The Sailor

I had the same problem getting a nebula in live view, realised it would never happen so I took the following action. Went for the nearest bright star with an EP, changed over to the camera, focused and then slewed to the neblua and set the camera rolling, it went as well as I could expect for my first shot. I now carry out the same action for all work like that, spot on each time. Jim

Thanks Isabelle, yes a bit mad but got there :D Teach me to buy a monster.

As I am now changing from a CG-5GT to a NEQ6 the pier need to have a bit lopped off, not easy as it is concrete :(. Anyway, this afternoon I decided to get it done and got the electric saw out, yes thats right, the electric saw!! It's one of those all singing and dancing thingys you put in whatever blade and has a powerful motor. Well the motor may be powerfull but the blade was another thing, not only that but in a confined space and at a height not conducive to old age, my arms gave out after my body was shattered my flying bits of concrete. I ended up using a lump hammer and bolster and after five minutes it all happened, top off and ready for a cleanup. The next installment next week when I prepare the top for the new mount.

Last time I seen the Northern Lights was 1970 in Alberta, a sight not to be forgotten :)

After going through the menu on the NEQ6 I realised that the sun was not on the menu. Went out today and using Stellerium I clicked on the sun and waited, the mount zoomed away and hit it spot on. Hitting identify on the handset it went through it's routine and reported nothing there :( . Was not able to determine if lt stayed on traget for long as clouds came and stopped viewing in it's tracks. So, something to think about at a later date :).

Clear skies late last night enabled me to get my new setup out of the kitchen and onto the patio. Can't use the pier in the observatory yet as it needs to be modified to take the NEQ6. Done all the normal setup procedure and got the mount into action, am very impressed with the lack of noise, actually had to look to see that it was slewing. The align procedure was was very simple, thorough and quick and I was pleased to see all tagets come up almost centre in the eyepiece. The only problem I had was dew but carried on regardless checking that all was well for the transfer to the pier, comms between the mount and laptop was first rate. The only quesion I have is should I start buying 2" EPs, there is an adapter for 1.25" and I have them in abundance, time will tell.