Spile

Thanks for this. I was pleased to get E and F (just) last night.

Great job - I managed to get a double Tegmine last night but forgot it was a triple until I checked my notes inside. One for later 🙂

I am not sure if it works in the same way as I only really use Stellarium as a desktop application but my push to app of choice (SkEye) does "catch up" with itself occasionally. The insta-align function keeps things in check but sometimes you think the app has lost calibration but it hasn't. For example I was looking at Eta Cas last night. I then checked Polaris and it seems off beam. I ignored that and put Tegmine (Cnc) into the search. I followed the directions and hit the target first time without having to use the finder!

A fantastic resource. Thank you. The seat/chair is my essential accessory. I just need to get around to making one of the Denver variants.

A great night yesterday binary wise for me. I started with Beta Mono (I forgot it was a triple - delightful!). I accidentally found Strauve 914 but I only found out later when I looked it up. Then onto Sigma Orio and more multi pack binaries. A bit of a diversion into the Trapezium where I just managed E and I caught a glimpse of F. A quick look at Sirius to see if I could get the pup but I had a lot of turbulence and the brightness of Alpha gave me eye ache so fail. Then swung round to Achird (Eta Cass) which was very interesting - the first time I've seen a gold and brown pair! Final challenge was to try for Tegmine (Zeta Cnc). I was pleased to get the dim partner but later realised I had only got 2 out of 3. Happy with that and by then I was fighting the clouds. A productive two hours and a reasonable time to retire.

I've finally transferred the descriptions of the top 200 pretty binaries into the Saguaro database. I just need to standardise the colour definitions.

The findersope bracket and mount on the Skywatcher 200P has been (presumably) designed so that if the OTA is lifted using it, there is no danger of the finder and bracket becoming detached. The problem is that unless the knurled screw is very tight, there is a danger that in the vertical position, the finder and bracket may fall from the OTA. Once workaround I have read, is to drill a recess into the mount so that the screw sits into that. I did not want to risk voiding the warrantee by damaging my new telecope. One suggestion I read was to turn the bracket 180 degrees and while that will stop the finder from dropping, it means that the finder coud come off the OTA if it was lifted. The finder and bracket will be safe in your hand but your OTA will be supported by justr your other hand!!! My workaround is a safety harness using three plastic cable ties...

The Affinity Suite is superb and I've been using Serif software for 25 years. The support forums are similar to these in terms of knowledgebase, helpful and friendly users (and staff). As well as Photo for editing images, I use Designer for layout and vector editing and Publisher for producing printed magazines as part of my business.

I would recommend one of the following to extend the range of your home Wi-Fi... 1) Turn an old router into a wireless point (basically you turn off DHCP) and place that closer to your viewing location. You will need to run an ethernet lead to the router but see below. 2) Get a Powerline adapter that uses the mains wiring to extend your network. Either a double socket for use with 1) or a Wireless point Both of the above will perform better than a wireless extender.

Have you considered an approach that will allow you to "see what you can get" by spending less money? With a budget a quarter the size you have mentioned, I have managed to observe a range of solar, stellar and DSO objects and I have a few hundred+ other objects I am looking forward to finding. I am 100% "live" analogue at the moment but I get plenty of WOW! without a desire to go digital and take snapshots.

I have a 200P and after reading so many positive (user and "trusted professional") reviews, I chose the Baader Hyperion IV Zoom and Barlow combination. The optic quality, price and convenience persuaded me to chose it and I am delighted with its performance. The convenience factor is a big win for me. Being able to quickly change from 50X to 150X means that I can zoom in to find the ideal magnification without the hassle of swapping EPs and the risk of losing the object. Having to carry just 3* accessories (all 2") to my scope is great. * 1. Zoom 2. Barlow 3. 42mm GSO/Revlation 2" WA purchased used for £43

I can testify that patience does pay off and it makes more sense to me to keep practicing in order to get the minimum potential and limits for my existing kit. Attaching a disused phone mount I had for my pushbike on my telescope has helped considerably. The SkEye app (indirect mode) helps me locate objects really quickly. Last night without using my straight-through finder* I was delighted to locate Bode's (M81) and the Cigar (M82). This was despite the best efforts of the moon to spoil the party. * Given the lack of brighter stars in this region, I am not sure it would have helped.

Wouldn't one of these make a more secure mounting that is easier to remove? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ducting-Hydroponic-Extractor-Fan-Filter-Padded-Fast-Clamp-4-5-6-8-10-12/391122060177 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jubilee-Type-Clip-Clamp-4-to12-Diameter-Flexible-Ducting-Hose-Pipe-Ventilation/282043290937

Would you mind expanding this bit please?

Thanks for the recommendations which I have added to my target list. I thoroughly enjoyed the colours of Almach and found it easier to split than Rigel with a 8".

I think developing skills with inferior equipment is a much under-valued strategy. I try to avoid spending money until I have got the most from what I have. Well that's the theory! There are limits of course. The folk who spend hours grinding their own mirror have my utmost admiration but I am not in their league.

And your wise words are very much appreciated so thank you. Interesting that you mention dew as a major frustration. For me it is ice and the effect it has on the lens of my finder. Well than and the frustration resulting from increasing years.

Now that really is the challenge. Child in a sweety shop - Pick n Mix or do I just go for the box of Thornton Continentals?

Yes I did the figure of eight dance in the garden - the neighbours probably think I am auditioning for strictly. I've not had the magnetic field warning apart from I had it running close to my desktop PC indoors.

I installed as someone here recommended it. In non-goto mode I liked the list of targets currently visible but it wsas only once I started using in earnest as a Push-to aid that I developed an affinity for it. I would be interested in your experience of using it in this mode if you do get to try it. Last night, my straight-through finder froze up so SkEye it was my only navigation aid

I think you have made a very good decision and keeping your 200P on target will be OK for you I am sure. I have the same telescope.

Welcome and you have definitely some to the right place for quality, friendly advice. I have been pointing a lot of folk to SGL from the Facebook groups. There are a lot of people asking bginner questions and I believe generally the quality of advice given here is better than a lot of the FB groups.

Possibly I just find the Stellarium app* a bit OTT whereas SkEye seems to get the important stuff without the pretty wallpaper. The developer is also quick to respond to requests so I have gone in that direction. * The desktop version is superb however.

My favourite recommendations are the top 200 listed at http://users.compaqnet.be/doublestars I love the descriptions, **** ratings and colours. However I like to put all my targets into Excel so I am currently merging the data from the site above into the Saguaro Astronomy Club http://www.saguaroastro.org/sac-downloads/ double star database version 4.0 Direct link - http://www.saguaroastro.org/wp-content/sac-docs/ObservingDownloads/SAC_Multistars_Ver40.zip I have changed all the RAs from HH MM.M to HH:MM:SS and will create a CSV file for importing into SKEye I really like binaries, especially coloured ones. They display wonderfully in my 200P Dobsonian and have been some of my favourite targets. So far I have targeted and can recommend Almach, Polaris, Mizar and Castor.