Simon Dunsmore

18 minutes ago, vlaiv said:

First azimuth:

Scale is on top circle but hand is fixed to bottom one. Scale rotates and hand is fixed:

You setup your scope so that it is pointing north and hand is pointing to 0 degrees on scale.

Same is for altitude.

You will need some sort of application on your phone / tablet or something similar to convert RA/DEC coordinates of the object to Alt/Az coordinates for your location at a given time (calculation is not trivial - so either pre print some tables of times for each object or use electronic aid).

Hi, 

Thanks for your reply. 

So with this method, I guess you have to keep tweaking the whole mount to align it? 

This may be a silly question, but will simply getting polaris in the finderscope be accurate enough for alignment? 

Thanks 

Hi Folks,

Could someone help to cool my overheating brain?

Thinking about adding setting circles to a 10" dob when I finally get one. I saw the idea in the attached picture but for the life of me can't get my head around how that would work. If the scale is attached to the rotating part of the base, how would you know what degree you are moving the scope to?

Unless, the scope was aligned to North (but wouldn't this have to be true north? and then the scale was fixed so that 0 degrees was at the front and centre of the base.

I guess the other alternative is to sit the whole base on another separate base with a rotating circle, so that you could align on a known star and then turn the dial to the correct degree. This would then give you a fixed point from which to navigate??

The first option seems much easier but, as I say, I can't figure it out. Also whilst we are on the subject where would one find a printable scale to fit a Skywatcher 10" dob base?

Thanks folks

7 hours ago, Barry-W-Fenner said:

Hi Simon.
 

I think you might mean a wixey. If so it's a magnetic digital angle gauge that you can stick on your tube to give you the altitude reading for the angle your scope is at.  It should guide you to the altitude you need to be at when locating targets.

They are quite cheap on ebay.

Cheers

 

Baz

 

Hi Baz, 

Thanks! I guess that's why I couldn't find anything to do with a Wikey 😂

So in theory, this used in conjunction with a digital compass, would put you somewhere near the target if you roughly aligned the azimuth to North??? 

Cheers Simon 

Hi Guys, 

Sorry, back with another question. I've read a few older threads on here about using a Wikey to help with locating objects with a dobsonian. 

Please excuse my ignorance, what is a Wikey? I've googled and googled but can't find anything not even a seller of this mysterious device! 

Thanks for your help 

Simon 

Hi Folks, 

Quick question, does anyone have any experience with Astro-Fix Setting Circle System for Dobsonian Telescopes. Looks like a winner if it works. 

I'm thinking of using it in conjunction with Sky Safari 6pro. Any other suggestions greatly received. 

Thanks and clear skies 

Simon 

2 minutes ago, johninderby said:

Interesting reading the different viewpoints. Some love their flex-tubes and others think they are a waste of time. 🤔

 

 

Definitely a love it or hate it topic with nothing in between. Interesting but doesn't help when wandering around in a confused telescope review induced state. 

BTW, for a 10" dobsonian, will I need a step up to reach the EP? I'm just under 6'

33 minutes ago, JOC said:

I've got an 8" Skywatcher flex-tube.  I've been very pleased with it and given the chance to buy again would not buy the solid tube.  I love the way it collapses - this makes storage easier - my 8" folds to about the size of a dining chair to store on its base (though your contemplated model would obviously have a wider base).  Other things I like are the folded size when it comes to moving it.  I store it inside the porch and my goto base weighs a bit and I find it easier to move the OTA and the base separately (it is a work of moments to separate the two) .  The advantage of moving the OTA comes when it collapsed - it is an easy reach to pop my fingers around the open end and under the ridge at the closed end and lift it safely within an arms width which makes it easy to move through household sized doors.  I don't know what the collapsed size of the one you are looking at is, but I imagine there would be a similar advantage - my arms are not that long and if you are a taller person than me you might still find the collapsed tube of a larger model is still an easier lift to shift through small spaces than the longer length of a tube that won't fold.  FWIW I have not found any issues with a possible loss of collimation and the tubes of the Skywatcher provide an entirely convincing rigid immovable structure when locked into place.  I'd buy again.

