It's coming...It's coming...

[FLO]

Got scope all sorted - new tube on it's way...

Congrat's on your choice of scope Daz. 

I will be sharing some of your excitement as I have just sold a S/H Skywatcher 200 to a friend.  Most of my viewing is done with him at his place (he lives under a much darker sky); so, like you, I am looking forward to test-driving it later this month when the skys are darker. 

Steve

[daz]

Thanks all

Everything has now arrived and is just waiting for a clear sky..........

Daz

[FLO]

I will be sharing some of your excitement as I have just sold a S/H Skywatcher 200 to a friend. 

Steve

Hi Daz,

I was out last night with the 200 f5 (its actually badged as a Helios and on the original mount/tripod) and got some really nice clean/sharp views - though the moon did prevent us seeing anything really impressive. 

I can see why you were advised to upgrade the tripod!!  And I am guessing that yours - being the Skywatcher version - will have the better thin spider-vanes; the ones on the Helios are thick cast metal.  The nights will be darker later this month so I shall know more about the vanes effect on contrast then. 

All things considered, your newer Skywatcher version on an upgraded mount will likely blow your socks off

Steve

[OXO]

I can see why you were advised to upgrade the tripod!! And I am guessing that yours - being the Skywatcher version - will have the better thin spider-vanes; the ones on the Helios are thick cast metal. The nights will be darker later this month so I shall know more about the vanes effect on contrast then

Your right there Steve i had the Helios version and the spider vanes are much much thicker than the skywatcher one's i think when skywatcher had taken over all be it in name sake they revamped the scope. Makes a big difference too i have noticed sharper image's and esp in Glob's m13 etc etc. As to the tripod leg's the one's with the HEQ5 are the same as the eq6's as far as i can tell.

Daz,

Congrats on the setup sorry for not saying so until now been away on work for the past few week's. You will love it matey :sunny:

James

[russ]

I can see why you were advised to upgrade the tripod!! And I am guessing that yours - being the Skywatcher version - will have the better thin spider-vanes; the ones on the Helios are thick cast metal. The nights will be darker later this month so I shall know more about the vanes effect on contrast then.

Hi Steve,

Actually the later Helios Explorer 200's had an identical OTA to the latest Skywatchers....ie thin spider vanes, 2" focuser, 50mm finder and primary mirror cell.

It's gonna be a cracking setup for you Daz. Expect some real nice views of Mars.

Russ

[daz]

Hi Guys and thanks for all your encouraging comments!

Managed First Light on Friday - report coming........

Daz

P.S.

Welcome back James - I can see you have been busy catching up!!

[Bill Harrison]

Hello Daz, Congrats on the scope. I have enjoyed lots of quality views through my Explorer 200 over the last two years.Wish you all the best with it. Im very new to the list and joined only yesterday. Hope you enjoy it - mines showing a few minor scratches with use.

Bill

[daz]

Hi Bill

And Welcome (again).

My first night was quite impressive, so am really looking foward to getting out again. Am making a list of objects to view and try my hand at imaging - should be fun

Darren