GlenM

Interesting,Ade. So the thread for the IEQ45 is M12 with a  1.75mm pitch? That's the thread on the iOptron 2" tripod.

Glen.

I got in touch with Berlebach about a top plate for the AZ Pro to fit their excellent tripods and they don't make one. Perhaps if the mount becomes more popular they will produce one.

Glen.

Just 1 more.

Had to wait 3+ months for this.

Lovely.

Glen.

You could take a pic of newspaper print and have a look at the results. Just make sure the camera is square to the newsprint. Should give you some idea if the lens is okay.

Glen.

On 29/07/2019 at 14:30, KyleStoke said:

Thanks Glen I've got one coming from MPB. You ever use them I'm sure I got them recommend to me a while back

Never used MPB myself. I wouldn't have thought they checked for alignment/tilt. Different story for checking alignment during the day than at night under the stars. Like Alan said they will check for the usual problems. Fingers crossed it's a good one.

Glen.

I used to buy my Samyang, well, most camera gear from WEX.

Glen.

I don't think it is necessary, but it will help. The only problem with Samyang is their lack of quality control. If you get a good one first time around they are excellent lenses. Buy from a reputable retailer and don't accept "It's within spec." when you don't receive a good one.

Glen.

I stopped using lens pens when I scratched a filter, although I thought I had blown off most of the dust. Just a thought.

Glen.

That looks like nice engineering.

Glen.

Just a blip Steve. I'm surprised that I'm buying new gear. I don't even buy green bananas just in case.

Glen.

Not been so well lately so all I've done is charge it. The weather up here not playing ball either. Looking forward to the shorter days as well.

Glen.

Stop it, please😀

Glen.

Excellent news, Ade. Enjoy your 'new' focuser.

Glen.

Have you seen the price of 5litres of paraffin😀

Glen.

So that's what a £50 note looks like.

Glen.

13 hours ago, Stub Mandrel said:

I think a pipe cutter will struggle beyond about 1mm wall thickness.

A neat job could be done by wrapping a sheet of paper around the outside - this will give a very accurate cutting guide, go over the end of the paper with a sharpie to transfer the line to the tube. Cut witha hacksaw just shy of teh line, then file it until it is neatly on the line.

It would be a nice job to finish with anodising.

Don't use a new blade, use an old blade. Less clogging.

Glen.

The focuser isn't GSO it's Kunming/United optics own. As far as I know they manufacture the whole OTA including focuser.

Glen.

17 hours ago, AdeKing said:

Hi Glen, 

Thanks for the confirmation, its a combination of things really. I feel that the scope length is at the limit of my EQ5 and manual focusing means that it takes several seconds to settle every time I tweak the focus.

Secondly, no matter how much I adjust it, I can't get rid of the tight spots as you focus which irritates me somewhat.

A motorised Moonlite came up at a good price and so I figured that this would kill two birds with one stone as it were as the motor focus will remove the need to touch the focuser to focus thereby removing the irritation of the tight spots and the annoyance of settling times.

Buying the used Moonlite was a much cheaper option than a used heavier duty EQ mount. 

I'm going to remove the focuser tonight so will have another go at adjusting it to see if I can improve it. 

An unforseen irritation of the hi res stepper Moonlite is the backlash in the gearbox which makes nailing focus tricky with the handset. 

I will however check the bearings to see if they are the cause of the problem though so might yet take you up on your kind offer. 

Yes, the scope does have a moment arm problem. Just let me know if you need a couple of bearings. They do have a tendency to collapse a little when the focuser is over tightened. Also check the little nylon half-moon for the tightening procedure. If it's slipped a little this can play havoc with the 'feel' of the focuser. Not a difficult focuser to strip down, but care must be taken. As long as the dual speed is working then it could just be a bearing.

Glen.

Lenscoat Hoodies from WEX photographic are excellent covers. I use them all the time. I'm sure one would fit your C5.

Glen.

The scopes are made by Kunming, although I've never done it. Focuser problem? If it's a bearing problem I have a few left over new bearings,

gratis.

Glen.

This could be shutter shock. Is the new Canon known for this.

Glen.

Just might build one instead of buying one off the shelf. GSO 6" f/4 optics probably. I have a Sharpstar 61 EDPH ordered, but it's been 2+ months wait already. I'm not the most patient of people.

Glen.

6 hours ago, Trikeflyer said:

I got my ioptron az pro set up last week - same problem with the charger- a bit frustrating but I got the euro to uk adapter and like you, mine charged fine. The mount is awesome. Make sure you get the set up dead level though, I have found you have to re level slightly when you load it with scopes and counterweights. Once level properly it works like a dream. You will love I’m sure, I know I do.

what scope are you planning to use it with?

steve 

Hi Steve,

The only scope I have at the moment is my Borg 77ED II. I have been looking at short tube newts lately... Shameful I know.

Glen.