barkis

The mount works fine John, It's just that particular item I noticed in the programme. Of course I realise Eqmod caters for many makes and types of mount, and some will have encoders on board. I guess since the function can be switched on or off, in the case of my mount, it would matter not whether it is on or off. I haven't noticed any change in performance in either position, so I'll just stop thinking about it. Thanks for you input anyway 👍.

Perhaps my question is silly, but Eqmod does have a switch pertaining to encoders. I know the EQ6-R mount does not have them, except for the periodic error correction. Unless I'm misinformed on that point.

Not sure about a switch within Eqmod. I understand the EQ6-Pro does not have encoders, other than one for aiding periodic error correcting. That being so, If I have this right, Is it necessary to switch on the encoders within the eqmod interface, or can it be switched off? Ron.

If your ambition is to eventually Image the night sky gems, star clusters, open and globular. Planetary Nebula, Spiral and other galaxies. Stellar Nurseries such as the Orion Nebula, and oh so many other exotic occupants of the Universe, then set your mind the essential part of the kit you will require. One of the GoTo varieties of Equatorial. There are several choices, some more expensive than others. Of course the second hand market is a place to visit which would save you a bit of money. Gear your thinking towards the telescope you have ambition to own, as that will help determine the type of mount you should go for. Buying a quality mount first, will allow you to image the sky with a DSLR camera, help hone your skills until such time as you can buy your desired telescope. This way of life can drain your wallet in double quick time, so take your time, and plot your way through the minefield Astro Photography can be. Good Luck on your journey. Ron.

I can only add to what has already been said Erik. Underrated power supply is the most likely culprit. Ron.

That's an Image I do like to see a lot, the moon just waking up to another orbital cycle. Smashing picture Young Trevor 👍. Ron.

Anyone seen the Hubble 30th. Birthday Image of the Large Magellanic Cloud? Absolutely a mind buster. The description accompanying the Image is also quite revealing. No more upgrade or repair missions for the Hubble, so the James Webb needs to be a success, otherwise, they must strive to keep Hubble alive. This Telescope has far exceeded what was expected of it. A scientific Wonder is not quite enough of an accolade for the Hubble. Ron.

You did good getting that very young sliver of the moon. Shot with your DSLR was it? Ron.

Another vote for the fourth John. Lovely sight, but the four of them are superb. Good job earth doesn't rotate as fast as the illusion the image gives We'd all be falling over giddy😀. Any plans to do Lunar work? Ron.

Welcome to the SGL Astronomy knowledge centre Dave There are experts covering many of the sciences astronomy consists of. Are you an observing only guy, or is imaging the skies wonders also in your ambitions? Whichever you aspire to, there is always instant help should you need it. Ron.

It is a fine Image too, so well worth pursuing the problem to correct it. Ron.

Nothing angers me more than the common thief. My blood boils when I hear stories like this. The trouble is, most of are trusting soul;s, and want to believe the same of everyone else, unfortunately, real life experience tells a different story. It is better to remove temptation away from the common thieves. Hopefully you might recover the Laptop, the thief will no doubt be known to the Police. We all sympathise with you, it leaves a bitter taste for sure. and hopefully they can track him down. Ron.

Just like a giant Catherine wheel Ant. And a Bonny picture it is. Taking advantage of the decent skies we've been having of late. Keep going. you'll get the bug again.👍 Ron.

The reason you have this happen is your supply to the mount was the wrong polarity. Unfortunately the EQ6 Pro's are not self protected against this. If your cable is connect by leads to a battery for example, you must ensure that the leads are applied to the terminals correctly or you will blow out the scopes Motherboard. It is unfortunate, but you will need to replace the motherboard, which is quite easy to do. A new board can be bought from First Light Optics, roughly about £135. Take good note of the connectors on the board before you remove them, so you don't get them wrong when fitting the new one. I don't know of anyone who repairs these, so buying new is your only option. Ron

Loads of Info here. Read at your leisure of course there is a lot of it. Pictures do speak a lot more clearly than words. Ron. https://www.google.com/search?q=difference+between+superior+and+inferior+conjunction&safe=strict&rlz=1C1CHBF_en-GBGB876GB876&sxsrf=ALeKk013HnV0hc5UiYWBNy6Flo8nTXd6LA:1587374153365&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=k6eogyHKlXyOkM%3A%2C-tVVqg8o8chQnM%2C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kQqNTfXto04z3ZaeG23WODzRb4Svg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjUvaXE1fboAhUBThUIHUxEAZIQ_h0wAHoECAoQBA#imgrc=k6eogyHKlXyOkM:

Many thanks gentlemen, I will certainly get a good conclusion to this from all the alternatives you have supplied. The focuser works great manually, but It will be a lot better from the computer chair. 😀 Ron.

MaximDL 6.

I was looking at focus max 4 to compliment my newly acquired Lakeside focuser. After visiting ccdware's website. (having had to exclude their website via my Malware Prog.owing to a Trojan warning. ) I was a bit staggered by the price of $129. Not sure the advantages of the software will justify that price, which will be around £105 I reckon. I'm not a mean Git, so If anyone using it will give it a 10/10, then I will re consider. Ron.

Look for the Double Cluster in Perseus, binoculars show it well, too much magnification in a telescope kinda spoils it a bit. Just lay back in a Deckchair on a dark night, and just trawl through the skies. You'll be awed by the wonder of it all. Ever changing, do it once a month should the night skies permit. Telescopes are too limited to drink all the splendour in. Ron

@Norniron I've no Idea what your budget is, and you certainly don't need to reveal it here. I can suggest you look at the used market for a decent instrument. There are many decent bargains to be had. and If you are in the early stages of amateur astronomy, then you should consider that route. Often expectations can be too great, and disappointment could lead to abandoning your ambition altogether. Before you make a decision to buy any particular telescope, If you are unsure, ask for advice on the forum here. Ron.

Don't confuse the Sun with the Moon. Never look at the Sun through a telescope, it will severely damage your sight. Ron.

Sky at Night magazine gave this scope a good write up. Saturn should be viewable, but rather small. Work progressively through your eyepieces from low magnification, to high. Make sure the sky is good, and seeing is steady. The moon is a good target, and some good details will be available to see. It is a neat telescope, but not a miracle worker. Have patience, observing can take a bit of time to master. Good Luck Ron.

As to balance, are you unable to move your OTA further forward in the dovetail, and or the tube rings. A picture of your setup might help with further suggestions. Ron.

Could fitting a diagonal help? If you could still achieve focus that is. I assume you are using a refractor of course. Although a Newtonian would not give you that problem. Ron.

Do you know what condition the telescope is in? Might not be so cheap if the mirror needs deviating for example. The the OTA should be easily detached from it's mounting. If you know the focal ratio, then the tube length can be reasonably worked out. At f5, the length could be around 50 inches, but perhaps a little less, as the light path has to pass through the focuser. If you are buying this scope blind, you need to get as much information you can before committing any money. Ron.