PDA

View Full Version here: : Show us your equipment!


Pages : 1 2 3 4 5 6 [7] 8 9 10 11

stefang
29-01-2016, 09:24 PM
After a couple of SCTs, refractors and some giant binos I have succumbed to dobsonians apeture fever and added to my quiver.

Thanks to Dave Kriege at Obsession for sorting me out with my first Dob and countless newbie questions.

My new 18" UC Obsession photon eating starmuncher arrived today. I'm calling her "Odessa". f4.2 OMI primary, argo vavis and servoCat.

Now if only these damn clouds would &%$# off!

First light looks to be Wiruna next weekend. Fingers crossed.
Clear skies.
Stefan

Atmos
29-01-2016, 09:28 PM
A mirror with struts, looks beautiful :P

RobC
30-01-2016, 08:20 AM
Congratulations Stefan on the arrival of "Odessa". As you said its a photon catcher and should reveal many heavenly sights to you. I have watched your accumulation of gear over the last year. All I can say is that you have got a bad ( good ) dose of the Astro bug. Also look forward to some more of your port at the next SPSP.

Cheers and Cear Skies

Rob

Allan
30-01-2016, 02:33 PM
Congratulations on your new acquisition Stefan. Fingers crossed for some clear weather, so you can tell us all how good it performs.

stefang
31-01-2016, 08:24 PM
Rob,
Another 1938 Para Port has been squirrelled away in the Astro trailer for this year's SPSP. There are a couple of handles with your name on them. :)
Clear skies
Stefan

Allan
03-02-2016, 02:11 PM
Very nice. I've got a bottle of 1879, but it's not something I'm ever likely to bring to SPSP.

ian fry
05-02-2016, 06:18 PM
Hi all

Well my Tak black 6x30 Finder scope for the DL turned up today looks good in black.

MortonH
05-02-2016, 08:13 PM
Finally! Looks good. :thumbsup:

ian fry
06-02-2016, 10:57 AM
Hi Morton

Almost one more thing I'm looking at, have you got the FS yet.

MortonH
06-02-2016, 11:46 AM
Yes, indeed. Arrived this morning courtesy of Matt.

Somnium
06-02-2016, 12:49 PM
fantastic, glad to see you got your Tak !

brian nordstrom
11-02-2016, 12:24 AM
After my bit of fun the other night I realised the EQ2 was not up to the job of holding this sweet scope and my LARGE ! 2 inch eyepieces so I dug out my lovely Vixen GP , a perfect partnership .

LP 60mm f7 triplet and Vixen Great Polaris mount .

Brian.

UniPol
16-02-2016, 09:06 PM
I thought IISpacers might like to see my TOA-130NFB/FSQ-106ED OTA's to compare their size. Although there is only 24mm difference in the diameter of the objectives, the pics show a huge difference in physical dimensions. Both OTA's have the dew shields retracted. The TOA-130NFB is also shown mounted on my T-Rex which has proved to be a perfect combination for visual observation.

Kunama
16-02-2016, 09:28 PM
They certainly are beautiful scopes Steve. The FSQ106 with the ED1.5x also is a brilliant visual scope with only the short draw tube travel hampering for visual use.
They're not lightweights though!

UniPol
17-02-2016, 08:21 AM
Thanks Matt, I hadn't thought of using the 1.5x extender, I'm pretty sure I have one somewhere as it probably wasn't sold when I parted with the FSQ-85.

FlashDrive
17-02-2016, 10:14 AM
WOW .... Scope Heaven :prey2:

Poppy....

Kunama
18-02-2016, 05:02 PM
The new finderscope for my 18" F5.5 Dobsonian arrived today, now I just have to figure out how to mount it on the UTA :question:
The new Takahashi FC100DL F9 (Number 50 of 100 produced)

Larryp
18-02-2016, 05:14 PM
Nice, Matt!:thumbsup:

Kunama
18-02-2016, 05:25 PM
Thanks Laurie, I've been sweating on the StarTrack guys to get it here safely as there are no more available anywhere to replace it if damaged.... :prey::prey:

Test fitted the Baader ClickLock, Baader BBHS Diagonal and Pentax XW10,
as well as the BV setup of Baader ClickLock, Zeiss T2 Prism, TV Binovue and Tak LE24s.

Just have to wait patiently for some rings or a clamshell........ or make some out of plywood...

FlashDrive
18-02-2016, 07:48 PM
Super Nice Matt.... :thumbsup:

Col....

ian fry
18-02-2016, 08:54 PM
Welcome to the club Matt , just got from looking at the moon so sharp, just took this with the iPhone

Allan
19-02-2016, 10:49 AM
I've just caught up. Looking awesome Morton can't wait to see it in the flesh.

Allan
19-02-2016, 10:54 AM
Another sweet setup Matt. At this rate, we could sell tickets to the Tak Star Party for all the poor people without Taks.

Kunama
26-02-2016, 10:17 PM
Another vote for the beautiful K-Astec products and for the excellent service from Kyoei-Osaka. :bowdown:
I sent payment for my K-Astec Tube Rings (TB95) and a 250mm dovetail bar (DP75-250L) on Tuesday,
The items arrived this morning, so less than 3 days from payment including freight from Japan to Australia :eyepop:

The items are beautifully designed and made, very light and supplied with extra cap screws.
The finish is excellent. The DP75-250L dovetail bar is a perfect fit in my Robin Casady EM Saddle.

The items came well packed, unfortunately while unpacking them I accidentally punctured a small plastic bag that was packed with them.
It was only after this that I read the warning label on the bag
"Warning - Instant Cloud - piercing this bag will release clouds that will stretch from horizon to horizon"

MortonH
26-02-2016, 10:33 PM
That setup looks SO nice!

Allan
27-02-2016, 09:46 AM
Very nice Matt. Are you mounting a Nexus DSC on that setup? How good is the class photo at the TSP going to look!

Kunama
27-02-2016, 06:18 PM
I'm really pleased with the K-Astec gear.
I have to make a custom bracket to hold the Nexus, hopefully get to that this week. Class photo indeed !

AEAJR
03-03-2016, 10:53 AM
My major items are in my signature. My two main scopes are the Orion XT8i and the Meade ETX 80. I also have the red scope, the Tasco 76 mm newtonian, but that is in the shed and is not currently in use. That will probably be loaned out or given away to help someone else get started.

