Hello

[Londoner]

Just celebrated our 30 year anniversary of our arrival in Oz.:D
Still self employed, but technically a senior citizen. I always had an interest in astronomy and have happy memories of showing my children and grandchildren Saturn and Jupiter through my modest newtonian.
With retirement on the horizon have bought a caravan and hope to use any dark skies with a portable setup.
Just purchased a Celestron 8" Edge and AZ EQ6GT mount. Definately not easily portable, so looking for a small refractor and mount down the track.
I am hoping to get into AP :eyepop: I thought boats were expensive!
Lots of questions still to resolve, but I hope members may offer help when needed.

Mick

[cadman342001]

Welcome Mick ! I'm new here myself.

I'm also from the UK (Warrington) but have only been here 10 years (Cairns)

Andy

[Londoner]

Hi Andy,
Thanks for your welcome:)
See that you're down here in June visiting your daughter on the GC.
I too have a married son down there at Runaway Bay.
Had a week down on the Qld /NSW border at Mt Barney Lodge and it was there that I rekindled my interest in astronomy.
Hope you have clear skies.
Safe trip.
Mick

[raymo]

Welcome Mick. Why didn't you get the AZ-EQ5; that would have made
your rig a bit lighter, it would easily handle the 8" SCT?
raymo

[Londoner]

Hi Raymo,
Had some conflicting advice from retailers about suitability of HEQ5 to handle scope plus camera etc.
Originally ordered an AZ EQ5 with standard tripod (not pier) but it had to go back as it was only good for latitudes 28-70 and I'm at 27 just outside Brisbane:(

Mick

[cadman342001]

Thanks Mick. Yeah Surfers for a month including a quick trip to Canberra to pick up scope+HEQ5 Pro mount. Things you have to do when you live in the middle of nowhere !

[that_guy]

Since when is driving from Cairns to Canberra a quick trip :P

[Londoner]

Only in Australia! :D

[cadman342001]

Flying to Surfers, using daughter's car to get to Canberra :P

[sil]

Depends on whose car you use ;)