TrashPanda

Definitely the Vixen GP2 for me, or any of the previous iterations I've owned going back to the Super Polaris.

Hello Stu, thanks! - I didn't think it should do that. The gap could be closed up again using the ALT clutch but then if I continued the rotation of the dovetail (same direction as before) it would back out again 🤨 I do have your original thread bookmarked for reference - thanks! I think once I've heard about a new work contract (I hope!) I may be making another purchase. Thanks again to all. Best, Mark

Hello again all, I've just remembered! and I have a follow up question please? The last one I tried with the "fault" on the ALT axis. The problem I had was that the motion on this axis was incredibly stiff - very difficult to move by hand, using pressure on the dovetail. I remember thinking that it may just need a bit of movement to free it up. As I began this, rotating it only one way, I can't remember whether it was clockwise or the other, the entire ALT unit began to back out so that I could see the ball bearings in the mechanism. Did I do something daft and only turn it the one way and this should be expected? or was this a genuine fault with the one I had? Sorry to bang on about this but I am really keen to try one out again! Many thanks, Mark

Hello all, thank you very much for the feedback, very much appreciated. I was brought up on the idea that an item should work correctly "out of the box". My late father was a metallurgist and engineer (ND-YAG industrial lasers, that sort of level) and he didn't mess around if something wasn't right. Time for some thinking and a bit more patience perhaps if I do decide to dip my toe into the Zero again. It's a perfect set-up for use with the FOA-60 & Q so I really do want it to work out. I'm not averse to tinkering, I've stripped down a couple of CG-5 mounts in my time - and they really did need a bit of attention! Thanks again. Mark

Hello My guess is it's an attachment point for a tripod strap or sling like a lot of Manfrotto (an others probably) do? I do have a quick question for you if I may? I tried the Mount Zero last year, both samples had to be returned to FLO (they were very good about a return as always!). On one sample the azimuth slo-mo was unworkably stiff, the next one the azimuth was in the sweet spot but the altitude had a "fault". In my long winded way, I was just wondering how have you got on with the mount? have you experienced any issues with the slo-mo or movement of the axes in general? Many thanks Mark

I've had one for a few years but have for one reason or another not really used it in anger much. I did have the Darkframe tune up last year though,i t took 2 months but the RA motion has definitely benefited from the work carried out, the DEC less so but still miles better than from factory. I've recently found a website in the states called the MacObservatory (when researching the Redcat51) and he seems to like it. Hope that helps a bit? Mark

I totally agree. SpaceX has made some fantastic contributions to spaceflight, but Starlink and any projects that follow (hence why I know longer purchase anything from a certain online retailer!) have no regard whatsoever for those of us who view the night sky, professional or otherwise. I've just read a post on Scientific American that they have plans for up to 30,000. The link is here if that does not break site rules? https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-fccs-approval-of-spacexs-starlink-mega-constellation-may-have-been-unlawful/ I'm just coming back to the hobby like yourself and already I'm wondering if it was a wise decision... Mark

Hello all Thank you for the warm welcome. I hope to be more of a participant on the forum than I was last time 🙄 - I was rubbish! Cheers for now. Mark

Hello to all, I'm a returning member having been quiet in the hobby for a while and just starting to find my way back. The first time I was a member I never said "hello" so I think it's only polite of me that this time I do! - so hello to all and a Happy New Year. Cheers for now. Mark