Ags

My Berlebach triumvirate: Report 112, Uni extension tube, Castor giro head.

Has anyone tried connecting a small game controller to the Android synscan app for tactile scope control? Something like this: https://www.nedgame.nl/pc-gaming/8bitdo-zero-2-mini-bluetooth-gamepad--turquoise-/6645363627/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_uXB2_7z7wIVC-3tCh0X4Q9lEAQYASABEgLwWPD_BwE

Let me know the size of nylon screws to get if you find out... Would prefer plastic screwing into plastic from a longevity point of view. Q Turrets are really easy to pick up second hand - there's a lot of people what don't like them! I am actually thinking of getting a second one for my side-by-side scope setup, but need to expand my EP collection first 🤣 At the moment this is for my spring grab and go setup - light tripod and AZ head, Mak 102 and the turret. I hate eyepiece swapping so hoping this works out. Down the line I might upgrade to the similar looking metal Geoptik unit. Current plan is for four SLVs - any four from 25, 12, 9, 6 , 4 and 2.5mm depending on conditions and targets and scope. (not the 4 or 2.5 with the little Mak I think... 🤣 )

I just obtained one of these second hand. I’ll put my thoughts here as I try it out. It is nice and light but I have my doubts about its overall strength. Backfocus can be an issue - I can't reach infinity focus with my ST80 and mirror diagonal. The action of the turret is nice and smooth and precise. When viewing the other eyepieces do not get in the way (assuming you stick to eyepieces of similar length). Overall I think I am going to like this device.

Today in the post: a true marmite item... i hope I like this Marmite!

Just the second stage de-orbiting in the wrong place. Apparently the re-entry burn didn't go quite right. Still, one less piece of space junk.

Well... this past weekend I went three rounds with a flat-pack cupboard and barely won, so maybe I will stick to designing and hire someone!

I would like to know too.

Did some more 3D modeling today. This is the view from Jupiter: That was ok, but the view from the sitting room was Shed Central: Now looking at if I can make the back right corner work as an observing area. The problem is the grape-clad pergola due south of it and a lovely crab apple tree next to it.

Visual mostly with a little imaging. There is a streetlight due south of the site which might be a real deal-breaker depending on the angles and a couple of young hazelnuts will have to come out. Is it a bad idea to let creepers grow on the side of an observatory? I don't want to pour concrete for a pier however. I am thinking of something less permanent - perhaps something deeply staked into my heavy clay soil. Note I am not thinking of very heavy equipment, maybe a C8 at most. I think it would also be nice to recline in the darkness of the obsy with a pair of binoculars taking in the night sky and maybe catching a meteor or two. A dome is just too complicated to build. I could probably do it but don't like the possibility of failure. Another issue is the noise of rotating the dome. A dome is also permanently high, shadowing my northern neighbor's garden.

I live in a ground floor apartment, surrounded by neighbors in a land where no one seems to use curtains or blinds. I have 3D light pollution from local light sources, and nearby Schiphol airport and a surrounding city. I often think about a structure to block out the local light pollution. One which I would be able to build anyway. A dome is simply too complicated to build and far too expensive to buy. A roll off roof is awkward in my space and won't block light from upstairs. Tonight I thought of a flip-lid observatory - if the roof flips up it will provide more shading. Something like this: It would even be possible, once the roof is flipped up to hook some canvas along the back Now I have made a model it does look a bit restrictive, but I could enable the roof section on the side with the human figure to open out a bit wider. Keeping the weight of the roof parts low would be vital of course.

I finally get to try out my Artcise tripod tonight but not sure of a target.... I have a small mono sensor attached to a 100 mm f2.8 lens giving a 5 degree FOV. I only have the west and the zenith. Any suggestions?

Well I am happy with mine. Light and capable,a good all-rounder.

Some lovely images have come back already from Perseverance. I am also keenly following the developments by SpaceX at Boca Chica. I think bigger cheaper rockets will really open up Mars. I remember the early pictures back from Mars and thinking it looked so plain and ordinary and familiar, which was the most exciting thing - a planet nearby that wasn't utterly alien. Here in Holland the state pension age is linked to life expectancy so tonight I was checking when I would retire. It turns out it will be at age 67 + nine months for me, in the late 2030s. My first thought was "Wow, I wonder what will be happening on Mars by then!"

Yes it is in AZ mode. The C6 is quite large so the counterbalance serves to reduce strain on the gears. It's not in perfect balance, only less out of balance. Also keeps the relatively small tripod balanced.

FedEx sent me a bill today for VAT and import duties - 30% of the original cost.

Stilll haven't had a chance to use the tripod, but I did get a bill for EUR 39 import duties today. 😕

Still on the fence about catching one of these to Australia...

Shame, very close to success. A miss is as good as a mile...

Just another picture of the starship fleet and its tank farm.

Hello from Noord-Holland!

If UK people are paying more it is exclusively because of how the UK is applying the rules. The money goes to to the UK government following the UKs interpretation of the rules.

The closest I have got to Astronomy the past few weeks has been Moon halos...

Only bought a tripod from ali express. The delivery took longer because of issues clearing customs, but the goods were excellent quality.

@Jamgood superb!