Greymouser

On 21/04/2024 at 23:42, Louis D said:

That 38% linear secondary obstruction doesn't sound very conducive to good planetary contrast.

Finally found time to respond, my apologies for the lateness. 

Whilst I agree, any secondary obstruction can cause problems, this is the same as my TS optics 6" CC. I don't see too much of a problem there, neither do many other CC owners, it seems. That said, I am not sure I will be keeping that! 🤪

I guess it just triggered my curiosity when I saw it, I do like new things like this. I doubt I would get it at that price, but the only other easily portable solar system scope, I would guess would be a Mak. My CC holds collimation very well, as should this, so should be good for a backpack. 

Just noticed this new scope from GSO and TS optics, very interesting! 400mm long and weighing in at 2.17 KG, makes it a good travel scope, F12 will make it good on planets and the moon. The only thing to put me off is the price, around £343 and importing it from Germany. I just hope @FLO have noticed this, because I for one am interested and they have supplied TS stuff in the past. I have the TS optics 6" CC, which is good, but not really very portable, but this ticks several boxes. I live in hope...

https://www.teleskop-express.de/en/beginner-astronomy-and-gift-ideas-241/telescopes-for-astronomy-279/ts-optics-gso-114-mm-f-12-cassegrain-telescope-ota-17569

Thoughts anyone?

Done, but I doubt it will do much good, not least because looking a little deeper, they only appear to want to hear from locals, not visitors. I hope I am wrong...

3 hours ago, DirkSteele said:

Are you finding you are having balance issues with the mount? I have not encountered such issues but have only used a few times over the last couple of months.

No not at all. However two quick sessions with a 72 EDF and a C5 are hardly pushing it. My intentions are to push the mount a bit, just to see what it can do. I wish to make this as easy as possible. Now I just need to find the time... 

This arrived, just a short while ago, via DPD. He still had several more deliveries, very long day he has had and I do not envy him. Nice fella though.

Counterweight for my Sightron Alt Az mount. Now how far dare I push the mount, now balance should be less of a problem?  

Edit: From FLO: https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-star-adventurer/skywatcher-star-adventurer-counterweight-kit.html

Thanks guys for the usual quick delivery.

52 minutes ago, wookie1965 said:

I should of packed it away when you said and sent it back too late now.

I am really sorry to read of this, a very bad advert for buying second hand at a distance.

I too would like to know where you got it from and if possible name and shame the miscreant who sold it without full disclosure. Very, very bad. Hindsight is a fine thing, but too easy, especially if you are so looking forward to something.

As my SS50 needs a tablet with 4 GB Ram and my Samsung has only 3, I thought I would splash out on a 4GB RAM A8! The added advantage of a second tablet means it can be mostly just for my SS50 and can be always charged. Now all I need is to get organised...

Then of course, I thought a new cover would be good idea, so here comes Star Cat!

6 hours ago, Sunshine said:

Nice image of the box but im afraid you’ve blown out the core.

Firstly:

That is all I have to say on that matter...

However, I have received another parcel, have attempted to photograph the contents, but appear to be still be having problems. Spacing? Tilt? Over exposure? I just don't know...

The moon map is for the wall, maybe learn a bit too, goodness knows I need to learn my Lunar geography! The double star book, by our very own @Ags is very good, but I meant to get the spiral bound version, but saw this on Amazon and it fell into the basket! Now I don't know if I should buy a second copy, this time spiral bound, or operate on the one and put in a spiral folder type of thing, with lots of little pockets. It just seem to be almost blasphemous, to take a book apart! I will get sent to literary hell!

Just ben out for a swift half hour, with my little grab and go:

Very light, no cool down needed, so out I went, even though there is high thin cloud. Still a decent, if short spell admiring the moon, never gets tiring. Dewed up by the end, but only had time for a quick session and it has been soooo long, since the last time out. Not the best view, nor particularly methodical, just wandering round looking. Shame this scope doesn't seem to like my Takahashi prism, perhaps the short focal length, but great in other scopes. All in all, it put a smile on my face and destresed a little.  

Am I the only one to do this? I bet I am not. I have been looking at my astro gear, thinking that I have too much, it needs rationalising. ( ) Looking back at the last few years, many things I have got have been impulse buys, with the best of intentions, but then see little use. Usually bought when life is getting difficult, partly for that buzz of the arrival of new great gear! I Partly blame the weather, ruining the few observing chances I get, forcing me to browse on astro suppliers websites! I wonder how long it will be until I run out the SeeStar?

As usual great service from the best astro suppliers. Lots of patience to with my seemingly never ending questions! Why buy anywhere else?

About 24 hrs from order to arrival!!