FlashDrive
03-03-2016, 01:24 PM
Triplet SharpStar 107PH f/6.5 .... haven't used it yet .... weather is no good....:shrug: .... there is always tomorrow ...!!

Col....

MortonH
03-03-2016, 01:39 PM
Didn't you have one of these before? Or maybe the 106?

Looks a cracker anyway. Can never have too many 3"-4" apos. :D

FlashDrive
03-03-2016, 01:52 PM
Yes, I did have the 107 a couple of years back .... bought it s/h .... this is Brand New.

I remember quite clearly the views of M42 .... it was amazing.... another nice ' wide field scope ' to use again.

Col....

GG
03-03-2016, 02:36 PM
Picked up a 12" Skywatcher on a homemade dob mount, mount needed some work as it didn't have any real way of keeping the OTA secure and kept sliding and losing balance, I changed it so I could adjust the tension on the top part of the holder and added new rubber, seems to go okay now... Don't mind the scope not being "upright" it was a test run... The finder scope "O" Ring was also buggered so I couldn't align that the first night but that is fixed now.

Viewed the GRS 2 nights ago for the first time, pretty cool.

Kunama
03-03-2016, 03:15 PM
Looks good Col :thumbsup:

Kunama
03-03-2016, 04:45 PM
That is a decent bit of aperture especially in rural WA, hope you enjoy it. :thumbsup:

brian nordstrom
03-03-2016, 05:43 PM
:eyepop: That's a good looking scope Colin, looking very AP Starfire'ish with the blue and red lettering , hope it performs as good as it looks .
Brian.

sn1987a
05-03-2016, 01:23 AM
my 16 Dobstuff kit finally put together :D

glnn_23
05-03-2016, 03:39 PM
Finally got my new ap130 mounted.

I got a Tak njp wooden tripod adapter from Claude at AEC and made the legs from Tas oak. Saved a fair bit on a full Tak tripod this way.

Peter from PS Custommade machined up a plate to go between the Half Hitch FTX and the tripod. His work is extremely good and he definitely doesn't charge enough for it.

Just have to play a bit more with the balancing to get everything right.

Sylvain
05-03-2016, 04:56 PM
Looking very very good mate, love these grab n go custom mounts. must be pretty sturdy to carry the 130!

FlashDrive
08-03-2016, 01:58 PM
Need a set of Rings for it....

80mm f/15 OTA.....

Col.....:D

Kunama
08-03-2016, 03:53 PM
90mm rings lined with 3mm felt or cork???

brian nordstrom
15-03-2016, 07:06 PM
:) Hi all thought I would show off my new/old mount I grabbed off Zane here last week , it arrived yesterday .

Its a very nice bit of gear , very very solid and last night on the moon discovered it tracks beautifully , and once adjusted and balenced the slip clutches allow extreemly smooth movements around the sky and slo/mo controls work excellently , I am impressed :D.

As you see it holds the iStar with ease and a hard ! smack on the tube dampens in about 1 second , impressive solidness . Just look at those legs !! I am a bit of a leg man myself ;) .

I will post more when I fit the C9.25 .

Brian.

FlashDrive
15-03-2016, 07:30 PM
Ooooh .... nice legs eh ..!!

Flash .... :D

brian nordstrom
15-03-2016, 07:44 PM
:P Ahhhh ,,,, another leg maN ....
Brian,

brian nordstrom
28-03-2016, 03:57 PM
:) If anyone's interested , here is my C9.25 on the CI-700.
Brian.

brian nordstrom
29-03-2016, 10:24 PM
:) I believe Celestron missed the boat , so to speak on this set up as I used it last night and its a match made in heaven .

These 2 products comlpiment each other so well , 500x on Jupiter and the image hardly moved as I focused using the FT focuser and the detail seen was impressive ! , watched the GRS move into view and needless to say today at work was tough .

I like this mount and I dont need a Losmandy G11 at over 3x the price and all I will say is , if anyone out there like me who aint rich and gets a chance to grab one of these ,,, I SAY :thumbsup: grab IT !! .

:D I know this will ruffle a few feathers out there in 'mount land' , but I dont care .

The CI-700 is a great mount and it's a shame they aint made anymore . A great loss to us amature astronomers everywhere .

Brian.

DJT
02-04-2016, 06:31 PM
Just couldn't cope with the VXL12-12L on a GEM for visual so cobbled together a dob mount a la Stellafane so I can enjoy some views.

Much fun was had putting this together and I finally found a purpose for a router.

Clear skies

FlashDrive
02-04-2016, 07:27 PM
David .... way to go mate ...much simpler to use to. :thumbsup:

Col....

Kunama
03-04-2016, 07:02 AM
Your neck will thank you David, nicely done :thumbsup:

Somnium
03-04-2016, 11:48 AM
probably the last additions i will make to my imaging equipment for a while. gear includes;
AGO iDK 14.5 with thermal control system
Paramount MX+
Optec Gemini rotating focuser
MMOAG
Lodestar X2
FLI CFW 2-7
FLI microline 8300

i am very happy with the set up :D

Atmos
03-04-2016, 03:52 PM
So envious Aidan!

Somnium
03-04-2016, 04:10 PM
your sextuplet should be a different but equally impressive beast

Atmos
03-04-2016, 04:18 PM
Pick it up Wednesday afternoon. First light will hopefully be at the Tak party, even if it is heracy ;)

Somnium
03-04-2016, 05:16 PM
i will look forward to seeing that, first light for me has been hindered by the inevitable persistent cloud cover, should be able to get something this week. i spent the weekend cleaning up the cables at the back and running a new tpoint model when i could see the stars.

Atmos
03-04-2016, 06:04 PM
Getting away from the clouds is why heading interstate is a good idea haha

FlashDrive
06-04-2016, 12:51 PM
Now the original focuser was not all that good being made of ' plastic ' ...had a bit of ' slop ' in it and a bit ' gritty ' in operation.

I didn't really like it that way, so I got in touch with Ron Newman of ' MoonLite ' Focusers. Took some photos of my sad looking Focuser and also a ' digital ' measurement of the ' ID ' of the focuser end of the OTA.

Ron went the extra mile and machined down a ' stock unit ' to my required dimensions.

