#1101  
Old 30-03-2014, 04:09 PM
FlashDrive's Avatar
FlashDrive (Poppy)
Senior Citizen

FlashDrive is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bribie Island
Posts: 5,056
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stardrifter_WA View Post
Looks very nice.

And Flash, what is rain?

Cheers Pete
Quote:
Originally Posted by brian nordstrom View Post
MATE ! , that's gorgeous , well done .
Brian.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Larryp View Post
Looks good, Col
Thanks Brian, Peter, and Larry ....not the best Photos...will post better ones another time.
It's heavy....there's no Scope movement even when ' tapping ' the leg.
Rock solid it is.

Col.....
Reply With Quote
  #1102  
Old 30-03-2014, 04:56 PM
04Stefan07 (Stefan)
Make it so! - Capt.Picard

04Stefan07 is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 1,982
Here is my Solar Telescope Setup.
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (1237910_10152344299072220_1995308502_n.jpg)
105.6 KB128 views
Click for full-size image (10154173_10152344299147220_1005385360_n.jpg)
73.6 KB122 views
Reply With Quote
  #1103  
Old 05-04-2014, 05:28 PM
Stardrifter_WA
Life is looking up!

Stardrifter_WA is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,017
My portable set up.

Shown are:

The Skywatcher AZ-EQ6 GT Mount. This is a really nice mount, however, I had a problem with the hand control, when used in the Alt/Az mode, as it wrapped around the mount. So, using a spare Stellavue finder dovetail and bracket (and a few other bits and pieces), I made a control holder to fit on top of the mount, so that the hand control is always in a handy location, and doesn't wrap around the mount. The dovetail bracket itself is attached to the mount cover plate via 3M Dual-Lock (DL), which doesn't mar the surface of the cover plate, if the DL is ever removed. DL is great stuff, even though it is a tad expensive, but then, it does it's job like no other. DL is strong enough to have held my speakers on metal mounts for years without ever coming apart. Because the cover plates were fitted with soft phillips head screws, on which the head strips easily, I replaced all the screws with stainless steel hex cap head screws. Why SW didn't do this in the first place is beyond me, particularly considering the thought that went into this mount. Also, I replaced the T-Bar locking screws, which got in the way, with stainless steel grub screws.

The Astro Tech 65 ED Quad (f/6.5) astrograph, mounted on a ADM Min-Max mount, with a Televue Everbrite diagonal. This scope is primarily used as a wide field scope, but can also be piggybacked on my observatory scope and used for AP. This has to be the best priced ($579) telescope that I have ever bought. It has amazingly sharp images for such a small scope, which I also use as my grab-n-go scope. Just have to find a decent grab-n-go mount now.

The Williams Optics FLT110 (f/6) Triplet, with a Stellarvue finder, an Arctic Fox GL Laser and a Televue Everbrite diagonal. Also attached is a digital Pathfinder watch/compass.

Modified Celestron Power Tank. Replaced the battery with a deep cycle battery and modified the charging circuits (bypassed inbuilt charger) of the Power Tank so that a normal charger can be used. This is now a great portable power pack. Will be building a new, and larger, power pack in the near future.

This set up will be modified further with the inclusion of a Lunt 80mm PT Ha scope, as the FLT110 also has a Thousand Oaks glass white light filter. I will also be changing the WO Focuser, to something much better. Aluminium cases also need to be made for the WO FLT110 and the AZ-EQ6 GT mount, but that will have to wait for a while.

I am really happy with this set up.
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (Tel 1.JPG)
179.0 KB146 views
Click for full-size image (Tel 2.JPG)
160.1 KB152 views
Click for full-size image (Tel 3.JPG)
158.3 KB161 views
Click for full-size image (Tel 4.JPG)
178.6 KB155 views
Click for full-size image (Tel 5.JPG)
146.6 KB122 views
Click for full-size image (tel 6.JPG)
129.1 KB167 views
Click for full-size image (IMG_9996.jpg)
49.2 KB148 views
Click for full-size image (IMG_8944.JPG)
197.2 KB144 views

Last edited by Stardrifter_WA; 05-04-2014 at 06:08 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #1104  
Old 05-04-2014, 05:50 PM
Kunama
...

