Jasonb

Managed to get outside for a minute when there's still some light and aligned the RDF with the Scope using a distant tree top. Went easily enough. Whenever I get any decent clear skies at night I'll do it on a star as well to make sure.

Yeah, I do think the Quickfinder is a lot smaller, most of its size is its height, whereas the fact that the Telrad is the same height as it gives some idea how bloody big it is all over, and like you say, would look huge on a lot of scopes, mine included. Out of curiosity, I just measured the height of my RDF, and it's 100mm high on its own, and 110mm high on its base, so basically the same height as the Quickfinder too. It's just the shape of them that makes them stand out more I reckon.

I recall reading somewhere that despite their looks and shape, there isn't that much different in height between the Quickfinder and the Telrad? In fact, FLO has the Telrad at 127mm high and the Quickfinder at 114mm high? Do let me know how you get on with the Quickfinder though, I'm curious about it...

Thanks for all your replies, I appreciate it. At first I was thinking that I hadn't explained myself properly, as no matter what distance I looked at it from, the red dot still moved. But then I finally stopped just looking at the dot, and actually pointed the red dot at a target far away, and when I moved my head the red dot moved, but so did the target, so the red dot stayed on target. That was the bit I was missing/didn't understand! Thanks again!

Hi all... My next stupid question! I now have a working RDF (the first one I got was DOA). Of course, the fog is hitting the ground outside so I haven't got to align it or anything yet, though that process is easy to follow, and I'll hopefully do it tomorrow during the day. However, just from testing it I can see that the red dot moves around a lot, depending on my eye position. Which leaves it rather open to error. How can I reduce this error? Is there a preferred distance to how close my eye should be to it, right up close or fairly far away? Do I just try my best to always centre the dot in the middle of the finder when using it to locate something, knowing there's always going to be some leeway? Any advice appreciated, thanks!

Thanks for your replies. Yep, the Sky-Watchers come with a fixed primary mirror. I had some concerns about it (based on my very limited knowledge) but anything I read online about them said that the primary was fine as was so not being able to adjust it wasn't an issue. I reckon the crosshairs on the Cheshire will help alright, after Christmas!

Thanks Heather! At this stage, I *think* I understand what I'm meant to do, it's just doing in in practice and getting used to it!

Thanks for your reply! I'll give it a go the next time I'm observing. I have noticed before when looking at stars that if I go well out of focus I can basically see the spider vanes, but didn't notice any concentric circles. But I'll check again soon to see how it looks...

Well, with the weather conditions being the kind of freezing foggy night that Holmes would have felt at home in, I decided as I couldn't observe anything, I may as well have a proper look at my new scope, and see what collimating is like. I don't have a Cheshire/laser/etc. yet, but made myself a collimating cap and used the Astro Baby guide (Astro Babys Guide to Collimation - Newtonian Telescope - Reflector (astro-baby.com)) to see what it looked like. The first stage, aligning the secondary mirror to the focus tube, looked fine to me, a nice circle framed in the centre. It might not have been perfect, but it definitely wasn't in a position that made me think it need to be fixed. So leaving well enough alone, I moved on to the next step, aligning the secondary mirror to the primary. Again, using the collimator cap, I had a look, and I could only see one of the primary mirror clips. If I took the cap off and looked straight down the focus tube, I could see all three by moving my head around a little (therefore not looking down the centre of the focus tube). So I got out an Allen key and slowly tried to work on the three screws. I was never able to get all three clips in view, at least not without potentially making a mess of it, and at one stage I was worried that I'd made it worse, but I eventually got it to the stage where I could see 2 clips through the cap, and the third if I took the cap off and barely moved my head, so it was close. I then decided to not try anything else with the secondary for fear of making it worse! My StarQuest 130P has a fixed Primary that can't be adjusted, so that was me done. At least I've tried it once now, and the next time I'll have the experience of having done it before. I will be getting a Cheshire over the next few weeks, so I'll see then if that helps the process. As a newbie, all of this is very new to me, so hopefully over time it'll become second nature. The next time I'm observing (tomorrow night is *meant* to be clear?) I'll see if I can notice anything, either better, or more likely, worse! There's a question actually, can you tell from observing whether there's a clear collimation issue or not? I've read about Star Tests etc., but they seem to be done at 200x or more, on stars that are in the exact centre of the eyepiece and not moving. Is there anything obvious I should look for at either 25x or 65x (my only two options at the moment) that might show a collimation issue? Or is it just a more subtle 'not quite right' view and just looks better when it is collimated properly?