FWIW here is a picture of my 8" you can imagine the difference in size when folded.  The two pieces entirely butt up against each other and the whole length of the extension rods is lost.

Hi Joc, 

Thanks for your message. 

I think that you have hit the nail on the head. The solid tube makes sense on every level, price, collimation and weight, but I keep coming back to the size and portability of the OTA. 

Although I would be keeping it in the garage (my wife has some oversion to peering around a telescope to see the TV, where as I'm happy just to look at the scope😀) I wouldn't need to worry about doorways but getting it out to the car and onto the back seat is a concern. Light pollution is not so much of a problem but rather restricted views, consequently I will have to transport it to a better location. 

Plenty of food for thought from you all. Sadly no further forward in making a decision though. 

On another side note, is this the shroud essential? 

Thanks again 

30 minutes ago, Alan White said:

And beware when talking Orion.

Orion are a US brand which are similar to Skywatcher.

Orion Optics Uk are a UK based manufacturer making scopes here in the UK, up in Cheshire.

As to flextubes, sorry, never had one, could not see the point until getting big, then I would have gone truss tube.

and having just noted the OP, hello Simon.

Hi Alan, Thanks for the reply. Just need to sell my kit and then I'll see... All pie in the sky right now 

Good point on t

1 minute ago, John said:

I'm sure someone who has used both will come along soon with specific answers. I've only owned the solid tube version.

Optically, they are the same, I know that much. The Flextube version weighs slightly more.

Not sure re: collimation frequency although it's something that should be checked and tweaked as needed each time a dob is used anyway. Like tuning a guitar before playing.

Flextube is not a great name for a dob is it ?. I guess they were referring to the ability to reduce the tube length for storage / transport but still .....

Good point on the name 😂

One other option is the Orion. I believe that these are produced by the same manufacturer as Skywatcher but retail at a slightly higher price here in the UK. 

What we're your impressions of the solid tube, would you buy one again? 

Cheers 

Hi Folks, 

I appreciate that this has probably been asked time and again, sorry! 

So, I am in the valley of indecision here. I have a 130pds for AP and love it. I also enjoy visual and am after a 10" dob. I've narrowed it down to the Skywatcher 250px rigid tube and the Skywatcher 250 flextube. I have read just about every review on both scopes but just can't make up my mind. 

I believe that the rigid scope will fit in my car across the back seat and that the flexi will take up less room height wise for storage. But does one have an advantage optically over the other? 

Will the flexi version require collimation more frequently?? 

Can someone put me out of my dilemma 🤔

Ideally someone who has used both! 

Stay safe guys

Welcome, 

After buying several scopes over the years, I now refer to them as cloud magnets! 

With so many people buying scopes, we don't stand a chance of clear skies 😂

Welcome to the hobby and the forum 

8 hours ago, bomberbaz said:

Hiya Simon. What is it exactly you are looking to be advised on as this is unclear. 

I know you say it is going to stick out some way but that isn't necessarily a problem.

Does it come to focus is the one question. 

Does it appear over heavy and flex the focuser at the ota fixing point.

It does state, "is optimised for the new Sky-Watcher Explorer DS f/5 telescopes with 2-inch focuser." In fairness it does state it as being suitable on the FLO website, probably on the advice of SW.

Also the 130 pds optimised as an imaging newtonian, it is unclear why are you using for visual. 

Sorry don't want to sound negative or anything but a bit more information might help people know where you are coming from and provide better informed answers to your queries.

Steve

Morning Steve, 

Thanks for your message. 

You are absolutely correct. I purchased the 130pds and the coma corrector for AP, and am really happy with it and the service provided by FLO. 

