Simon Dunsmore

Hi, I presently image with a Skywatcher 72ED on a star adventurer. It's a great little set up and now I'm thinking of adding a guide scope (which I will also use to fine tune my polar alignment). I'm on a budget of around £250 and was looking at this, I'd value your thoughts, has anyone else got one of these? https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/altair-mg32-gp130m.html Thanks folks Simon

Hi Folks, I thought I'd start a conversation, if I had some friends around here that were also into star gazing, its the sort of chat I'd have over a pint So about two years ago, when I was just getting into this amazing hobby, I purchased a eq5 goto (used) and a brand new skywatcher 200pds. I known now, what I can hear you all saying... "that's too heavy for an EQ5!" I made an uninformed goof! So now I am the owner of a Skywatcher 72ED and love it, I've started imaging with it on a used sky adventure. Really enjoying this set up. Here's the thing, I still enjoy doing visual astronomy and switch between the two. I'm thinking of selling the 200pds and treating myself to a more suitable scope for the eq5. I enjoy viewing DSOs and it would be nice to have a scope that adds something a bit more powerful than the 72Ed and could also be used for astrophotography. I'd thought about downsizing the 200 to a 130pds but would welcome your thoughts. Looking forward to your suggestions. BTW love this forum, wish I'd known about it a long time ago. Thanks Simon

Thanks, I'll check those out. How did you feel it performed?

Mmm, the more I hear about that first tripod, the more I'm inclined to leave it alone.

Hi, Thanks for your help. That looks perfect. But as you say, not overly portable. As I don't plan to hike into the middle of nowhere it's definitely a contender. Is that the correct thread size? Cheers Simon

Hi Folks, Quick question, anybody purchased the star adventurer tripod. Looks reasonably priced at around £60 with a max payload of 15kg. Better alternatives at a similar price? Thanks for your help Simon

Hi Peter, Thanks so much for taking the time to explain all of this, genuinely appreciate all the help. As you say, I'm learning away from the polemaster, just need a few clear nights to work on the process. Will let you know how I get on. Thanks again Simon

Thanks Peter, I'll take a look and report back

Hi Steve, I haven't tried it for the Synscan handset but I use large sticky velcro pads to attach guider handset to my mount. You could give them a try. Around £5 Just a thought Simon

OK got it thanks. If I understand correctly the 2.4 is like the operating system and the 4.39.10 is the latest update. Thanks so much for your help

Thanks Cornelias, Sorry, not sure I understand. Do I still need to update the firmware or is 4.39.10 the latest? When I update, is it the 4.39.10 that changes? In short, what is the difference between firmware update version and Synscan firmware version? I really appreciate your assistance Thanks Simon

Hi You wonderful SGL community, I recently updated the firmware on my Synscan handset but am now a little confused. When I switch it on the screen says version 4.39.10. But if I press 8 & 0 whilst powering on (to update) it reads version 2.4 update. Anyone else experiencing this problem. Advice is very appreciated!! Thanks Simon

Hi Merlin, Thanks for your help. I have attached a photo of what I described as a base unit, sorry I'm not sure what it's called. Reading between the lines, are you saying that you would not bother with the upgrade? Thanks again Simon

Hi Folks, Sorry for the questions of late. Just working through a goto problem. I presently have an EQ5 goto. The handset is version 2.4. I was wondering if the version 5 was considered as considerably better as the 2.4 does not accept updates. Is the version 5 any more accurate? Also, is it just a matter of changing the handset or do I need to replace the Synscan base unit as well? Thanks for your help Simon

Thanks Cornelias. I'll give that a try In the meantime here are the details that Marvin suggested I provided (thanks Marvin) Stellarium vs 0.19.03 Synscan vs 2.4 Mount EQ5 Connected via provided cable + USB adapter Thanks for your help Simon

Thanks for this, really appreciate your help

Hi Folks, I'd appreciate it if you could assist. I'm trying to connect my eq5 to stellarium. Im using version 0.19.03. I get as far as connect telescope but when I click on configure nothing happens. I've got the Synscan unit and hand controler powered up and connected. Do I need to have it actually connected to the mount? Appreciate your assistance. Simon P. S I Can't seem to find a downloadable user guide for this version

Hi Folks, Thanks for your messages. Can I just clarify, if my polar alignment is more accurate does this mean that finding guide stars and ultimately objects will be more accurate? Thanks for your help Simon

Hi, Thanks for your help. Really appreciated.

Thanks Annie, I'll check it out. On another note. Does anyone think that using an eyepiece with illuminated cross hairs adds noticeably to the accuracy of a goto mount?

Hi, Thanks for your help. I usually polar align the mount and then do a three star alignment. So it looks like I just need to be a little more accurate

Hi All, Well we've had some lovely clear nights of late here in Kent and I've been out enjoying the stars. Please forgive me if this is a silly question. I've been using my EQ5 goto mount for some time and although it works, I can never really get it that accurate and spend some time slewing around with a wide angle EP to find the target. Last night I had a sudden thought of something I may be doing wrong and wanted to check with you wise folks. When setting up, should the main scope be aligned with the polar scope? By this I mean when polaris is centered in the polar scope, should it be in the cross hairs of the EP. If so, how do I do that? As always, thanks for your help. Cheers Simon

Hi, Sorry for the late reply. Thanks for your efforts to identify my problem. The field flattener I had purchased actually had an extension tube attached and I was unaware could be removed. I contacted FLO and as usual they were incredibly helpful. I am still yet to try again, but will let you know how I get on. Thanks again Simon

Hi Wise folks of Stargazers Lounge, So tonight I the odds of having a free evening and clear skies aligned and I thought to try my hand at a little astrophotography. I'm using a Canon 1000d field flattener and Skywatcher 72ed. The problem I have is that I can't wind the focuser in far enough to obtain focus. As far as I know I have the correct equipment and am somewhat baffled. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks for your help Simon

Thanks for the reply. It doesn't look like it has the right connector though