LondonNeil

I don't need any more kit... except the Acme Cloud -away- matic, one of those would be something.

If your using M12 threaded bar and the weights I linked above (or any standard 1" hole discs) then you can buy these to pack them https://www.accu.co.uk/cylindrical-spacers/463831-HPS-25-12-6-20-N

Yes I know but no, not that usual question. I know there are 2 version of the ota which put the finder shoe in different spots, one which I have which with the dovetail at the 3 o'clock position when stood behind the scope, puts the shoe at 10 ( for attaching to the lhs of a mount like the gti), and the other which is designed to be mounted to the rhs of a mount, dovetail at 9 finder shoe at 2 ( but if mounted to lhs it puts the shoe at a difficult to use 8 o'clock.) My question is why is the shoe so far to the rear? I'm left handed and view left eye so not really a problem but when I had other family members who are right eye dominant at the eyepiece I realised that the finder scope made viewing awkward for them, with their right eye on the ep the back of the finder scope was jabbing their forehead just above their left eye, or their left cheek, depending where they stood. Now partly this was down to where I had rotated the ep to 11 ish o'clock as I had another ota on the other side of the gtix so I was viewing stood to the left side not directly behind, plus with mum shorter than me that position and rotate the ep round to 9 or 10 made the height work for her. However I was left thinking, why isn't the finder shoe further forward on the tube so that it's not in the way? I was using a 90⁰ finder, but looking at photos such as here https://www.harrisontelescopes.co.uk/acatalog/skywatcher-skymax-127-azgti-telescope.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwtqmwBhBVEiwAL-WAYafYk7un4Cy8O1sUgwzJhixailxfQPfVA3bdbTSB1R1mOiJ11kOjuBoCIZcQAvD_BwE A red dot would also be in the way I reckon. Maybe if the shoe were further forward it would make a straight through finder hard to use but...well I'm thinking shoes are cheap, I'll get one and attach it further forward. Or am I just missing something silly!

Yes it's fading fast

Is it bright enough to be visible through cloud?

I got out for just the 2nd time with the new gtix , with the st120 on one side and previously @SuburbanMak's mak127 on the other. You may have read my vent/frustration after last night's 1st go at Mercury and pons-brooks. Tonight Different location, my brother's place in Essex bortle 4 ish. I had higher hopes but new a clear view west wouldn't be easy. Well I found a decent spot to set up, but didn't find the comet. Determined not to get frustrated though I considered it just 'practice ' and with my 3yo, my brother, nephew and mum there I largely just viewed Jupiter. Seeing was a bit wiggly but could get decent enough views to see the banding at 185x in the 120. I should have tried a higher mag on the mak but it's tough trying to remember all the things to try while talking/explaining to that many... Checked out a few other new bits/eps... all seemed to work although nearly didn't have the in focus travel for a barlowed Morpheus... mount generally OK although last thing I tried was whirlpool galaxy which my nephew has found easily with my 300mm dob which I've 'given him' .... something was awry and the mount aimed somewhere in Leo....pah.... at the point the dew was descending rapidly (although the earlier clouds had shifted) so I called it....I'll call tonight a success and after last night it definitely was..... although no sightings of the comet or a dso...it felt like a(small) step forward though.

I did at least get out I guess. This was a great feat in itself and thanks to finally having a dry spell the other day. I needed to align the 2 scopes so when it was dry I set up in the street, took aim at the top of the crystal palace transmitter and went to work.....I got some good views of that structure and after cutting bits of coke can and packing between dovetail and mount I got the 2 scopes pretty well aligned. 2 tubes kinda meant I could take aim with one or change an ep while one of the kids looked in the other. They just need to learn not to grab at the EP/scope/tripod etc grrrr!

Thank you Mike. It's good to be reminded I'm not alone and with perseverance I'll eventually earn some good views of something. I am somewhat dejected this morning but it's forecast to be clear again tonight..... I'm heading to Essex to visit my brother and his garden offers darker skies and a whole new set of trees and houses to block my views. 😂

I'm just venting I guess. I'll get the hang of it....I do get most things... I'm just finding the theory and the practical aspects are conspiring to defeat me with this hobby! Oh and the seeing must be rubbish tonight..... or I'm doing something very wrong. In desperation to get a look At something I shoved a stellalyra 30mm super view in the st120 (I had a Mak127 on the other side) just to get a view of the orion constellation.... no... no...no.... I could see about 3 stars. I honestly wasn't sure what I was looking at.... still, so least the ep came into focus (it's new and after a comment elsewhere I wasn't sure it would)

