bosun21

It looks like one of the altitude bolts is also missing. I can only see the one in the photos. The one opposite the azimuth screws side.

Yes I agree, but I suppose at the end of the day they are all made to a target budget. I’m very happy with the scope otherwise.

Hello from Oxford 👋

I set up last night with a clear sky forecast, so I did just that and mounted my Starfield on my EQ5 synscan. I was just in the process of polar alignment when the clouds appeared. They then proceeded to spread to about an 80% coverage. I was peeved, but decided to leave everything set up incase the clouds receded. They didn’t 🥲

I have reached the end of the adjustment for the fulcrum point and I cannot reach balance with the additional items i have mounted. It will hold position only if I tighten the sides to excess, but this makes any movement erratic. PS- There’s also the triple finder bracket I forgot to mention.

Not so for me. I also have the Starsense unit and a RQ on mine and when I add my phone and a Baader Morpheus into the equation it most definitely needs a counterweight.

Ess- Vee -Bony works for me

That’s good to know. I am actually thinking about dipping my toes into EEVA as well. I am undecided wether to buy an HEQ5 or a 12” dobsonian. I already have my Starfield 102 to use for it. Decisions, decisions.

Looking forward to your first light 🌙🔭

Isn’t the 150pds pushing the limit on your alt/az go to mount? I ask because even my 127 once it’s adorned with it’s ancillary equipment like RACI, Telrad and electric focuser can struggle sometimes unless it’s well balanced.

I am looking forward your thoughts on this.

It must have started wearing a jacket then.

Great binoviewer, I fitted the heavy duty quick changer on mine as it’s a pain to have to unscrew each time you want to change the GPC or the position of the binoviewer. Fantastic addition.

I would definitely go for the Zhumell over the Heritage. With it being a solid tube you don’t have the need to start messing around with light shrouds to stop stray light ingress. Secondly the Heritage has a poor plastic helical focuser, which you need to tape the threads with PTFE to reduce the wobble. If you don’t mind doing these modifications then either one will be a good choice.

You should think about doing the same as I have as your go to is also voltage temperamental.

Yes it probably would, but with the Skywatcher EQ go to mounts being very temperamental about the voltage being 12v. I thought it prudent not to risk it dipping below this if running three dew heaters. I don’t fancy having to do the alignment process over again which is what would happen if the voltage dropped.

I ended up opting for a Celestron LiNiMnCoO2 😂 I know what a long name. It’s just called the LT for short. It’s selling point is that it maintains its voltage throughout the discharge cycle. I use it for my EQ mount whilst I use another Orion Dynamo pro for all my dew heaters etc.

I know, I just missed out on buying the 4mm🥲.

Does this still have the encoders? ie “Freedom Find”.

Hi 👋 welcome to the lounge. You would be better using your DSLR on your scope and you won’t have any problem reaching focus with it.

You said that your secondary is askew in your bottom photo! No it isn’t. What you are thinking is your secondary is actually the reflection of the centre of your con center. The large circle that you can see with the three mirror clips on it is your secondary showing the reflection of your primary. You should put a piece of colored paper behind your secondary and focuser as this will help sort out the reflections you are seeing.

In your top picture your secondary is out of alignment, in the bottom picture you appear to have corrected it and you should then use a Cheshire/laser to centre your primary donut. When my 8” dobsonian is collimated it is offset to a certain degree resembling your bottom photo.

Another 👍for the SVbony 7-21mm zoom. It’s no Baader but it’s performs well.

I found that it is great for your secondary alignment only. I prefer using a cap/cheshire for my primary and finished with my Hotech laser.

I was thinking about adding one to my Starfield 102 as well.