JimothyC

I'd be worried about the over all length of the scope. An RC8 is going to have a focuser and probably extension rings in place at the rear of the scope. It's going to be quite a bit longer than an SCT. But do let me know if you order and it fits as I'm looking for something to store mine in too.

They seem to be really throwing the development resource at the az-gti at the moment. That's quite unusual for a product that's been out for a few years. I wonder if it's a benefit of the similar but new virtuoso scopes, or perhaps there's an new version of the mount on the way.

Ah I see the carbon tubed 8" RC has arrived. Don't mind if I do, thanks. 🙂

Thanks. Went to have a look and it was capturing dark and bias frames. Typical. Nice to see the pros going through the same process as we do.

I purchased one of the new 4nm o3 Baader filters the other day to replace my original 7nm which used to show ridiculous halos. I've not tried it on Sadr, but here's an example sub from the other night which has a couple of bright stars and no halos. It's certainly an improvement on what I had before. I went for the Baader purely on price and availability. I'd love to have Astrodon or Chroma but I can't afford them. This is on an Altiar 102 Triplet with 0.79 reducer taking me to around F5. So although not as exotic as the Tak, probably not all that a dissimilar optical configuration. Here's an example frame of the wizard nebula, just given a quick stretch. I'll try a test shot on Sadr when clear skies next show themselves.

Yep that's definitely the right one. You have 1 that sits at either end of the worm gear shaft. I don't have a better picture than this, but they sit roughly where the red boxes are, inside the motor/worm assembly. I've not had a chance to check it's performance in EQ mode with guiding, but it's performed better during some Alt/Az planetary imaging. Going away camping next week, so hopefully get a change to try it out then.

I remember a few years ago, someone suggested nose grease!

Sounds like you need a scope on a dolly that you can wheel out of the garage. Unless you fancy a house swap with your neighbour across the street!

If you spend enough time fiddling with Stellarium, you can reproduce your viewing position, including obstructions. Then you’ll be able to see what’s available over the next few years and what telescopes might be suitable.

You could try the Rollright stones up by Chipping Norton. I think it’s a designated dark sky site. Does attract a few alternative types. But I’ve not had any bother up there.

That adapter looks great, but if you want a slightly cheaper option and don’t mind a bit of wiring, I’m using one of these on my nuc.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08DNDGZT7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ZC01W7VD2498C8R7KM33?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 although most NUCs should be able to run on 12v. Although they ship with with a 19v PSU if you dig into the specs you should see that they’ll run on 12-19v https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/products/83254/intel-nuc-kit-nuc5i5ryk.html If you’re using a lifepo4 battery and a fairly short cable, it should be able to consistently deliver over 12v and you won’t need an adapter at all. in the end I went for an adapter as I wanted the option of fairly long cables and the possible voltage drop may have brought things below 12v towards the end of the batteries charge

Don't worry Steve I do. Hopefully it's something you have before the next galaxy season comes around.

Hey @FLO any thoughts of listing the carbon tubed version of the 8 inch RC? Might be helpful for those who plan to sail a little close to their mounts payload.

Sorry didn't read your post properly. Yep these would have come from Skywatcher via the UK distributor. So would have been the same or whatever spec they're using now. I suppose it would be technically possible to source an alternative as long as you get the correct specs. I think you're looking for a 45:1 reduction or at least that's what a random PDF I found on the internet told me. There are websites full of the things, such as https://www.robotshop.com/uk/planetary-gearmotors.html but it would be an expensive experiment. I'm not entirely convinced what is sold as a premium component here isn't the same thing as a Chinese factory would be buying for pennies anyway.

All the replacement bearings were purchased form a 3rd party supplier. Skywatcher wanted far to much for a replacement motor and worm unit. Which side is the movement coming from when adjusting the backlash? If it's the worm side, it could be the bearing. If it's the motor side when there maybe some movement in the planetary gear head on the motor. These can be carefully dismantled and cleaned and regreased with tweezers and a keen eye, but I'm not sure if that will help. You might also want to check the screws which attach the gear head to the motor are done up properly.