Well that was frustrating. First time in 2 months I manage to get the telescope out. Mainly cloud but also having bought new stuff and missed a few clear evenings while sorting stuff out... or with 3 young kids just couldn't get out. So i was very much looking forward to a session. Still learning so just setting up on the drive/ pavement out front so i can rush in for anything ive forgotten and to get the kids to look at something.... despite the cars and a street lights... far from ideal but only temporary. Right, plan was to try and spot Mercury first (as it sets soon after 8pm) then the pons brooks 'devil comet' visible for another hour ish. Then try for a a satellite for my youngest. I checked just before sunset where the sun was.. . Hard as some clouds to the west..... trying to work out where to set the tripod so I can see past next door's tree and the 2 cherry trees on the street... OK... set up, level tripod, align new gtix on Jupiter and 2 stars for accuracy, right... Mercury...hit goto and.... round the mount slews to point directly at the lamp post. OK comet, goto.. up it slews to... the light at the top. OK satellite, what's visible..ISS is, ooo. Oh no... it’s behind the house across the street.... and so it goes on really. I managed a quick look at Jupiter, and a few stars ...I suppose it was a teenie bit of practice with the new mount but all in all... very frustrating!!!! I'm going to have to start heading to the dark bit of park at the end of the street.... this has always been the plan to get better views but I did hope to become a bit more proficient ... still, other than a red torch I I've got my kit moderately well ordered.... fairly confident I'd remember..... nearly everything!

I bought these and some m12 threaded bar, nuts and washers. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08542NQ4Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Ahhj, go in the front, it doesn't look hard in this video at least Then https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126158692568?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=ec_hrumotgq&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=ouq3u5EnS2m&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY A drill and 2 self tapping pan heads.

How complex or straightforward is it to remove the back and mirror? Complex I guess. If it weren't then you could drill the tube for the screws to (re) locate the finder. Although if its just Red dot epoxy or double sided sticky pads would be good I'm sure.

Oh dear. Would the set up allow for one of those 2" to 1.25" adapters that plunges the EP down inside 10 or 20mm? Your tripod spreader. Nice. Diy? I've just done something to achieve similar extra storage. Using m12 threaded bar, stud extenders and serving trays I've added several lower decks for more eps and detritus/dust caps/ phone etc. I'll have to get a photo.

Arrived. Yep it's a expected really, the screws, gears, mount brackets but no focuser - all the bits in the photo except for the focuser. I'll now be testing the free returns.

Lovely images Mr Spock, particularly the apo, but both good.

I think because I had it in my basket one night but didn't complete, and svbony didn't realise I went back and ordered the next night, they've chased me again by email. This time, as well as saying it'll go back up in price soon, they've given me a $7 discount code. Since I don't have a use for the code buddy now if anyone is on the fence and this discount will help, message me.

Indeed that's what I expect too. Don't worry I paid on the visa card so should get the money back, but if I don't , we'll I decided to take that risk!

Yes I find it hard to believe its the whole focuser but the picture of the package I selected was focuser, clamp, gear and screws. They say free returns as well.... again we shall see!

Looking hopeful it will arrive soon, tracking shows it with local delivery agent and now cleared customs.

Just had one of these delivered Tripod Head Leveling Base Triple-wheel Precision Leveler Bubble Level 3/8" Screw Load 15kg https://a.aliexpress.com/_EIzKHdF

Yes agreed. I'm the photos and video or looks well made and very well thought out..... as it should be for the FLO etc retail of £300.

BTW, I do visual currently and have a skywatcher electric focuser on a st120, and a peg on a knob on Skymax127. The skywatcher focuser works but seems a bit cheaply made so had been considering making my own up until I came across this. I first found it on aliexpress even cheaper but the sellers wouldn't ship to the UK. I happened across that seller the other day and nearly fell off my chair when I was able to put it in my basket AND check out. It sat waiting to ship for a week and I thought, 'they won't ship, my order will get canceled' but Friday it shipped. Due in 2-3 weeks..... we shall see what actually arrives. I'm hoping I can hook up a 12v battery and control it from my phone.... I'll need to do some modifications in sure , which with 3 young kids and no spare time could mean it sits in its box for a looooong while but at the price....a chance worth taking.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_Ez8FY1J Seem to ship to the UK. I have one on the way.

I recently took the family (kids are 8, 6 and 3.5) to the national space centre.. its well worth a trip if you're close enough to Leicester. Book online as they get bcu busy, plus online bodybuilding l bookings get a free upgrade to an annual pass. We enjoyed it so much we have booked to go back at Easter. They also have a planetarium and the kids were fascinated by our trip around the solar system! If you've young kids you'll know who Maddie Moate is. CBeebies 'Maddie space and me' was recorded there.