Kunama is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,588
Well thought out system Peter.
Reply With Quote
  #1105  
Old 11-04-2014, 02:39 PM
FlashDrive's Avatar
FlashDrive (Poppy)
Senior Citizen

FlashDrive is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bribie Island
Posts: 5,056
This is the ' BEST ' Refractor I have ever owned with this size Aperture ( Neo - Achromatic )
5.5 inches fully Made in Japan .....Vixen NA140SS

Flash.............
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (1.jpg)
217.7 KB228 views
Click for full-size image (2.jpg)
197.2 KB167 views
Click for full-size image (3.jpg)
214.4 KB174 views
Click for full-size image (4.jpg)
228.8 KB168 views
Click for full-size image (5.jpg)
189.4 KB196 views
Click for full-size image (6.jpg)
218.6 KB192 views

Last edited by FlashDrive; 11-04-2014 at 03:05 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #1106  
Old 11-04-2014, 03:18 PM
Allan's Avatar
Allan
Registered User

Allan is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Newcastle
Posts: 937
That looks very nice Col. There is something classy about a quality refractor setup.
Reply With Quote
  #1107  
Old 11-04-2014, 03:31 PM
Larryp's Avatar
Larryp (Laurie)
Registered User

Larryp is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Sydney
Posts: 5,244
Nice looking set-up, Col
Reply With Quote
  #1108  
Old 11-04-2014, 05:09 PM
Camelopardalis's Avatar
Camelopardalis (Dunk)
Drifting from the pole

Camelopardalis is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 5,425
Fresh off the plane...

This is my latest addition, and I'm really stoked about it Haven't had first light yet as it only arrived yesterday and the Sydney weather doesn't look like cooperating

There will be lots more pictures of this once I can get some decent light...
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (red1.jpg)
116.4 KB141 views
Click for full-size image (red2.jpg)
69.5 KB156 views
Reply With Quote
  #1109  
Old 11-04-2014, 05:37 PM
FlashDrive's Avatar
FlashDrive (Poppy)
Senior Citizen

FlashDrive is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bribie Island
Posts: 5,056
Quote:
Originally Posted by Camelopardalis View Post
This is my latest addition, and I'm really stoked about it Haven't had first light yet as it only arrived yesterday and the Sydney weather doesn't look like cooperating

There will be lots more pictures of this once I can get some decent light...
That's sure looks nice ...... what is it ..... what Brand and Diameter ... ?

Flash.....
Reply With Quote
  #1110  
Old 11-04-2014, 05:57 PM
Camelopardalis's Avatar
Camelopardalis (Dunk)
Drifting from the pole

Camelopardalis is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 5,425
Skylight Telescopes 102 R.ED, see Skylight Telescopes site

Accessorised with TeleVue (Gibraltar, Starbeam, Everbrite) and Pentax XW40...can't wait to get under the dark sky at IISAC with this baby
Reply With Quote
  #1111  
Old 11-04-2014, 06:29 PM
FlashDrive's Avatar
FlashDrive (Poppy)
Senior Citizen

FlashDrive is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bribie Island
Posts: 5,056
Quote:
Originally Posted by Camelopardalis View Post
Skylight Telescopes 102 R.ED, see Skylight Telescopes site

Accessorised with TeleVue (Gibraltar, Starbeam, Everbrite) and Pentax XW40...can't wait to get under the dark sky at IISAC with this baby
Thank You .....Yes ... had a look at their Website... thanks for the Link.
Nice bit of ' kit ' Dunk

Flash.....
Reply With Quote
  #1112  
Old 11-04-2014, 06:57 PM
MortonH's Avatar
MortonH
Deprived of starlight

MortonH is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 3,762
Bootiful!
Reply With Quote
  #1113  
Old 11-04-2014, 07:03 PM
Camelopardalis's Avatar
Camelopardalis (Dunk)
Drifting from the pole

Camelopardalis is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 5,425
My iPhone photography on a dreary afternoon in Sydney doesn't do it justice!
Reply With Quote
  #1114  
Old 13-04-2014, 05:12 PM
Doogs38's Avatar
Doogs38 (Alex)
Wingnut

Doogs38 is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 402
14 Inch Dob

Hi. I upgraded mid last year from a Skywatcher 5 inch newt (on an EQ2 mount) to a DIY truss dob with a Skywatcher 14 inch f/4.5 conical mirror. The dob was designed for a 15 inch mirror and is very well built. I've put a Telrad and Orion right-angle finder on the scope and I'll also be putting DSCs on it by years end. It also has a beaut motorised JMI focuser. I'm performing some minor upgrades on things like truss tube clamps to minimise maintenance & improve reliability. Despite its reasonable size, it can be broken down & transported quite easily.

