MalcolmM

@astro_al, @The60mmKid, I realise this is now slightly off topic but just wanted to clarify with the caveat that everyone will have a different opinion on what's usable or acceptable. I've tried quick experiments with 1.25", 2" eyepieces, and binoviewers. In all cases, the tap on the eyepiece vibrations die down in roughly 1 second, which I think is pretty good. Helped, I presume, by the short tube and all the weight concentrated in one place (the back end). Ideally I would have a heavier counterweight and tighten the friction locks more for the 2" and the binoviewer case, but I find the setup usable. But certainly would not want to load the mount up any further! I do believe it's right on the edge of the mount's limit. If you want me to try any other experiments, please feel free to PM me. Malcolm

I'll give it another go in case my memory is playing tricks. Wouldn't want to put out misleading information. Malcolm

I've used it successfully with a 100DC and Binoviewers. With a good tripod this mount can take 6kg easily in my opinion and is very steady. I've even had a Mewlon + Binoviewers on it and found it surprisingly stable. This leads me to suspect that the limit may be due more to the motors than the mechanics. But this is simply my thoughts. I have no evidence for this! Malcolm

M8? Are you talking about the friction adjustment grub screws? Surely they are much smaller than M8? These are what I was hoping to get: https://www.bresseruk.com/Astronomy/Vixen-AP-Clamp-Lever.html Malcolm

The 60mm Kid will not have a 60mm scope?!? Malcolm

Thanks for that. I'm actually looking for a pair of locking knobs, but there's no stock anywhere except Italy, and they are wanting €30 delivery! Malcolm

You think those legs are good? You wanna see my partner's She won a 'most attractive calves' award on a charity cycling tour of Vietnam Malcolm

I have the dec manual control, so need the RA manual adjustment module, the AZ base module, and the alt/az counterweight. Most of which is currently not in stock! Malcolm

But think of all the people you have helped convert to, and appreciate Vixen gear. They should be paying you Malcolm

No, that's an FC100DC. The mount handles it easily. And there is very little vibration, even at high power. A testament to the Vixen and Berlebach. Malcolm

I'm going to respectfully ignore your suggestion on this occasion. No red wine after 6! You must be joking! I once came home after a night out on the town, saw Jupiter and thought it would be a good idea to get the scope out. Much banging and scraping later (before my Tak days thank goodness), I was set up, but lasted only a couple of minutes before discovering I could not stand still enough to observe (before discovering observing chairs) Malcolm

I must admit I have a reluctance to pack it away after a session! It generally lasts a couple of days before my partner gently suggests it gets moved before one of us crashes into it during an early morning toilet run Malcolm

I'm sure I've posted this before but, here goes again. I love this mount. It's light, easy to setup and use, and carries all my scopes ... just! It looks great too. No goto (a positive for me). No heavy duty battery to lug around. Can be turned into an alt/az, which I'm hoping to aquire the bits for. Can be turned into total manual control with slow motions, if you want no reliance on electrics (again I'm hoping to get all the relevant bits). What's not to like ... OK, it's very pricey ☹️ Here it is loaded up. This could go in multiple 'show us' threads Malcolm

Good after sales service is the mark of a good supplier. I have had to contact FLO on a number of occasions over the last few years for after sales service, and every time they have been extremely helpful, with very good communication, and most importantly, they have fixed the problem. I can't recommend them highly enough. Malcolm

This is what I was seeing. Tak 100DC and Pentax XW 5mm. Was comparing the Pentax with a 5mm Fujiyama ortho. Was very surprised that the Pentax was noticeably better. Finer detail visible and much better contrast. Normally I shy away from the XWs because of their size! Malcolm

So frustrating. Popped in for a bite to eat. Back out and there's total cloud cover ☹️ Malcolm

Is anyone observing Jupiter at the moment (19.15)? Is there a largish oval white spot in the North Equatorial Belt? I think I'm seeing one just west (refractor view) of the center point in the NEB. Never seen one before, and hoping I am seeing one tonight 🙂 Malcolm

Absolutely not ... for now 🙂 I'm already a gibbering wreck wondering which combination of scope and eyepiece to use on a particular night. And that's before I wonder should I break out the binoviewers! Malcolm

Friendly advice. Lots of invaluable advice and tips about equipment and observing (and obscure and niche intetests like imaging - it'll never catch on 🙂 ). But there is a problem ... before joining, I was quite happy with my Startravel 102 with stock eyepieces. Now, thanks to various members here, (I'll not name them but they know who they are!), I have as many telescopes as there are days in the week and very nearly as many eyepieces as there are weeks in the year! God bless you all 🙂 Malcolm

While not understanding the Maths, my thoughts would be that it is misleading to state 1+2+3+4... = -1/12. It's actually a different function we are summing which is arguably a poor approximation to the original. That being said, if it can be used as a tool to remove infinities from QFT, that's really clever, and a really interesting bit of research. Pure Maths at it's best! It's a great video and Tony Padilla is fantastic. His enthusiasm is infectious. I wish I had had lecturers like him! Malcolm

I'll be really interested to hear what you think of these @JeremyS. On Cloudy Nights they seem to get good to superlative reports! I've already more eyepieces than I need so part of me would be very relieved if your verdict was 'good' rather than 'exceptional'! I'm also drawn to the new 53° Masuyama MOPs; I love their 85° brothers. There's lots of great eyepieces out there at the moment! Malcolm

Beautiful scope! And sitting on a classic equatorial, it really looks the business. Malcolm

I find the straight through finder awkward but couldn't bring myself to replace it. It's use as an excellent handle, and the Mewlon's beautiful lines means I'll keep getting down on one knee 🙂 I have found a way round the problem though ... when using it for deep sky, I dual mount it on a Giro Ercole with an FS60CB. I find this a very easy and pleasant way to observe. Malcolm

Thanks @mikerr, that sounds exactly what I'm looking for. I'll check it out. Malcolm

I actually have a copy of this, but generally use it to read up on what I have observed, rather than using it to plan an observation session. But using it to plan would be a good thought. Malcolm