Demonperformer

I don't know this precise mount, but features state that the firmware is "upgradeable via the internet". Is that worth a try in case there is a glitch in the programming on your handset? Not a high probability, but you seem to have addressed all the common issues. It sounds to me like it is confusing N/S, but why it would do that I have no idea.

Hi, Hoshii, and welcome to SGL. Enjoy the journey.

Hi, AA&D, and welcome to the forum. We live in exciting times for those wishing to become astronauts, what with the arrival SpaceX and "commercial" spaceflight. Don't let anyone steal that dream! Enjoy the journey.

Hi, ks, and welcome to SGL. We likes questionses! Enjoy the journey.

Love it! Now, where have I stored all those subs where the focussing mask was left on ... ?

That is very nice and a definite improvement on the galaxies. Keep up the good work!

Hi, Entrpy53, and welcome to SGL. I can't give you specific advice to your question, but aperture can help cut through light pollution to some extent. But nothing beats being able to get a scope under a dark sky. I don't know how "mobile" you are and if getting away from the city is a possibility for you. But, if it is, I would definitely factor that into your upgrade. You will be able to purchase a bigger dobsonian for a similar sum compared to the 130mm. [Yes, I hate it as well when someone comes along and tells me to consider a different purchase than the one I have decided upon!] Another thing to consider is that, whilst adding extras may seem a cheap way of getting extra kit, every piece of glass you add to the system (like reducers) reduce the quality of what you are seeing to some extent. The only other thing I can recommend is that you go for one scope (only) first. Decide where your main passion lies (planets & moon or deep sky objects) and get the one best suited to that. Then, when you have experience with that one, you will be in a better position to decide how to extend your kit. Enjoy the journey.

Hi, Rob, and welcome to SGL. If the money-pit that is AP is your passion, take a look at this book - it will be a good investment. Enjoy the journey.

Hi, Alan, and welcome to SGL. Enjoy the journey.

Very nice sequence. Demonstrates well how rapidly Venus grows in size as the crescent shrinks, all in the space of about three weeks.

I'd be well-chuffed with that. Small sharp images are always better than large fuzzy ones (IMO).

Nice one. Much better than any image of Mercury I've ever got.

The thing I find interesting about that photo is the way you have stars in focus behind the bird's nest, which "common sense" would tell you should be blocked by it. Of course due to the way the light through every part of the objective focusses on that single point, but I just like it when "common sense" is proved not to be. Always assuming that you don't have a really bad hot pixel problem ...

Hi, Dannomiss, and welcome to SGL. Enjoy the journey.

Hi, WSG, and welcome to SGL. I have a pair of 15x70s and they work very well on a cheap monopod (something like this). I use them seated, with the monopod leaning slightly backwards into me, so that the bins stay fixed to my eyes. Rock steady. Enjoy the journey.

Hi, Cosmos101, and welcome to SGL. Enjoy the journey.

Hi, Redmond, and welcome to SGL. Joining as astro soc is a good way to grow in this hobby. Enjoy the journey.

Hi, Ron, and welcome to SGL. Enjoy the journey.

I like the way you describe an altitude of 43 degrees as "quite low". We're barely getting half that with Jupy and Saturn at the moment. Nice capture.

Oh well ... I'll always have Venus ...

Lovely and clear here ... except for the 5% of the sky around the sun!

The 1615 one looks as likely as any for me

Nice test shot. Is it just my screen, or do the stars on the left hand side of the pic have a ghostly on their right side? I would love to be able to get a decent shot of this one!

It will likely be my final chance (next one is 2032). 2016 event was clouded out, so really hopeful. Still, I got to see the 2004 Venus transit in glorious sunshine, so unicorns do exist ...

Definitely a worthwhile evening. My personal hate is diffraction spikes on stars, which I can only assume you added in processing as it is a refractor. That said, it is your picture and you should never let anyone talk you out of what you like.