Newbie First telescope - accessories to buy with

[mursici]

Hello everybody,

I'm a 31 age man recently moved to the UK, near Birmingham (Northfield). I was surprising to view that the sky is very clear comparative with my old town ( Bucharest) and I re found the excitement of watching the sky. Since I was a child I was wonder by the sky and stars but I never go further to learn about or to buy gear, so now I'm a completely newbie . Until the beginning of the week I did not know anything about telescopes and accessories.

Now I want to by my first telescope ( - I read that for start it's a better idea to begin with a binocular), but finally I decided to buy the Skywatcher Skyliner 200P Dobsonian. I want to use it on my backyard, only for observations, but I can't point now if I'll be more interested in DSOs or planetary observations. In any case if I'm not wrong that scope can provide reasonable results for both applications.I hope the choice of the scope it's right, I'm pretty happy with, but if anyone had a remarks please tell me.

If for the type and size of the scope I can figured out a good choice (at least that I hope ), I'm totally disorientated regarding the accessories. I don't understood exactly with what accessories that scope is supplied ( I will buy it from FLO) and what I need to buy more in order to can use It. So if you can provide me same answers/advices for the next questions, will be very helpful for me:

1. I need a Collimating eyepiece, or it's already included? If it's included, the standard one it's ok considering I'm a totally beginner?

How often I need to make the collimation? I need some specifically tools/keys?

Normally it's deliver proper collimated?

2. For the moon observations I need to buy a filter ? If yes, are all the filters compatible with any eyepiece, or I need to check same dimensions?

For which others objects (visible in our area) I need to buy specific filters? I'm more interested to know if I need one for the planets from our Solar system.

3. Eyepieces . In the specifications I find Eyepieces Supplied (1.25"): 10mm & 25mm , but it's not clear if I have two pieces , one 10 mm and another 25 mm. The 1.25" what exactly means? ( I know, dumb question, but I don't know why I'm unable to open the article write in this forum about about the eyepieces, probably the answer it's already there). Are these supplied eyepieces enough for planetary and DSOs ? Or what range covers (low, medium, high power)? Are there optical decent (even if they don't covers all the needs) or it's strongly recommended to buy some quality eyepieces from the beginning.

4. Finder . I think that it's a better idea to order also a different Finderscope , I understood that the stock one it's up-down, left-right inverted and also view trough type, so not very ergonomic on a DOB. I don't understood for which applications I need a Right angle type and for which a Telrad type. If I change the standard finder I need to make some kind of alignment ( it's not clear for me if the collimation also include the finder alignment).

Also I wear glasses , it's any problem or I need to consider this aspect when I chose a specific finder or a eyepiece?

5. In my area it's a lot of wind ( probably very commune in UK), there are any restrictions of use in wind conditions?

6. I need to clean periodically the optical s elements (including the two mirrors)?

7. I need a "perfect" horizontal platform to put the mount on or it's enough to find a surfaces that's horizontal viewed with the naked eye?

8. If I'll used inside the room (view through window) I need to cool the OTA with a fan?

9. If I have around 100 pounds to spend with accessories which are the best parts to buy at the beginenig? A good - easy to use finder , a specific eyepiece or barlow, a collimator, other thing?

I really want to enjoy the telescope from start and I'm prepared to spend some extra money if some upgrades or accessories make a big difference or are mandatory in order to use in proper conditions the telescope..

Thank you very much for yours advices and I apologize for my English mistakes.

[DirkSteele]

First thing, good choice of scope, the 200p will serve you very well for any kind of observation and may well be the only scope you ever want. Secondly, do not be in too much of a hurry to buy lots of accessories. You will find that it is best to use your scope under the stars, become familiar with it and over time you will realise which accessories you really need. Now on to the questions.

1) I do not believe any collimation aid is standard equipment with the 200p (though someone else may correct me). Collimation does not require any special tools other than perhaps a screwdriver to adjust screws holding the secondary mirror. On the question of how often, you will probably find many different thoughts on this. Some owners collimate almost every time they use the scope, others hardly ever. Personally, I found I need to collimate the scope every 6 months or so when I owned a Newtonian. Hopefully the scope will arrive well collimated, but given it will have been transported by the postal system and may have taken some knocks, you should check it and possibly make some adjustments. As for a collimation tool, something like this will serve you well http://www.firstligh...g-eyepiece.html

2) Some people buy neutral density filters to reduce the brightness of the moon, and others do not bother. You should use your telescope to look at the moon to decide if you need a filter. You will find all astronomy accessories come in standard sizes so you do not need to worry about measuring. Your two eyepieces are 1.25 inch so a 1.25 inch will fit.

