doublevodka

9 hours ago, Stu said:

In theory it would be possible in altaz mode. You might have to get a custom counterweight bar made up as the standard ones won’t fit.

TS do a couple of adaptors which fit to standard 20mm CW bars

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p8268_Giro-GR-2-TV-Arm-to-use-a-second-instrument-with-the-GiRo.html

or

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p11334_TS-Optics-Adapter-for-mounting-accessories-to-D-20-mm-counterweight-rods.html
 

which allow you to attach a vixen saddle. May allow you to attach a lightweight small refractor to it. Accurate alignment can’t be guaranteed  but may be less of an issue with a wide fold scope?

Actually a quick Google search turned up this CN thread which may be useful. Shows it can be done.

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/586532-new-skywatcher-az-gti-goto-wifi-mount/page-80

Hope that helps a bit.

Very interesting @Stu Thanks for digging that out 👍 At least I know it's in the realms of possibility now  

So, since getting an AZ-GTI I've had an idea rattling round my head, is it possible to mount 2 OTA's?

My thought is, the thread people commonly add a counterweight bar into to use the mount in EQ mode rotates with the vixen clamp on the other side. So, is it possible to add a second clamp opposite? Or would it be next to impossible to align them and make it useful?

Figured best to ask first in case someone has had the same idea and beat me to it.

My thought is a widefield scope to go with the skymax 127 on the other side, like a mini az-eq6....

16 hours ago, Mandy D said:

@doublevodka It is quite similar, but like you say, I'm tempted to think that it may be home made. Looking at all of these pictures and comparing what I have, I'm begining to get a clearer picture of how equatorial mounts work. I have just agreed to buy a Starwatcher 200P, so that would be a better fit for this mount than my RC, so no need to increase the pier height.

I'm currently trying (and failing) to remove the counterbalance weights from the shaft. Once I have it stripped I'll assess the parts, then (hopefully!) get them professionally cleaned and finished. I can then return to here and see if someone can help me get it set up and working, initially as a hand guided EQ mount. I'd love to have a clock drive on it, but that would have to be much later.

It could well be a diy one, although there still something "fullerscope" about it, the earlier models didn't have the brand cast into it, so it could still be one of those potentially. The 200p will be a good choice for it I'm sure.

As for getting it apart, sounds like a liberal dose of WD40 is needed  

As for clock drive etc, maybe look into OnStep? - https://onstep.groups.io/g/main/wiki/3860

Looking forward to seeing how this turns out, I definitely have a soft spot for old kit like this, I will own a Tal or something similar one day 😂

5 minutes ago, Mandy D said:

Interesting read. Thank you. I'm not sure mine is quite as professionally made ...

It looks quite similar to one of the earlier models, although, of course, it could be homemade https://www.google.com/search?q=fullerscope+mount&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjm9_LVo9r3AhVL5IUKHToqA10Q2-cCegQIABAA&oq=fullerscope+mount&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzIECCMQJ1DmCFjmCGDvDWgAcAB4AIABOIgBaZIBATKYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ABAQ&sclient=img&ei=8Sd9Yqa7HsvIlwS61IzoBQ&bih=947&biw=1920&rlz=1C1DIMC_enGB871GB871

Reminds me of a fullerscope mount, maybe have a look here to start with? https://www.bcftelescopes.co.uk/about-broadhurst-clarkson-and-fuller-ltd/broadhurstclarksonandfullerltd/ it almost certainly had a long reflector on it at some point

11 minutes ago, Olli said:

Hi , thanks for the advice after doing a bit more research it does seem a bit pointless to upgrade the focuser as the Sky-Watcher  one is nearly the same as the scope you suggested. Only reason why I didn’t  want to replace the scope  was because it was  the first one I had got and it was a gift so has some sentimental value. This was the one I tried to describe. Might have got  confused. I will have a further look into the imaging version.https://www.firstlightoptics.com/telescopes-in-stock/sky-watcher-explorer-130ps-az-gti.html 

Ah yes I'd forgotten about the PS version with it's non-collimatable mirror

So the good thing is you have a versatile mount in the AZ-GTI so you could go for a 130PDS, I've recently picked up a Skymax 127 on an AZ-GTI and am really liking it so far! You could even look at something like that or a short tube refractor depending on your interests and it gives you a good excuse to keep the gifted 130PS, just a thought?