Nice report! I've just started this hobby too and have maybe two attempts at observing so far. Your report sounds a lot like my first go, I was all fingers and thumbs and wasn't really sure what I was doing. Getting targets in view and in focus (and keeping them there!) was confusing. However, I'm telling myself that it's all just practice, and soon the simple stuff like the control cables etc. will just be second nature to me. And like you said, it's worth it when you catch a glimpse of something stunning that you've never seen before. I saw four of Jupiters moons last night which was a real highlight, and that was just in a very quick session in the middle of making dinner. I've realised even just going outside with a pair of binoculars can be cool, the Pleiadss looked amazing last night with then, between the clouds. What telescope do you have by the way?

Nice report! I don't feel like I'm anywhere near experienced yet to be doing reports, but I also noticed the two planets low in the sky and decided to try to see them for my very first time. Time was tight, between their height above the back garden wall and the fact that I was cooking dinner! So, ignoring all good practice, I literally only had time to take my 130P out the back and spend 5 minutes looking, no OTA cooling, I couldn't even turn off the kitchen light in the background! But I was able to get Saturn in view, with my current max 65x using the stock 10mm Eyepiece that came with the scope. When the image steadied it was small but I could definitely see the shape of the rings, at its worse it looked like a slightly unfocused disk bulging at the sides, and occasionally the shadows/darkness between the planet and the rings showed clearer and the shape was more obvious. Delighted with myself for seeing Saturn's Rings with my own eyes for the first time, I moved on to Jupiter. As John said, the four moons were all in a line to one side, bright pinpricks of light, and Jupiter itself surprised me with the size of its disk, even at 65x, and at times of clarity I felt like I could see some variations of shade/tone on it, though I was aware that might just be me mentally putting the images I've seen on top of what I was seeing. Anyhow, I then had to go back before the Steak was a lost cause, but for all the poor conditions, I still saw two planets and four moons in the space of 5 minutes and at this stage of the hobby for me, that's a great night! Sorry for hijacking your thread John!

Beautiful, love it! Orion is easily my favourite constellation.

Well, I have to say, I'm delighted I asked this question, reading the answers has been fascinating. I should explain that when I said it sounds like a Right Angle Finder is the way to go, I actually meant a RACI, I'm just not knowledgeable enough yet to remember the difference between them all! The Telrad also sounds very interesting. In the end, I only have a 5" Reflector, so I don't want to be getting something that's too 'big' for the ota, but apart from that, I'm only starting and I'll work with what I have for a while and get used to it and its pros and cons before deciding if I need a change or not! Thanks for taking the time to reply everyone!

Excellent answers, thanks! I can see myself ending up with a right angle one at some stage, it just seems easier.

Hi there, I'm a newbie and am getting a track record for asking stupid questions! Here's another one... A big disadvantage with finders on Newtonians/Dobsons is how awkward it is to get perfectly behind the finder. So my stupid question is why does the finder have to be mounted at the front, near the eyepiece? Why can't it be mounted near the back, so you can get behind it as the tube wouldn't be in the way? There's probably a really easy answer, but like I said, I'm a newbie! Thanks in advance...