I asked for a ' single ' speed unit ( the focuser is worth more than the OTA :P ) ... to keep the costs down but still retain an excellent Focuser.

I did all this because the optics ( 80mm f/15 ) is clean as a whistle and performs very well.....I just had to ' pimp ' it up and make it look better.

All I need now is a set of Rings for it.

I contacted Peter Tan who will make up a set to suit this Scope....they haven't arrived yet.

A 'classic ' Scope bought back to life ....:thumbsup:

Pretty good outcome I reckon.

Col.....:D

MortonH
06-04-2016, 01:01 PM
Very nice, Col.

What are you going to mount it on?

FlashDrive
06-04-2016, 02:47 PM
put it on the FTX....
Just got an email from Peter Tan....Rings being shipped out next week....

Can't wait to set this up and look at Jupiter.

I'd imagine there be no ' CA ' at f/15

Col...

Kunama
06-04-2016, 06:31 PM
Maybe you and Lewis should go into business resurrecting telescopes :question:

Looks nice, I'll be up that way in July to test it out...:thumbsup:

FlashDrive
06-04-2016, 06:37 PM
Be my guest.... and no ... you can't take it with you...!! :P

Poppy...:D

Kunama
06-04-2016, 06:41 PM
Still it would make a nice finderscope for my reflector :P
I was going to use the FC100DL as a finder but this might suit 'the look' :rofl:

MattT
15-04-2016, 11:40 AM
Looks real good Brian :thumbsup:

That mount should qualify for the bargain of the year....the Istar looks perfect on it.

Matt

brian nordstrom
25-04-2016, 05:46 PM
If anyone is interested , my C90 and C9.25 side by side .
Brian.

UniPol
25-04-2016, 06:30 PM
Who's the father Brian?

FlashDrive
25-04-2016, 06:39 PM
:eyepop: :lol:

brian nordstrom
25-04-2016, 06:56 PM
:eyepop: Mumma bear .
Brian.

Kunama
26-04-2016, 01:05 PM
Now that I have had a few opportunities to test out my new "Grab, Grunt & Go - Planetary and Lunar" scope I thought I might post a portrait or three of it:

Takahashi TOA130NFB with Baader 2" ClickLock visual back, Baader Zeiss T2 Prism diagonal, Televue Binovue and Takahashi LE eyepieces on T/Rex Mount & Berlebach Planet tripod.
Monoviewing is done with the Baader BBHS-Sitall 2" ClickLock and a mix of XW, XF, LVW, Delos and the Termi-Nagler 31.

(P.S. I blame Allan for the idea and Steve for making it happen and Colin for providing a part of the funds for it ;) )

Atmos
26-04-2016, 01:12 PM
Isn't that just beautiful :)

Kunama
26-04-2016, 01:18 PM
Thanks Colin, added you to the list of culprits....

casstony
26-04-2016, 03:08 PM
Flash looking setup Matt. I wasn't overly keen on the Tak green T-Rex alone but it looks very good with the TOA130 and their matching colours.

Camelopardalis
26-04-2016, 03:20 PM
Yeah the Tak green reminds me of school toilets, just needs some eggshell in it :P

But what a scope :eyepop:

FlashDrive
26-04-2016, 03:54 PM
Very Impressive Matt ....

Col....:D

dreamstation
26-04-2016, 04:17 PM
You blokes must earn a hell of a lot more than I do because something like that is naught but a dream for poor old me. Very impressive though I must say :)

Kunama
26-04-2016, 04:23 PM
I am but a poor SFR (Self Funded Retiree) but thanks, I just choose telescopes instead of fine wines, restaurants, fancy cars etc. For 50 years these scopes were just a dream for me also......

casstony
26-04-2016, 10:05 PM
Here's my slightly modified CPC11 HD, single arm dual mount. The refractor saddle is mounted on an extension of the main shaft going through the plastic cap of the clutch knob.

Allan
28-04-2016, 05:36 PM
Beautiful telescope and mount Matt. Complete with matching tripod and dining setting. You really have an eye for detail.

Kunama
28-04-2016, 05:52 PM
Thanks Allan, I just got the SkySurfer V fitted to the FQR-1 today and will fit 10x60 finder on the right of the scope when Claude sends me a bracket for it.
Cloudy again tonight here in Canberra. :sadeyes:

Unfortunately I am having to spend a small fortune on new furniture etc to keep the astro budget appearing quite reasonable.....

MortonH
28-04-2016, 06:05 PM
Does that mean you bought new furniture to match the tripod? :P

FlashDrive
29-04-2016, 01:02 PM
One very long Scope .... f/15

I ' bodged ' up a set of rings with thick felt :P ..Peter Tan rings still not here....

Bus loads of Focuser movement....

and it cloudy and raining .... still no chance to use it yet...

Poppy....:)

brian nordstrom
01-05-2016, 07:13 PM
:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: That looks so cool, Colin , hope it performs as good as my wife's 80mm f12.5 Mizar , these early Japanese scope's really perform , ours has zero CA at any powers on any object ,it's a very nice scope , just like yours .

You should name this beauty ' Tooth pick ' .;)

Brian.

Allan
01-05-2016, 10:31 PM
I see the other problem you have. Your eyepiece cabinets at the back look like they are full of trinkets. You better get that sorted out.

Kunama
02-05-2016, 05:45 PM
I'm not allowed to touch anything in those cabinets....... Jennifer always rolls her eyes when I mention any astro purchase but thought nothing of spending $1K on that glass bird in the cabinet..... :sadeyes:

LewisM
02-05-2016, 05:55 PM
Beautiful thing should be imaging, not staring into space :) :P

I am utterly content with my FS-102. I loves me a perfect doublet - acclimates quicker than I can put the camera onto it.I have had more doublets than quads or triplets (though there's been a few quads now!)

Let's see if I can hang onto it at least another month...maybe the skies MAY clear to use it by then (maybe...):windy:

LewisM
02-05-2016, 06:21 PM
Oh yeah, pictures...

