Going to look at one

[wozza]

I am going to look at a skywatcher explorer 130p skyscan azgoto this weekend hopefully and i was wondering what i should check and any questions to ask so i can determine if its any good

Apparently its only been used 3 times because it doesn't fit in the loft

[NGC 1502]

Overall condition, especially the optics would be my first check (a bit of dust

is normal on mirrors) Try to find out if the electronics/go-to are working. I'd

also make sure that any internal batteries have not leaked. Accesories and

instructions all ok too.

Hope your visit to view the scope goes well, Ed.

[lukebl]

...Apparently its only been used 3 times because it doesn't fit in the loft

Why would anyone keep it in a loft? You'd hardly use it if you had to lug it out every time you wanted to use it! Just wondered

[wozza]

Is it ok to look through one of these in the day and expect it to be able to look at something ?

[RIR]

Is it ok to look through one of these in the day and expect it to be able to look at something ?

On a terrestrial target, yes, but the image will be upside down.

Ian.

[wozza]

Thanks Ian ,i didn't want to look silly asking to look through one if it's not any good in the daylight

[Bizibilder]

But DON'T look anywhere near to or at the SUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Even if its cloudy!!!)

[wozza]

Well i bought it ,its all there and very hardly used .I just have to work out how to use it now

[valleyman]

Hope you checked the tyres, exhust, wipers etc. How long was the MOT.

[wozza]

It looks like new and i am sure the only used 3 times bit is correct ,all the goto bits work and the battery compartment is fine so i will be having a good look at the instruction manual tonight and maybe have a fiddle with it

Just be prepared for even more questions now

[ronin]

i will be having a good look at the instruction manual tonight

Don't they ban you for such heresy as reading an instruction manual.

[Slangers]

Don't they ban you for such heresy as reading an instruction manual.

Exactly. Instruction manuals are for much later in the evening after you've spent 3 hours in the dark and cold wondering why you can't get it to work.

[Donkeiller]

Congrats on your purchase. I have the AZ goto mount and it is very accurate. Get your mount level (built in bubble), put in I use Stellarium to identify suitable stars at least 90 degree apart. Line up on them (I find combinations of Sirius, Rigel, Betelguese, Alkaid, Duhbe, Deneb- whichever I can see) and your in business. Goto is very accurate and once aligned the "autotracking" facility is great. I had it on Saturn last night for over 45 mins and it kept smack bang in the middle of view at 150x -200x.

I's also use a sealed 12V lead-acid battery - they don't run down in use!

Enjoy!

[wozza]

Thanks for the tips i will have a good look later ,i did go out a bit earlier but could not work it out properly as i could not find any of the stars you listed as they would be fantastic for me to use as well,i did know something was wrong when i pressed for orion and it whent the complete opposite way

[RascalUK]

Get it on Saturn in half an hour or so. Will justify your purchase within hours of getting it home ;-)

[Cunhaval]

Yep, got the same mount (different scope), and I don't think you'll be disappointed.