3) The 1.25 inches refers to the diameter of the barrel. Almost all eyepieces are either 1.25" or 2". Your focuser will be able to use both. Typically standard equipment EPs that come with a telescope are not of a great quality so you may look to upgrade. Let us know what kind of budget you have and we can make recommendations. The 2 EPs supplied will produce 48x and 120x in your scope. Typically sky conditions mean anything above 200x is not useful and you will often find that something around 150x will give great results on the planets. So perhaps an EP with a focal length of 6 to 8mm (focal length of the telescope divided by EP focal length gives magnification) so 6mm would be 200x and 8mm would be 150x.

4) You will probably discover that the inversion of the image in a finder does not present much problem, but the addition of a Telrad is probably a good idea for star hoping and then you can always use the optical finder supplied for its extra light grasp and magnification to refine your pointing when star hopping around the sky. You do need to align the finder with the scope. Much better to do this during the day and use a distant object like a power pylon or telephone pole. Just adjust the thumb screws so you can see the same thing in the telescope as you do in the finder. With a finder, glasses will not be a problem. For EPs, when selecting them, buy ones with longer eye relief (say 15mm plus) which will be more accommodating for a wearer of glasses.

5) With wind, just be careful. I saw 3 scopes fall over last night onto concrete because of high wind. Obviously the other problem is that strong winds wobble the scope which makes using it difficult. Every wobble is magnified in the EP by the power you are using and it can seem like you are observing in a earthquake! Just use common sense and don't leave the scope unattended in strong winds.

6) You rarely need to clean the optics. A little bit of dirt will not impact performance and you may damage the mirrors if you are not careful.

7) The dob base does not need a perfectly level ground to work well.

8) Using it in a room is not really a good idea. Firstly window glass is optically very poor and will heavily distort the image. Secondly, the temperature gradient between inside and out will also distort the image. Better to go outside if you can.

9) I would suggest the collimation aid and perhaps Telrad are the best bets for your £100 budget as first purhcases. Then you can save more and decide on other accessories later on.

Clear skies, and welcome to the SGL!

[E621Keith]

hi Mursici, Welcome to SGL

1. Collimation eyepiece. You need a Cheshire collimation tool to align your mirrors

http://www.firstligh...g-eyepiece.html

2. Filter is not necessary for the moon. If you find it too bright, just put on your sun glasses. (no, I am not joking, it really works)

3. Eyepiece. The supplied eyepiece are often quite poor, especially the 10mm. Eyepiece magnification is calculated by dividing your scope's focal length (1200mm for 200p dob) buy the eyepiece's focal length, so the 25mm will give you 1200/25=48x, the 10mm will give you 1200/10=120x. There is an article on how to choose your eyepiece here

http://stargazerslou...least-you-need/

Vixen NPL plossl is a good budget upgrade to the kit eyepiece, but eye relief can be a bit short in shorter focal length. The BST Explorer is a better if you need to wear glasses

http://www.firstligh...-eyepieces.html

http://www.skystheli... eyepieces.html

1.25 inch is one of the two barrel standard for astronomy eyepiece. Astronomy eyepiece uses push fit connection, secured using set screw or compression ring. There are two standard barrel diameter for astronomy eyepiece. 1.25" for small eyepiece and 2" for larger ones. This allows compatibly across different brands. There is also an obsolete 0.965" standard, but they are quite rare and only available second hand.

4. Finder. It's a good idea to get a Telrad finder. The mounting base sticks to the tube using double sided tape.

5. Wind at ground level can be a problem if the scope is exposed. A wind break can help, but usually it's not necessary because most people don't go out when the wind is that strong.

http://www.gooutdoor...ries/windbreaks

Wind at higher altitude affects seeing because the turbulence can disturb the image. There is nothing we can do about this. It's just something we have to live with. Usually this limits a scopes magnification to around 200x in UK

6. Do not clean your mirror. You are more likely to damage it during cleaning than any other time.

7. You don't need perfectly level ground for a dob. Some even says it's better to have it tilted as this moves the dob hole away from the zenith

8. If you use it from inside your house, you don't need to cool your scope because the thermal current from your house will have a much greater effect the image and to the extend it makes the any thermal current from your scope irrelevant. It's best to use your scope outside, cooled.

9. If you have a budget of £100. £35 Telrad finder, £26 Cheshire, Keep using the 25mm, £40 9mm TMB planetary.

[AndyWB]

Welcome!

2) moon filters - you don't need one, but you may find the moon very bright - certainly, I find I end up with a big purple blob over my vision when I look away from the scope. However, higher magnification will make the view dimmer. I would suggest trying it unfiltered, and see what you think; it isn't a problem for everyone.

3) Eyepieces - The magnification of the eyepiece is related to the focal length of the telescope, and of the eyepiece. Specifically, it's the focal length of the telescope divided by the eyepiece. There's a good thread pinned about this. Your telescope has a focal length of 1200mm, so the 10mm eyepieces gives 1200/10 = 120 times magnification, and the 25mm gives 1200/25 = 48 times.

