Brundah1
07-08-2009, 12:54 AM
Hello all,
Just joined your group as an astronomical novice.
Recently bought a Celestron Nexstar 8iSE, following much reading on the net that suggests these are well loved and well used, but not necessarily the leading edge of technology, but then I was not planning on to rob a bank!
I've also invested in a Stellarvue F50M finderscope (from SDM as recommended on this site), Peter was most helpful and the F50 is also fantasic for birdwatching (yes the feathered ones). Plus York Optical 2" EP kit, 2" Quartz diag and 2" Crayford. (Hint my eyes were manufactured in 1946 and my grandkids share my interest the stars etc.)
Oh! the scope has the Mk4 handset and a Notebook with real-time Star map control software. The scope came without a tripod, but I have a fairly stiff surveyors tripod which I plan to adapt for initial use.
My plan is to build a portable pier and EQ wedge in my workshop (hopefully 40 years in aircraft engineering and boat building will help).
A few questions:
Anyone in the Brisbane area with a N8iSE or N8SE?
Anyone here with experience using Ray's Brackets or a custom made equivalent?
I believe there is an alternative called Eddie's Brackets that would make the N8iSE more flexible than a standard N8SE? (Cloudy Nights forum)
Anyone tried to build their own pier for a Nexstar?
Any helpful advice welcomed.
My interest initially is to setup the 2" eyepiece focuser config and down the track if I get the hang of all this setup a small digital camera.
I live on acerage NW of Brisbane and we have in my view a fairly dark backyard shielded from the city flare, unfortunately there are some trees but i do have a clear view of the SCP and the sector around to the NNW.
My compliments to the website owners, this appears to be a freindly and helpful community.
My N8 won't be here for another week or so. So I have been swotting up on everything google and our local library can provide. Most nights for the past month have been perfect (although someones been leaving that bright light on upstairs of late).
Tonight I was out the back with the Stellarvue on my camera tripod and a planisphere in hand trying to identify the various constellations. Apart for soem of the bright stars that are familiar from coastal navigation, its all not as easy as the books say it is.
Wishing you all more still clear nights,
David
Just joined your group as an astronomical novice.
Recently bought a Celestron Nexstar 8iSE, following much reading on the net that suggests these are well loved and well used, but not necessarily the leading edge of technology, but then I was not planning on to rob a bank!
I've also invested in a Stellarvue F50M finderscope (from SDM as recommended on this site), Peter was most helpful and the F50 is also fantasic for birdwatching (yes the feathered ones). Plus York Optical 2" EP kit, 2" Quartz diag and 2" Crayford. (Hint my eyes were manufactured in 1946 and my grandkids share my interest the stars etc.)
Oh! the scope has the Mk4 handset and a Notebook with real-time Star map control software. The scope came without a tripod, but I have a fairly stiff surveyors tripod which I plan to adapt for initial use.
My plan is to build a portable pier and EQ wedge in my workshop (hopefully 40 years in aircraft engineering and boat building will help).
A few questions:
Anyone in the Brisbane area with a N8iSE or N8SE?
Anyone here with experience using Ray's Brackets or a custom made equivalent?
I believe there is an alternative called Eddie's Brackets that would make the N8iSE more flexible than a standard N8SE? (Cloudy Nights forum)
Anyone tried to build their own pier for a Nexstar?
Any helpful advice welcomed.
My interest initially is to setup the 2" eyepiece focuser config and down the track if I get the hang of all this setup a small digital camera.
I live on acerage NW of Brisbane and we have in my view a fairly dark backyard shielded from the city flare, unfortunately there are some trees but i do have a clear view of the SCP and the sector around to the NNW.
My compliments to the website owners, this appears to be a freindly and helpful community.
My N8 won't be here for another week or so. So I have been swotting up on everything google and our local library can provide. Most nights for the past month have been perfect (although someones been leaving that bright light on upstairs of late).
Tonight I was out the back with the Stellarvue on my camera tripod and a planisphere in hand trying to identify the various constellations. Apart for soem of the bright stars that are familiar from coastal navigation, its all not as easy as the books say it is.
Wishing you all more still clear nights,
David