I did however, think that I may from time to time use the scope for visual as well, which I believe it is also capable of, if not its primary use. 

The combination of coma corrector, extension tube, barlow and eyepiece does, as you say seem to put some flex on the focuser. However!!! Thanks to the good folks at Flow, I have ordered an adaptor that not only shortens the set up but also allows me to use my dslr M42 T ring without buying a second M48 adapter. 

Thanks again for your help 

Clear skys 

Simon 

Hi Folks, 

This may be a silly question, but I just purchased a Skywatcher coma corrector for my 130 pds and I'm trying to figure out how to use it with 1.25 eyepieces. 

So far, I've assembled it by using the adapter that came with the scope but this seems to create quite a long array of pieces, by the time I attach a barlow and an eyepiece it's going to be very long! 

I've attached a photo of what it looks like now. 

Hopefully you can shed some light. 

Thanks in advance for your wisdom 

Cheers 

Simon 

13 hours ago, scarp15 said:

Carrying equipment to my obs - a (significant) step up from my backyard, 1.5 mile walk close to the Scottish border and an overnight stop over. This was taken in March,  just before lockdown. My left side is TV-85 in carry bag, right side; porta mount in a bicycle rack pack. Shouldering a Berlebach Report tripod in a Berlebach shoulder / carry bag. Hefty eyepieces in the rucksack side pockets (neoprene camera lens pouches), along with camping stool. Also took filters, finder, charts and of course a Unihedron SQM-L devise. Thought at the time, I will not repeat this, but in the fullness of time, I know that I will.

 

Looks incredible 

13 hours ago, scarp15 said:

Carrying equipment to my obs - a (significant) step up from my backyard, 1.5 mile walk close to the Scottish border and an overnight stop over. This was taken in March,  just before lockdown. My left side is TV-85 in carry bag, right side; porta mount in a bicycle rack pack. Shouldering a Berlebach Report tripod in a Berlebach shoulder / carry bag. Hefty eyepieces in the rucksack side pockets (neoprene camera lens pouches), along with camping stool. Also took filters, finder, charts and of course a Unihedron SQM-L devise. Thought at the time, I will not repeat this, but in the fullness of time, I know that I will.

 

Looks incredible! What was the viewing like? 

16 minutes ago, SteveWolves said:

I think I may have too much... (not all mine but in my keeping)

Brilliant! I'm guessing you observe from home! 

26 minutes ago, ScouseSpaceCadet said:

The whole lot. In *theory* it can be carried from car to observing area in one go...

The Oplok bag for small telescopes fits two tripods (1x 1.75" steel and 1x aluminium Star Adventurer), an AZGTI, AZ5, finders and assorted stuff.

The 150p in its own bag.

A camera bag for the Skymax 102, diagonal and rdf.

Plus a waterproof case with six eyepieces.

 

Nice! 

That's the bag I have ordered for mu OTA. How do you get on with it? 

You could try a cart like I have, works well and makes life much easier. 

Very neat and tidy! 

1 hour ago, John said:

You look very well organised there Simon

My scopes, mounts and eyepieces all live in a corner of the dining room. I just lift the scope or scopes that I'm going to use out through the french windows and onto the patio where I observe from.

Love this! I see a common theme emerging here.. You can never have enough scopes! 

Wouldn't want to drag that dob into a field though 😁

Hi Fellowship Astro Enthusiasts! 

Just sorting through my kit and it struck me just how much stuff I've accumulated over the years. 

I live in quite a light polluted area and so I generally walk to a nearby field not far from home where there are no street lights, roads or houses. 

I tend to pull everything in a festival trolly, None of it is very expensive, working on a budget (and being a bit tight😁) I rigged up a plastic box with a red strip light from ebay to protect the laptop from dew and this is bungeed  on to a little fold up stool. The chair was purchased from a fishing shop on offer and I recently purchased two blocks of foam to go in the old maplins flight cases (not yet completed). 