Had to refinish this one entirely - it was in sad condition. Unfortunately meant the dewshield decal had to go, so I drew it up in Adobe Illustrator and had it cut for me - I had enlarged it, as I liked the look of it bigger. OK, it's not original, but it's mine :)

First shot is before the decal went on, second one is a close up of my new decal applied (quite larger than the priginal, and these are individual decals, not a solid printed sheet like the originals, so won't yellow etc)

Atmos
02-05-2016, 11:01 PM
:thumbsup:

barx1963
07-05-2016, 05:53 PM
So here is the new imaging kit in it's #1 configuration. Consists of:
Orion AZ/EG G Mount
Stellarvue SVR102T refactor
Stellarvue 0.8 Reducer Flattener matched to the scope
Feathertouch 3" rotatable focuser
Atik One 6.0 Mono camera w internal filter wheel and off axis guider and Atik GP guide camera
Stellarvue D Plates
Losmandy DVR105 guidescope rings
Orion ST80 Guide scope with Orion SSAG pro guide camera
A table from Bunnings with a corflute shield
Whole bunch o' cables 'n' crap
One black puss cat for company!!

At this stage I decided not to try the off axis guider, as I had enough to learn with the camera and scope. Hopefully will be able to move entirely to OAG shortly

I have also picked up a second CCD camera with an 8 position filter wheel and a KAF8300 sensor so will have that as an option to do some narrowband in the future.

Also I have found some covers for the whole kaboodle. Bunnings sell covers that are designed for stackable chairs. Although only in brown, they are the perfect size to put over this type of rig and have little tie downs that can be tied to the legs of the tripod. And only cost about $12.

Malcolm

PhilTas
07-05-2016, 08:03 PM
Very impressive Malcolm, the SV102 looks a really nice piece.

Kunama
07-05-2016, 08:43 PM
Not sure I really like that weird looking red/black eyepiece thingy on the Stellarvue but the rest of it looks mightily impressive. Congrats, look forward to seeing its produce!

Atmos
07-05-2016, 09:00 PM
This is the morning before I left of South Asia, just after I'd packed all of the cables into their Woolies box :)

So this is a Sky Rover 130mm F/5 Sextuplet with a QHY22 and a Everwin 60mm F/3.76 guide scope with an ASI120MM-S :)

sopticals
14-05-2016, 07:36 PM
Needs to be some ATM Dobsonians represented here. My 3 current ATM Dobs (actually 4, a 6"f6.5 dob is obscured by the blue 14"er). Also my C102-HD (4") refractor on CG4 mount in the background. All my scopes are visual only.

Stephen.

casstony
14-05-2016, 07:49 PM
Looks good Stephen. I'm envious of the scopes and the shed space.

StephenRH
26-05-2016, 08:48 PM
Hi Graham. Great telescope. I love your photos of the build on your website. Peter has started on mine now. 28" f/3.3 Kororia. I'll post photos once it's delivered and in my observatory.

I am interested to know what eyepieces you are using.

Kind regards

Stephen
Pukemaru Observatory
341 Snelgar Road, RD 2
Kaitaia, New Zealand 0482
+173° 20' 07.67" -35° 05' 39.52"

brian nordstrom
26-05-2016, 09:02 PM
:thumbsup: I lived on Heads road Hauhora for many years , awsome dark skies up there , wish I had a scope like yours when I was there , looking forward to a viewing report Stephen .

My family has land in Awanui be good to look you up when I am there next ..

Brian.

FlashDrive
31-05-2016, 12:50 PM
Finally received rings from Peter Tan....

easy to carry ...

Col...

Kunama
31-05-2016, 03:56 PM
The rings turned very nicely Col. Now you need an old mount and a wooden tripod to complete the look......

FlashDrive
31-05-2016, 05:47 PM
Early Wooden Tripods aren't easily come by these days.... I'd love to have one for this Scope.

:D

UniPol
31-05-2016, 07:19 PM
After a lot of perseverance Col its all come together and you've got a great scope. I'm biased of course as my Polarex/Unitron achromats are all f/15 & f/16 and they provide great views. I notice you finally received the tube rings from Peter Tan (Lee Man Ho), mine took some time as well but at least they are custom made and of excellent quality. Off topic, Peter Tan's astro gears website can't be reached anymore, at least the original one. Do you know if it is up and running or can he only be reached by email?

FlashDrive
01-06-2016, 12:15 PM
Thanks Steve .... the views are sharp and crisp at f/15

Col......:D

glnn_23
02-06-2016, 02:38 PM
Have been looking to improve my Half Hitch FTX as I'm not convinced the standard saddle attachment to the mount is as good as it could be.
Also I prefer having the rings connect to the dovetail with 2 bolts rather than just the one.
I came up with the idea of a plate that bolts to the mount then a Losmandy style saddle can bolt to that. This is way stronger than standard. Just need to attach the altitude stops now to finish.
All machining was done by Peter from PS CustomMade and he's done a fantastic job.

thebonz
03-06-2016, 07:35 PM
I have looked at some unique scopes on this page that enthuses me to dust out the cupboard. I have a tasco 20te that I will clean up and present for a photo shute if any one is interested.
John

Kunama
03-06-2016, 08:11 PM
Great idea and Very nice work by Peter, the Casady saddles are beautiful also.



Bring it on :thumbsup:

ab1963
07-06-2016, 04:20 PM
An iis member asked me to post some pics of my new to me scope a Stellarvue SVR102T WITH 3'' Feathertouch R&P focuser ,very happy with it and on the porta ii head even with the heaviest eyepiece i have a ES 30 82 handles the scope easily,

FlashDrive
07-06-2016, 04:26 PM
Very nice Andrew ... looks good ... nice setup.

Col....:D

Atmos
07-06-2016, 04:38 PM
Very nice Andrew :) Does the ES weight more than the telescope? :lol:

ab1963
07-06-2016, 04:55 PM
I was a little worried at first Colin with the ES but the OTA is so light for a 102 the porta ii plays with it and with the Hal 130 is very stable ,would'nt be so with the original tripod that came with the porta head i don't think

MortonH
07-06-2016, 05:05 PM
Nice. I want one!!!

