Skywatcher 150p + HEQ5 first impressions

[spanky]

Well, that was pretty speedy. Ordered from FLO on Monday afternoon and it arrived at 10.45 this morning!

Had a lot of fun unboxing everything and getting it set up in the lounge.

Very impressed with everything so far. Nothing missing, nothing damaged. Slightly miffed at there not being a power supply included with the mount. Even a set of batteries would have been nice and saved me a trip to Maplin in the rain and spending another £20

That aside, everything else was spot on.

Got the polar scope aligned well, which wasn't quite as tricky as I thought it would be. Very small turns of the screw is the key to that one!

I also bought a t-ring for my DLSR which connects easily to the focuser and there was no problem achieving prime focus on my neighbours aerial. Plenty of travel left in the focuser in both directions.

All in all, I'm very happy, just need it to stop raining and blowing a gale!

Here's some pics...

[gazza666]

Nice bit of kit

[brantuk]

Handsome setup - I do like the look of that HEQ5 - congrats!!

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Beefy mount, neat telescope! That is going to be fun!

[spanky]

Beefy mount, neat telescope! That is going to be fun!

Will be when it stops raining! Hahahaha!

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Will be when it stops raining! Hahahaha!

Ah, the "New-Kit Effect" again. There is a bleedin' gale with rain, etc over here .

[Dai150PL]

That setup looks great.

[tomw28]

Looking at that makes me even more eager to get my 150P, only on the EQ3-2 though.

Hope the weather clears soon for you!

[rubberman]

Looking Good, Congrats on the new kit

[Hedgerow]

I am considering the same set up (when the pennies are saved up1), so it is great to see your notes on setting up. It looks great. Perhaps you will also tell us about first light when the clouds clear.

[ythanpythan]

I'm loving my 150P but I'm starting to wish I went for the HEQ5 over the EQ3-2.

Hope you get the chance for first light soon!

[Astromart]

Looking very smart & professional. You must let us know how it performs asap ! Dont forget to post pics of the views you get.

[Astromart]

what camera are you planning to use ?

[spanky]

Astromart - the camera is a Canon 40D

I've managed to get it outside twice now for about an hour. Had a lot of fun with the polar alignment the first time, but the second time I had it done in about 2 or 3 mins. Accurate enough for 30 second exposures. I can't try any longer until I get myself a wireless shutter release.

I posted two pics I managed to grab:

http://stargazerslounge.com/observing-deep-sky/129568-m45.html

http://stargazerslounge.com/imaging-lunar/129696-first-moon-picture.html

[LukeSkywatcher]

I dont really get much joy from looking at mounts but i have to say that i like this one. It looks great.

[jj364]

Hi, my 150p arrived today, on an EQ3-2 mount though! I was just wondering what setup you have to attach your camera to the lens? I had a quick look today but could only find 2" t adaptors. Thanks (great photos by the way)

[spanky]

Hi, my 150p arrived today, on an EQ3-2 mount though! I was just wondering what setup you have to attach your camera to the lens? I had a quick look today but could only find 2" t adaptors. Thanks (great photos by the way)

I just bought one of these: First Light Optics - T Rings

[MikeWilson]

Yay, well done I have the 150P and the HEQ5 too, it's a brilliant combination.

[spanky]

Yay, well done I have the 150P and the HEQ5 too, it's a brilliant combination.

We have the same CCD too!

[MikeWilson]

We have the same CCD too!

We do indeed!

[drewzilla]

Nice pics. Should be a great set up. How much does the Heq5 retail for new? Flo's website just says "call" They dont seem to come up much on Astrobuysell either