Dean Hale

I think you really really should and i'll buy your scopetech zero - hope you don't mind but couldn't resist. 🙂

HI Has anyone actually replaced the clamp on a AZ5? I've chewed up quite a few dovetails using the existing screw based clamp. re reading the thread i can see this an option above but that seems to be for the AZ-EQ5 https://www.firstlightoptics.com/dovetails-saddles-clamps/primaluce-lab-az-eq5-plus-puck-adapter-plate.html - i think? Thanks

Back in business. Thought i'd update on the chance someone else may have the same scope and wish to add tube rings. Probably very obvious to most people but anyways. Purchased Skywatcher 101mm tube rings and a short dovetail. and once you remove the badge/sticker/logo and reverse the finder bracket they fit perfect. Now have a handy ledge for the asiair and cable management using the 1/4 screw holes too.

The screw has completely snapped. I'd have to tap it etc to get it working. I agree and think rings is the way to go. Hi, yes i did buy from new. I didn't think of this. Thank you no harm in trying.

Hello I noticed today that one of the screws holding the dovetail to the wedge has sheared off and it's stuck tight and not shifting unless i do a little diy. There is now some movement owing to just the one screw in place and i've never been that comfortable with the two thin screws holding the dovetail to the wedge. The bolt doesn't help when inserted as it falls into the wedge below the dovetail offering no additional hold. Any ideas on what to replace this with something that would be a little more solid? Alternative dovetail bar or even tube rings - struggling with the latter as the available space to attach these is narrow and the size required. I'm struggling with google as to an answer. Also a pic of the bolt that attaches the dovetail and wedge to the telescope again any idea of the size - i'm unsure if this is a standard size for a replacement dovetail bar? In the pic i've added it next to a 1/4 the best example i could think of. Thanks for the advice you lovely people.

Thank you. Good to know they are a good starter choice.

It has been very grim here the past 10 days and looking likely to be for another week or two. So some binoculars to try and see some local wildlife or at the least check who has left their bins out. Have been working from home nigh on a year so need some excitement. A reconditioned Asiair from Flo. I know one is available in the for sale section - at an excellent price and to charity too however i'm delving into the unknown and feel more comfortable pestering FLO if needs be.

I purchased the talentcell @ScouseSpaceCadet mentioned in previous posts. I cannot fault it.

Will be really happy when the country opens up and and be able to try before i buy. Indeed. Just too much temptation. Also must stop browsing the Berlebach tripods.

Explore Scientific 2" Diagonal. Simple reason is I want to try a 2" eyepiece or two.

Oh they are lovely eyepieces. Just sold a couple and feel i may regret it.

Yesterday the AZ5 Mount arrived and a Astronomik UHC-E Filter. Lots of reports on SGL about the Morpheus range and one popped up in the classifieds. Thanks to @Richie092 hoping to try it soon.

I didn't know that. thanks for the tip John.

Would this do? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-25-eyepiece-cross-wire-cross-hair-reticle-attachment/383869031789?hash=item596060956d:g:1NUAAOSwDxdf4Lea

The site appears to be kaput even their online shop! I'm sure as you can't buy anything direct they will get it back quickly.

Hi Vlaiv Baby steps for me at the minute. By the way I've read some of your posts and they are very informative and hopefully soon I can use some of the advice you give. Thanks

I recently purchased a ZWO 120MC-S camera which I use with a small refractor. However, I couldn't quite capture the whole moon as you can see in the left image - either the top or bottom was out of the field of view. Wasn't concerned as I know the FOV is limited just assumed it is what it is. What I didn't know and purely by accident was that if I rotate the camera 90 degrees I can now capture the whole crescent. I've had it around 6 weeks so I've had a few chances to play and I never clicked on. Jeez, I feel very dense. Am I alone in this? Any others realised a top tip after a period of time working a certain way?

The url you are using in the browser window is incorrect. Does https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/software-drivers work for you?

Purchased a licence for Crossover so i can run windows apps such as PIpp, autostakkert on my Mac. I've been using the trial the past 2 weeks and seems very stable (i'm on Big Sur too). Used the code MGG for 35% discount off an Annual licence so only £31.

I've had no luck with Sunderland council. I have 2 LED streetlights one to the west and one to the north both around 12 metres on the other side of the road. Basically told nothing they could do as they were fitted before we moved here around 2 years ago and if it was an issue why did i not complain then. Explaining that I didn't do astronomy at that point didn't wash. It's an hobby so not essential. The light does actually intrude into the house so tried using this to try and maybe have shades fitted and was then told to shut the curtains.

I'm starting to get an itch that won't go away.

Getting a little better (yep quite a lot of photoshop editing - but starting to get a little detail and colour). Also quite hard at the moment to get the practice in owing to the lack of clear nights. I know the ZWO 120 is not really for deep sky nor is my equipment - but good for me to understand the basics plus i find it quite a relaxing way to while away a few hours. 30 - 5 seconds frames. Pipp, AutoStakkert. Photoshop with the photokemi tools plugin.

Thank you @HollyHound and @johninderby that's really helpful. @HollyHound and @johninderby