Kunama
07-06-2016, 05:13 PM
Looks like a very nice setup Andrew, I was looking at the last pic trying to work out which was the objective end ..... ;)

ab1963
07-06-2016, 05:26 PM
Yes it's a monster

ab1963
16-06-2016, 06:07 AM
The previous owner of the scope had lost the test report that comes with it when you buy it so I contacted Vic Maris at Stellarvue and he sent me another copy,the strehl came in at 974 so was very happy with that and the scope has already given me the best views of Saturn I've ever seen.

ian fry
26-06-2016, 02:37 PM
Hi everyone

Picked this DM4 mount up at the weekend, works great with the FS 78 and the FC-100DL

Atmos
26-06-2016, 02:44 PM
Very nice Ian, there is/was a DM4 on AstroBuySell that I have had my eye on for a while but just don't have the cash for at the moment :)
Beautiful setup :) I don't mind using my HEQ5 though, easy to move. Once it is polar aligned I can put my 4.5mm EP in, walk away for an hour and still have Jupiter in the FOV :P

Kunama
26-06-2016, 02:58 PM
Nice mount/tripod combo, suits the little Taks well, the Nexus is also a nice unit.

ian fry
26-06-2016, 03:02 PM
Thanks Colin. Yes this was the one from astrobuysell, Wanted something to just to set up and start viewing. Little tight on time when I'm on call at night only have mins to get to the station.
I'm using the AZ-EQ6 on nights I'm off.

ian fry
26-06-2016, 03:04 PM
Hi Matt
Both scopes are great with the mount, nice easy movement and Just set the Nexus up to work with the iPhone and iPad looking good.

Allan
27-06-2016, 03:52 PM
Classy looking set up Ian. The DM4 is a very nice mount and makes observing a pleasure.

StephenRH
29-06-2016, 01:20 PM
Hi Brian. I am not sure when my new telescope will be ready but please keep in touch. :welcome:
My email address is srh@xtra.co.nz. It's nice up at Houhora Heads :-)

pluto
06-07-2016, 10:48 AM
My new little travel AP rig: a William Optics Star71, Skywatcher Star Adventurer, and Sony A7s.

Thread here:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=147145

Camelopardalis
06-07-2016, 10:05 PM
Very neat Hugh :thumbsup:

zippeyjhon
07-07-2016, 11:16 PM
This is my new Orion SkyQuest XT12g Computerized GoTo Dobsonian Telescope. I've had it for just over 2 months and the views are amazing.
The scope is fitted out with Red LED's on the base, a CPU fan on the Primary mirror, Secondary mirror dew heater, Eyepiece dew heater, Telrad dew heater, a USB jack to charge my phone and a 12v outlet to power any other accessories. The whole system runs of a 12v 7.2amp battery mounted to the base.
With the large size of the scope I've had to build a heavy duty box to transport the scope in, the box is fitted out with Red and White LED's, 2 CPU fans and a jack to power the inbuilt CPU fan fitted to the Primary mirror. The whole system runs off a 12v 7.0amp battery.

Allan
08-07-2016, 10:44 AM
Nice set up Zachary. Looks like you've gone to a lot of extra work.

glend
08-07-2016, 10:57 AM
X2 Allan's comment Zachary. The combined weight must be pretty substantial, how do you manage getting it in a vehicle?

traveller
11-07-2016, 01:36 PM
Just picked this up as my next imaging rig. FLT 110 f/7. Will match it with a reducer to cut down on imaging time.
No chance to test it yet due to the magnificent weather weather we are having in Melbourne :mad2:
Bo

MLyons
12-07-2016, 04:31 AM
So my obsession resulted in an Obsession...:D...the 18" f4.5 Classic with Argo Navis and StellarCAT etc.:eyepop:
What a beauty!! :thumbsup::thumbsup: (The scope, not me.....):rofl:

croweater
12-07-2016, 05:17 AM
Very nice Martin. But your scopes in your signature show you were already obsessed before you got the obsession :lol: Cheers Richard

Kunama
14-07-2016, 09:18 PM
TOA130NFB safe inside the Pelican 1740 Long Case

FlashDrive
20-07-2016, 03:02 PM
Very Nice Matt ..... :thumbsup:

TOA130 in the Tak-elican Case ....

:D

Tropo-Bob
29-07-2016, 12:06 PM
My Unitron 60mm is a light and useful telescope. It cost $200+ in 1975 and some of my lay friends were amazed by my extravagance. (Imagine their shock if I had brought the 4 inch Unitron!)

The scope come with six Unitron eyepieces, which I replaced with Vixens EPs about 20 years ago, although I still have the Unitron 9mm (shown). It also was supplied with an attractive, wooden, carry box.

Its good for its size, performing similar optically to a Skywatcher 70mm (900mm), which I previously have owned, although the Unitron is of a much better quality construction. Note the strange arrangement with the focuser with only a knob or wheel on the right-hand side.

It is a great "Moonlight" telescope, as I can have a quick look at things on a Moonlight evening, without wishing for a larger aperture.

My only real disappointment was that it does not have enough resolving power to show Uranus as a disc.

I have had some really good experiences with it and it have found it a pleasure to use. For reasons that I still do not fully understand, it gave the best and sharpest views of the transit of Venus (outperforming my fine 102mm ED Vixen) back in 2012.

FlashDrive
29-07-2016, 12:14 PM
That's a very nice Scope Bob.

Col

FlashDrive
30-07-2016, 01:28 PM
80mm f/15

Tropo-Bob
06-08-2016, 03:21 PM
OMG Col,

You have really modernised that scope, I have never seen anything like it.
It looks great!

UniPol
06-08-2016, 05:56 PM
Just like Col, an oldie but a goodie :)

UniPol
07-08-2016, 07:51 PM
I thought I would post some pics of my recent Tak TSA-120 purchase after downsizing from a Tak TOA-130NFB. I haven't had a chance to use it at night owing to the rather poor weather conditions but have used it for landscape viewing to check the focus on my binoviewers, 5-position turret and WO erect diagonal. The scope feels just right on the EM-11 Temma 2M mount and needs just the one 6.5kg c/weight shown in the pics. The build quality is up to the usual Tak high standard and I'm sure it is not going to disappoint optically.

Kunama
07-08-2016, 07:59 PM
Very nice setup Steve, I think that scope will be a keeper but just in case "Dibs" . Love the Tak Binoviewers.

FlashDrive
07-08-2016, 08:49 PM
Thanks Bob .... I'm very pleased how it turned out also.



Like a Bottle of Red Wine :thumbsup:



Just as nice Pappy ;)


Col...

