Spile

An update on my earlier post. I have kept the straight through finder but because I am using it less the bad back is not really an issue because... I have added a phone mount but not for photography. I am using the SkEye Pro app and indirect mode for locating targets. I succumbed to a used Telrad and that is complementing the finder nicely.

Yes Yes of course, leave it with me. There are two versions. The first is the original Excel file and includes full descriptions and a rating. I need to tidy this up before I release it. The second is a csv file that I created for the SkEye custom catalogue. It includes 535 binaries most with colours and the ***** rating system but no descriptions. I uploaded this to the SkEye support forum earlier today. I think the first is the most relevant for this forum.

I decided after 50 years of using my eyes and a pair of binoculars, it was time to get a telescope. I chose a Dobsonian (200P) because I realised that what I most want to do is look rather than record.

It is generally accepted that a Dobsonian mounted reflector is a good choice for beginners and many experienced star gazers use them - http://www1.phys.vt.edu/~jhs/dobsonian.html But there is a good case buying a good quality refractor - http://www.ashfordastro.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/From-the-garden-to-the-stars-v2.pdf I've come to the conclusion that it's like asking what is the best type of screwdriver to get.

The Baader Hyperion IV zoom and Barlow Combination along with a 42mm GSO/revelation WA works for me in terms of optical quality, convenience (having just three EPs is big win for me) at a reasonable cost..

That is an interesting looking project. The apps looks to have similar functionality to SkEye which I am currently using as my Push-to app of choice.

This is one of the webpages I recommend that may help in your quest https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-equipment/how-to-choose-a-telescope/

I am with you. Binaries (especially coloured ones) are at the top of of my targets. I've spend most of the the week integrating the Caldwell top 200 pretty binary list into a database of 2500 binaries so that I have an "ultimate list".

I took a different approach. I spent a 1/5th of what your budget but I then dipped into a reserve for upgrades once I had got used to the telescope and really understood what I wanted to do. So I spent almost as much again on eyepieces but I am so glad that I used the ones that were supplied with it.

That is how I interpret their reply. I couldn't work out why it would be OK to carry the OTA and the base by the handles but not the OTA but like johninderby I came to the conclusion that the base uprights acts as a washer and that having the handles stick out is not a good idea. Possibly it could be a risk of the OTA turning round?

I've looked through lots of internet binary links and lists. The best one for me was the one from the Coldfield Observatory (200 most beautiful double stars) as it has great descriptions, colours and star ratings - http://users.compaqnet.be/doublestars The one that fulfilled my needs in terms of being comprehensive and in a editible (ie CSV/Excel) format was the Saguaro Astronomy Club Double Star Database Version 4.0 - https://www.saguaroastro.org/sac-downloads I've now merged the Top 200 list into the Saguaro sheet, so I can now easily find and filter ***** targets but if I come across something not on the list I can find out what is is and record it. I have also changed the RA from HH MM.M to HH:MM:SS so that I can import the lot into SkEye for locating them in push-to mode.

I think the issue then is that you could end up with double NAT issues - https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT

A recent thread on SGL raised some differences in the way that the telescope could be safely carried. I use the tension control handles to move mine but banjaxed advised not doing this due to experiencing a failure of a handle As I was unable to find information in the manufacturers FAQ, I emailed the UK distributor (opticalvision.co.uk) for clarification. I am posting their response as it may help others.

I paid £43 for a used 42mm Revelation which is a GSO rebrand with a AFOV 65°. Focal ratio of my telescope is 5.9

When I use the Barlow with the zoom, I have to raise the EP slightly to get focus.

I note that some have mounted the Telrad actually on the finder which does away with the need for a riser but after considering it, I decided to place it on the OTA to the right of the finder bracket.

The SkEye developer has said that accuracy issues relate to the magnetometer and the fact that they are sensitive to "noise" and need calibration before use. This would apply to Stellarium. He recommends carrying out the figure of 8 dance and have released a calibration app with instructions.

I am finding the straight-through finder OK now that I use it as a secondary locator and I'm not bending down so much. The primary finder is a smart phone mounted on the OTA. I've acquired a Telrad so I will be interested to see how that compares with the straight through finder. Not sure I need 3 navigation aids though 🙂

Nice but drilling the OTA does not appeal to me while it is in warrantee

Fair enough and thank you. Could the damage have been the result of uneven stress placed on a single handle rather than both handles? Did you report this to Skywatcher and if so what was their response? I am pleased with the build quality of the Skywatcher 200P but I think there is a room for improvement when it comes to basic carrying guidance and points where the manual could be clearer. I've checked the FAQ but I cannot find reference to these so I have emailed Opticalvision who are the UK agents for the brand.

I am sorry but I don’t understand you. The handles are designed to support the load of the ota. Therefore they are perfectly capable, and are also ideally located (centre of gravity) for lifting and moving it.

If that is all that holds the OTA when on the base, can I ask why not?

No it wasn't - good call. I have edited the post accordingly. However I still conclude that the reason that the finder base was deigned with the stop at the top rather than the bottom was to minimise the risk of the OTA falling if it was lifted from the finder bracket* * bracket rather than actual finder

If you don't mind looking like Long John Silver I can recommend an eye patch half an hour before you go out. It makes a big difference for me.