10 hours ago, Olli said:

Hi guys,

im looking to upgrade my focuser for the skywatcher 130pds ( the one that comes with the az gti and az pronto not the imaging version  as I have had it for a while now and would like to change the one it came with which unfortunately feels a tad cheap.). What do people usually recommend? Are most Focusers usually Universal or are there limited options? I have seen that skywatcher make an official one open to peoples opinions.

 

Olli

Hi Olli, just for a little clarity, your title says 130P, the text above says 130pds, and sig says 130ps.

By reading between the lines I would guess you have a 130P with the basic single-speed focuser? the 130PDS is the one with the dual-speed focuser, not sure there is a 130PS.

For the price of a new focuser, you may be better off looking for a used 130PDS and selling the existing tube, just a thought? Sometimes they even come up with a coma corrector included.

For example - https://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=185832

8 minutes ago, Paul_Sussex said:

The BST Starguiders seem to be popular - pity they don't do a 30mm/32mm as well.

Got mine out for first light yesterday, seeing was too rubbish and hazy for any decent magnification but I really enjoyed what I could see of the moon, etc with the 40mm Plossl that came with it and they can be picked up fairly cheaply.

For example https://www.firstlightoptics.com/astro-essentials-eyepieces/astro-essentials-super-plossl-eyepiece.html

Looking forward to Jupiter and Saturn being back in the evening sky now!

9 minutes ago, lukebl said:

Any idea where the extra diffraction spike in this highly cropped image is coming from? The fainter one running at 45 degrees from top left to bottom right of the bright star.

It's a 250PDS f.4.8 Skywatcher Newt, with a Baader coma corrector and an Atik 383L+.

 

The end of the focuser tube sticking out into the light path would be my guess. A picture from the business end of the scope with everything setup and focused would help pinpoint it though 👍

I'm all for diy versions, here's my effort on my Nexstar 4SE before and after paint. Bit of matt black paint and some sticky back velvet worked a treat

21 minutes ago, Paul_Sussex said:

Thanks for all the advice. Any changes will be down the line, apart from a clothes peg and a comfy chair! But I have a little list...😀

The peg mod is quite possibly the best free modification I've seen, honestly makes such a difference!

Also, a dew shield or heater is a must-have, dew shield can be diy'd on the cheap too. Why manufacturers don't include them as standard is beyond me, they are essential on mak's and sct's

54 minutes ago, Paul_Sussex said:

Not MORE clouds! 😆 Have a lithium battery arriving tomorrow and looks like there may be some clear skies at some point. Can't wait to get up and out.

There are plenty of tips on upgrades here, but the general opinion seems to be that the bits with the Skymax are enough to get started. Although I'm already drooling over eyepieces...compression ring adaptors...Telrads...too much shiney stuff...!

Upgrades are a slippery slope, they'll get you eventually! 🤣Generally you are right, the included stuff is ok to get you going though. However, the 10mm standard eyepieces are not the greatest so you may want to upgrade that first? I've got an 8mm BST Starguider which has been a nice replacement for the 10mm in my other scopes, a little more magnification than the 10, but I got it for a decent price

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/bst-starguider-eyepieces.html - something for you to drool over 🤣 although they come up in the for sale section here fairly often too.