FlashDrive
07-08-2016, 08:53 PM
Steve ... very nice outfit ... love the eyepiece ' turret ' and the Bino's .

Col...

UniPol
08-08-2016, 08:48 AM
Thanks Col, I'm glad I kept them over the years as they are no longer made and complement the TSA perfectly, cheers.

FlashDrive
08-08-2016, 03:13 PM
Another nice oldie ...

Col.....

ab1963
08-08-2016, 03:27 PM
Very nice Col

N1
10-08-2016, 08:31 AM
The main instrument in its natural environment. Illumination by starlight only. (http://darksky.org/idsp/reserves/aorakimackenzie/)
FC76 & TV32PL on Vixen Porta II and surveyors tripod. No mirrors thank you. (http://www.scopereviews.com/page1ah.html)
Thanks Matt and Brian, (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=139526&highlight=surveyors) it worked!

Cross eyes for 3D effect.

vlazg
11-08-2016, 06:29 PM
Had this made locally by a good friend.
Thanks to Strongmanmike for allowing me to copy his design

Atmos
11-08-2016, 10:32 PM
Looks like a nice rig George.

Clancy Lane
12-08-2016, 02:50 PM
Out with the old and in with the new!

A Tak FS102 courtesy of Lewis;

A TS Optics 130mm direct from Teleskop Express;

A Stellavue CF 80mm w Feathertouch focuser courtesy of Zane.

I used the 80mm at Astrofest and the sharpness of the images and the detail shown were amazing!

Kunama
12-08-2016, 03:43 PM
I like the FS102 Phil, but that red eyepiece looks rather odd, nowhere near as pretty as a Delos.......

Kunama
13-08-2016, 04:17 PM
My Chief Financial Officer's new reflector, autographed by Brian Cox and Naomi McClure-Griffiths for her..... :prey2:

80mm F6.75, helical focuser, 12.5mm Plössl eyepiece @ 43x, TFOV 1º, 1.9mm exit pupil.......

Only tried it on the moon so far but results were encouraging....:lol:

Atmos
13-08-2016, 04:33 PM
That's awesome Matt!!

JupiterP30
19-08-2016, 11:55 AM
Hey,

I am hoping someone out there could please shed some light on a telescope I have inherited.

Nikon 65mm telescope, no exact date but around 1970s.

you can see the same type of telescope on youtube

https://youtu.be/1tCb6pyCbVs

any info would be very helpful.

Thank you in advance!

brian nordstrom
23-08-2016, 12:35 PM
:thumbsup: Looks like it's a keeper , not many manufacturers make them like this anymore. , very nice and if its as good as the Zeiss you will be very impressed.
Brian.

ab1963
23-08-2016, 04:57 PM
This should help with info and a ball park value

http://www.astromart.com/classifieds/details.asp?classified_id=869935

And a youtube video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tCb6pyCbVs&feature=youtu.be

torr
24-08-2016, 12:21 PM
Hi folks , I expect some clouds tonight with the new edition of a CGem mount, just now assembled an ready for action :P
Well you'll all know who to blame :shrug:
This will be my entry into astro photography :D

That's just a cheap achro SW120 at F5 bolted on top, the CA for visual doesn't bother me too much and I'll see how much it effects photography in the near future, either way I'll have to put up with it until I can decide the direction I'll take.
I brought the sw120 originally for a quick grab and go scope and its been brilliant for that purpose.

The Xt12g I've had for a while and I love the views.
The Binoculars are great too.
Thats my little collection for now :thumbsup:

FlashDrive
24-08-2016, 12:30 PM
Nice gear James ..... got the hobby well covered there.

ian fry
25-08-2016, 05:22 PM
Hi all

My little grab and go turned up today from japan the FC-76DCU PLUS EX-CQ in the new blue.

Atmos
25-08-2016, 05:28 PM
Looks very nice Ian!

ian fry
25-08-2016, 05:44 PM
Thanks Colin

anj026
26-08-2016, 03:09 PM
I like it too Ian, a great one to add to the collection.

Is that a 28mm Erfle? I am curious about them. It seems an unusual type of eyepiece to introduce in this day and age. But then it is light and should have good transmission.

Atmos
26-08-2016, 09:09 PM
Here is my brand spanking new ASA DDM60 mount!! Picked it up yesterday, kinda played with it last night but set it up in the lounge room this afternoon.

As it is my purely imaging mount I figured I'd mount my DL (visual scope) on top as it is likely to be the one and only time it's riding on it. Had to put on a 2" diagonal, 7x50 finder and 35mm Pan just to get it to be able to balance in RA hehe Going to be less of an issue once I get my 130mm astrograph on there, considerably heavier.

Sorry to everyone in Melbourne for the shocking weather that is going to follow.

Kunama
26-08-2016, 09:53 PM
Another beautiful Tak , looks even better in person , pinpoint stars and it showed 47Tuc and Omega Cent beautifully for just 3" aperture. Thanks for the test drive Ian. Great to meet up with you. Cheers.:hi:

Kunama
26-08-2016, 09:55 PM
I am pressing the 'Like' button but nothing is happening......
Lovely mount Colin......

ian fry
26-08-2016, 10:57 PM
Any time Matt and thanks for coming round for the test drive, its a great little scope cant wait to bring it along to the next tak star party.

ian fry
28-08-2016, 08:37 AM
Hi Andy

Thanks it's a great little scope, eyepiece is the LE 30 used that last night with the televue 2.5 powermate and could see banding in the disc of Saturn.

anj026
28-08-2016, 08:57 PM
Hi Ian

I've never tried any of the Takahashi eyepieces. The 28mm Erfle intrigues me. For Takahashi to re-introduce this older type of eyepiece must mean there is a market for them in Japan. I presume it is the combination of wide field and light weight that makes them viable in the marketplace. I have not seen much in the way of user reports.

Kunama
28-08-2016, 09:35 PM
Toa+tsa

Atmos
28-08-2016, 10:02 PM
Where's that Like button :P

FlashDrive
30-08-2016, 08:55 AM
You've got too much money kido ......:D

MortonH
30-08-2016, 09:17 AM
You Tak guys never stop!

Kunama
31-08-2016, 01:52 PM
:D


Change that to "had too much"


It is an illness, the remedy should be available on PBS ;) " Take 2 Taks and go to bed"

Set the new toy up today but the rain gauge tells me there will be wait for first light :mad2:

OzEclipse
31-08-2016, 04:41 PM
Matt
Nice.....