Oh, and you shouldn't need to collimate the finder, but as mentioned, you do need to align it!

If you really want to spend more an accessories, I'd suggest a good warm coat for when you're outside, or a book to help you find things. "Turn Left At Orion" is pretty popular; I find it very good (though a few of the diagrams for the view through Newtonians are upside down, I've discovered).

[Vega26]

Wow, lots of questions. +1 for what Dirk and Keith have written.

Welcome to Stargazers Lounge

[Stargazer_00]

6. Do not clean your mirror. You are more likely to damage it during cleaning than any other time.

All very good advice but if you take nothing else away from this thread then please take this comment with you. And it refers equally to eyepieces. Do not blow on them (as you'll leave saliva marks) and do not rub them on the corner of your shirt or on a tissue or anything to clean them.

If they get dust on them then buy an air puffer which will shift most dust without any contact. If you feel an absolute need to clean your eyepieces then please make a seperate dedicated thread here.

Cleaning optical surface should be avoided where possible and if neccessary then done under controlled conditions.

[Aronnax]

...

I decided to buy the Skywatcher Skyliner 200P Dobsonian. I want to use it on my backyard, only for observations, but I can't point now if I'll be more interested in DSOs or planetary observations. In any case if I'm not wrong that scope can provide reasonable results for both applications.I hope the choice of the scope it's right, I'm pretty happy with, but if anyone had a remarks please tell me.

1.<Collimating>

2. <Filters>

3. <Eyepieces>

4. <Finder>

5. <Wind>

6. <Cleaning>

7.<Levelling>

8.<Inside use>

9. <Extras>...

Hi there, and welcome to the forums. The SW 200p is a great scope in my humble opinion (it's what I have) and it is a great all round telescope for all kinds of observing.

To address your points, these are my thoughts on your questions:

1) A collimating tool is not included. How often it needs to be collimated depends on how much it gets knocked about! My telescope was delivered well collimated, and I haven't collimated it yet after a couple of months (but probably should do!). The telescope comes with the allen key needed to adjust the allen screws, and the only other required tool is a standard screw driver, nothing specialist. (Also see point 9).

2) I observe the moon without a filter. It is very bright when it is full, and a filter may help here, but is not essential, especially when the best views of the moon are when it is less fully illuminated anyway, giving some nice shadows. Different filters will help with different objects, but I don't think you need to rush out and buy them right away. I observe moon, planets, DSO's from my garden without any filters with no problem.

3) 1.25" refers to the diameter of the eyepiece barrel fitting - 1.25 inches. You get two eyepieces as standard, a 25mm and a 10mm. The 25mm will give 48x magnification in this telescope, and the 10mm will give 120x magnification. These roughly cover the low and medium range. I mainly use the 25mm on DSO's, and the 10mm on planets, the moon, and stars. From my limited comparisons, these are not bad as starter eyepieces, and will be absolutely fine to get you going.

4) The finder is a straight through inverted (the view matches the main telescope). I would recommend using it for a bit to see how you get on with it. I was concerned that I wouldn't get on with it at all, but so far it's fine for me, and I wear glasses too.

5) Wind - if it's very windy, then this may shake the telescope and get in the way of stable viewing, but a little bit of 'normal' wind is fine for observing I find. My back garden gives enough shelter that I've never noticed any problems from the wind.

6) NO. Only clean the mirrors if they are VERY dirty, which should not happen for many years if you look after them well.

7) For a Dobsonian base, so long as the telescope isn't falling down a cliff face, it doesn't matter whether your ground is perfectly flat.

8) Viewing through windows is not really advised, get the scope outside and cooled to ambient outside temperature. I don't have a fan to cool the mirror, and it's not on my list of purchases at the moment.

9) Save your money until you have used your telescope for a while, and worked out what you are looking at the most, and what suits you the best in terms of what you want to upgrade first. For instance if the finder is annoying you, replace that, if you want a high power eyepiece, get that. Use your scope for a while, then decide. The only accessory I would get with the scope is a collimating tool, such as the Cheshire collimator, the rest can wait.

Hope that helps!

Clear skies

[Pyrodave]

Hi and welcome to the lounge .I think everything's been covered by previous posts

[mursici]

Thank you very much for your advices , now I have a much better idea and finally I will add in the basket only the Cheshire Collimating Eyepiece. After some weeks of observations I think I will be able to figure out what accessories I need.

I'm just wonder if it's worth a Night Sky Planisphere ( http://www.firstlightoptics.com/books/david-chandler-night-sky-planisphere.html ).I already find some free softs (Stellarium and a several Ipad applications with sky maps) but this item it's easy to use outside (and I want to watch less a display and more the sky ).

Thank you again and a clear sky everyone.

Ioan.

[DirkSteele]

I think a Planisphere is a good idea. A great learning tool, nice and simple, and unlike a laptop or a smart phone, it does not require a power source, or risk your night vision.