Ande

Sorry, I have only just spotted your post. I’m using a ZenithStar 61, plus reducer/flattener and an iOptron Skyguider, plus camera etc. So nothing too demanding. Although the spec sheet suggests it can take quite a load. Can’t remember the exact loading, but have a feeling it was 30kg or so.

PM sent re: RDF

Just had a Google around and it turns out it is a “bowl” tripod. Hadn’t ever heard of one before, but it appears to be a common thing. Perfect for my needs, which is the main thing.

Bought my Artcise HS80C tripod a month or so back, and whilst generally delighted with it, I was a bit dismayed to find that once my mount was attached, and tightened down, it lined up perfectly with one of the legs. Trying to do a polar alignment was almost impossible, as the tripod leg hindered my attempts to get a good look. And, once I had managed to get some sort of alignment, it was then a miracle if I could extricate myself without banging the tripod and knocking it back out of alignment. So, I decided to have a look, and see if I could adapt the tripod somehow. Upon closer

This video gives an idea of what it’s capable of showing.

For those of you who have never heard of it, which included me until a couple of weeks ago, Space Engine is a program that accurately models space as we know it, and takes an educated guess at the rest of the universe that is beyond us. You will have most probably seen it in action, maybe unwittingly, as it tends to get used in a lot of YouTube videos to illustrate various concepts. It is a stunning piece of software. I bought a copy off Steam a few days ago, and have been absolutely mesmerised ever since. I am lucky enough to have a VR headset, so can take advantage of the VR mode, whic

@AdeKing I would love to be able to wax lyrical about it, but I’m not the most technically-minded of people. I googled around before I bought it, and some people had recommended some the lower spec Beaudens’ power packs for astronomy. So, I bought this one as overkill, but also something that can be taken camping some time if this pandemic cloud ever lifts. Some guy ran a 32” tv off it for 8 hours, so I think it packs a punch. Exact item with all of the specs here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08RB217P1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 This one is

Another delivery this morning, a whole week before the estimated date. Result! This is the last major piece of the puzzle. I’ve heard only good things about these power packs, so am hopeful that it will meet my fairly meagre needs. Comes with a nice collection of cables too, so should be able to get powered up now

Ah, that’s good to hear. Maybe it hasn’t been abandoned after all

Mizar doesn’t seem to get a lot of love, but it is one of my favourite sights to seek out. I cannot let the Big Dipper rise without a cheeky peep

@AstroVagabond Glad you sorted out your auto guiding issue. That’s a hurdle I’ve yet to negotiate. But it’s imminent. It sounds as if you are making pretty good progress. There is so much to learn, and then remember to apply, that it can be close to overwhelming. I think a few more nights of error and mishap then it might start to come together. Hopefully

Before you do buy a telescope, it just might be worth having a peep at this thread: A lot of people are achieving stunning results with this lens. Not me, I’m useless. But just about everyone else

Maybe couple up your iPad to the ASIair Pro. It offers a remote solution. I’ve bought one, but haven’t had a chance to test it yet, as I’m awaiting a power pack.

@Delboy_Hog Thanks for the encouraging words, and the reassurance that I’m not alone. And yes, a quick fly-tipping session of Astro gear over next door’s fence did seem mighty appealing at several stages

Because last night looked wonderful and clear, with very little wind (in Exeter at least), I decided to have a trial run at things. My gear for the night was a ZS61 with 0.8 R/F, a Canon 80D, and a Skyguider Pro mounted on a large, carbon tripod whose make and model eludes me right now. I’m awaiting a power pack, so was unable to include the guide camera and ASIair into the mix, which was probably no bad thing, as I need to increase the complexity over time as this is my first foray into attempting imaging. And I already had quite the night as you’ll soon discover. So, I got the trip