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Everything posted by brantuk
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I built one of these on the original subscription. It's a nice piece but as you say - it works out over £300 all together. This new subscription appears to include a few extra things (like the scope & planisphere) that weren't available before. The moons are mostly decorative for the planets - only Earth's moon is driven and only Earth spins. All the planets otherwise just go round the sun. The brass parts are nicely made and professional looking, and most stuff fits together easily with no modification. There was an odd glitch in the timing or sequence of the parts over the one year it takes to build. But they mostly dealt with any problems just by sending a replacement pack and not asking for the old/wrong one back. For a total beginner in the early stages of astronomy who likes making stuff - it's well worth it with all the magazine information and tool kit that it comes with. But for a seasoned astronomer who just wants the orrery then maybe the £300 is better spent elsewhere on a more substantial piece. Or pick up this one on the used market for half the price.
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What's the importance of a Luminance layer?
brantuk replied to pipnina's topic in Getting Started With Imaging
I just had a read of this link and I think it should answer your query: http://www.robgendlerastropics.com/LRGB.html Hth -
Neat solution! - I use one of these: http://www.365astronomy.com/Amici-Prism-for-Polarscope.html
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Lunt 50mm/60mm comparison
brantuk replied to twelly27's topic in Getting Started Equipment Help and Advice
This chap has had and compared just about every solar scope going. I don't see a direct comparison between the 50/60 on his site - but if you send him an email I'm sure he'd send you some sound advice. My 60 has the 1200 filter and d/s and it's superb for viewing but not tried imaging yet. Soon I'll get chance to compare the 50/60 side by side when my buddy gets his 50. -
Clear Outside Weather Forecasts for Astronomers
brantuk replied to FLO's topic in Sponsor Announcements and Offers
Ahhh... desktop mode - that explains why it didn't seem to work on my ipad air the same way it works on the laptop..... -
Clear Outside Weather Forecasts for Astronomers
brantuk replied to FLO's topic in Sponsor Announcements and Offers
I saw this yesterday at IAS where Steve demo'd it for me and it's a terrific application. Great product and smashing gesture - big thanks to Steve, Grant, Jamie, and all at FLO. -
You'll find that once polar aligned you can point the scope in any direction N/S/E/W just by loosening the clutches and swinging the scope around - but make sure it is well balanced first for best control. As Merlin says - once you lock onto an object it can be tracked in RA only. Depending on how close your PA is it may need minor adjustments in Dec. This will become apparent by object drift in the eyepiece when observing - or blurring/trailing of stars when imaging. Hth
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I've never attempted this but plenty of folks have and it is a very realistic possibility. Someone else will comment on the equipment and lenses used, but meantime if you search the imaging forums for "Astrotrac" you're sure to find some dso pics taken with just a dslr and lens.
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From: Help with getting started in Astro Photography
brantuk commented on frosty's blog entry in frosty's Blog
I hate to say this but AZgoto mounts aren't the right tool for tracking and imaging nebulae, galaxies, etc - for that you need a good solid equatorial mount. And a dslr is the wrong tool for imaging planets - for that you need a modified webcam. It might be a better idea to ask questions in the open forum on the "Beginners Section". You'll get more visibility and more replies. Blogs don't work quite so well on astro forums in my experience. Pm me if you need some help. :) -
Congrats - very nice purchase. That's a cracking little planetary scope which you'll really enjoy. Saturn's due south around 11pm at the moment - but it's low in the atmosphere so you'll need a fairly clear night - avoid over magnifying it cos it'll get "grainy" - enjoy :)
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I started with one of these - it's an excellent first scope that'll give you a good grounding in visual astronomy. You can upgrade it with an RA motor very easily (around £70) and do some entry level astro photography. You may need to firm it up a bit for imaging cos it vibrates a bit which affects pictures - most folks sling a weight under the tray or fill the legs with sand. Nice scope - congrats :)
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Fabulous photo Mel - gotta get myself some decent filters - did you have much processing to do?
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Fascinating report - especially so cos I just got a s/h Tal100rs that I'm tarting up with a decent focuser. I'll be sure to look this one up with it when the scope's ready. Your sketch wil make a great reference. :)
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Nice one Tibbs - Congrats :)
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Cocoon Nebula and tail Kelling 2011 Borg 77EDII + QHY8 Not much time on this one, just 7 x 10 minute exposures
brantuk commented on Tim's gallery image in Member's Album
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Congrats on your decision CJ - both are smashing scopes that will give you years of pleasure. Look forward to meeting you at Sawley/Belper :)
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