MakeItSo

1 minute ago, Dr_Ju_ju said:

That's a silly question, go for it, IF there are any limitations with its control, come back here & I'm sure other members will put you right......

Not a silly question at all...

Simply a query; research and user experience are two different things. My research tells me this mount is superb but I’d like to hear about user experience with the software 

4 minutes ago, henry b said:

Tell me where it is and i will have it if you are not sure! and hurry up.      Henry b

 

Hi Folks, 

Thanks for reading. 

I am upgrading my mount for my observatory. I will be doing AP primarily but to be honest,  I also enjoy some visual.  I need about 30-40kg capacity. I had my heart set on the ridiculously expensive 10 Micron 2000 (coming in a about 12k when you figure all the extras needed). Something seemed wrong about that price....!

I now have an opportunity to get a Mesu 200 Mark II. The mounts engineering looks unquestionable and I have yet to hear anything bad said about these mounts. The price is also very attractive compared to the 10 Micron. My issue is the control. I’m going to be honest - the controller looks rudimentary (and with no screen, controlling from the computer for visual may be annoying). I have no knowledge of Sidereal technology at all. I am very close to purchasing this mount but I would like some feedback on user experience regarding the software and control of the mount. I note the new version will have the Scitech I controller but I thought (perhaps incorrectly that the older version has the II controller). I am not sure if this is significant or not. 

Opinions and feedback greatly appreciated. 

Simon

Still looking but probably going to go with a 10 Micron (and stretch the budget a it). 

11 minutes ago, Rainer said:

Hi,

I do not know the CGX-L nor the Skywatcher EQ 8 but I know for sure the Losmandy G11 and the CEM 120EC2.

Do not touch the Losmandy G11GT as the backlash problem is not solved here. Believe. I did fight with that for the last 16 years 😎 I even invented a floating worm systen for the G11 15 years ago.

Now since Novemeber 2018 I installed two iOptron CEM 120EC2 mounts inmy observatory and I could not be happier. 

On one mount I have a Mewlon 250S side by side with a SKY 90 as well as a FSQ 85ED and the counterweight shaft carries 54 kg of counterweights.

I do not know how much your SCT 14 weighs and the 130mm + all other but I would bet that you can set it up all on a CEM 120. I would get the EC model and if you can afford it go up to the EC2 and you are done for the rest ? of your life ...

I do not recommend exchanging too often the telescopes ...

But as always I am stronlgy biased toward iOptron and is JMHO 🤔

regards Rainer

Hi Rainer,

how easy are those mounts to set and use?

Many thanks.

At this price I could get the CEM 120 EC or almost EC2

With another 1k I could stretch to a Paramount MyT. 

Does anyone have experience with these mounts? Would that open up a lot more possibility? I am keen to future proof myself as much as possible against wanting to upgrade and time soon (like the next decade :))

Simple question for opinions.

Whats the best mount for under £5.5K?

Context:

Will sit in an observatory on a pier

Used for deep sky AP

Will need to carry a 14 inch SCT OR a 130mm refractor plus imaging kit.

(not both scopes at the same time)

Portability not important

Weight capacity is important

Accuracy critical

Ease of set up and use very important 

Hi Nigella, 

Which mount did you end up going for? I have more or less the same decision to make, pending getting the all clear on building my ROR. 

Best,

Simon

Hi All, 

I am curious; to what lengths do you go to to get good observing time in?

We are having really bad viewing weather right now and every day I am checking my apps and weather websites for even short stints that are useable. Occasionally I see clear skies forecast for times like 2am-4am. But on a work night this is challenging. My last session was a Friday night and I stayed up right through until 4am but I was flattened for 2 days afterwards. 

I have a new WO refractor bought last week that I am dying to try out but have yet to. Yes, 1 week waiting is nothing, I know.

So my question is - if there are predicted good viewing conditions, say, at 2am on a work night, do you:

1. Stay up until then?
2. Go to bed and get up?
3. Give it a miss and wait for a better time?

What about at the weekend/non-work night?

I have a nearly new CPC 1100 Edge and I have been enjoying it immensely. Before that I had variety of relative cheap refractors. I have decided to install a home observatory to allow me to spend more time observing and less time moving kit. I will have a pier and plenty of space. I want a 1100 Edge OTA but I am not sure what mount to buy. This is going to mean selling my CPC - I don’t want to go down the defork route. Keeping in mind that I will also want the tripod to stash in case I want to move the scope, which mount (and tripod) would you advise. I will be doing AP. 

I had assumed that the best option would be the CGX-L 1100 Edge but I have seen mixed reviews. The EQ8 looks good too but I get the impression, perhaps incorrectly, that the Celestron mount might be have more connectivity and better software etc. 

