UKDiver

I bet that was a relief Gary. It was for me! Adrian

I'd like to suggest that Grant use this approach as a template for eyepieces. It would certainly reduce the number of mouse clicks required to check each option! Adrian

No idea of the St Albans bit, but I imagine you'd be paying £5k (after tax etc.) a year for the pleasure of standing on a packed train from Reading. How much would you be able to work from home?

Different pieces of code using different algorithms or using the same algorithm? If the latter, I'm not surprised they yield similar results. However, similar results does not mean they are right. After all, 'all models are wrong' etc. So maybe the models were good at replicating what had been initially observed, but were limited by the data selected/available for that model and thus not so great at predicting outside the source variations. I realise that the above may sound obvious and even insulting, but I've seen it happen in a completely different domain. Over trusting of a model that well replicated responses of one set of observed events, but not a second set because the variations were not thought to be possible as they had not been observed. Only one set of algorithms exist based on 150 year old empirical formulae, yet modellers have used them inappropriately. I agree that just stating 'the code must be wrong' is not very useful. So has it been used wrongly? What else is left if it's not the code and it's not the data?

Reading. Hmm. I suppose it's about what you're used to. I refused (late 90s) to move there with a previous employer as I could not afford Reading and what I could afford was commuter build and small in Yate or Chippenham. Is the LP in Reading that much better?

I never knew it existed. Wonderful barrell construction.

I had seen it, but not properly understood what it was. The ignorance and procrastination factors again. As with most useful experience and knowledge, it is paid for somewhere along the line.

Franklin's? Already sold between your post and mine.

Definitely what I'm trying to do while I let everyone rip the Mick out of me for using stock plossls. I'd probably commit to new kit if I could only try first, especially if I could compare makes/variants. Apart from that, I'll keep an eye on the second hand market. Perhaps some elimination for a start - what to avoid? I'm reasonably happy to spend on lenses that are equal to the scope, I do realise there's little point having it if I'm going to look through glass detrimental to the view.

I know there may be compromises Michael, but I don't know enough about EPs to ask the right questions. Deciding on the scope was relatively easy in comparison and I'd already made a cock-up on that front. Is there a good description anywhere of the types/pros/cons anywhere? I suspect not too easy as much of this topic is subjective.

Thank you John, I will also consider the Nagler zoom. Tele Vue certainly make some 'interestingly' priced EPs. I find it hard to imagine spending that much to get suitable range. Are the lenses polished on the sweaty things of Cuban cigar rollers or something? I guess these are the kind of things that rarely come up second hand if they're so good. Not being able to try before buying is frustrating me a little. I guess this is usually easier when societies can meet without health concerns.

Thank you for the recommendation and reasoning, not that understood all the technical elements. That will come. I've also been recommended the Baader 8-24 Zoom, I assume for wider views. If such tools are so useful, what are the tradeoffs with respect to fixed FL eyepieces? Adrian

Thank you. I currently have Celestron 6, 8, 13, 17 and 32mm (no model name) Plossls with 2x Barlow. Also a 3x X-Cel Barlow. All came as job lot with a previous second hand scope. Given that, does your recommendation still stand? If yes, why? Apart from the size, they seem to have pretty much the same FoV.

I'm slowly picking up on the models, nomenclature and jargon for eyepieces. And that before we get into abbreviations that look a bit like brands. Procrastination and research led to me missing out on a couple of Vixens earlier - Franklin knew what he wanted and I don't yet. Not being able to try before you buy is a little frustrating. It seems we don't really buy astronomy gear, just rent it long term. 😄

Thank you John. What EP are you using to get 180x? Adrian

Much better tonight. 😊 Proper first views. Clear sky, four moons three moons with Jupiter were obvious and 45 Cap (not what I though was a moon ). Maybe the odd orange stripy smear (wishful thinking?) but mainly fuzzy. Moon an absolute pleasure. So I wonder what better eyepieces will do for me. Definitely need a seat too!

Watching... Sadly the one on ABS had already gone. They often seem to be paired with a Barlow lens. Is this a useful addition or marketing?

I knew it was bad decision, but it was a function of desperation. Sorry about the cringe. Maybe proper views this w/e, although I'm not hopeful for the weather.

Thank you Franklin for the holding back advice, worked a treat. The zooms appear to rarer than rocking horse do-do at the moment. No wonder yours sold quickly. Adrian

Mine has shown a little more interest after finding this lady in her ancestry.

Maybe they did have regular good weather. I've no idea what they recorded in logs. I sort of hope that the recent increases in moisture in the atmosphere are more recent. Just downloaded for the walk to work.

Wonderful. A great port to read.

Yes, twist grip. Not sure I fancy cutting anything at the moment! O rings I can probably do, I suspect I must have some from old scuba regulator seals., might be too small. One for the morning. Par focal rings? More jargon to lookup. Cheers Mike. Adrian

Hi Mike, Yes, I know the Velux was not optimum, but it was reasoned for the few minutes I had. I would not have been able to see much from ground level through the house opposite and cloud was turning up. Yes, looking forwards to a better location and higher subjects. Normally I don't like springs - big tides. Yes, eyepieces will have to be selected, but that's a confusing subject on its own. And I need to understand why the ones I have wobble in the Tak prism. Undercuts? Adrian

While using Celeston plossls with a Takahashi 1.25" prism, I had wobbly eyepieces when the eyepiece holder was tight. What have I got wrong? Is this a function of undercuts or is this normal? Adrian