skymax 127 first time out query

[loadofpollux]

Hi All and after reading really helpful posts on here I have just started my journey into space.

Im really pleased and impressed with the sky max 127 and last night viewed Jupiter Moon and Sirius all really clear even with a 10mm lens on a 2xBarlow all suppiled with the scope for a newbie like me. It is supported on a Synscan goto tripod which for me I find very good as light and portable and slowly getting to grips with the set up which not too difficult (yet). Just a few questions.

1 when viewing Sirius at high magnification it appeared as a black object with a very bright surround a bit like a bright polo mint, is this normal.

2 what size/ type of additional lenses would I need to get me started.

Thanks in advance

[daz]

Welcome LoP!

1 This would indicate that you have not focussed correctly. The black circle you can see is actually the secondary obstruction at the front of the scope. You need to adjust focus until it is a sharp point of light.

2. Take a look in the Equipment - Eyepieces section. There is lots of good information in there regarding 'next step' eyepieces. Basically, you'll be looking for good quality, entry level Plossl - something like Meade 4000 series, or similar.

[loadofpollux]

Wow thanks for fast reply, thank you I was just a bit worried as it is brand new scope that perhaps it was out of alignment but that make sense, a bit (large) of a learning curve ahead me thinks but reassurring that there is this site to help.

[BargeGazer]

The eyepieces that I use most with my Mak 127 are the 12mm and 18mm BSTs and a 32mm (cannot recall the source off-hand) which gives about the widest view practical with the central tube obstruction of a Mak. I rarely use the Skywatcher lenses provided as they are certainly of a "lesser quality".

Do get familiar with your telescope as it is before you invest in new bits. Once you know what you want to focus your observations on then you can better choose what you want.

[loadofpollux]

Thanks (merci) for info what objects do you tend to view with your Mak 127 and would you upgrade the supplied Barlow

[damnut]

Hi There,

Bst explorers can be found here and they are great eps for the cost. http://www.skysthelimit.org.uk/telescope%20eyepieces.html

Hwyl!

[Pappy Nick]

Croeso :-)

I use the Skywatcher Super Plossls in my SkyMax 127 and can thoroughly recommend them. Though I don't know how they compare to the BST Explorers that nearly everyone raves about.

[loadofpollux]

Thanks (diolch) all really helpful good to have recommendations as so much gear out there. Just waiting for my 240v power supply to arrive as think it will also improve things from the 8 x AA which OK but goto started to do funny things after an hour or so,

[lennylovit]

Sut mae i hang a motercycle battery under the tray for power and it adds a bit more weight and stability to the tripod

[Din]

I read somewhere the following would be good for your scope.

4 eyepieces - 9mm, 15mm, 24 mm, 35mm.

Ed

[loadofpollux]

Cheers Ed I saw a good article on here showing how to calculate and got similar for lens size there was a offer on new SW scopes for a lens set 50% off but do not remember lens sizes . I think mine is known as a slow scope but may speed up once I change battery pack. Like the sound of the bike battery idea also.

[Din]

A car battery from a scrap yard may do the trick. I also use a motorbike battery, but will need to put it on the motorbike soon.

Ed

[Din]

Oh, and the 50% offer on the EP kit had 7.5, 12.5, 17 and 20 mm sizes.

Ed

[Cunhaval]

Croeso - don't think you will be disappointed with the scope - love mine.

BST explorers certainly offer the best "bang for your buck" - and don't feel that you have to buy half a dozen to "get a set".

90% of my observing is with only two eps - 9mm & 32mm.

I would, however, encourage replacing the standard Skywatcher barlow (which is poor) with almost any other if you intend to use a barlow. A TAL 2x is outstanding value for money.

[TransparentBadger]

Has the Tal 2x barlow been discontinued and if so, what's it's closest successor for price/performance?

[damnut]

Hi There,

You can find the links to calculating your eps mag etc in the links below.

http://www.12dstring.me.uk/fov.htm

http://www.stargazing.net/naa/scopemath.htm

Cheers

[majapala]

Alright loadofpollux, welcome to SGL! Congratulations on your new purchase too. I'm also a newish custodian of the same model and have recently trawled the information archives with the same question in mind. This post here on SGL is brilliant and also this review is really helpful.

Pob lwc!

[majapala]

Where in Wales are you to mate?

[loadofpollux]

Im from Milford Haven in Pembs

[simmo39]

Hi, I have the same scope and have found it to be a brill bit of kit. I have also got a selection of BST eyepieces ( 8mm, 15mm and 18mm) they are brilliant and a vast improvment on the the ones that came with the scope. I would recomond them.

[Din]

I'm also from Milford Haven....