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Posts posted by Simon Dunsmore
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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
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Thanks, I'll check those out. How did you feel it performed?
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Mmm, the more I hear about that first tripod, the more I'm inclined to leave it alone.
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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
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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
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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
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Thanks Peter,
I'll take a look and report back
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Thanks for this, really appreciate your help
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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
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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
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Hi, Thanks for your help. Really appreciated.
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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?
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Thanks for the reply. It doesn't look like it has the right connector though
Next step advice
in Getting Started With Imaging
Posted
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