barkis

Hi. Rideway, just a shot in the dark here, but worth a look see. The centre bolt which serves to spread the tripod legs via the legs plate, also has the top thread containing a combined ferrule and hand wheel to help the tightening. If the bolt has been removed for any reason, the plain washer may have slipped off the bolt, so possibly it might make a difference when tightening, as the bolt may contact the mount base before full tightening can occur. However, if there is no chance that bolt was ever removed completely from the tripod assembly, then this post can be ignored. I know the washer is a thinnish one anyway, but adding another might allow complete matching of the two parts. if it is down to surface irregularities, then that's a different kettle of fish, and I apologise for wasting your time 🙂. Ron.

I was an avid reader in my early teens and well beyond. I liked nothing better than visiting the local library. Endless shelves filled with books of all genres. Time has changed that though, my concentration is not a patch on those early years, a product of both the aging process, and Google 😀.

Oh I'm sure you are right Ray, it makes sense to me. Obviously a tribute the man's contribution to a great asset to mount control. Cheers matey for your fast response. I can cease worrying about it now 😀.

I've been reading the Eqmod document, and boy, is it an in depth read or what 😅. The heading for the Home position read has a bracketed expression that I don't understand. Perhaps someone can explain what it means to me. Thanks in anticipation. Ron. Technique 1 for setting the home position (from Mon) I just know I will have to kick myself when it is revealed. 😀

Flo will weather this storm, she's making all the right moves, and quite unthinkable to think otherwise. Stay strong Flo people. All will soon be calmer. 👍 Ron.

Should prove to be a big attraction, there are many on SGL interested in our star. They're sure to learn much from GP. I'm not a solar guy, but I will still be very attentive to what Gary has to teach us. Ron.

Locate star that will transit your local meridian at your intended observing date and time. Look for the declination of same star, and compare it with that of the planets you wish to observe. You could get a good idea if you will get a decent window of observing time, or otherwise be limited short sessions either side of your local north south line. Much could depend upon the height of your southern obstructions. Ron.

Some half wit tried to get me to reveal paypal details in order to verify my credentials. The clown is still waiting. I sent some info to PP security, who subsequently confirmed it was bogus. The would be thief obviously has the brain of a Nit Ron. (I think I'll start a campaign to introduce death by firing squad for all convicted thieves.)

What an extraordinary collection of hardware. What are all those ribbon cables servicing? You must be blessed with a great deal of perseverance and no small amount of skills to blend all that equipment into image producing robot. I say well done, you must have overcome much adversity to achieve this, and the prize is, the fantastic images this engineering miracle has pulled down from the sky. Just incredible.👍👍 Ron

Two interesting talks to look forward to tonight. Mark is an Avid Observer, and will no doubt have many reports to convey. Ian is well known for his knowledge of Double Stars, and apart from the colourful beauty of many of them, others have interesting characteristics to reveal. It's gonna be a good-un folks. Ron.

The Universe looks so serene from here, but it really does include some deadly and dangerous inhabitants. Steve T. gave many frightening scenarios In his talks. Fascinating, but fearful too. Ron

I don't have enough knowledge to comment in any sensible way on your processing. All I can comment on is what I am looking at, and that is simply a stunning Image of what I believe to be difficult Galaxy for Astro. Photographers t o Image It is a lovely sight, and as for your long post, make them pages long if they include Images as good as this. Ron. 👍

A very interesting build of the equipment over there. Certainly lots of room in the Observatory. Is it built at ground level, but on a mountain perhaps ? I haven't been following this venture, but it has got my interest now. I'm looking forward to first light and beyond. I am sure it will be a big success, and well done to the guys who are putting all this together. I can volunteer to keep the Obs. Clean and tidy if ever that position becomes available. Anyway, much Kudos to All involved in this project, we are totally spoiled on SGL.👍. Ron.

Good to see these additions to the Flo. Empire. Has to be recognised World Wide now, and with a well deserved reputation to boot. Well done to all concerned, a good staff is paramount, and that is firmly in place. I have witnessed this growth almost from it's birth. Congrats to.all concerned.👍👍. Ron.

A frightening title, and ought to give us food for thought. Plus, Steve's passion for perusing the sky with Binoculars will hopefully provide the inspiration to more folks to adopt this very rewarding method of sky surfing. Telescopes are great tools, but binoculars bring so much more to the eyes in any one place in the sky, giving a true impression of the immensity of the Universe. Ron.

I stuck a TeleVue sticker on my TV. It sharpened the picture no end.

I wish ! Ron 😁.

The Observing Fraternity will be delighted with this presentation Dave will be an Ideal speaker, and will some interesting experiences to present to an eager audience. Ron.

Oy! Less of the old, I'm only 28 don't you know. 😉. Patricia is fine Daz. Give Tracey a cuddle for me. Heh Heh!

Well, we couldn't wish for a better start than Steve R. and Nik S. The first two showings have been superb, and illustrated just how valuable this system is, and how much more so it is going to be. Thanks in no small measure must also go to the architects of StarGaZine. Grant, Steve G, and others, not forgetting Master of ceremonies Daz. I'm sure more recruits will sign up as a result of this. I would hope so. There must be many more budding Astronomers out there just needing a nudge. Ron.

Text book launch. Fantastic. First stage landed on the platform. Got to admit , they did this very well. Those two guys on board must have a squeaky bum time knowing a test launch earlier had exploded. Back to la Lune soon, then the Red Planet. Might yet realise a boyhood dream of man on another planet. Ron.

I'll keep everything crossed for you Carole, l ordered a Microphone from eBay, but it hasn't arrived yet, so, all I can do is watch and listen. Looking forward to it though. Ron.

I concur with John and Stu. on Info for Observers, there are many of them on SGL, and imperative they included in this new innovation. Back to the Imaging side again, I'm sure there are many who would benefit from tuition on the various software applications that successful imaging results greatly depend upon . These talks need not delve too deeply, and consist of a question and answer format. Sequence Generator Pro,. Maxim DL, PDF giiding, and others that make up a list. The audience can contribute of course, as many folks will have a sound knowledge of many of the Software packages concerned. I realise these topics will likely eat up some time, so limits would need to be set. Un reconciled questions could be concluded in other sessions. Perhaps Graphic assistance as useful tools could be employed too I realise this might asking too much, so feel free to ignore.😉 Ron.

I was going to suggest to the OP that the controller has to have supply connected too, not just the usb. I'm sure he would know that though. Ron.

I have to say that the modern Astro. gear of all types looks what I can only call, Pretty. Perhaps this plays a huge part in the attraction to buy these days. Of course I'm guilty myself, having bought a couple of Astro century 21 bits, nothing very expensive. Those Primalucelab rings look smartish. I am presently considering a Red Cat 51, but the Postie needn't get too excited, I haven't fully committed. I'll rephrase that, the Wife hasn't released the debit card yet 🙁. Ron.