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Everything posted by Spile
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barlow/telextender/power mate advice and zoom lens
Spile replied to DAT's topic in Getting Started Equipment Help and Advice
A combination of Baader zoom, matching Barlow and a couple of low power 2” wide angle EPs (30mm and 42mm) meets my needs.- 29 replies
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- 2
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- powermate or barlow
- telextender
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(and 1 more)
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Think I have messed up with skyliner 200p
Spile replied to JamesGlasgow's topic in Getting Started General Help and Advice
The Phillips screws tilt the mirror and the hidden Allen bolts lock the mirror. Undo these before you try and tilt the mirror. More details with labels at https://astro.catshill.com/collimation-guide/ -
Remove the piece of paper hiding the primary as the reflection of the secondary is a valid reference point.
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Telescope Recommendations...
Spile replied to Almerc72's topic in Getting Started Equipment Help and Advice
I’ve written a number of getting started guides which can be found on my blog below. I’d also encourage you to read a number of different guides in order to get an idea of common messages. Finally I recommend joining a local astronomy club in order to discuss with owners the various aspects of the hobby and the types of telescope you can buy. -
The prices for the 3-8mm zoom were much higher than that on the sites I looked at. The 7-21mm was much cheaper.
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Thanks for the clarification of pricing variance.
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Sorry I don’t understand. The BHZ and Barlow together costs around £300. The Svbony alone costs around £225 . What am I missing?
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It’s not been a problem for me. The degree of friction is just right on both bearings and I’ve not needed to lubricate either.
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I’d also recommend Turn Left at Orion and a copy of SkySafari on a tablet.
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The StellaLyra is better equipped than the Skywatcher. The latter can be upgraded piecemeal which is what I have done but of course at additional ££.
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If you don’t attach the Barlow to the skirt, the whole assembly will rotate when you change the zoom and you don’t want that. Using the 2” adapter solves that problem as I explain here https://astro.catshill.com/the-zoom-eyepiece/
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It’s a fine double and great colour contrast too. Doubles are good friends for those of us with light polluted skies.
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I’d recommend getting engrossed in visual astronomy. Seeing things live rather than looking at photos is something I find absorbing and well worth doing. If that floats your boat then I can recommend a Dobsonian telescope and pair it with a copy of Turn Left at Orion. More information on my blog below.
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Thanks both. I’ve not noticed too much friction but your washer tweak appeals. I know that some folk have placed a CD or LP between the two parts to reduce friction.
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I am surprised about this. My Skywatcher 200P hasn’t had any treatment since new as I didn’t want to risk contaminating it. I agree that the finder needs replacing though and that is why I changed mine to a RACI and Telrad.
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Colimating dobinsonian 1st go
Spile replied to LunarRob's topic in Getting Started Equipment Help and Advice
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Colimating dobinsonian 1st go
Spile replied to LunarRob's topic in Getting Started Equipment Help and Advice
Senior moment - sorry. You are correct of course - post now edited accordingly. -
Colimating dobinsonian 1st go
Spile replied to LunarRob's topic in Getting Started Equipment Help and Advice
This is where the secondary needs to be. Start by moving it away from the primary mirror (centre bolt adjustment as explained in my guide): -
Help with lenses for planet spotting
Spile replied to LunarRob's topic in Getting Started Equipment Help and Advice
I would recommend a zoom eyepiece like the well reviewed Svbony. This will give you (especially combined with a Barlow) a range of magnifications so you won’t have to guess. -
Colimating dobinsonian 1st go
Spile replied to LunarRob's topic in Getting Started Equipment Help and Advice
You need to place a piece of paper behind the focuser and include the focus tube in the image as that is a key reference point. -
Help with 1st telescope
Spile replied to LunarRob's topic in Getting Started Equipment Help and Advice
The good news is that the Dobsonian is very upgradable. For now I’d recommend getting used to your new telescope before considering upgrades. Well apart from an app on your phone and a copy of Turn Left at Orion that is. -
Skywatcher Collimatable Focuser
Spile replied to John's topic in Discussions - Scopes / Whole setups
I open the compasses to the length of one side and check it against the opposite side. See initial check part of https://astro.catshill.com/collimation-guide/ -
Skywatcher Collimatable Focuser
Spile replied to John's topic in Discussions - Scopes / Whole setups
I check the focuser is square with a pair of compasses. It always is so like you, I have no need to adjust it.