Radiosnail Posted August 2, 2014 Share Posted August 2, 2014 Evening All.Another would be / occasional stargazer located in Basildon. Being a flaet dweller I observe from a large open window with the camera tripod half on my miniscule balcony. I know this is very bad in theory, but it is the best I can do.Started in my teens using a pair of 7 x 50 binoculars South of the River. Then graduated to a number of small telescopes. First was a SCientific and Technical 40 x 40 which showed adequate views of the Moon and allowed me to see the phases of Venus.The best I had in my teens was a 60 mm mail order refractor from one of those gadget catalogues that came with a Sunday colour supplement. I saw two orange stripes on Jupiter as well as the four principal Moons. Saturn was different and the Moon looked fantastic. I remember identifying trhe Straight Range.I read my Moon map using an Ever Ready rear bike lamp so as not to spoil my night vision. Barring occasional binocular usage I did little more until about five years ago.I briefely owned a Meade ETX80 which I could not get on with.Since then I have taken a lot of pictures of the Moon using superzoom and DSLR cameras on or off of tripods.Most revcently via s spotting scope.Afer reading around the subject I have taken the plunge and bought a used Skywatcher 127 on a motorised alt azimuth mount. NOt the "Go to" variety, the one you aim and then it trys to follow what you aimed it at.SEttled on the Skywatcher for various reasons. The fact it didn't take up too much space was one of them. THe simplicity of a Dob appealed, but would have been awkward pointing through a window to say nothing of the temperature differences. So watch this space. I'll have either made an excellent choice or a bad one.Prattle over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Spock Posted August 2, 2014 Share Posted August 2, 2014 Hi, welcome to SGL A lot of people have a 127, it's a very good and popular scope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purdo Posted August 2, 2014 Share Posted August 2, 2014 Hi & Welcome to SGL. Cannot comment on your scope as I have an 8" Dob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesM Posted August 2, 2014 Share Posted August 2, 2014 Hi and welcome to the forumClear skies James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triton1 Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 I,m originally south of the water so I know what the skies are like,you have a good scope so persevere and you should get good results Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triton1 Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 Ps and welcome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lowjiber Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 Welcome to the forum. Just got here myself last week. You'll like it too.Clear Skies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingergeek Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 Hi there and welcome to SGL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southernman Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 Welcome to SGL. Lots of friendly people and good help here.Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baggywrinkle Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 Welcome to SGL... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterCPC Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 Hi and welcome.Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swag72 Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 Hi and welcome to SGL - Glad that you found us and hope that you enjoy your time here. Maybe your balcony conditions are not ideal, but if that's what you have and it keeps you looking skywards then that's perfect. We're not all blessed with big clear dark skies and ideal conditions Look forward to seeing you around Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hippie Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 Welcome to SGL . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michigander Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 Welcome to SGL, Radiosnail!Dana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HIP3802 Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 Hi, Radiosnail, and a warm welcome to SGL! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glowjet Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 Hi Radiosnail and welcome to SGL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tums Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 Hi & Welcome to the Lounge Hope you enjoy your Stargazing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sologuitarist61 Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 Hello, welcome to SGL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C7tsj Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 Hi and welcome to SGL.Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctstetson Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 Hello Radiosnail and welcome to the forum, have fun.Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Presland Posted August 4, 2014 Share Posted August 4, 2014 Hi welcome to SGL from Pete in Bedfordshire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
todd8137 Posted August 4, 2014 Share Posted August 4, 2014 Hi and welcome to Sgl from me enjoy Sgl Pat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charon Posted August 4, 2014 Share Posted August 4, 2014 Welcome aboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bizibilder Posted August 4, 2014 Share Posted August 4, 2014 Hello Radiosnail and welcome to SGL!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Steele Posted August 5, 2014 Share Posted August 5, 2014 Hello Radiosnail and welcome to SGL. Good luck and clear skies.Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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