Does anyone have any other ideas or comments. Note I also have a 100mm refractor.. 

Many thanks. 

7 minutes ago, JamesF said:

There's actually a recognised definition of a "temporary building" in the interpretation of UK planning law.  Which is, a building that exists for no more than twenty-eight days.  Apparently the courts have decided that the fact that it has no proper foundations and stuff like that is irrelevant.  Even something like a marquee needs PP if it is to remain for more than 28 days.

James

Good point...I now see that. 

I have altered the wording of my letter to indicate that it can be easily 'reversed' if needed (which is true - we all know it would be annoying and laborious but it can be done. I am not planning on have a big concrete slab)

1 hour ago, Rusted said:

Talk to the relevant authorities and ask for their advice on what might be possible. Not what you only think you might get away with.
Make their lives easier with relevant images and an aerial map of your situation and to show your worst obstacles.
Have a list of "must haves" and "wants" for open negotiation. If they object ask what it is they are protecting that your project will undo?
Show flexibility where necessary but remind them gently that building has been going on for centuries before they came along. Smile!

Brilliant - I am currently composing my letter. I have also provide an ordinance survey plan of the property and where the Obsy will sit, photos of the location and views from the location as well as images of the proposed structure. I am stressing it is a temporary structure (it is technically; it can come down at any time if needed). 

2 minutes ago, tich said:

We were going to build a roll on roll off shed observatory but as this came up for 150 quid on eBay it were a no brainer!!
A dome can be limiting but then it does offer good wind protection to so horses for courses.





 

Looks awesome but suspect it would trigger antibodies at my local council for my place.

Home Observatory UK

The Obsy will be about 50 yards from  my house so this may be an issue - 10.8sq metres. They’ve asked I send in a pre-application enquiry. 

13x9 feet. I’m getting as big as I can afford. But based on what I’ve seen this is perhaps on the larger side of average (at best). My property is also listed so it’s a perfect storm for these guys to scrutinize. 

So I have found I do need to run this past my council; my house is in an area of "outstanding natural beauty" so they want to "check it out". Just as well I wasn't asking for a Dome - no way they would have gone for it. Annoying to be held up.

Just purchased. To all you DIY virtuoso’s it may seem odd I’m not building it myself but I definitely wouldn’t trust myself to truly do it properly. 

Just thinking now of having ALL my books by my scope together with a PC. It’s a good feeling. 

Thanks for the input. 

20 minutes ago, saac said:

No regrets whatsoever - in fact I still catch myself rolling back the roof even when it is cloudy - just because I can  

Jim 

Love it...

I bought a property in the country (moved out from London) for my kids. I grew up in the country and wanted my kids to have the same big garden, fields and animals. I've sat looking at my 2 acre paddock thinking it was a complete waste and thought about selling it. 

Not so much anymore. The ROR Observatory is a lot of money but I find myself lamenting the numerous "nearly" opportunities to view (ones where the sky is clear for 90 minutes but no point in setting up an 11 inch scope with heaters etc) that are missed. This seems like the spend most likely to have huge positive impact (rather than constantly buying new EPs and other things). 

Thanks Gina and Andrew. It just feels like it will exponentially increase my viewing time and knowledge...

Hi All,

I am about to pull the trigger on having a ROR observatory installed. I’ve chosen this over a dome for a variety of reasons. I live in the country and have piles of space and I want to get more and more use from my kit. I also want to be able to share my hobby with my kids and wife more (an observatory is not needed for that but having everything set up for quick hour sessions will help tremendously). 

I’m interested to know if anyone has ever regretted building one? - for whatever reason. 

Positive encouragement also welcome; I’m at that tipping point...

Many thanks. 

Hi All, 

I have been trying to get in touch with HOUK for a couple of weeks without success. The most recent reviews on their site are from mid 2018. Does anyone know if they are still doing business?Have emailed and called but no luck. Looking to price up a Roll Off Roof Observatory. 

Best,

Simon

I was observing last night and spent 4 hours looking at the moon and splitting doubles because of the perpetual twilight. Jupiter was no more that a bright disc with 4 moons. That was through an 11inch scope with a variety of good eyepieces. A 17mm Ethos was as far as I got and mostly stuck to a 41mm Panoptic. Wouldn’t write your scope off quite yet....

Was also looking at the Explore Scientific 80mm and the Willliams Optics ZS.

Any opinions?

Many thanks!

Many thanks Ben.

Yep - my widest is a 41mm Panoptic. Weight is certainly a consideration. 

Was desperate to go out observing tonight but as each minute ticks on, my app is showing increasingly poor conditions...

Any more advice folks....