Pitch Black Skies

I know it's an old thread, very old, but I've really enjoyed reading people's stories. It's brought some fond memories back of my own. Maybe some others will add their's. For me, I reckon I was about the age of 7 or 8 when my uncle gave me an old monocular which was among the hoard of dusty bits and bobs in my grandfathers shed. I loved spending time in there routing around though buckets of rust, cobwebs, and crushing various things in the creaking bench vice for the fun of it. Fascinated with the monocular, I used to lie down on a bitter cold concrete shed roof, hold the instrument up to my eye and look up until either I couldn't hold my arms up any longer, or I had a crick in my neck. I could never understand why the stars never really increased in size despite the magnification, and I never did manage to find and of those elusive UFO's.. or Santa.

An 8mm or 12mm would be closer to the 2mm exit pupil sweet spot of 2mm, with the 8mm being 1.6mm and the 12mm being 2.4mm. I'd go with the 8mm or 12mm but if you just Barlowed the 25mm, you have 12.5mm effectively. (Apologies to the OP)

Where can I find a replacement LXD-75 RA motor assembly?

Happy birthday Dobby 🎈🔭😂

First of all, thanks to everyone for your knowledge, help and advice. Just to let you guys know, I have settled on a second hand Meade LXD-75. First impressions is that it seems pretty solid but I really don't know much about equatorial mounts let alone this specific one. I will spend the next few days tweaking it and trying to familiarise myself with it. I don't really know where to begin but luckily I have a cat here that is an expert in balancing and polar aligning scopes!

The journey begins...

Hi Barry, I was wondering if you could give an update on your experience with the 300p. How does it compare to the 200p now that you've had time to test it? It helps others in a similar situation. Thanks!

Thanks, yes sorry forgot you had already mentioned about the aluminium tripod. That is definitely something worth considering I suppose. Do you know if the EQ5 & EQM35 I attached have steel tripods? It doesn't say it the specifications. Might another option might be a Star Adventurer Pro, steel tripod and the 72ED?

😂 A little confusing yes, but you have explained that very well. So I am thinking the EQ3 Pro Go-To combined with a 72ED might be a budget, but safe option.

Hi, the pic I shared is an EQ3 Pro Go-To. What is the EQ3-2 Pro Go-To? Can you share a link of that? I seen a video with Dave from DFO say the EQ3-2 is a great budget scope for something like a 72ED. I can only find a manual version of this mount though.

I will be using my Canon DSLR. These are some of the images I would expect to capture with it; M51 might be a bit ambitious, M31 looks okay though.

Makes sense. You know I would be pleased to capture some of the bigger objects like M31, M42, Pleiades, Moon, Virgo cluster. It might be a good place to start. Would any of the mounts discussed above be suitable for the 72ED?

I am just testing the waters. Might I be better to start with say a Skywatcher 72ED and Star Adventurer/EQ3 Pro Go-To? I really like the idea of the 130P-DS as I'm also a huge reflector fan and really comfortable with collimation, but if it makes sense to get something smaller I will. Edit: Yes vlaiv's point is very good indeed. There seems to be a common theme so far, and that is the HEQ5 is the clear winner. Always appreciate the advice on this forum. Some great minds here.

Stability is the priority, but cost is also important. It looks like the EQ5 Pro Go-To at the moment for me so. How does the HEQ5 compare to it vlaiv? I also see there is an upgraded version with a Rowan belt. Maybe I am looking at the wrong telescope. I just think the 130p-ds would suit me as I am comfortable with reflectors. I am coming from a 200p dob.

Hi guys, I'm hoping to start AP with a 130P-DS. Of the three mounts listed in the heading, how do they compare? The EQ3 Pro Go-To is obviously cheaper so I will go with that if it's suitable. Would there be a huge difference in choosing one of the others? What are the pros and cons of each? Are they all similar in their features and ease of use?

Welcome to SGL

Thanks so much, yeah a HEQ5 or 6 would be great it's just the price that's holding me back. Maybe if I could find one second hand. I've never heard of narrowband imaging.. kind of afraid to find out now too 😆

Thanks Brendan. Yeah I was referring to the 130PDS. The plan would be to sell my 200p dob if I can be sure the 130PDS and EQ3 Pro GOTO are a good setup.

Welcome to SGL

Welcome to SGL

Fantastic, welcome to SGL

Welcome to SGL

Hello and welcome to SGL

Welcome to SGL

Well they say life only really begins at 40.. so with that in mind you actually only 15. Welcome to SGL