ChrisMseeker

Despite the cold (and possible rainshower while I was watching the footie) , followed by heavy dew turning to ice, I had a go at seeing SN 2021J. Finding NGC 4414 across from Cor Caroli (alpha Canum Venaticorum) was not too difficult. 4414 has a fairly bright core and I must confess that although I thought - maybe - with averted vision I could see the SN in question just fractionally (relatively) to the south and west of the centre - I can't honestly say for sure. So mixed bag really. Still a good exercise and an opportunity for me to make a rare post about not very much (and show off my k

Hi Thanks for your reply petek314. It seems some motors whirr more than others (maybe the tightness of the internal clutch?). Maybe with tracking off it disconnetcs. I think we should be in the forum for this - not the blog - but thanks for your comments- you sound a very responsible neighbour!!

I see. Thanks also. I'm looking forward to getting going. Waiting for good clear night now... Cheers Chris

Perfect sense! Now it's clear. Thanks ever so much for the help. Chris.

Thanks to you too, TwoPi. Great to have this info from people with the same kit. Actually I have one more question: the HC Utility function allows you to choose between Tracking Modes of Sidereal ( presumably the one most people will use), Solar and Lunar AND - most importantly -'Stop Tracking'. Does this latter mean it always tracks (or tries to) unless you switch it off with this selection? I would have expected 'No tracking' - but 'Stop Tracking' suggests that even if I don't select a star and 'goto it', if I just point randomly in the sky it begins to track (say sidereally if selected) at

Thanks, nicks90. Actually my model WAS a tracker/ auto only, but the seller upgraded to a full goto. No mods though for that other than removing the original (tracker) handset holster from the base and replacing it with the larger one for the AZ HC. Good to know the 'whirrring' is normal. Thx.

Hi All My first entry! Just acquired a 12"/ 305mm skywatcher flextube with sysnscan AZ goto. Not even got to first light yet as checking out and reading manuals/ testing etc (I'm a good boy!!). One big query/ concern though: even when power is off (and I haven't set up the synscan yet - at least not attached to motor drive - only played with it 'off-line' in stand alone mode) when I manually push the tube for fast slew (alt or az) I hear the sound of the gears/ motors and there is resistance. In a video demo I saw the motion appeared to be free and fluid (faster and no motor grinding sound).

Hi All My first entry! Just acquired a 12"/ 305mm skywatcher flextube with sysnscan AZ goto. Not even got to first light yet as checking out and reading manuals/ testing etc (I'm a good boy!!). One big query/ concern though: even when power is off (and I haven't set up the synscan yet - at least not attached to motor drive - only played with it 'off-line' in stand alone mode) when I manually push the tube for fast slew (alt or az) I hear the sound of the gears/ motors and there is resistance. In a video demo I saw the motion appeared to be more fluid (faster and no motor grinding sound). Is t