FLO

Some more updates from Rowan: Following feedback, they will add an additional 2 M8 holes at 80mm centers M12 is the standard base mounting thread but they could offer M10 as an option if that is requested Exposed worm shafts - spares will be readily and easily available for all components of the mount should any mishaps occur Longer flexible slo-mo controls will be available and also potentially extension pieces as well

Check the small print - buyer has to pay the return costs

We are posting lots of customer-return, open-box and ex-demo offers in SGL's FLO Clearance Offers section, at our website's Offers Page and at Twitter. (We normally post them when they become available but have been busy with the new Ikarus Imaging website so have accumulated rather a lot)! All include full UK warranties and are covered by our 30-day return policy so you can buy with confidence 😇 Please note these are genuine clearance offers so in most instances we have only one of each available at the clearance price. Annette, Grant, Ian, James, Katie, Lisa, Martin, Rob & Steve 🤗

We recently saw one of these, it's a nice product but we were concerned about the price point - these would need to retail around the £700 mark in the UK. If there is sufficient interest, we could look into it further?

There's a bit more information on these on our website now: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/takahashi-telescope-accessories/tak_tfk10310.html The key differences are: Retractable dew shield - designed to fit in carry on luggage on planes Better colour correction in the deep blue Higher typical strehl ratio Tak America say: Paired with the FC-35 reducer this will make a lovely, portable imaging setup, illuminating a full frame chip @ f/5.3. We have stock arriving later this month / early next.

We have received a number of emails from people asking about an EQ8-Rh version which apparently is the same but features an encoder on the R.A. axis for higher tracking accuracy. Unfortunately because we haven’t been advised of this model we don’t yet have anything to share. Sorry. As soon as we do we will post it here.

We found the fault on this one, it was an isolated incident which we are confident has been resolved. As you had already found a replacement we refunded you but the rest of the batch of these works great.

A couple more photos: Rowan AZ100 Counterweight Shaft with Mounting plate. Rowan AZ100 150mm 5kg Stainless Steel Counterweight.

Some updates from Rowan to address questions asked: They can / will produce a dual D and V version of the saddles The hole spacing for the saddles is shown in the drawing below - M8 holes are for the standard 35mm center Tak mounting. Additional holes could be added if necessarily to fit other popular saddles. Currently the saddle needs to be removed to attach the counterweight but they are looking at the possibility of adding a thread in the center of the saddle to fit the shaft but need to check loads, particularly if using 2 weights. The shelf and ball mount for the DSC is £24.95.

Will do 🙂 No problem.

The name 'AZ100' was chosen because 100mm is the diameter of the axis bodies.

Accessory prices are: AZ100 Saddle Plate (200mm long / D Profile) : £95 AZ100 25mm Counter Weight Shaft with Mounting Flange : £65 4.5Kg 125mm diameter Stainless Steel Counterweight : £83 AZ100 Renishaw Encoders : £259

We have posted photos and details of the new Rowan AZ100 Alt-Az mount 🙂

Rowan have released details of their new Rowan AZ100 Alt-Az Mount, and we have a pre-production model to play with assess 🙂 The mount is currently still in development but will be finished and released November. We will have one with us on our stall at the International Astronomy Show and @John has kindly agreed to be its SGL beta tester until then. The outline spec is as follows: All machined black anodised aluminium with stainless steel hardware. 80.0mm diameter 7075 aluminium wheel gear. Brass worm in adjustable worm block. High quality ball bearings used throughout. Capacity 15-20 kg each side (subject to further testing to determine practical limits based on scope lengths) Adjustable friction clutches on both axis. 360 degree slow-motion controls. *Both slow motion controls remain in alignment with the observer at all times* Options: High resolution encoder modules available (152,000 counts / rev) to interface with DSC's (encoder leads remain in alignment and do not wrap around the azimuth axis). 25mm diameter stainless steel counter weight shaft and mounting flange Stainless steel counterweights, 150mm diameter, 5kg. Total weight of mount with saddles: 9Kg Price is £795.00 for base unit (excluding saddles, encoders, counterweight shaft & counterweight).

(You're welcome).

Sorry. I had forgotten a colleague is on holiday this week so I am a little behind. I will have made the photos and added them to our website before end of Thursday. We do however have some good news. @John has kindly agreed to spend some time using this new mount and provide feedback. Not as a reviewer, more a beta tester 🙂 Steve

I have spent some time this weekend looking at sales of products typically purchased by visual astronomers, like the Telrad finder, Moon filter and planisphere. Also sales of manual Dobsonian telescopes. I don't know what our competitors are experiencing but, looking at FLO's stats, I cannot see anything that suggests a decline in visual astronomy 🙂 HTH, Steve

They are now listed at our website. Star-Diagonals Baader T-2 Prism Star-Diagonal Baader T-2 BBHS Mirror Star-Diagonal Nosepiece Baader Nosepiece 1.25" - T2 Baader Nosepiece 2" - T-2 ClickLock Adapters Baader ClickLock 1.25" Adapter with T-2 Thread Baader ClickLock 2" Adapter with T-2 Thread If there is anything Baader you want that is not already listed at our website please ask, it is highly likely we can source it 🙂 HTH, Steve

We will definitely have one with us at IAS. Not sure about Kelling. HTH, Steve

Sorry about that. It is a simple matter to add them to our website and to stock. I will do that when we reopen Monday 🙂 Steve

I think you are right. As far as we can tell visual astronomy remains popular. No sign of a decrease. But we have seen a significant increase in people wanting (and expecting) to be able to attach a camera to their telescope. I am sure that is a factor. Steve

Will leave this here for the weekend 🙂 Will post more photos and details in the sponsor section early next week.

I think you will be pleased 🙂

Need to make some photos then will reveal in the sponsor section a new premium Alt-Az mount manufactured here in the U.K. 🙂 Sometime early next week. Steve

Hold that thought... 😉 Steve