Well that was all kinda frustrating in the end! It didn't help that I had a stressful day and evening and was hoping to relax with some observing, and it was a bit rushed etc. Anyhow, I put the scope out about a half an hour before I went out, with the caps/covers off and the scope turned upside down in case it rained. it was pretty clear though, with some occasional passing clouds. When I did get out I kept the tripod at its smallest height at first, and had a look at Mars for a couple of minutes. I was fumbling a bit, trying to get used to the layout of the scope and axis and controls, and the best angle of the OTA for the eyepiece and finder (the RDF is still dead, FLO are sending a replacement, but I can try to use it as a kinda eyepiece anyhow!). It's an EQ mount but it can be used in Alt-Az mode, which is what I'm currently doing to keep it relatively easy. I then decided to move the scope to a different point in the back garden, and raise it to its full height, as I was bending over a bit (I'm 6'1"). This involved more adjustments to things to try to get it all comfortable and intuitive. That's when I started looking at Mars, finding it with the 25mm and then having a good look with the 10mm, and when I found my flashing object. I switched back to the 25mm as I wanted to try to get a sense of the stars around it and its path. I really struggled with this due to the image being upside down. With the binoculars I was able to intuitively see the shapes and patterns some of the stars form, and follow them, but this was much harder to do while transposing them at the same time. Messing with Skysafari (in Red mode, which reminds me, bloody house security lights!!! Five different ones went off in the space of half an hour!) I found out that I could swap its orientation too, but that still didn't seem to help. So I was struggling to picture which way the object was going, which stars it was passing etc. I eventually identified 73 and 77 Piscium, which helped. I then decided to try to judge how fast it was moving (for when asking the question here) but couldn't think of a way to measure the distance. I started a stopwatch when it passed between two stars, and the stopped it two minutes later when it passed between two others, in a kind of mini 'rectangle shape' of four stars that I identified. And then, of course, when I went back to Skysafari I couldn't find those four stars again! I know now I can mark them as Observed and it'll keep a record, but that's no help to me now. Not being able to remember the orientation of the Skysafari map to match my telescope view doesn't help either. After that i decided to give Uranus a try, but once again I was struggling to star hop when the clouds came in, and an hour later hadn't left. So I gave up at 11 and brought the scope inside, seeing that the primary mirror was covered in condensation. I'm guessing this happened when I brought it into the warm kitchen? So, lessons learned... I need to get more used to Skysafari and what it can do, like mark what stars I've observed. I need to find my sweet spot for setting up the OTA and tripod. Speaking of which, back in the kitchen I realised that while adjusting the tripod/scope I'd knocked the 90 angle needed for it to be Alt-Az off a good bit, which meant my left/right and up down were a bit more diagonal than that. That wouldn't have helped with me trying to get my orientation and direction right, and explains some of my issues. I also need to write some stuff down, even onto my phone, to keep some notes. I obviously haven't used a working RDF yet, but I did find the view through the finder window varies greatly depending on exactly what angle you are behind the finder. If that's true with the dot on too, I don't really see how it's all that effective, it just gets you in the ballpark area really. Using the eye piece I'm trying not to squint with one eye closed, but I can't leave the other open as there's just too much light outside with security lights coming on etc. So I was basically leaving it open but covering it with my hand, and also shielding my viewing eye to drown out more light, which helped. Anyhow, this is far too long a post now! It was still good to see something, a tumbling satellite or whatever it was, as I'd never seen one on my life. And it amazes me when I look in the eyepiece and suddenly so many more stars are just there. Hopefully my next session will go a little smoother.

Just saw your message now Pixies, I assume a tumbling satellite is basically a dead one that's now just spinning around in orbit? Thanks for the podcast recommendation, I'll give it a go as I love listening to them when driving...

I'd forgotten about the time feature, I did that on Skysafari with the same results, no satellite in that area at that time on that track, or at least none listed. I should have done a better job of observing it (like noting the exact time, naming the smaller stars it went past etc.) but I'm not used to that kind of stuff yet. Probably just some spinning space junk as you say, which is kinda cool and also disappointing at the same time! Despite the forecast, the clouds don't seem to want to go away, so I might be restricted to just that 30 minutes or so of viewing!

I've been out in the cold for a while and have come in waiting for the clouds to pass! So. can someone tell me what I've been watching? I was looking at Mars and noticed something flashing to its bottom left (top right in the scope). It was quite faint and hard to see when it wasn't flashing, but I sometimes caught a glimpse of it between flashes. The flashes had a definite rhythm to it, you'd get one, then a second or two would pass, then another flash, sometimes this one was brighter, and then it would start to repeat those two flashes again maybe 6 or 7 seconds later. it was also moving, it took about 10 to 15 minutes or so to move from close to Mars down past 73 Piscium and past 77 Piscium. I'm guessing it's some sort of satellite, though it was much fainter than any I've seen (I couldn't see it with the naked eye) and moving much slower too. I'm sure it's something quite routine, but would love answer. Thanks!

