JunglistRex

toothpicks did the job 👍

Also, what is the small screw for? Which can be seen at bottom right of Craney's pic?

Hi, I logged in to post the same question.. I know what i'm trying to acheive and i can unscrew and remove the lens exposing the sensor, but the other piece (i think this is the CS adapter according to instructions) is still screwed in. It doesnt screw out as a block? There are two holes as in OP's picture but I don't want to damage it. use a pin spanner or other tool on these holes as suggested?

Thanks, i have considered ordering from within EU as well. THink it's probably easier!

Hi, not sure what forum to post this in so hope it's ok here and hopefully someone can help. I'm based in Ireland and since Brexit haven't ordered anything from the UK. Was considering making an order through FLO but wondered if anyone based in Ireland or elsewhere in EU has experience of import duties etc. I've calculated what I think the costs should be. This is based on no UK VAT, then a 4.2% import duty rate (apparently this is Irish import duty rate for telescopes) applied to the total of the order cost exc. VAT plus the delivery costs. Then I add 23% (Irish VAT) to this total to get the total amount that I will have to pay (in GBP) Has anyone got any practical experience of this? Assuming my calculations are correct, does anyone have experience of how you actually pay the Irish (or other EU country) import duty and VAT? Has it led to delays or unexpected costs? Thanks

Good, glad you're happy with purchase. Think that's what I'll go for as well.

How you getting on with it? I've also got a SkyMax 102 and was considering a 224 for planetary and lunar. Have done some reading up and think a 2x or 3x Barlow would be useful. Also I believe an IR filter would be useful. DOes this sound reasonable? Anything else to consider? Thanks

Very nice! Have checked out Stellarium and can see how that works. Will read up more about ICE

Ok understood, i thought it must be my calculations. I was following example given in link provided in OP but had misunderstood it slightly

Thanks, will look at these now

Thanks This was actually going to be my next question. I had already used that site and put in SkyMax and ASI224MC and messed around with some settings and it didn't seem to match up. For example, if you also add a 0.5x reducer, my calcations would be: (3436 * 6.09) / (1300 * 0.5) = 32.2 arc minutes which i think should be enough to frame the whole moon but the result on that site is: https://astronomy.tools/calculators/field_of_view/?fov[]=1945||266||0.5|1|0&solar_system=moon So, I have two further questions at the moment: Why doesn't it seem to match up? (probably me calculating wrong!) Would a focal reducer actually work with that set up?

Hi, I have been reading about imaging and had some basic questions to see if my understanding is correct. This site https://agenaastro.com/articles/guides/cameras/zwo-astronomy-cameras-buyers-guide.html gives formula for calculting FOV as: FOV in arc minutes = (3436*D)/L Where D is dimension of sensor (mm) and L is focal length of telescope (mm) So for a SkyMax 102 and a ASI224MC, I make the calculation (3436 * 6.09) / 1300 = 16.1 arc minutes My understanding is the moon is ~30 arc minutes in diameter. So am I right in saying that this combination of camera and scope would fit approximately half the moon into frame? Thanks

Great. Thanks!

Thanks. I think I must have copied the wrong link for the Amazon one because the one I saw was 2.1mm adapter. But basically the spec I posted "DC 12V, 5A, 2.1mm adapter, centre-postive" would be suitable for the AZ GTI mount. I'm just trying to cut costs but probably would be better just to get a heavier duty one from a "legit" source if I do! However, I take your point on board about the leads in the dark - maybe just bite bullet and get a SKywatcher Powertank. Thanks again.

Just a further question. For use at home, I was thinking looking at a mains power adapter. I assume it's more reliable than using batteries (although it must be plugged it). I know the GTI can be used without power as well. I saw this: https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/celestron-skywatcher-compatible-12v-mains-power-supply.html (doesnt show cable length which isnt very helpful) But based on the spec of that also think this would be suitable for the AZ GTI mount: https://www.amazon.co.uk/100-240V-Regulated-Switching-Amplifier-Accessories/dp/B01G9YS4NU/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=12v+dc+5A+power+supply&qid=1619705412&sr=8-5 which is cheaper. DC 12V, 5A, 2.1mm adapter, centre-postive, 1.5m cable Can you see any issues with that particular one or a similar cable with those specs from amazon or somewhere else. Alternatively there are rechargarble skywatcher powertanks but they would be around 80 euros and I don't think i'd need. Thanks

Thanks for the detailed advice - it's good to hear from someone with the scope that I was considering. Interesting about the use of phone causing loss of night vision which I something I hadn't considered. As a newbie I wouldnt know how much this could actually affect viewing - it's more of an abstract concept. But from what you've said, I take it that you would still recommend the scope/mount. I'm definitely leaning towards the 102 mainly due to cost, and will take advice on board about eyepieces etc. I think for now I would probably get a diagonal and a 32mm EP which would take me up to about 700 euros inc. shipping. I had actually conside red the Startravel 102 prior to deciding on a Skymax (at that point I was certain I would go for a refractor but now I'm certain i will go for a Mak. I will probably change mind again soon!), but I had also been considering what you suggested and purchasing an OTA if I get into the hobby and using on the same tripod and mount. Thanks again

Hi all, First post here and after some advice on a first telescope and some accessories. (I am a complete beginner). I am based on east coast of Ireland (Bortle 4), so summer might not be best time of year for viewing because of the shorter nights. Have a budget of around €700. Wpuld mainly be for use in garden but transportability would be handy as would small footprint when packed up. I have narrowed my choices down to Skywatcher Skymax 102 or 127 AZ-GTI. Reasons for this include, relatively small and lightweight, no need for collimation, doesn't take long to cool down, az mount easier for beginners (but i think this can be converted to EQ), goto mount but the gti can be adjusted manually. I am aware Maks are more suited for lunar/planetary/double stars and this is fine, but would like to look at other DSOs if possible. Down the line astrophotography would be good but am aware that this is a whole different ballgame! If I went with the 102 I would be willing to spend some extra € on eyepieces or accessories; if i go with 127 it would be the limit of my budget for now. I was leaning more to the 102 and either a 32mm eyepiece or maybe a 0.5x focal reducer (each would be around €45) - my understanding is focal reducers are more for astrophotography but I think combined with 25mm would provide a wider FOV for DSOs than a 32mm (but not sure how viable the use of them would be on the Maks for viewing). I was also considering a lunar filter. My understanding is the 10mm eyepiece supplied with these telescopes isn't great, but the 25mm is good enough (at least for beginner). However, I might stick with the packaged 10mm for now. Does anyone have any advice on my decision? Or anything other 'must haves'. Thanks in advance!