Ian McCallum

I just hope it doesn't end up like one of the infamous Ariane rocket failures. 😟

I'm not sure, to be honest. 🤔 These are DC motors, not stepper ones. I'm not sure if the stepper type use pulsed width modulation. 🤔

I was thinking about the combination of HiteAstro USB ST4 Guider and Svbony SV105 (fitted to a finderscope), connected to my laptop and EQ5 Enhanced motor drive for guiding. Would this combination work or is there something better, but not extortionately expensive?🤔

I've got myself a SW EQ5 Deluxe mount with the Enhanced Dual Axis Motor Drives. I like occasionally to do smartphone imaging through the eyepiece, using a smartphone holder. I also have a spare SW 9x50 straight through finderscope that I could use for a guide scope. The 'dumb' handset of the Enhanced kit has a ST4 port on it. With all this in mind, is there a idiot's/numptie's/dummie's guide to guiding, etc. for a newbie to guiding, etc?

Thanks, I thought it was, but just needed to double check.👍

Is the so-called home position on GEM, just for go-to types or computer controlled?🤔 After having my new EQ5 Deluxe mount for a little while, I'm still a little confused by some of the functions of it. It's certainly more capable and more complicated that the old Meade EQ-1B that I used to use...🙄

What's in stock and what's in budget is the key. 😉

Either my Sky-Watcher 200P or more likely my Sky-Watcher Evostar 120 refractor.

I really like my SW 28mm 2" LET eyepiece, but would like something with less magnification, for wider views. There's two budget eyepieces from @FLO that have caught my eye. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/stellalyra-eyepieces/stellalyra-50mm-2-superview-eyepiece.html Astro Essentials Plossl 56mm version... Has anyone any experience of these eyepieces?🤔

72 hours, but we won't quibble due to the Christmas rush and Covid-19, etc.

The kit finally arrived, this morning.

This finally arrived, this morning. Skywatcher EQ5 Enhanced Dual Axis Motor Drives.

It has been dispatched, according to 365Astronomy. It's not on the RM tracking system yet. Usually, it would at least say it's in the system. Unless, it's sitting in a mail bag somewhere, waiting to be dealt with. 🤔 I'm well aware of curved balls, my mother died recently and left me some money. I decided to spend a little on astronomy gear. I just don't like being left in limbo, not knowing where my item is. I've been let down once, I don't want to be let down again. I do make allowances for Covid-19 and Xmas rush, etc.

To be honest with you, I wished I'd waited a few days and ordered from @FLO. ☹️

365Astronomy gave me a tracking number, after it was finally dispatched by Royal Mail yesterday. I'm still getting an error with the tracking number, so goodness knows when it will arrive. Covid-19 and holiday season permitting. 🙄 Sorry, we're currently unable to confirm the status of your item with reference??????????? . Please try again tomorrow.

I got my refund from RVO, earlier this afternoon. Zoltan from 365Astronomy emailed me to say that the order was processed and would be dispatched tomorrow, probably by DPD.

I got FLO's automated email at 9.30am, this morning. I just checked when I bought the Enhanced kit from 365 and it was at around 1.30am, this morning.

I did indeed click the notify button.😉

Sorry Auntie @FLO, I didn't get your email regarding the item being in stock till well after I ordered it. 🙇‍♂️ That was before 2am this morning, when you and other sensible people were still closed for business.😋

I took your advice and chose for one from 365Astronomy. 👍

When I get my refund from RVO, I'll be looking for other options. Ideally, I'd still like the same kit - hopefully @FLOwill get them back in stock soon.🙏

Correct, otherwise I would have ordered from FLO. https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/387348-eq5-deluxe-mount-motorising-options/?do=findComment&comment=4180476 What I find most disappointing about it is they waited till late this afternoon to tell me. I put the order in on Friday, last week. Surely, they could have let me know a bit earlier, rather than late in the day before the scheduled delivery.🤔

Back to the drawing board, as RVO doesn't have any in stock at the moment. It'll be a few days before they get new stock. I got an email from them to inform me about this, even though they told me that they have the EQ5 Enhanced kit in stock. That's why I ordered it from them. I've asked them to cancel the order, they've emailed me back to say they will. I've never had this problem with FLO.

A solution looking for a problem? 🤔

I must be a complete moron, as after doing that, it made no difference, Can you post a photo of what you mean, please?