 15m). The purpose of this would be firstly to power the kit at the pier and secondly to power some sort of moisture control gizmo. Currently what i do is, I reel out my 10m cable (RCD connected inside the house) and then daisy chain another extension to give me necessary power sockets and length. I would like to eliminate this altogether for the reasons I mentioned above and also with something that will last forever. The idea is to have long enough cable, RCD at one end which will be in the house, weatherproof power cable and at the pier end will be a weatherproof socket powering my astro gear. My knowledge around electronics and anything electrical is next to nothing so any advice on the cables and type would be appreciated. What I saw on wickes were these and I'm not sure if any of these will be fit for purpose https://www.screwfix.com/p/nexans-pond-flex-3183p-3-core-0-75mm-25m-black/169fk https://www.screwfix.com/p/nexans-3183yag-arctic-flex-3-core-25m-ylw/773gp Thanks in advance.

OK now this is very interesting. I was led to believe that you would be able to see the light coming through the stitches if you put your head inside of the cover and look at the sun for example but was assured that these holes are covered with (not going to quote because I might have heard wrong or it was something completely different substance) wax or something so it should never leak. I just bought mine as well but haven't tested it tbh. Please keep us posted @WanderingEye and let us know what it was in the end and the fix if possible.

Hey Nadeem, how are you keeping buddy? How's the spine now mate? I hope you're on your way to recover. Ah yes, these wardrobe dehumidifier business is something a friend of mine mentioned it to me. How long do they last? They're not rechargeable I take it? I do plan on coming to see you at some point buddy but only once you've fully recovered. Good to hear from you.

Wowzer! You went technical on me super quick mate but I'm sure you know what you're talking about. Please do pardon my ignorance on the electrical side of things, never done any DIY stuff so don't have a clue. The cable you mentioned from screw fix looks like a real deal but I guess I'll start a new thread for that subject. Cheers matey. Hahahahaha like they say, nothing ever just works out of the box. You need one thing to make the other thing which then makes the other thing work lol Cheers for the valuable tip Gordon. I guess I'm really getting concerned about nothing if I only plan on leaving the mount out for 2 nights max. Wrapping it up with a "cotton bed sheet" or a "towel" might be all what I really need then. Cheers Dave. Yeah seems like I might look in to a pet bed at some point but at least out of this thread I understand what I really need is an exterior socket by the telescope for which I'll have to find a long enough cable (at a sensible price) that is going to be weatherproof and rugged so that I can zip tie it to the fence and which will last me forever. Not sure if these pong cables are the ticket item. Will start a new thread for that shortly to find out. Cheers for all the helpful suggestions everyone. Much appreciated.

Ok I'll be the odd one out too and like your original more than the LRGB / RGB image purely because I didn't like how the brighter stars looks like and plus the bright stars had a sort of black ring around the edge of the star. Saying that, now I really love the blend of original and LRGB image. That's by far my favourite. Like Bryan said, I would be more than happy with any of the above images. They're all superb in their own way.

Seems like you and I are both in the same boat mate apart from the fact that I do not intend to leave the mount under covers for more than 2 - 3 days if that.

Sounds like I will have to look in to getting a socket put in then... Ugh! When will I stop spending money, is there an end? 🤣

Again like I said, I do not have means to keep it powered on 24/7 unless I put in a weatherproof power socket in there for which I will have to dig. For now will have to work with my situation and running dew straps does not work for me

Hi All, I have a pier in the garden and have recently bought a TG 365 cover. It's a bit OTT purchase because I do not plan om leaving my kit out under the cover all year around, well not even a week... The mount head at least will be under the TG 365 cover for 2 - 3 days at max. The scope will only stay under it during the day and if only it's clear at night but the scope and camera will come back inside after each session leaving the mount out (again if it's clear the next day/night). I have a question regarding condensation control. What is a sensible a good solution to keeping the condensation/moisture under the covers? I do not have power socket around the pier so I always have to reel out the power plugs. I want the solution to be cost effective and reliable but needs to be practical as well for the above situation. I know there is a dog blanket solution but how do I keep it powered on? I don't have a battery to keep it powered. Then there are wardrobe dehumidifiers... Never worked with one so not sure about how good would they be for outside. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Sorry mate the link doesn't work. I couldn't agree more Gary but then you can always have a larger battery and have it on wheels. I've seen quite a few people do that too. Just another idea I suppose.

That looks super impressive matey. Love how you incorporated this in a briefcase.... Genius!!!

You really can not fault the brilliant service from @FLO. Ordered a TG 365 cover just before midday yesterday and it arrived at my door step in less than 24hrs. How good is that! Thank you @FLO. Since it's a 365 cover, I hope it does not contain clouds because the whole point of this cover is meant to keep the clouds and subsequent rain "Out" of it

Ah awesome! I can never fault FLO's customer service but just wondered what was the cause of these stars and what had fixed them but a replacement scope and no news means Adam is happy

@Adam J any updates on this mate? Would love to know if your issue got resolved.

I was lovely to see and chat with you as always Carole. Good seeing you Marmo and Apophis... Hopefully you'll see my mug more often once I have this car thingy sorted out Throughout the day I was found at the ikarus stand and it was lovely to chat with Rob, Grant and Ray. Best nerd out ever! Did anyone see how cute and impressive the new Rainbow Astro RST-135 mount was? Super light weight, slightly pricey for an average guy like me but that didn't stop me from dreaming and dribbling all over it (if FLO decides to put this mount on their "Offer" page and if the lucky owner sees some marks on the mount, yes these are my dribbles) Gawd! It was gorgeous and equally impressive was the StellaMira scopes. Very well machined, beautiful glass and tbh who doesn't like Red & Black combo. I agree with Carole and also since I gave the last few years a miss, I really did notice that the herd was not as massive as it used to be. Also i did go there with the intention on buying something which wouldn't take a massive hit on the wallet but didn't know what. In the end didn't feel like it was worth opening up my wallet.

Perfect, will find you... Unless you find me first

Will be there tomorrow. Aiming for around 10am. Coming to meet up some names from here and also a few mates off SGL (Facebook). @carastrowhat time you coming?