Benjam

I tried your suggestion last night and used a 300mm lens piggyback and unguided. 1 x sub @ 90 seconds unguided, ISO 800 at 200mm

Hi, I have a brand new AVX hand controller you can borrow, it’s obsolete because I’m using Starsence which comes with its own controller. Drop me a DM with you’re address and I’ll post it to you. Hope this helps. Ben

I’ve driven past a million times but never actually been inside. It was once owned by Nestle. Good luck with Network Rail, I hope you receive a positive outcome. Though I’m not surprised you haven’t had a reply, it’s probably been delayed...

I just get blown away by all the technical jargon, though everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Life would be dull if we were all the same... When I read the threads on here, it’s like a different language, though this comes with experience I guess. Recently the bulb inside our 20 year old microwave needed replacing. This was a job for a engineer and in no doubt £100+ just for a £2 lightbulb install, according to the manual. I searched online and someone had very kindly written step by step instructions for this particular model. I followed the instructions and saved myself £100. Youtube is my favourite way to learn, especially for anything astro related.

Hahaha, small world... I’ve lived in Chippenham all my life, apart from when I worked / lived in Pencelli / Llangorse. Where did you work? I’m guessing Westinghouse For the concrete base, I dug down 4 inches. I made the shuttering 6 inches in height so you have 2 inches above ground. It’s a bit over kill for a observatory. For the pier base, the instructions recommend 1m by 1m. Again, probably over kill. I dug a 800cm square and two spade spits down (600cm). Poured the concrete in one hit, I wasn’t worried about the anti-vibration pad because when I’m not observing, I’m operating from inside a warm room. A digger will just make life so much easier for you, if the digger bucket has teeth then it should be a breeze. Well certainly a lot easier then manually swinging a pick...

Thank you. I’m a practical person and I was fortunate to learn many skills from my Father growing up. Though I’m not very academic and I’m lost reading most the discussions on this forum. I’m way out my convert zone, but I’m keen to learn. ATB Ben

North Wiltshire, spitting distance from Bath. I guess you can do the groundwork, though everything becomes twice as difficult when wet and muddy.

I used to work at the outdoor pursuit centres in Pencelli and Llangorse, spent many happy days cold and wet in the Brecon Hills. One minute blue sky, 10 minutes later, a complete white out and 2 inches of snow on the ground... Loved it! Personally, I would leave the build till next spring. I just think you will stand a better chance with warmer and dryer weather. But then I guess you’re itching to get started, I know I would be...

Thank you, you won’t be disappointed. I love my dome! I’ve had no issues with damp or water ingress, which is very surprising with the weather we’ve all been experiencing. I think the key to my success is good preparation. Yes, a DPM is a very good idea and won’t hurt underneath and will give you further protection. I allowed the concrete to cure for 28 days then I applied a water sealer all over, this creates a barrier stopping any moisture in its path. The instructions said two coats but I gave it five. https://www.screwfix.com/p/thompsons-water-seal-clear-5ltr/52043 Under my floor tiles I have a DPM for added protection. It came as part of the flooring kit from Pulsar. A little expensive, but saved me the hassle of cutting the tiles to fit. https://www.pulsarastro.com/pulsar-22m-flooring-kit-48-p.asp For sealing the dome sections together, I used Sika Flex. It’s a adhesive / sealant. I carefully applied a bead in between the joins on the outside of the roof and wall sections. https://www.screwfix.com/p/sika-sikaflex-ebt-all-weather-sealant-white-300ml/87344 On the inside, I haven’t experienced any condensation or damp because I’m running a dehumidifier 24/7 on 60% RH. I definitely would recommend a dehumidifier, though make sure you buy the correct type. I know mine will still run at low temperatures were as the other type, won’t work. I’m not to sure on the correct terminology, but if you search dehumidifiers on here, there’s a good thread which explains everything. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00474K8SY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_Cuu3Db2JKJ1FS Please keep posting you’re progress with updates & pictures as I and many others will be keen to follow you’re build thread. ATB Ben

I recently did a circular concrete base. Here’s my thread, I hope it helps you.

Thank you Marvin. I will certainly try if the weather improves. ATB Ben

Celestron AVX

My first scope I purchased was the 8” Edge HD which I’ve had since April. It’s a fantastic scope for Lunar, Solar and Planetary. I’ve done visual observing as well as imaging the moon, sun and certain galaxies. I’m only using a entry level dslr (un modded) which I use with a 0.7 x reducer. I’ve recently just brought a ccd camera for planetary imaging (ZWO ASI 224MC USB 3.0 Colour Camera) and a 3x Barlow lens, which I intend to use next year, for when the planets will be higher in the UK. Checkout the link below, it’s a great tool for showing you what you will be able to see, using any telescope, camera, eyepiece etc etc... https://astronomy.tools/calculators/field_of_view/ Not sure where in Aus you live, but from my travels (Bintel) is a great shop in Sydney for telescopes. https://www.bintel.com.au/?v=4442e4af0916 Here’s two photos I’ve taken with my 8” Edge HD to give you a rough idea, the last one is the transit of Mercury.

Hi Samantha, sorry I don’t know the answer to your question. I’m relatively new too. I’m sure someone more experienced will come along soon and be able to help you.

iPhone 7 8” Edge HD 40mm EP Celestron NexYZ 3 Axis Universal Smartphone Adapter

I run a dehumidifier constantly when the observatory shutter is closed on 60% RH and a dew band on a 8” SCT when open. I’ve never had a dew problem inside, though outside the observatory is a different story. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00474K8SY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_UnE1Db9XQJ53A

iPhone 7 8” Edge HD 40mm EP Celestron NexYZ 3 Axis Universal Smartphone Adapter

Hi, could you explain the different colours please? I’m very new and keen to learn. The blue is just stunning. Thank you for sharing. Ben

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8 Edge HD ATB Ben

AVX Mount 8 Edge HD SCT 0.7 x reducer Celestron Eclip Smart Solar Filter Canon 1300D Camera ISO 100, 1/100 No processing ATB Ben

That’s harsh and you’re only the next county over. Weather can be so unpredictable, even on a local scale. I’ve been working less then 3 miles away from home before where the weathers been biblical, come home and find out it’s been dry all day. Only another 13 years and two days... Ben

iPhone 7 over a 40mm eyepiece.

Had clear sky most the afternoon here in North Wiltshire. I wasn’t able to catch the first 15 minutes, more due to the neighbours hedge and sun being so low. Managed to image between 1 & 2:30pm and finished the afternoon observing till the sun had disappeared behind the house. I prefer the second picture with the clouds, looks more dramatic... Thanks for looking Ben