ST_Steve

Does this help? https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/431768-vixen-na140ssf/

Have you taken a look at the EcoFlow range?

Look away now! APM have a Violet Friday sale and there are some very nice LZOS scopes at discounted prices… Rupert at Astrograph also has some offers including one on an APM LZOS 152 F7.9 APO

That’s a great report @josefk and I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Out of interest, have you tried a dew shield on the Cass? I use one mainly as a defence from the local LP and have not suffered any dew issues to date (admittedly my recent sessions are not as prolonged as yours).

The very beautiful Mrs ST_Steve (and CFO) has kindly offered to gift me the AZ100 Hand Pad as a Christmas present 🎁 Apologies for those waiting for a review as that won’t happen until Santa has called…

Many thanks @Hans Joakim

I’m away from home at the moment but can anyone confirm the thread and pitch of the hole where the Rowan Nexus DSC shelf ball mount attaches to the AZ100? Thanks in advance Steve

Thanks Joe @josefk I am aware of the RAM kit and does get very good feedback (although I do have the shelf). I like the idea of a multi purpose system 🤔 A little more thought and a letter to Santa might be in order…

Thanks Steve @Saganite this is something I’ve been musing about 💭 Definitely something I’m going to do 👍

Can you show/tell us how you did this please?

You could cut a window in the mesh by snipping the sides and bottom. Leaving the top uncut would provide a ’hinge’ which would allow the window to be rolled up? Zip ties or string etc. could be used to hold the window portion closed (and in the open position when in use). Obviously this would require a chat with the landlord…

Same here. Met Office reckons that things will improve from Monday (not sure if they stated which Monday though😂).

Loving your updated avatar @John

Greetings from the permacloud that is South Wales (it must be cloudy - I’ve been shopping again…). My latest purchase courtesy of our forum sponsors @FLO Very useful now that I can no longer see the Sun 😂 Can I now seek admission to the holy monastic order of SGL under the leadership of Abbot @Alan White ? PS thanks for your review Alan.

They smell good too 👃

Don’t want to derail the thread but any silicone sealant that is not neutral cure will react with felt (or any bituminous material).

Bituminous felt adhesive is good (something like Black Jack) but is a nightmare to apply particularly when the weather is cold…

Be aware that some silicon sealants will dissolve the felt…

Could I ask you (and others) which of the lenses you use at the eyepiece on the iPhone pro version? I have a new iPhone 16pro but haven’t unpacked yet…

Bit of a lightweight amongst some of the above but my biggest and heaviest is the APM 20mm HDC XWA 100° at 680g

Looks like the same focuser as the 8” CC and although satisfactory for visual the feel is “soft”. I’m visual only but upgraded mine to a steeltrack and very happy with that.

First night out for some time and although a short session I entertained myself with Saturn and a trip around the moon. Seeing was good here and reasonably warm. As others have said, Saturn was very sharp and looked great in the 4” with 4.5mm Morph. First time my wife has seen the ringed planet and hasn’t stopped talking about it since… Forecast is hopefully good for the next couple of nights 🤞

Signed

Any news on a release date Alan?

If you go the Berlebach route you could contact the BB technical team via email or direct through the website to enquire about the bolt lengths and purchase additional bolts to suit? I posted about bolt lengths recently in the AZ100 owners thread (albeit AZ100/EQ6 and planet), there’s always a solution! I doubt the AZ75 would have any problem without CW’s but personally would opt for a BB tripod and as said above go for wider leg spread. There is an adjustable spreader to fit the UNI that can be specified at time of order. I found that spiked feet added more stability over the rubber type, particularly on soft ground…