michaelmorris

Wow, I didn't realise they were now charging. Luckily we migrated our local astronomical society's Yahoo group over to groups.io a couple of years ago.

I have a new (to me) SW EQ6-GT mount. On it I have mounted a SW 80ED with a standard SW 9 x 50 finder converted into a guide scope using the SW finder to C-mount adaptor. I use a SX Lodestar 2x guide camera screwed directly on the C-mount adaptor. I've always found that my mount calibration seems to take ages when using a finder/guider (up to 10 minutes). However, with the new mount it takes so many steps to calibrate that PHD2 runs out of time and calibration fails. If I try it using PHD version 1, calibration is successful, but still takes ages to complete. I am using 3 second exposures and the calibration step size set to the maximum value that the software will allow. I have checked and PHD2 is definitely moving the mount on each step, just not enough. What am I doing wrong?

Two organisations come to mind. The BAA and the Society for the History of Astronomy. https://britastro.org/ https://societyforthehistoryofastronomy.com/

SOLD

Kendrick DigiFire 7 Digital Dew Controller 100% digital operation with 6 outputs, four of which are programmable. Run 12 VDC accessories or heaters from the 2 dedicated 12 volt outputs. For example, run cooling fans, computerised setting circles, DewGuard secondary mirror heaters etc. Includes low voltage cut-off. Protect your battery from being to deeply discharged. £55 + £5 P+P

The delrin T2 spacers sold by FLO are also good at reducing the risk of them getting 'cold welded'. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/baader-t2-delrin-spacer-ring-set.html

I know the feeling.

Okay, your post has prompted me to look at the website. I've now booked for general entry + the talks by Patrick Gilliland and by Prof Hilary Downes.

I'm probably going, probably on the Saturday. - (decisive aren't I?!)

10-12 Amp QJE Qj1863 13.8v Linear DC Power Regulated Power Supply Almost new 12v bench regulated power supply. Ideal for running an observatory or imaging rig. £25 + £8 postage or pick up for free from Worcestershire or SGL star party.

Heavy Duty Pier Levelling Plate/Eyepiece Holder Made of two x 20 mm thick pieces of aluminium, each 284mm x 284mm with rounded corners. Also comes with aluminium wood/composite eyepiece holder (two pieces of plywood sandwiching a piece of aluminium). Immensely rigid. Weights 9.2kg. Originally used for Meade LX200 and then for an EQ8 mount. £45 + £10 postage or pick up for free from Worcestershire or SGL star party.

Unless you intend to keep moving it in and out of your van every night, a good waterproof cover for your scope is an essential. Many people cover them with a toilet/utility tent.

Not so much 'great minds ticking over searching' as 'drunk befuddled minds groping hopelessly in the dark'

Nice image.