Starwatcher2001

Does sitting down to observe help? That can provide a more stable and relaxed session.

Stu, if lack of ports is a problem you can get splitters which allow you to plug two devices into one port. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/celestron-mounts/celestron-aux-port-splitter.html (Just noticed FLO is out of stock for 90-120 days 😞 You may be able to pick one up elsewhere) Harrison seem to have them: https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/celestron-aux-port-splitter.html

I use a Wifi module on my C.925 connected to an Android tablet running Skysafari. I leave the handset connected directly into the scope as the movement buttons are much easier to find in the dark than messing with a tablet screen. The Wifi module creates it's own little network, as I'm sure you know, into which the tablet connects. I had a load of problems with disconnecting until I realised the tablet was picking up the house WiFi and swapping to that occasionally. I have to tell the tablet to forget the house wifi info to prevent it doing that. Bit of a pain, but once done is quite reliable. Mmmm... didn't actually add a lot to what Gus just said.

I love the Baader ClickLock, but have never seen them with the filter tray. That looks a great idea.

That's a cool solution. I use varifocals until I locate an object, then take them off to observe. As I tend to look at a single object for a good while it doesn't bother me as much. However, if there was a good solution I'd be all ears.

SkySafari 7 Pro has just released in the last few days on Android. It's currently on half price at £24.49. They don't do an upgrade price from previous versions, but moving from 6 to 7 keeps all your settings (more easily if you have a Livesky account).

Just stunning Bryan. Thanks for posting.

Welcome aboard SGL Steve. Good to have you with us.

Welcome aboard SGL. Good to have you with us.

Welcome aboard SGL. Good to have you with us.

Postie brough me this new toy, courtesy of @Jim Smith. Looks in lovely condition and nicely packed. Thanks Jim! Looking forward to trying this out on the moon as soon as I get chance. It will be nice to give my non-dominant eye a piece of the action for a change.

If you've got two eyepieces with the same power and field of view, they'll produce the same size image in the same telescope. A better quality eyepiece may well give a clearer, more detailed image - depending on the seeing. Large pieces of glass at the front of the eyepiece can still give views that are like looking down a straw.

I've done the same with my 9.25 Doug. 6.3 focal reducer, XW 40 2 inch ep, and I get a measured 1.9 degree TFOV. I don't get much visible vignetting at the edges, BUT the central obstruction becomes visible in the eyepiece. This is very pronounced when looked through in daylight, but also visible on bright objects such as the moon. It dims the centre of the field in bright star clusters. I found it intolerable and don't use the f/r and 2 inch combination any more. Edit: Actually, after hunting down a previous posting, I did get vignetting at the edges. I just recall the central obstruction being a show-stopper for me. Of course, your 8" may not behave the same way.

Welcome aboard SGL Sarak. Good to have you with us. Can't help on the AP side, I'm strictly visual. Do envy your dark skies though, I have to contend with Bortle 7/8. Live long and prosper.

Welcome aboard SGL. Good to have you with us.

Welcome aboard SGL Miguel. Good to have you with us.

I'm impressed that you can find anything in that ghastly looking environment Mark.

And when you get to the mirrors, you'll need to start with your own sand, or better yet make your own sand by grinding rocks for a few thousand years...

Welcome aboard SGL. Good to have you with us.

Glorious looking evening with clear blue skies, so put the tube out for a couple of hours to cool. Eventually started seeing the brighter stars out and went for it, hauling the C9.25 evo out and all the tackle. By around 11pm I realised I'd been suckered and high haze was obscuring most of the sky. Just for a laugh I tried aligning with StarSense and it joined in the laughter. I had a quick peek at Arcturus and it looked awful. 12:00 hauled the gear back in. 12:30 looked out again on my way to bed and it was clearing up. Sigh. The good news is we're going to a beer festival today. Cheers 🙂

Welcome aboard SGL, Starman71. Good to have you with us.

If you have access to a local library it would be worth looking to see which books appeal to you. Even if there's only a chapter or two it might to worth taking it out to read. Cheaper than buying a book and finding you don't enjoy it.

Welcome aboard SGL Bullnettles. Good to have you with us. Thanks for introducing yourself, and you're more than welcome to lurk of course, but don't forget there's no such think as a daft question on here. So if you get stuck with anything or want to share your thoughts, feel free to get involved. Many of the problems you might face with telescopes have likely been also tackled by someone else on here.

Unfortunately I think "that shiny thing looks expensive" is more likely. 😞

I use long home made dew shields on my dob and SCT, which also cuts down the amount of stray light that gets into the tubes from neighbour's windows.