Allanto

Finally all set up and have to say that the engineering on the mount is superb - its certainly heavy 👍. Hooked DSC up to sky safari and did the two star alignment just through a standard 15mm eyepiece (don't currently have a reticle eyepiece) and alignment was well within the FOV on the 15mm but slightly out of center. So simply put one dead center in 5mm and the hit align in sky safari, and from that point on it was perfect. Unfortunately the clouds go the better of me so it was a short first session, but so far so good. All the gear is new to me so lots to learn and experiment with 😜

Well done Steve - exactly the same order I put in a couple of days ago 😀 - I contacted Derek before ordering and he confirmed that all new orders now include the upgraded DSC Pro 👍

Recently acquired Tecnosky 102/700 F7 FPL-53 Doublet APO Unfortunately I have not been able to test it as I am still waiting for my mount which will hopefully be here next week, but build quality and feel are fantastic.

UNI 18 with modified HEQ5/EQ6 top plate, purchased used from SGL - will soon have a nice Rowan AZ100 to stick on top of it 😁

Welcome to SGL 👍 - Expensive gear is not necessary as there are always good used bargains to be had here on SGL and other places, and nothing beats nice dark skies - enjoy them 😃

Welcome back to the hobby and to SGL - those are some fantastic images 👍

Hi Mike Thanks for you reply. So - the starter kit is almost complete.... I now have the eyepieces - BST Starguider 60 degree, 25mm, 15mm, and 5mm, and have now just ordered my mount - Rowan AZ100 with Nexus DSC - a bit on the expensive side 🤑, but I see all of the things I have purchased as being lifetime items - that's not to say I won't add a few more items of course 😆, but don't imagine I would ever want to sell any of them.

Will soon be joining the club - order placed with Rowan for AZ100 + Nexus DSC Pro, now need to explain bank account to the other half 😀

Thanks @johninderby for the info 👍 Agree with @HollyHound - looks like option b) would work without the need for the Nexus, so if the motor option does become available soon, then the purchase of Nexus II could be avoided thus saving a few £££ 😆

Hi Everyone, New to this community and new to astronomy - looking forward to learning lots, and getting all the kit 😁 - have scope (Tecnosky 102/700 f7) and tripod (Berlebach UNI 18), but cannot choose a mount - too many options, but enjoying all the research 🤣 Tim

Hi All, Hope it's OK to post a question here as a "very likely to be" new owner. 😃 I am looking at getting the AZ100 with encoders and Nexus II to use as a "push to" with Sky Safari, and then at a later date would consider upgrading with the motor set to give me the tracking option. My question is this, and it may only be something that Rowan Astronomy can answer at the moment as the motor set has obviously not been released yet, but if I upgrade to the motor option at some point, would that make the Nexus II redundant, or is the Nexus still required with the new motor controller. The reason I ask is that I am sure I read somewhere that the motor controller will include WIFI, and that's why I am thinking that the Nexus may no longer be required? Thanks Tim