Thanks a lot Heather, I should just aim my questions directly at you, you always end up answering them anyhow! I think if it go to the temperature where sticking to the scope was a possibility I will be happily indoors staying warm!

Yeah, I think leaving caps off but rotating the scope correctly is the way to go. Next stupid question, cold weather! Ignoring me (I can wrap up well!) what's it like for scopes? Tonight is going to be hopefully clear, but also very cold. Probably below freezing. I'm keeping my fingers crossed I might get out for a while, is there an issue with using a scope below freezing, assuming the temps go that low?

Thanks a lot, that makes sense, and rain was what I was thinking off!

Yep, for a first run it went well, I think. I loved it, and my Daughter was suitably impressed by the huge moon! I think tonight is might to be cloudy and wet, so I doubt I'll get out. Typically, I might not get out for a few days, we're redecorating a room, and there's a lot to be done. But fingers crossed I will get out for a bit now and then. A quick stupid question, but when I'm leaving the scope outside to cool down before using it, do I leave the covers on the tube and the eyepiece, or take them off? Thanks!

Well my Starquest 130P arrived today! I was a little doubtful it would until I finally got the 'Out for Delivery' update late in the morning, and it got here in the afternoon. Have to say I'm very happy with it, for what is basically a beginners scope, it seems to have a very good build quality. I spent a while putting it together this afternoon, getting it balanced etc. Have no way of collimating it yet (don't have a collimator or a cap) but it was good to get it all together. Only issue is the RDF doesn't seem to be working, no matter what I did I couldn't get a little dot to appear. I've contacted FLO about that and based on my experience with them so far I'm sure they'll get it sorted for me! Anyhow, when it arrived not only was it completely cloudy, but it was foggy as well, just for good measure, so the cloud rule held true. I got lucky though and some gaps appeared later, so I took it out the back. The EQ mount that comes with it can also be used as an Alt-Az mount (one of the reasons I had my eye on this scope) so I left it in Alt-Az mode for now and soon started looking around. I caught a glimpse of Jupiter (with my naked eye) for a second but then it went behind clouds for good. I also saw ISS flying overhead the exact minute I was bringing out the scope, but had no hope of viewing that without being ready! Then Mars came out so I got it in the scope, at 25x first and then my current max of 65x. At this magnification it was still a white 'star', but I could see it was a disk, not a pinpoint of light, so that was cool. Also found the SlowMotion controls very handy, even in Alt-Az, to keep it in the eye piece. Was very surprised to see how bright it was, I could see why filters might be needed. Focusing seemed to be good, I could get it fairly well focused so if the secondary mirror is off (the primary can't be adjusted) I don't think it's off by much. The moon made an appearance from behind some clouds so of course I had to look. I took advantage of the tripod to go to its fullest height as the moon was low and I wanted to see over the back garden wall. The moon, even when almost full, was stunning. 25x showed so much detail and with 65x it filled the eyepiece completely, you almost had to move you eye around a little to see the edges of the moon. Once again, you could see why filters would help, or even the lunar terminator which would show up so much detail. My 7 year old daughter was amazed by the moon, telling me she could see the craters and everything. Being able to rotate the scope tube in the rings really helped make it easier for her to see compared to my height. I looked around a bit more but didn't have long and the conditions were poor. But all in all I'm just delighted, it looks like a lovely scope and it's working great. I love how versatile it is for me, with the EQ/Alt-Az mount, being able to use the slow motion controls, rotate the tube and lower/higher the tripod all made it easy to get the best viewing position depending on the height in the sky of what we're looking at, and the height of the person looking! I can only image what views I'm gonna get out of this on a better night, when I bring it to a darker site, and when I use an 8mm eyepiece with a Barlow on it! Thanks for all the help and advice here, I assure you the questions are only starting!

Nice one, delighted you got to use it on your first night! Have no idea what you should or shouldn't expect from Mars, someone more experienced than I (not too hard!) should be able to help there.