Olli

Hi guys, while I wait to take my first images I was wondering is there anywhere I can get raw data of targets that haven’t been processed yet, just so I can have a fiddle around with different types of software? As this seems to be the most complicated part of AP to me. If you could guide me to anything that may be helpful would be greatly appreciated. Olli

As they say, the best scope is the one that you’ll use the most. I do agree with everyone that dobs are great for the views especially the 8” though they can sometimes be a pain to lug around if you have a lot of stairs and store if you don’t have enough space. If you are set on go to then the 130slt would be a good choice. If it is available to you there is also a skywatcher 130p with the az gti mount which is about £400, not sure how much it is $ though.

Hi , thanks for the advice after doing a bit more research it does seem a bit pointless to upgrade the focuser as the Sky-Watcher one is nearly the same as the scope you suggested. Only reason why I didn’t want to replace the scope was because it was the first one I had got and it was a gift so has some sentimental value. This was the one I tried to describe. Might have got confused. I will have a further look into the imaging version.https://www.firstlightoptics.com/telescopes-in-stock/sky-watcher-explorer-130ps-az-gti.html

Hi guys, im looking to upgrade my focuser for the skywatcher 130pds ( the one that comes with the az gti and az pronto not the imaging version as I have had it for a while now and would like to change the one it came with which unfortunately feels a tad cheap.). What do people usually recommend? Are most Focusers usually Universal or are there limited options? I have seen that skywatcher make an official one open to peoples opinions. Olli

Definitely on my bucket list to go there, great sketches!

I wasn’t expecting much for the planets but I was pleasantly surprised. Really excited to try it out with other targets and use higher magnification with planets. Thanks for the previous help.

Congrats on your new scope! One of the main reasons I switched was because of the portability really nice to be able to carry it with one hand. Hopefully you get lots of use out of it .

Seems like I’m missing out on planetary nebulae. Definitely need to give some doubles a go.

Thank you, will try and do more research.

After receiving my new scope a couple of weeks ago I have been itching to use it with the az gti after having a few woes before with tracking problems with SynScan, and after a lot of help on here once again I think I have finally figured it out ( so he says!) it was only a short session today as the clouds were rolling in and wasn’t feeling that great after being tested positive for covid I thought I’d give the moon a try as it is one of my favourite objects to look at. after doing a 2 star alignment with the mount everything seemed to be aligned great and adjusting the slew speed was a life saver. Wish I had found out sooner! I first put in my 24mm ES eyepiece in and the moon was perfectly framed in the scope and my first reaction was how sharp everything was. I could easily see a lot of detail across the moon and even across the terminator. As well as the non illuminated surface which was quite surprising! Coming from a dob I was pleasantly surprised. Next I changed out the eyepiece for the 14mm and again the detail was still great as using the 24mm nice and crisp. Tracking was great with the mount will hopefully get into sketching when looking at the moon . I definitely need to learn my craters as I wasn’t really sure what I was looking at but it looked great . It is amazing what looking at the stars does for your well-being even if it’s only for a quick session. I think this scope will probably last me a lifetime and can’t wait to use it more especially for imaging and DSO. ( hopefully the repairs go okay with Flo next week!) Clear skies Olli

Some good ones there, I do remember the Orion Nebula being one of my first deep sky objects. Haven’t really observed any clusters yet but they are definitely on my list. Will have a look at the ones you mentioned.

I currently have a canon 250d. Is it harder when stacking frames to using video?

Hi Everyone, I have been doing some reading on imaging planets and was wondering if it’s possible to do it with a DSLR? I know people usually recommend an Astronomy camera to take videos ( I think?) Is it a completely different method to imaging deep sky? Thanks in advanced

Hi all, Thought this might be an interesting topic always looking for new things to observe, what are some of you favourites and why do you keep going back to it?

Nothing to exciting but hopefully my back will thank me later. Bought a nice bag for my mounts.

Thanks everyone for the advice/input. Have managed to book a collection with Flo where they will take a look. Don’t want to do any further damage to the scope so seems like the more sensible choice. Hopefully they can get it out.

Thanks both for the advice I ideally wouldn’t want to drill them, just ordered some hex drivers hopefully this will help.

Hi, wasn’t sure where to put this but could use with some help. I was trying to take apart my scope so I could fit in my flatner, to do this you have to unscrew these small Allen key type screws. Two of them have come out fine but I have been struggling with one and it just doesn’t seem to come out and is starting to strip the thread. What is the best way to get it out? The Allen keys that it came with don’t seem to be doing much. I’ve tried to find the photo of what I mean. Any help would be great as I don’t want to damage the scope!

All the rest of the equipment came today , did a quick dummy run and couldn’t be happier with the set up. Wasn’t as bad as i thought it was going to be. Just need to practice polar alignment and balancing. Hopefully will get my first image soon! Once again thanks for all the help.

Thank you, that’s a good way to go about it. I think what I’ll probably do is start with my camera by itself without the scope just to learn the process and once I get more comfortable start adding on the additional equipment like guiding ect. Will follow your advice.

Thanks Olly appreciate the help, will hopefully be able to set everything up today during the day and get familiar with all the equipment. I’ll try and get a guide set up as soon as possible. Seems like it’s the last piece of the puzzle!

Thanks everyone for all the help. Still feel a bit overwhelmed by it all lots to take in. Will probably have to write a list what I’ll need In the future.. but for now though to get started with imaging what targets do you recommend I should try and shoot for the first time this season? For using a dslr I’ve seen that darks and lights are used. Is this a necessary process? Do you then stack it all with the others?

Thank you, will hopefully get to show some first photos soon!

Can I ask what PEC training is ? AAP sounds like a firm favourite will definitely see if I can get one.

This is incredibly helpful. I have heard a lot about Nina after looking at videos. Everyone seems to use it. I will have to research a bit more on the pcs.