bosun21

Worked just fine on both my 8” and 12” dobsonian scopes. Once aligned tighten the screw(s) securely and it holds alignment just fine. It’s when you remove and replace them then they may need to be realigned.

Got it 👍.

The telescope tube is just meant to be lifted from the base once the tension spring has been released. The fittings on the tube itself are not supposed to come off.

It's clearly written on the PIC with the red dot on the top line

There is. It's the EAA section which also covers the Seestar S50.

Lovely images? I really need to start using my IR pass filter.

When you can view Polaris in the centre of your polar scope then you are spot on. This is close enough for visual astronomy.

Ensure that you have set your latitude to your location with the latitude bolts on the mount otherwise you won’t be able to align on Polaris correctly.

Thought I would throw in my Vixen ED102S (courtesy of @Franklin. Finally bought the mount for it and looking forward to its first light.

My PC issued the warning as well but I just overode it and installed it anyway. It works great for the planets and moon. I think that Windows issues a warning if a particular piece of software hasn't reached a certain number of downloads. Well at least that's what it told me.

My sentiments exactly. If the single stacked images from AS4 are poor I forego compiling them in Winjupos etc. I can normally tell during capture when the planet alternates from clear and defined to a bowl of soup on the screen. I am well and truly hooked now. The scope is working great. I check the collimation on site before every session and spend time levelling it accurately. I found that this keeps the planet relatively centered in the ROI.

I thought that was what you meant but just wanted to make sure. As long as it's internally closed and not letting any light ingress into the tube I wouldn't bother about it. Nice scope.

More likely to be the worm gear meshed too tight.

I attempted Jupiter again but the Jetstream destroyed the seeing yet again. I am still finding my way through processing and have been very aware of over sharpening the image. I have attached two images. One of which is softer and the other sharpened of a different image (too much in my opinion). I too may throw in the towel until the next apparition. These are just single SER files. The artifact on the limb of the sharpened image is very off putting. I actually prefer the softer image. SW 250 go to dob, 3x TV Barlow ASI585MC.

Nice equipment for starting out in the hobby. You may consider upgrading the tripod to either the stainless steel version or wood. They are much more stable.

Hi 👋, welcome to SGL. The exos 2 mount is in the EQ5 class of mounts. Good luck with your journey.

It’s indeed a great scope but personally I would wait for an independent review of the scope as Niko is actually sponsored by Askar.

Jupiter should be a must on your list. It’s very easy to locate as well and an impressive sight for a beginner.

Delivered today my HEQ5 mount with Rowan belt drive for my Vixen ED102S. I had to modify the dovetail to fit on the saddle. Maybe now I can get first light. Also the pillar and right angle polar scope adapter.

What do you mean by tube fold?

They work great on relfectors Peter. I've never had a problem with my secondary dewing up and the stray light benefit is substantial. The standard Astro Essential ones from FLO are the ones I use.

I use a standard dew shield on my dobsonian and every other dob I have owned. This protects the secondary mirror and also helps cut down stray light.

The clutches must be loosened when balancing both the RA and DEC axis.

I have always used a dew shield with my reflector scopes. I find that it protects the secondary from dew and cuts down on any stray light.

Lovely sketches 👍. Sounds like a great session despite the temperature. Let's hope we get more clear skies like it in the near future.