BTW - Clear tonight 80k east of the ACT - Braidwood way.

See you at Warri Rest. :)

Just kidding about seeing you there, I have a cold :sadeyes: but not kidding about it being clear out there.

Joe

Atmos
31-08-2016, 05:34 PM
I've just arrived at Bega for the clear skies, getting dinner and then setting up at the caravan park.

Also finished packing my Pelican Case last night for the trip :)

Windston
06-09-2016, 08:56 PM
Here is the my current setup! The 130SLT OTA has a bit of a story behind it, I bought it off of a user called ChiefDreamer, who I believe got it off Richard (rmuhlack). I only noticed it when searching through astrobin for images and I came across the scope, when I saw what he had done with this little tube, I knew I had to get it!
EDIT As it just so happens, after some forum searching detective work, I have traced the OTA back to multiweb in 2009! :eyepop: This is one well traveled OTA that has seen a LOT of light over the years!


Bonus image of me being overexcited whilst imaging the Tarantula Nebula!

204226
204227

Kunama
07-09-2016, 11:38 AM
Nice to see the new gear Dan but you've gotta lay off the caffeine :thumbsup::thumbsup:

casstony
19-09-2016, 02:18 PM
TSA120 with 3" FT focuser and Peter Tan rings. The handle is a $30 trailer grab handle from ebay.

ab1963
20-09-2016, 04:50 PM
Very nice Tony ,perfect combination and would think it's a keeper

casstony
20-09-2016, 05:50 PM
Thanks Andrew. I sold the first TSA120 and repurchased so this one should stay - it'll be used for visual and imaging. I've just received an ES 0.7x reducer to try with it too.

ab1963
20-09-2016, 06:50 PM
I think Tony if more Tak owners had the Feathertouch R&P fitted they would never sell them as they really get the optimal performance out of the scope

casstony
20-09-2016, 07:09 PM
They probably don't have any money left after buying the Tak scope :)
I already owned the FT before buying the TSA, but the adapter still cost $280 new.

FlashDrive
21-09-2016, 12:01 PM
Bought a Pier Extension for the 80mm f/15

Col....

Slawomir
21-09-2016, 12:33 PM
The new mount looks great and the Berlebach tripod looks very solid too!

Atmos
21-09-2016, 12:47 PM
The Berlebach Tripod feels so much sturdier than the standard EQ6 one!

Profiler
21-09-2016, 02:35 PM
This is why you need to consider buying a current model Televue instead as they have subcontracted the construction of all their new 10:1 focusers to Starlight and thus FT focusers are now standard kit on their refractors:P

Kunama
06-11-2016, 10:07 AM
TOA came back home this week after being out on loan.....
The AZ-EQ6-GT counterweights turned green with Tak-envy.....
(I'll have to be careful that the whole mount doesn't get a colour change as well........ :question::question: )
Wouldn't it be nice if Takahashi reverse-engineered the AZ-EQ6 ...

Atmos
06-11-2016, 10:18 AM
So ow it's green at both ends but white filling to hold it together hehe

RB
06-11-2016, 10:19 AM
Ohhh... that TOA !

:cool:

Allan
06-11-2016, 04:10 PM
What, you loan out your TOA? :screwy:

Kunama
06-11-2016, 07:41 PM
Only to people more pedantic about looking after it than me... ;) That narrows the field down to about 3 people at most...

It will now remain with me till the Grim Reaper comes looking for me..... such a beautiful scope..

My latest astro purchase may require me to cut back on my horse trading of astro gear and I may even need to reduce the inventory a little.....

More details to come in the days ahead if things pan out well......;)

Atmos
06-11-2016, 09:15 PM
Do I hear a TOA-130 bino in order? :P

Kunama
11-11-2016, 08:43 PM
Now that would be impressive!!!!! and HEAVY !!!! alas not yet :shrug:

Atmos
11-11-2016, 09:18 PM
Permenantly mounted in the back of your van... Make it a ROR merc?

Kunama
18-11-2016, 07:23 PM
Testing a new counterweight setup for the TOA:

The TSA and two 5Kg weights are perfect to balance the TOA130NFB

but after I took the photo I thought something didn't look quite right, so out with the wet and dry, Autosol Paste and a couple of polishing cloths
and after a couple of hours the ADM logo was gone from the saddle, all the sharp corners and edges were draw filed to a 2mm radius and a little bit of 'bling' was added to it.......

OCD is contagious....... keep clear !!!

beren
18-11-2016, 09:05 PM
:eyepop: eye candy galore Matt, very nice with the monster Dob behind. What brand is the Finder on the TOA? Nice work on the saddle.

Kunama
18-11-2016, 09:41 PM
Thanks, the finder is a Baader Sky Surfer V, probably the nicest rdf I have seen.

Allan
18-11-2016, 09:49 PM
Matt, we knew you had problems, but now you're just throwing it in our face.

Atmos
18-11-2016, 10:00 PM
The mount isn't Tak green yet :P

Kunama
18-11-2016, 10:01 PM
I am going to get help as soon as I finish the tripod bracing system I am making at the moment...... :thanx:

Kunama
18-11-2016, 10:03 PM
It's early days Colin..... early days..... I am considering polishing the whole mount.... :D

sharpiel
18-11-2016, 11:26 PM
I love all my ten TOEs. But I'd sever them all to keep the eleventh,...my TOA..

Unless of course someone wanted to straight trade with me for a Mewlon 250 CRS...?

Clancy Lane
23-11-2016, 11:52 AM
Thanks Brian!

Here's the new gear!

Cheers mate!

Kunama
23-11-2016, 01:25 PM
Nice setup Phil, should keep you happy for years to come..... :thumbsup:

brian nordstrom
23-11-2016, 01:57 PM
:thumbsup: Very nice Clancy ! , should be you for many , many years :question:.
Brian.

Clancy Lane
23-11-2016, 02:05 PM
OR, until the next big thing comes along!

Phil

RickS
23-11-2016, 02:59 PM
There's always something bigger and better but looks like a great set up, Phil!

Clancy Lane
23-11-2016, 03:44 PM
Thanks Ric!

