OpusElite

Thanks, that was the type of thing I had in mind.

Cheers, I've been through similar with adapters for an old Prinz scope. I now own a digital vernier and a set of thread gauges. I knew they would come in handy again

Many thanks for the info and link, I really appreciate the speedy reply. Aha, there is indeed a thread on the 3" focuser. I will measure up and check if it matches the item you suggested.

Does anyone know if there is such a thing as an adapter to fit 2" or 1.25" eyepieces into a 3" focuser please? All my searches have failed, maybe I'm using the wrong search words.

That's a great solution, thanks for sharing the information on what motor kit you used. I'm at the planning stage of my home observatory, so this is much needed advice.

That's a great looking finder. I was thinking along the lines of using a camera 90 degree viewfinder, which negates issues with focal length. I bought this one for using on my mounts polar scope, but it could serve as dual purpose for finder scope as well.

Other than weight and awkward head position, why couldn't binoculars be mounted on a telescope as finders? Or perhaps dismantle a set of binoculars and use one half as a finder. There are 90 degree viewers for attaching to camera viewfinders, so that would make it easier on the neck. I have some old 10x50's laying around and a 90 degree viewer I recently acquired .. Will let you know how it goes. (If the clouds ever part)

Sadly that's the for the old style mount but thanks anyway.

I have just purchased an "RA clock drive kit" for my Celestron CG3 mount but it's the wrong type and I can't find the correct version anywhere. It transpires that there are 2 versions of the CG3 mount: The old mount is akin to the Skywatcher EQ-2 and the motor kit has a cog whcih drives the large cog on the RA control shaft. The new mount is very different and the motor kit fits over the RA control shaft. (Bizarrely, the 2 motor kits share the same part number!) Does anyone have a new style motor kit they are willing to sell or has anyone modified the old style motor to fit the new mount? I found various threads on here, including one where someone had modified the old style kit to fit the new mount, but they are no longer active, so I can't get any info. Two ideas I have for modifying are: Fit a large cog to the RA control shaft and manufacture a mounting bracket for the motor box so drives the big cog. Remove the cog from the motor and couple the motor shaft to the RA control shaft, then modify the motor control circuit to alter the drive speed. (provided it has the torque for 'direct drive') (The mount pictures I found online, the motor kit picture comes from an old thread on here)

Hi Nick, great sketches as usual, thanks for sharing. At the weekend (as part of the North West AstroFest), I watched an online talk by Mary McIntyre about sketching astronomical observations. I immediately flashed back to you showing your impressive collection at PSP 😃 I still haven't managed a decent session on Mars either. Weather, health and equipment never seem to align for me, however I am always hopeful and may get a chance later this week - if the pesky clouds stay away! Duncan

6 years later I stumble across this golden nugget of information, which resolves the issues I experienced whilst starting to use mirror lock-up. Thank you 👍

Hello and welcome from another new member who has recently converted from the casual looking up to owning a scope. The learning curve is certainly steep and can appear to be over-whelming in the beginning, thankfully SGL is the font of all knowledge. I also highly recommend Wolvas for their online talks and of course the local support. I have already met up with a few members for observing sessions and have been exceptionally grateful for the help, support and encouragement given.

With the age of my scope and my gorilla like approach to stopping things falling off, the thread has stripped in the holes for the tube-ring clamping bolts on my Celestron C6N, so I am exploring the option of using 'Helicoil' thread repair inserts. I don't have thread gauges or accurate verniers, so all I've managed to do is confuse myself: The shank is 1/4" but the thread is larger, somewhere around 0.3" or 5/16" or 1/4" The threads are somewhere around 20 tpi UNC? Does anyone happen to know, or is able to measure, the precise size and thread of the bolts please? I came up with 5/16th" 20 tpi UNC however, it seems Helicoils aren't available with those measurements? I have added pictures showing the clamping bolt and where it fits. Yes, it would probably be easier and quicker to buy new tube rings, but I am was hoping to repair instead. Thanks in advance. I am bracing myself for the all comments about being gentle with optical kit 😁

I need to attend this to return all the items left in my tent from March 😁 .... oh and also to prove that I do actually know how to align my scope now ! (note to self - pay attention to GMT / BST setting) Count me in 👍

These forum posts are timeless. I am researching adding a helical fine focuser to my Newt, so it's been great to find that someone has previously done so. I was cautious about the intended 'guidescope use' and also whether it actually fitted correctly.👍

I am happy to report that the extra night was definitely with staying for, very clear skies as forecast. I managed to get aligned well, so was able to take a tour of some of the double stars, then went on to a few stars of interest to me before finishing off with a few Messier objects. I had a great time observing but when ice formed on everything I decided it was bed time (11pm) So that officially closes PSP 2020 and all that remains is for me to thank everyone involved in the organisation of the event, thank those that made it along and wish everyone a safe time until Corona is over. Clear skies !!

I am overwhelmed at the kindness, generosity and support from everyone at PSP, thank you for making me feel so welcome. Your gifts of food, beer, heater, warm clothing, planisphere and astronomy knowledge are so gratefully received. With people leaving through health or needing to be back home for family, I am the sole survivor for Sunday night. Hopefully the predicted clear skies will materialise and I get my first proper viewing in a relatively dark area. Looking forward to the next start party....

Thanks, that's the impression I got. Time to load car ..... it's 🚙🌠

Before I load the car and head off to Derbyshire, can we confirm that PSP is still going ahead please?

Thank you in advance, all of those would be greatly appreciated, I really hadn't expected all of this to be on offer.

Myself and SteveWolves are both still down to come. We are currently consuming alcohol as it's rumoured to kill covid

Hi Chris, I have recently joined SGL and just found this thread. I am in Newport (Shropshire), which in our rural area makes us near neighbours Having only just bought my first scope I am still finding my way with it all.