I have a Heq5 Pro goto mount and for this and the tripod I purchased two cobra cases from a music store. 

The only really purpose built thing is a bag to carry the OTA, I put this over my shoulder. 

And that's my kit, I don't always take it all, depends if I'm doing AP or visual. Of course I also have a flask and snack box!!! 

Be interested to see how you folks do it! 

Thanks and clear skies 

Simon 

Hi Josh, Great shot. I just received my 130pds two weeks ago and I'm really looking forward to First light. 

Sounds like I have very similar kit to you. I see that you're using the SWCC, how have you found this. 

Thanks for the inspiration! 

Simon 

Hi there, 

As the days are long and nights are short, I was considering taking a peek at the sun (when it comes out from behind the clouds). 

Has anyone used a 130 pds for solar viewing and if so, what filter do you use? I really don't want to blind myself!!! 

Looking forward to your responses 

Stay safe and clear skies 

Simon 

5 hours ago, wookie1965 said:

Would one of these work I have used them in a Frac diagonal. If it will dont buy one I will send you one free.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/132997336391?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=132997336391&targetid=910259638509&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9046510&poi=&campaignid=10195651334&mkgroupid=107296273132&rlsatarget=pla-910259638509&abcId=1145985&merchantid=137674249&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjJeatc2X6gIVi-3tCh3fkwg7EAQYAiABEgIy1fD_BwE

Hi, 

Thanks so much for your message and very kind offer. Looking at the picture, I'm not sure that there would be enough depth on the 2" part to hold the diagonal, but I could be wrong. 

Thanks again 

Simon 

8 hours ago, John said:

Should there be a link to and adapter or something Simon ?

2 inch diagonals do have longer light paths than 1.25 inch ones but that should not pose a problem for the mak-cassegrain because they have a lot of of focus travel.

 

Hi John, 

Yes, sorry the link is 

https://agenaastro.com/blue-fireball-1-25-2-eyepiece-adapter.html

I've been giving it some thought though, I'm a little worried about leverage on the draw tube. If I add the adapter, diagonal, barlow and eyepiece. I'm leaning towards keeping the 2" diagonal for my existing scope (skywatcher 130 pds and 72ED) and biting the bullet and buying an Altair 1.25 dialetric diagonal for the Mak. 

BTW, I have a 2. 5x GSO barlow on order, do you think that this will also suit the Mak? 

Cheers 

Simon 

Hi, 

Quick question, I have a lovely William optics diagonal. I'm looking to buy a Skywatcher Skymax 127. The problem is that the diagonal is 2inch and I believe the draw tube is 1.25. 

Can I use something like this as an adapter as long as I stick with 1.25 eyepieces? I'm pretty certain if I use 2inch eyepieces I'll get some vignetting???

I'm also aware that I will need sufficient back travel to allow for focusing. Any wisdom on this would be appreciated. 

Cheers 

Simon 

Hi, 

New to this imaging business. I really am a noob when it comes to ccd imaging. I've imaged DSOs with the same set up with a dslr. 

OK, so I have the following set up. Skywatcher 130 pds, Heq5 pro goto mount, QHY5-II mono camera. 

I plan to start by imaging the moon and then move on to planets. 

Here is my question, how does all the kit filter wheel, camera, barlow etc fit together? Do I need specific kit to fit together or is it all compatible? 

Thanks for your help 

Simon 

Hi Folks,

looking for a little advice, looking to image some close ups of the moon/planets with my 130PDS and have narrowed it down to two choices:

Revelation x2.5 barlow

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/revelation-astro-25x-barlow-lens-125.html

Explore Scientific X3 barlow

https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/explore-scientific-3x-barlow-focal-extender.html#SID=564

I have a QHYII-5 Mono camera that I usually use for guiding when imaging DSOs

The Revelation is roughly half the price of the explore scientific, I'm wondering what the difference in quality would be??

Thanks for your help

Simon