Jumping from a 5 inch to a 14 inch telescope came with profoundly improved views ... things that required averted vision can now be seen directly. I can view detail in Jupiter's belts and Saturn's rings (and see those lovely yellow/green bands around the planet), and comfortably view Mar's major features. I haven't taken it to a dark site yet, but I'm sure it will memorable when I do. Alex
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (image.jpg)
199.6 KB146 views
Reply With Quote
  #1115  
Old 15-04-2014, 10:49 PM
garin (Garin)
Registered User

garin is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 79
New scope 18" F4.5 SDM#56 and apology

Apologies to all those in Perth that have had the rain and cloudy conditions since my new scope arrived

Neverthless I have managed to get it out a few times and it's a dream to use.
Thanks to Peter Read of SDM Telescopes

Click image for larger version

Name:	SDM56_012.jpg
Views:	122
Size:	183.8 KB
ID:	160407Click image for larger version

Name:	SDM56_013.jpg
Views:	129
Size:	177.1 KB
ID:	160408Click image for larger version

Name:	SDM56_010.jpg
Views:	129
Size:	116.3 KB
ID:	160409Click image for larger version

Name:	SDM56_009.jpg
Views:	108
Size:	123.3 KB
ID:	160410Click image for larger version

Name:	photo.JPG-9.jpg
Views:	121
Size:	171.4 KB
ID:	160411
Reply With Quote
  #1116  
Old 15-04-2014, 11:06 PM
jenchris's Avatar
jenchris (Jennifer)
Registered User

jenchris is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Ormeau Gold Coast
Posts: 2,067
Just about ready to suck the photons in.
Pity I'm off to UK next week - for 6 months
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (20140326_095427.jpg)
80.9 KB150 views
Click for full-size image (20140326_095923front.jpg)
97.2 KB139 views
Click for full-size image (20140401_181640[1].jpg)
107.5 KB138 views
Reply With Quote
  #1117  
Old 16-04-2014, 09:01 AM
Allan's Avatar
Allan
Registered User

Allan is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Newcastle
Posts: 937
Garin, your scope looks like a piece of art work. I bet it works as well as it looks to. What mirror did you put in it?
Reply With Quote
  #1118  
Old 16-04-2014, 09:42 AM
LewisM's Avatar
LewisM
Novichok test rabbit

LewisM is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in the cosmos...
Posts: 10,388
This is my pride and joy - had to sell all the others plus some other stuff to afford it.

Hasn't even seen first light yet - hopefully tonight!
Attached Thumbnails
Click for full-size image (FSQ106EDXIII (9).jpg)
104.9 KB173 views
Click for full-size image (FSQ106EDXIII (11).jpg)
80.7 KB150 views
Click for full-size image (FSQ106EDXIII (5).jpg)
69.5 KB163 views
Reply With Quote
  #1119  
Old 16-04-2014, 10:14 AM
Kunama
...

Kunama is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,588
Quote:
Originally Posted by garin View Post
Apologies to all those in Perth that have had the rain and cloudy conditions since my new scope arrived

Neverthless I have managed to get it out a few times and it's a dream to use.
Thanks to Peter Read of SDM Telescopes
...
Makes me almost want a dob .............. I said almost !
Beautiful scope, I wish you clear skies
Reply With Quote
  #1120  
Old 16-04-2014, 10:15 AM
Kunama
...

Kunama is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,588
Quote:
Originally Posted by LewisM View Post
This is my pride and joy - had to sell all the others plus some other stuff to afford it.

Hasn't even seen first light yet - hopefully tonight!
Like they say in the song " Take good care of my baby ......."
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +10. The time is now 10:18 PM.

Powered by vBulletin Version 3.8.7 | Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Advertisement
Bintel
Advertisement
Testar
Advertisement