If you are partial to a bit of DIY and tinkering have a look here too https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484777181687589 I've been pleasantly surprised making my own eyepiece from knackered binoculars in how good they actually are, considering as binos they were fit for the bin. My diy barlow needs some more work, but I'll get to it eventually

On 29/04/2022 at 14:37, Paul_Sussex said:

Apologies, all. After a serious sit down and think with the Finance Director, I decided the Dob was not for me. Far too stiff and aching after a night out and I doubt this would be improved with an 8". 😟 After several emails exchanged with Chris (with his FLO hat on) I've decided to go back to the idea of a 127 Mak - this time on a SynScan mount. So, order placed with FLO and looking for delivery some time next week. I'll be on leave, so possibly an unboxing and first light thread - hopefully more successful.

Many thanks for all the advice...

With a bit of extra inspiration from this thread, looks like I'm picking up a used Skymax 127 on an az-gti mount on Saturday 🤦‍♂️🤣

I've been missing the ease of my Nexstar 4SE, there's a lot to be said for a lightweight setup so looks like I'm joining the 127 club with you 🤣

I spotted these the other day too, they look interesting! It also explains to a certain extent why they haven't released Starsense Explorer as a stand-alone option, which is a shame as I bet they'd sell thousands of them.

5 hours ago, Paul_Sussex said:

Apart from all the advice here, it was things like that article and Ed Ting's Youtube about 6" Dobsonians - that finally persuaded me!

 

Can't really go far wrong listening to Ed Ting, love his videos although I would like a Takahashi now which I blame on him 😂

Congratulations 👍 

I was just reading this article and it brought me back to this thread, looks like you've made a good choice https://astronomy.com/magazine/glenn-chaple/2022/04/your-perfect-first-and-last-telescope

Now begins a lifetime of cursing clouds and pondering your next eyepiece / finder / insert astro equipment here 😂

Hope you get some clear skies when it arrives so you can get out and enjoy it 👍

Looks like the usual combo of dust, pollen etc

It doesn't need doing right now as it's not dirty enough to affect the view yet, but when you do come to do it here's one method - https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/how-to-clean-a-reflector/

Obviously you'll need a bigger bowl for the larger mirror, but you get the idea

Alternatively if you're not confident doing it yourself there are companies around that will do it too

23 minutes ago, Penumbrella said:

Hi all, 

Thanks for the responses, I have been trying it as you've suggested without the helical focuser - i could get it focus with it exactly as shown here (with that very svbony diagonal in fact). It really is tight though, almost no inward travel left once its focused. 

The issue is that this diagonal is a star diagonal and neither of the two correcting diagonals I've tried so far (a Williams optics one I borrowed and the celestron one I mentioned above) both seem to need to be further 'in' than possible. 

Made me wonder if it's a general rule that correcting diagonals need to be further in, and so there wouldn't be one out there I could find that'd work how I'd like. Guess I'll keep looking, though @StevieDvd that's a good idea to contact Svbony - I'll do that and see what they say.

 

Cheers all 

Definitely see what Svbony say

However your difficulty lies in the optical length of the diagonal, a mirror based diagonal is optically shorter than a prism diagonal as it's only reflecting from one surface not many.

It may be possible to add a barlow to the diagonal to get it to work, similar to how some people have to use binoviewers on their scopes.

Good to see you've come to a decision 👍 The bresser has a very well thought of mount so certainly worth consideration. Realistically any one of the 3 is better than no scope at all

Again though I'd say check the second hand market, for the price of one of the three new, you may be able to get something with a slightly bigger mirror used? (I too have a finance manager, so stretch the pennies as far as I can  )

An 8 inch for example has nearly twice the light gathering capacity of a 6 inch, although there's a nice looking 10 inch truss dob on astro buy and sell.... 🤣

3 hours ago, banjaxed said:

I have just noticed your message and I will be happy to let you have a list of parts and where I sourced them. I know I have a drive pulley that is a perfect fit for the 127 Mak which you are welcome to for what it cost me which is less than the present price. It will take me a while to look up all the suppliers and parts list but I will sort it out when quickly as I can. I might have some more parts in my box if you would be interested, but in will check anyway.

