NGC 1502

If you have a standard Newtonian reflector, the secondary mirror is much more prone to dewing than the primary that's deep down at the lower end of the tube. You may be able to reduce secondary dewing by extending the upper end of the tube with a 'camping mat' dew shield, or perhaps by pointing a 12v hair dryer down the focuser after removing the eyepiece. But the best solution is a proper dew heater like the ones in this link http://www.kendrickastro.com/newtonian.html#Secondary (scroll down). The heat is very gentle, to keep the secondary just above ambient temp. There are DIY versions if you are handy. HTH, Ed.

That's very helpful for your first post, welcome to SGL sounds like you will be an asset here. Regards, Ed.

Hi to you in AZ. It's great when you get a proper thought out response. Makes you feel you got a product from a manufacturer that wants to help, rather than "we have your money, good bye" You live in a great part of the US, Baringer crater, Lowell, AZ dark sky village, Grand Canyon, so much more.....it would be the holiday of a lifetime, if ever I get around to it........ Enjoy the new scope, Ed.

Indeed they made a 17mm. Here's mine, the rubber eyecup is a retrofit, Ed.

Great to hear you are sorted, wishing you clear skies in bonny Scotland. Regards, Ed.

Hi again John. If you have established that your scope will take 1.25" accessories, then it's easier and better if you get a standard 1.25" diagonal, especially as you have purchased 1.25" fitting eyepieces as you mention in post # 1. That is if I've understood what you have said correctly. Regards, Ed.

Hi John, welcome to SGL. Found this http://www.meade.com/manuals/TelescopeManuals/Telestar/TelestarRB60.pdf but that also mentions standard 1.25" fit eyepieces. Is it possible that your scope has a 1.25" fit diagonal that has an adapter fitted to take the smaller 0.96" fit eyepieces ? If so, removing that adapter could sort it. If there is no adapter, what is the size of the part of the diagonal that fits into the end of the scope ? Is it the same as the eyepieces you have, or the smaller size already mentioned ? A barlow lens is just an accessory to use in combination with an eyepiece to increase the magnification, the scope should work fine without a barlow ( if you get eyepieces to fit of course ) A barlow is no use on its own, only when used in combination with an eyepiece. If the scope only takes the smaller 0.96" diagonal, then you would need to source that size to fit, and that smaller size is rarely used these days but was popular years ago. You may find a helpful dealer that has a 0.96" fit diagonal, best to try one of the older more established dealers. Maybe try Barry Watts at Beacon Hill Telescopes, a helpful person who's been around for a long time - there are others of course. But you'd also need the same fitting eyepieces........ Another option could be to find an adapter that goes from 0.96" to 1.25", they were made at one time. If the scope takes the smaller size accessories, then also made at one time was a hybrid diagonal that had the smaller size to fit the scope, and took the larger sized 1.25" eyepieces. There's ebay of course. Perhaps let us know the size of the focuser you have, remove the diagonal and measure the size of the part that goes into the focuser, or the focuser itself, its got to be either 0.96" or 1.25", then maybe folk here can advise further, I'll check back here tomorrow. Hope all that makes sense......getting confused myself..... Regards, Ed.