DavidJM

Welcome to SGL

1 hour ago, KP82 said:

If you plan to sell both the mak and newt for a frac, you will lose a lot on the aperture unless you're willing to splash out substantially more cash for a big one.

A C6 or 6" dob seems like an ideal middle ground for you.

If you'd like to give it a try with a frac for non-obstructed views, you can sell the 100p, AZ5 mount and combine the money with the spare from the previous sales for a small ED doublet (e.g. WO ZS71) which should ride nicely on the AZ GTi and be compact enough for your business trips.

Thanks, the Dob is my issue really, I'm just not using it, have seriously thought about selling the dob and 100P and getting something like a 71/80ED; the AZ5 works well with the MAK127, using a telrad helps with the small fov and it really is pretty smooth to adjust with no shake; if I did get the small frac it may lead to upgrading to the C6 and selling the Mak127!

22 minutes ago, dweller25 said:

Sounds like the Skyliner 200 does not suit you and the 127 Mak does suit you.

Maybe time to thin the collection ?

The skyliner will give a little more brightness on DSO’s and a little more planetary resolution on nights of good seeing, but comfort and ease of use is very important when we are out and that is where the Mak wins.

Maybe sell the 127 and 200 and get a C6 SCT ?
 

Now then you're adding a new dimension....change them both........C6 or a Frac?

OK,

I have three scopes, Skymax127, Dob200P and a small heritage 100P, but I'm finding the Skymax127 is getting the use, I struggle with the Dob200P to move about and store easily, the 100P not really in the discussion as I tend to take on business trips with me

My question really is what am I losing if I drop the 200P and focus my attention and cash going forward on the 127, I'm fairly fair weather nowadays, work and life takes up too much of my time so it's back yard observing with occasional dark site trips where the Dob is not getting transported at all

I have dew heaters, AZ5 mount and a AZ GTI Wifi Goto plus Skywatcher battery pack so dew and stability pretty covered (Although have a bit of shake when focussing - haven't upgraded that and not sure how to!)

The 200P has a telrad and an upgraded 10:1 focusser

I know about the aperture envy and wanting bigger and I have looked at flex tubes every now and again but reality is I probably wouldn't use it enough and it would just be a tick on the astronomy purchase list - that happens to me too much! 

What are my interests, love planets so that's OK, clusters, double stars, fascinated by nebulae but at the end of the day I'm not spending a great deal of time at dark sky sites - SO what am I losing if I drop the 200P!

All advice appreciated

1 minute ago, Skipper Billy said:

https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/telrad-replacement-reticle.html

Great minds think alike, just looked and have sent email to verify stock, cheers

2 minutes ago, Zermelo said:

If you mean this, then yes, they are available separately, though I haven't found a UK supplier. 

Yes that's it, now need to find a supplier ☺ thank you!

Looking for help

The circle sticker over the lamp is damaged so I do not get clear circles

Can the sticker be purchased anywhere or is my Telrad heading to astronomical heaven (aka dustbin)

10 minutes ago, Pixies said:

Thanks - but I'm using version 6 and it's a little different. The settings you mention aren't there. 

I'm sure they're hidden away somewhere else. I'll go and RTFM

I'm using version 6 and you can set up as chefgage says, most important thing is show even if not connected to a telescope button

Skies are great around lake area, haven't stayed at the campsite though

All you folks in Cornwall please join the Devon & Cornwall group, it's a bit quiet and needs a bit of livening up😀

Welcome to SGL from Newquay

Welcome to SGL and from Newquay 😀

Bit south for me, keep meaning to go to a kernow Astronomers meet as really local, also believe there's a good group who meet near helston

1 minute ago, Ciaran Meier said:

Here's an obs list I've been putting together this past few years. There's a few doubles listed, generally the showcase examples of each constellation. 

1586517859116_Astro Targets V12.pdf 1008.46 kB · 0 downloads

Great, thanks Ciaran

2 hours ago, mikeDnight said:

You could order a set of laminated double star charts from the Webb Society. That'll keep you occupied for a while. ☺

Have spent a good hour browsing the webb society, thanks White Dwarf😀 have also downloaded the double star file for sky safari from there so loads to do now!

59 minutes ago, wookie1965 said:

http://users.compaqnet.be/doublestars/

If you want anymore pm me I have about 4/5 lists obviously some will be replicated but there are new ones on each of them.

Thanks Wookie😀

1 hour ago, Alan White said:

Thanks for the review, you have set a lot of us spending.
Just ordered direct from Springer.
Theres goes some of the mount fund!

Received mine last week, brilliant quality, you will not be disappointed Alan

I have the 200P and the MAK127, Mak is great on moon so would agree with collimating, the Mak is what I pretty much go to when having a moon session😀

I’ve got one and love the scope, not used the go to enough to be honest, find the scope great for moon and planets

Cloudy and wet for me 😢

I too have the Nadira bought from Rother Valley, it is great and I'm at the top end of its weight restriction, sturdy and easy to use it has massively improved my viewing experience

8 minutes ago, cloudsweeper said:

Enjoy, John!

Doug.

 

Nice unplanned  observing, nice beer - doesn't get any better!

Doug.

Good to have such passion, isn't it?  😉

Doug,

It sure is😀

Just done the same, was going to chill inside tonight then looked outside and out I went😀

23 hours ago, laudropb said:

Just arrived from Springer the three volumes of Luna Cognita by Robert Garfinkle. Very impressed by the quality of manufacture and the contents. This will keep me busy for the rest of the lockdown hopefully.

Mine have arrived too, very impressed with quality, going to be happily enjoying daytime lock down now

This isn't helping me, I have reflectors and a MAK, keep thinking of a 72 or 80 refractor but not sure what it will give me that what I've already got doesn't