That's a lovely offer thank you 👍 sadly I don't think the pulley will work with either of my current scopes focusers

However, if you can let me know the motor and controller I'm sure I can knock the rest together easy enough 🤞

@banjaxed would it be possible for you to put a parts list on this thread? (Sorry to revive an old one)

I'm looking to put together something simple that doesn't need a computer to control, this looks like it fits the bill 👍

15 hours ago, Stu said:

No issues posting a link to information on another forum, please go ahead.

Thanks for confirming @Stu

@chrispj Link here, post number 10 has the instructions https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/709608-can-you-guess/

2 hours ago, chrispj said:

After successful first use of my new binoviewer last night in the F10 refractor I'm weighing up options for additional eyepieces.

 

I used a pair of Astro Essential 20mm plossl last night (essentially bought as a proof of concept), which worked well but obviously aren't the sharpest. I had the sad disappointment that the Starguiders don't work for my deep set eyes/long nose and I need to stick with types offering the full 20mm eye relief. I expect when they are back in stock I'll double up with a match for my existing single 18.2mm Delite.  However I then have a big gap down to my next 10mm eyepiece. So I'm pondering either the 12 or 15mm Vixen SLV or the 13mm Hyperion. Concerns being the 15mm might not be a big enough jump in magnification from the Delite to notice a meaningful change, the exit pupil on the 12mm might be small for comfort (given the 2x Barlow in the binoviewer reduces it to a 6mm equivalent or 0.6mm EP - I struggle with my existing 6mm eyepiece sometimes), and there seems to be very few enthusiastic user reviews out there for the Hyperion.

 

Any thoughts or other suggestions gratefully received. I can only really justify buying one additional pair unless the right SLVs start popping up secondhand...

It is possible to "decloak" the BST eyepieces, which may enable you to use them, just a thought?

Thread from here showing it on different eyepieces to give you an idea 

Only info I can find directly about the process on BSTs is on another forum which I'm not sure is allowed, but I'm sure you could google it if needs be

2 hours ago, Paul_Sussex said:

I was originally (before starting this thread) thinking about a Dobsonian - best bang for your money - but my garden isn't best placed for using one. But I am pretty much decided on a 5"-6" reflector. I've been concentrating on Skywatchers, just because there seems to be more discussion about them, but are there any other comparable makes I should be looking at - Celestron, Bresser, etc. How do they compare?

1 hour ago, cajen2 said:

There's this:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/ts-telescopes/ts-photon-6-f5-advanced-newtonian-telescope-with-metal-tube.html

It's said that optically, the SW, Bresser and TS are very similar. You'd have to budget for quite a substantial mount and tripod, though.

Easier and cheaper to get a decent dob and mount it on a table/box! 😛

Maybe don't rule out a dob just yet then, you can raise them off the ground...

https://www.google.com/search?q=dobsonian+riser&rlz=1C1DIMC_enGB871GB871&sxsrf=APq-WBtkejYcOW1v7KohKAaXnu-84BkH2Q:1649422002940&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi0m8fkv4T3AhWJZMAKHfBEAd4Q_AUoAnoECAIQBA&biw=1920&bih=947&dpr=1

Or get a really really big one, no clearance issues then  

8 minutes ago, Paul_Sussex said:

Very popular, but most of the threads seem to concentrate on imaging. For visual, would the 150P be a better start? I could always upgrade to a Crayford dual speed at a later date if it was an issue.

For visual, bigger the better is the general rule. Although for my 2p worth the later upgrade of focuser is a bit of a false economy, cheaper to spend the extra £50 upfront than buy a dual speed later at a much higher cost.

Lots of reflectors on the market now for example here https://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?typechoice[]=Telescope-Reflector&titlechoice[]=For+Sale&titlechoice[]=For+Sale+-+Dealer+Ad&titlechoice[]=For+Sale+-+Kit+Tester&minprice=&maxprice=

Or (another alternative sorry!) there is this very well equipped new dob here https://www.firstlightoptics.com/stellalyra-telescopes/stellalyra-8-f6-dobsonian.html dual speed, raci finder, mirror fan the works - again quite a few posts about this one, worth adding it to the mix