bond19

Good points Dave. Thanks. I’m going to visit later today to have another look. I’ll see if I can assess it further

Hi Stargazers

 I have the opportunity to purchase a secondhand pair of Opticron WP 20x80 binoculars at a very reasonable price. 
 

I am well versed on how to set the Dioptric to bring sharp focus to a pair of binoculars. However I just can’t get this pair of binoculars to come to focus?

Here is what happens. If I close the right eye and use the main focus wheel I can get the left objective into sharp focus. But when I swap over and try with the opposite (right) eye I simply cannot bring the right objective into focus using the diopter. 
 

 However, if I work backwards, and close the left eye and use the focus wheel and dioptre combination I can bring the right objective into sharp focus. But then no matter how I try I cannot bring the left object into focus. Any suggestions please?  does this suggest they are out of collimation?

Thank you 

You just missed out 'let me be clear' in your political ramblings 🤥

But seriously, thanks McCabe. Some really useful info here. Currently I have a light(ish) pair of WO Binos with 1.25" eyepieces so that seems within limits if I was to get the balance was spot on. I've been speaking with Beat also. He suggested the Vamo would be adequate but the AYO II would be much more suitable. I'm trying to keep this as 'grab & go' as possible so I feel the Vamo would be my best fit. 

Thanks so much for taking time to reply.

On 02/10/2018 at 14:56, Stargazer McCabe said:

Seek and ye shall find... http://www.aokswiss.ch/ayo/vamo_traveler/main_vamo_traveler.html

It is rated conservatively to c 7kg. As shown, it holds my FC100 DF with ease...

I don't need anything sturdier as a travel mount. If I want sturdier for the ED120 & 8" EdgeHD which often get mounted side by side, I reach for Beat's AYO II...

Hi McCabe,

Just resurrecting an older thread. I'm considering the Vamo Traveler by Beat for my Tele Vue 102 (4" / f8.6 frac). I'm strictly a visual observer and fully loaded with binoviewer my scope weighs in at 6.8kg. Is this too near the limit of the Vamo for smooth operation?

Thanks

Titanium grey does look great. Probably going to plump for nut wood brown. Should compliment the cream of my OTA. 

Lovely scopes there. Thank you both for sharing. John, you've convinced me to get the Berlebach. I know if I didn't I would regret not having the more stable set-up. Thanks

The Berlebach 312 is a lovely looking mount John. It’s on my radar. Have you used it under the skies yet? Does it proved to be more stable than the Manfrotto with your StellaMira?

Hello skywatchers. Does anybody have experience with this tripod? Would it be suitable for mounting my Tele Vue 102?

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/253564-REG/Manfrotto_475B_475B_Professional_Tripod_Legs.html/amp

20 hours ago, Stu said:

I think @Piero may use one of these, and finds it very good.

19 hours ago, Piero said:

Yes, my berlebach UNI19 has an extension column and works really well.

In the UNI, the central column can be locked. 

I would also suggest to get the leg spreader (no innuendo was meant!). Berlebach can do it for you. They might install this slightly lower if you get a tripod with a central column, but this won't affect its stability. These are great tripods.

 

Thanks so much guys

Reassuring to know the set-up works. I'm going to give this some serious thought. You might have just convinced me on my next tripod!

Anyone tried this or something similar instead of a extension column on their tripod? Is it even feasible and would a typical solid extension column be more stable?

https://www.berlebach.de/en/?bereich=details&id=579

Thanks Nicos

On 18/05/2020 at 20:56, surfindogg said:

My question for M2C owners, if you change from a 50gm ortho to a 500gm eyepiece, does the M2C stay put

That's what I would like to know as well?

Hi folks,

I seem to remember a couple of hacks made to the Skywatcher Gti Wifi mount. I've tried searching but couldn't find the thread on here. Basically, the dovetail clamp can be upgraded to feel more secure, and also a counter weight is available to buy? Does this ring any bells. I'd be grateful if someone could point me in the direction of where to obtain these parts?

Thanks 

On 30/10/2019 at 10:57, GlenM said:

I've been looking at going back to a TV mount. Would the one you're looking at be from Steve at ENS? The prices new are a little eye watering for what you get. The new ones now come with a beautiful Berlbach tripod. Nice engineering those mounts and not too heavy either.

 

Glen.

 

 

Yes, that’s the one Glen. Do you have any previous experience using these mounts?

Thanks John. I’m really in two minds. Basically I’m wanting to turn my TV 102 set up into a Push To or go to system.

I’m considering purchasing a secondhand Tele Vue Gibraltar with Sky Tour Computer (around £650). I know others have used the Gibraltar but didn’t get on with it. I will mainly be using it for low power deep sky. Should I take a punt at this price or am I best steering clear? It’s going to mount a TV 102. 

Thanks for all the advice everyone. Now I need to take a week off and wade through it all 🤪

Basically, once collimated using the cap, and then collimated using the laser (and lastly doing a final check with the cap). Suddenly everything looks totally out of alignment?

I (think) I had the secondary collimated using the colli cap. Then I inserted the laser to align the secondary with the laser dot in the centre of the primaries doughnut. So far all good. Then I collimated the primary using the laser. Again all good. Finally I reinserted the colli cap to check and everything seems massively off 😞

I’ve read the website advice, I’ve watched the YouTube videos. Yet I’m still having major problems collimating my OO UK Dob. I’m using a collimating cap & laser collimator. 
 

Is anyone near or around the Blackpool area who can meet and show me hands on how to correctly collimate my scope? I’m losing the plot!!
 

Thanks 😊 

Lovely and helpful post. I’m looking to go down that route myself. I’ve just sent you a PM.

Really enjoyed reading and seeing the progress of your huge dob taking shape. Thanks for sharing and I hope you are rewarded with clear skies and stunning viewing.

Some truly mouth watering collections there folks. 

I agree Ruud, but for now I'm up and running. I'll definitely upgrade sometime though. 

And to think I didn't own any decent eyepieces 3 weeks ago.. Bank account now flatlined!! (but still pining for an Ethos 21mm)