Got this from FLO a little while ago, only just now got the chance to post because so busy:

Not sure about the foam box, might have to upgrade that... Not sure how wise this purchase has been either, I am very spare time poor at the moment, but hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Also got a few little helpers too:

That's a dew shield; Bhatinov mask; dust cover and EQ5 tripod convertor, not sure it will work for the SS50, but I think it should. Fantastic delivery from FLO as usual too, thanks guys.

Having recently got one and seen how poor the manual is, can anyone tell me how to set it up with the clamp on the outside please? There used to be a pic on FLO showing that way with a counterweight, but it is gone. I have looked, but lack the time to search for too long, so I hope someone knows how to set it up that way. Thanks in advance.

Got this a few days ago, only posting now because I have been so busy.

F5 Newtonian, bought to test myself regarding collimation, as I have been considering going large! ( Aperture fever... ) I have had a F5 newt in the past, a Skywatcher 150p, but it came perfectly collimated and stayed that way, so I was never tested. I also got a Cheshire and a cap to aid things. I will probably be seeking advice, when I finally get to try it out!

Of course, my plans may now be changed, after seeing various peoples results with the Seestar!

Right it's on my list! Will have to shuffle want's around! Great pic that Paul!

Beginning to think I may have to get one of these... 🤔

Got these a while ago, but didn't post them up here, because I was just too busy. The mount has remained in it's box for a few weeks!!!

A Sightron mount, ( its tiny! ) three dew straps and an Oiii filter. Cant stand the  clamp that came with the mount, so instantly replaced by an Astro Essential one:

Can't stand marred vixen bars!

Edit: Now I just have to learn Japanese, cos the tiny manual is just in that and very small!

1 hour ago, paulastro said:

This arrived this morning.  The mount is FLOs version of the SkyTee 11 of course.  There are some minor differences, but I'll leave those until I write a review.

The important thing is, it appears steady as a rock, and we'll within the mounts capacity.    It doesn't need the counterweight - I was just trying it out.

Far more convenient than a GEQ for visual observations for me - especially when using the Starsense Explorer.

Me buying this mount has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that it can take the weight of some of the 103s larger  cousins!

 

 

Can you stop this now please? My resistance is beginning to crumble! My credit card is trembling!

5 hours ago, paulastro said:

The Askar 103 Triplet  has a new companion.  A friend of mine was kind enough to sell me a black Vixen GP mount,  from the time when they were supplied with some TeleVue telescopes.  

 

You sir are a very bad man. I have been trying my best to resist these new scopes from Askar, since I first read about them, and now you post this picture, which looks very fine indeed, a partnership made in heaven. Now there are three others to consider, particularly the 120 and 140. 🤔

Beginning to feel like I am on a slippery slope indeed...

Thought I needed a few goodies to cheer me up, so ordered them from FLO yesterday about 2.30pm, dispatched an hour later, here at 10.30 this morning!!!! Wow, just wow. Can't think of another online retailer that is that quick. Many answers given to my pest like questions too previously. This is why FLO are the go to for me when it comes to astronomy purchases! Just the best customer service! Thank you FLO.  ( They know how to package things too, unlike another next day delivery company... )

10 minutes ago, John said:

I think I did qualify my opinion by saying that I would probably make an exception for FLO.

 

You did John, but your post made me think and doubt. I have no doubt that FLO would sort any problems, none at all, which is why I always prefer to buy there. I am just not a fan of any back and forth, even with such first rate customer service, as FLO always offer. It's not that I doubt FLO, but rather couriers, which to my mind have got worse, even DPD. One of their drivers  told me of deteriorating work conditions and increased pressure. I have had one damaged parcel delivered from them, which while solved quickly, was an annoying delay. It looked like it had ben thrown across the van! 

@dweller25 One of the new Askar triplets. I am just shallow and like the look of them! Added to which they can pack down small as they are designed to break apart.

Normally I would have no hesitation ordering such from FLO, but after @John mentioned he would not as it was too risky, I now have my doubts. Unfortunately, FLO HQ is too far, the boss would never agree and I would prefer not to use others closer, even though they have a good reputation, They are just not FLO!

So I thought I would ask a more formal question, to get a wider opinion. So is it safe to get a triplet by post, or not? Is it as John says, to much to go wrong, even with the best of courier? I am not doubting John, just want a wider opinion, perhaps looking for an excuse to get one! 🤪

Thank you John. Food for thought.

On 27/09/2023 at 22:32, John said:

If I was purchasing a triplet refractor then I would probably arrange to pick it up myself rather than trusting it to a courier, even if it had been checked prior to sending. 

If you don't mind @John could you expand on this please? I have been considering getting a triplet, from FLO of course, but Exeter is a bit far from me. Is it so much more risky than getting a doublet delivered? Might have to reconsider things...

23 minutes ago, Gerr said:

I was quite happy with how it turned out.

So you should be, lovely. If I had the time and patience, ( skill, ) I would be well chuffed with this.