sputniksteve

What's your preferred EP for the Mak?

Actually, it's not my intention to be adding all of that kit tbh. I might try a DSLR or something. I know this set-up isn't going to allow me to do backyard Hubble images, but that's not entirely my interest at the moment. Having said that, I've seen some great DSO stuff done with just a decent mounted DSLR. I'm more interested in planetary at the mo. This purchase is intended to get me back into the hobby after some years out. Last time, I experienced aperture fever and bought a 12" LIghtbridge. I loved it. Stupidly sold it 2014. I want to go for something different this time round, but my long term plan is to build up an arsenal of 'scopes over the years. I shall probably for an 8" or 10" dobbie too at some point. Or maybe a little refractor to try on the AZ-GTi. My current plan of action for next few years is: - Get SM127 on AZ-GTi mount - Get a good quality eyepiece or two, and maybe a barlow - Save up and get a biggish dob. - Keep buying stuff.

Yeah, there's no way I shall be spending that kind of money on it.

It would be a lovely platform! https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/skywatcher-heq5-pro-synscan.html -- this one?

Having only recently joined, I can't praise SGL enough. Such a welcoming, friendly and helpful bunch of people. I've already learnt quite a bit from reading the various topics and asking a few questions.

Can I see Sigourney Weaver sitting in the middle of that?

I'm joining in. 1) My beautiful 12" Lightbridge dobbie. Alas, I sold this back in 2014 - clear evidence of post cardiac arrest brain damage. 2) My very recent resurrection of an old Tasco whose tripod head shattered decades ago. This lives in a cupboard at my parents' house where I've been shielding for the last 10 weeks. I was determined to get a view with it, and so I did! The mount here is constructed of a pier (a vacuum cleaner tube) attached to a cast iron base (from a garden umbrella) atop a raised platform (kitchen stool), levelled with inserts (two mug mats).

Sweet. I'm likely to get myself the Skymax 127 on it, thinking that I can get more scopes as the years go on to run on it. The tripod in the vid looks like the SW that comes with it - is that correct?

Nice.

Ok, cool. I can see it now. I wonder if theres something that could attach a smartphone holder to a dovetail, and use it in place of the finder ...

This is a great image! What mount and tripod are you using?

Are these on 2' or 1.25" barrels?

Very interesting. What are you clamping it to on the OTA, and what adapter is holding the phone?

Hi @Dr Strange. What scope are you using on the AZ_GTi, and what do you love about it. I had settled on getting the Mak127, but I'm now beginning to waver again. Years ago I used to own a 12" Lightbridge until I foolishly sold it in 2014. I loved it. But I did get a bit fed up with having to re-centre objects. Back then, I either didn't have a decent smartphone or never thought of using an app as a guide. Hmmm.

I decided not to even try. Shielding at my parents' house in very suburban outskirts of Birmingham. I doubt I'll be able to get the angle I need. Plus, I needed to be at the computer for teaching at 9am!! Hoping it will still be around when I go home this weekend.

Sorted! Needed to update objects data.

Nope. Not there at all.

I've got the Pro version. Just bought it.

How do I find it in Sky Safari? It won't show up??

Burn!

Reverse kellners? Do they make things look bigger?

You said that you cannot attain focus with the 9mm on the moon, but it seems to me that you absolutely should be able to. In fact, I think that should give a really nice view as if out of the window of the Apollo module!

Try getting the object dead centre in your FOV with the 25mm before swapping down to the 9mm. At that magnification, the slightest movement away from dead centre could lose the object for you. It might need you to nudge the 'scope around a bit to find the object. How accurately aligned is the finder? Is your 'scope on a GOTO?

Welcome!

You've made a good point about the EQ mode - I'd got my eye on that as one of the future opportunity things.