Demonperformer

Since sorting out my initial problems with PA, I am reasonably happy with my NEQ6, although if I were doing it now, I would probably go for the R model because of the improved PE with the belt drive. Yes, I know I could fit belt drives to my current mount ... I could also do my own plumbing, but the results would probably be less than optimal! If I had the possibility of a permanent setup, and also received a small windfall, I would probably follow Olly's advice and go for a mesu.

Hi, wildduck, and welcome to SGL. We like questions on SGL - and you will find a wealth of knowledge and experience among the membership to help you. Enjoy the journey.

As others have said, the results are really impressive. I'd been looking for a way of sorting out the stars in my NB images ...

Hi, Derek, and welcome to SGL. New collimated a newtonian, so I'm not sure I can be a lot of help. This is quite a popular guide to newtonian collimation by one of our members. Other than that, I am sure some of our newt-owning members will be of more use than me. Enjoy the journey.

Hi, Harry, and welcome to SGL. If AP is your passion, you could do a lot worse than getting a copy of this book. Frequently recommeded on here. Enjoy the journey.

Just what I need - another astronomical event that (1) won't be observable from my location, & (2) would not reveal much even if it was. Still, I guess that means there is less chance of it being clouded-out!

But we like a challenge!

It might be worth sending a PM to Robin (@rwg) who wrote Sharpcap. I have always found him to be very approachable and helpful.

I tend to produce different names ... a lot of the proper ones don't quite do it for me!

Interesting project. Will be interested to see how it performs.

Hi, Robert, and welcome to SGL. Good advice given above. Enjoy the journey.

Very nice sketches. Steph1 has always been a favourite of mine since I "stumbled" upon it ... even though I was quite disappointed to find that I wasn't the first person to notice it!!

I think you will enjoys the views you get with it. There are no doubt people who will advise you to stock up with extra eyepieces (and other things), but I would advise patience. One of the greatest skills you can develop is to learn to "see" rather than just "look at". This takes time and patience. The longer you observe an object at the eyepiece, the more you will see. Start with the EPs provided and upgrade when you know why you are doing it. What do you expect your new purchase to achieve that your current gear doesn't? If you don't have an answer to that question, you can find yourself spending a lot of money to very little advantage (I speak as one who did exactly that!). The only other thing you really need are clear skies (yeah, like that's going to happen!) and a dark site from which to observe. One thing you might find useful, however, is a planisphere. Some (including me) find this easier than a standard star atlas. Dial in the date and time, hold it over your head oriented to the north, and it matches the sky perfectly. You are in for some fun nights with that scope ... enjoy!

Looks like it is coming together. Mind you, for that price, I would hope it would be performing this well ...

Hi, TG, and welcome to SGL. The 6se is a very nice scope (sometimes regret parting with mine!) and you have many happy hours ahead of you. Enjoy the journey.

A 10 (250mm) has about 50% more light grasp than an 8 (200mm). The greater the light-grasp, the brighter an object will appear at the same magnification. Bright is good (think about reading a newspaper as it starts to get dark - when it is light you can see the small print, as it gets dark you can only read bigger and bigger print) as you will see more detail. Both of the scopes you link to are GOTO models, which will make finding an object easy, but are more expensive than the standard dob models. Do you want to just observe, or is "hunting down" your object part of the fun for you? If the former, GOTO is the way to go, if the latter go for a standard dob model. A 1:10 focusser makes sooo much difference. I didn't believe how much easier it was to achieve proper focus until I upgraded to one. But this can be upgraded later if you don't have one initially. I really would reiterate the advice given above that you track down a local astro society and have a look through various options before you buy.

One possible benefit of a solid tube dob over a flexi tube one is, if you decide to get into AP, you would be able to use the tube on a decent EQ mount - although a big reflector may not be the best AP instrument! +1 for MEPC

Hi, Wavseeker, and welcome to SGL. A dob is a good choice for light grasp. Depending on your LP, you will need a light shield (of some sort) to go round the extended tube. The only catch is that you will need to scrap #9 - dobs are next to useless for AP. If possible, I would advise you to see this sort of scope "in the flesh" before you purchase. Are there any astro societies near you? If so, you may well have the option to visit an observing evening and have the chance to "try before you buy". I once owned a 250mm dob that (in my circumstances) was totally unsuitable. Enjoy the journey.

Check the chip size and pixel sizes. A bigger chip will cover more sky. Pixel size gives you your resolution for your focal length - general wisdom tends to be to go for about 2"/px.

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

F.A.B.

Hi, Firas1, and welcome to SGL. Sorry you were decieved by the article, but there are plenty of real things to see in the night sky. Enjoy the journey.

It really comes into its own when you are shooting the same target over several nights as it can align on the position obtained from the previous evening's shot.

You are clearly going to have to think faster to keep up! Seriously, I agree. It is an absolute godsend. No more messing around with finders and 'tweaking' position, just let the laptop do it all.

Not so, both of my 183 cameras cool very nicely.