CowsonConcrete

I'll take it. I see you're in Derbyshire, not the Sheffield side are you?

Thank you, I did not know that.

Hi, I've just sold my EQ5 and Skywatcher 130pds and am about to buy a Williams Optics Redcat 51. The move is for a smaller kit and the fact that the Redcat can be used as a terrestrial lens as well Anyways, I kept some EPs and would like some advice as to whether I need a star diagonal or Prism. The scope/ lens will mainly be used for astrophotography but I would like to do some viewing as well. My current EPs are nothing special in terms of quality but will be sufficient for what I need (super plossi's etc). So should I get the WO prism or a £65 Skywatcher diagonal or is there something else....... Thank you

Apologies forgot to say f5.6, 1/800 and iso 640

Hi, Here's a quick shot of last night's moon. I've broken the crayford on my SkyWatcher 130pds so had to hold the focuser tube to get it sharp. Not ideal but I'm pleased with the result. Àny ideas how I can add more colour without affecting the detail? Thanks

Thanks John. You appear to have used few words to make what, in my head, was a massive job a lot simpler! I'll look to pick up something from Astroboot or treat myself to a new one and give it a go. With reference to my confidence; if I don't need to remove the mirror and is basically moving the four connecting screws. I'm all over it!! Kind regards, Thanks again,

Hi, No, it's https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-2-dual-speed-crayford-focuser-for-explorer-models.html but I guess any would work. I think if I replace it it will mean me taking out the secondary mirror which doesn't fill me with confidence. Reading between my own lines I'm asking is it cheaper to fix or should I sell my scope just for parts? Thank you

Hi, I haven't posted on here for a long time and have probably got the wrong discussion thread, however, I dug out my scope and mount the other day and once mounted I over balanced and the the whole rig fell on top of me in a very slow and controlled fashion(!). Where everything seems fine the a small metal ring with a nodule inside was snapped and dropped out of the focusser. As such unless the set up is in it's "starting position" then the rack and pinion set up inside the focusser won't work and I have to hold the tube manually. Not ideal. As it happens I want to sell my scope (a Skywatcher 200p) but would like to know if the Crayford can be fixed by either me or a shop and if anyone had any idea of the cost of a repair. Sorry for adding a mundane question but when I started viewing this site was an inexhaustible supply of help. Kind regards,

Hi, Absolutely superb thread. It's what I've been looking for for ages, I take a couple of months off and up it pops!! I have a 130PDS and have had since October, switching from a Celetron 120mm Refractor. My moon shots aren't bad but I do struggle with anything over a couple of seconds exposure with movement. I have an EQ2 mount. "Aha, there's your problem" I hear you all shout, however funds dictate my kits quality. What then would be the cheapest mount for my 130PDS with camera? Would an EQ3 suffice or do I have to up it to EQ5? (this is for imaging rather than just Thank you