Stu

That was the enquiry I raised with them. I think the basic problem is inherent to iOS rather than anything Skywatcher or the SkySafari guys are doing. Not really sure it is solveable unfortunately.

The problem is that you can't run the Synscan app and SkySafari on the same iOS device; something to do with Apple not allowing the one app to run in the background whilst SS runs up front. You can run two iOS devices i.e. One with synscan and one with SkySafari, that works ok but is obviously cumbersome and expensive! I have got round this one my AZGTi mount by using a Synscan handset and Skywire to the iOS device which avoids need two devices. It should also work with this wifi adaptor I guess. You can find the IP address by going to settings and Wifi and tapping on the information symbol on the right hand side of the screen next to the wifi network. Obviously you need to be connected to the Synscan network for this to give the correct address.

On Android yes, but on iOS you need two devices, one running the Synscan App and the other SkySafari.

Fabulous report John! Really chuffed you finally saw it, and to know it is possible from your back garden is all the more pleasing. Do you will find it more easily in future now, or was it very much a cause of the 'stars aligning' in terms of conditions?

Thanks, glad it worked out. A lot of engineering went into that rig!

I remember watching you go through the development of this rig, did you have some good success with it? I always thought it was ingenious

A 10" scope is a very worthwhile investment and will keep you happy for a long time, possibly for as long as you observe! It is worth remembering that a bigger scope does not necessarily make objects brighter. It is a hard concept to get your head around, but no scope will make the surface brightness of an object brighter than you see with the naked eye. The main function of a larger scope is to be able to make faint galaxies and nebulae much bigger whilst maintaining that surface brightness; your eye can perceive larger objects more easily than smaller ones. The guys with big dobs go chasing small, faint galaxies which need dark skies and mid to high power to see, that's what the big mirrors do for them. As others have said though, high power is not the main objective, and much observing can be done at low and mid powers. It totally depends upon the object you are observing.

Should be fine, but may be worth using it on a stronger tripod. I use mine with a tak FC-100 which is longer and heavier and it is quite ok.

Two very nice pictures Peter

Congratulations Littleguy80, a clear winner for today. The soft stellar focus belies a subtlety in the way you have processed the nebulosity StuPOD is not often blessed with Deep Sky images, you have done well

If you held the camera and pressed the button it is your work Nice shot!

Bruce, was the moon shot taken using the iPhone Panoramic mode? I had assumed this worked by detecting camera movement but this implies it looks at the content and builds the content from that which is more useful

That 'radar dish' was fantastic through the scope, a real 3D effect with the shadow caste against the edge of the crater. I use Procam 5 to take the images and PS Express to tweak them.

Well, in order to give this thread a kick, and at the suggestion of Mr Foster, the judges (i.e. Me) have decided that I have won today's StuPOD award with some moon shots from last night. Feel free to post your smartphone images up for consideration

It does seem to be a little crazy tonight, just thrown similar mag at the moon using the Tak and it held up quite nicely. Not that my eyes did... floaters galore unfortunately. Now at x200 with the binoviewers, luvverly

Lovely looking scope Steve

Lovely scopes on show here Double Double is definitely doable on 60mm, have done it with a Tak FS60C, should be nice in a long Focal length achro

We will see Derek. If it worked with SkySafari without needing two phones I would possibly feel different. Let's hope that gets sorted soon.

I haven't tried the moon with mine yet so will try next time I get the chance. I've got a handset on the way too as I think that may well be easier than using the phone.

I was having some problems with my mount, in that there was excess backlash in both alt and Az. I finally got the chance to follow the instructions sent to me by FLO, and basically I believe I am all sorted. The worm gears are held in position with screw which clamps them in place, plus a spring which pulls them into place as soon as the screw is loosened. Both the screws on my mount were very loose, so the worms were jumping out of place. I released the screws, then retightened them and all was nearly well. The only remaining issue was that the gearing tightened too much at certain parts of the Az rotation. I found the tightest point and then readjusted and hopefully that is it now. Provided things don't loosen again I think I will be happy. I tried the mount with my tracer battery for the first time (had to buy a lead), and it sounds and feels much more determined

@ronin the TS Imaging Star 71 is a four element scope, different design to the original 5 element. http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p7085_TS-Optics-Imaging-Star71---71mm-f-4-9-Imaging-APO.html

That's excellent going!! Nice one!

Often the case that the skies are good after a rain shower to clear the crud out of the air. Nice to get some outreach in, we had a event planned but weather was rubbish so we had to cancel. Will keep trying though.

Can't see your images for some reason Michael?

Great setup Tich! I see what you mean about the little Lunt! Looks tiny!! Bet the views are still nice though