Loved your fabulous set up at Astrofest.....an astronomers dream!

cheers,

Phil

MortonH
02-12-2016, 12:59 PM
New-to-me Takahashi FS-78 just arrived from Steve, sitting on my old DSV-1 recently re-purchased from Col, with my DeLite 11mm recently re-purchased from Matt.

After reading several reviews that say it's almost as big as a 4" scope I was pleasantly surprised by how small it is in the flesh. The photos make it look bigger than it is.

FlashDrive
02-12-2016, 06:56 PM
Very nice Morton .... ' dibs ' when your done with it.

:D

Kunama
02-12-2016, 08:49 PM
No excuses now not to be at Yass 24 Feb ;) Nice portable setup :thumbsup:

DJT
03-12-2016, 07:27 PM
Picked up a new to me AP Mach1 earlier in the week along with an adapter for the berlebach tripod for use at the dark site.

Will see how it runs tonight. Where is that happy as a pig in S... emoji?

The FS60 is a tad over mounted now but something else will be arriving early next year :D

Dang, these things are well made.

Clear skies.

MortonH
03-12-2016, 11:36 PM
That is a very, very nice looking setup. :)

MortonH
03-12-2016, 11:43 PM
Haha. No problem, Col!

Had some clear skies tonight and managed some excellent views of the crescent Moon & Venus while it was getting dark. Then I put it on the DSV-3 so I cud look at a few fuzzies and was very impressed by how well it picked things out of the light pollution, even a couple of mag 9 galaxies.

I love how compact and light it is. The DSV-3 doesn't even know it's there.

toc
03-01-2017, 08:32 PM
Here is my new CGX mount with a Skywatcher 190mn scope (Mak Newt)

FlashDrive
03-01-2017, 08:39 PM
Nice bit of gear you got there Tim :)

brian nordstrom
06-01-2017, 06:11 PM
:thumbsup: I agree , very hefty looking , those 190's are quite large and the mount is not even breaking a sweat by the looks , nice .
Brian.

diegocolonnello
14-01-2017, 02:35 PM
This is mt NEWT.....

Saxon 8in F5
Carbon fiber tube by Klauss Helmerich
Home made focuser control using Arduino and a stepper motor
Bob Knobs
Polemaster
Qhy ccd camera, guidecam, FW and OAG
Home made control box.

hoverge
24-01-2017, 06:56 PM
My new equipment: FS-128 on FTX V2.

jenchris
24-01-2017, 07:04 PM
Now that I have pretty much finished my dome I'll post a pic of the rig I am using.
QHY8L Saxon 100ed eq6 sw102 guide scope with ssag camera.monitor and laptop. The pic actually shows a450d camera but that's because I use that sometimes as well

FlashDrive
24-01-2017, 07:12 PM
Ooooh .... Nice

UniPol
27-01-2017, 01:48 PM
Recently received my new Mewlon 180C from Claude and it's a beauty. The collimation is spot on, light weight, balances perfectly on my EM-11 and T-Rex mounts, no issues at all focusing with my Tak Twin View binoviewer and parfocal 5 EP turret. The weather hasn't been the best lately but managed to view Jupiter, Saturn and the moon and I can say that the images have been quite sharp right up to 200x which gives an acceptable image size. Cool down is great, no signs of turbulence after 20 minutes (from about 22C in the house to around 15C outside).

The Mewlon is mooted to be for visual planetary and lunar viewing which I am happy to do however milky way views were more than acceptable, the brighter stars just showing modest six diffraction spikes. I think the scope will complement my Tak refractors well owing to its greater light gathering power.

I have attached some pics of the Mewlon on my T-Rex mount and Tak's description of the 180C (Google translation from their site).

LewisM
27-01-2017, 02:05 PM
'Tis nice to be sure Steve.

Just finished wrapping my FS-102 for the relocation to CBR... looked like a photon torpedo LOL

Kunama
27-01-2017, 02:10 PM
Nice scope Steve (though I would miss the old green colour scheme ;) )

UniPol
27-01-2017, 08:23 PM
Thanks Lewis, hope all goes well relocating to the capital, it's a shame the skies won't be quite as good as when I left there in the early 1980's but the surrounds should be OK.

UniPol
27-01-2017, 08:26 PM
Thanks Matt, I think Tak might have mixed their left over grey paint with the green and this is the result. I must admit that the OTA looks a bit odd against my EM-11 mount but OK on the white T-Rex.

Kunama
27-01-2017, 09:17 PM
Nothing wong with the skies Steve, I can still see the Moon naked eye!!! :lol:

jenchris
27-01-2017, 11:05 PM
Not tonight you can.

LewisM
27-01-2017, 11:23 PM
I've seen many Mewlons with this colouration - not sure it grabs me like the early machine blue-grey or the more common chalky green, but its still pleasant and not yak-tastic like some other brands (like the anodised gold of WO that just makes me think of a 1970's pimp!)

LewisM
27-01-2017, 11:28 PM
Had long promised a Russian mate a view through the FS-102 before we left (they'll be down to CBR to visit). I had to sucker-hole all the time, but managed to give him a simply glorious view of M42 with a 32mm EP - he too saw colour in it, despite our absolutely sordid street lighting and building lighting around. The Trapezium stars were all so easily split , even with that wide field el-cheapo Orion ultrascopic! And Betelgeuse was a ruby with not even a hint of CA on it or Alnitak or anything else we jumped around looking at. A doublet no less! :) Simply magic.

DJT
22-02-2017, 10:13 PM
Having much fun getting to grips with a new to me FSQ106N.

I added an MEF4 focuser just to help things along and even though it's destined for imaging, it gives great views with, god forbid, an eyepiece attached.

The Finder scope on this thing is awesome..

With the stock focuser it's been very solid with an STL6303 and CFW on the back of it, no apparent flexure so far. It's been a real pleasure doing some NB imaging from Sydney and self guiding behind the filters with 20 seconds guiding subs. I did try shorter binned guiding subs but Maxim DL thinks they are hot pixels so giving star fade errors but unbinned and with a well polar aligned mount at this focal length longer subs work well.

Looking forward to trying this at a dark site.



Still can't find the happy as a Pig in &h@" smilie though!

Kunama
24-02-2017, 12:36 PM
Kunama Lightweight Pier + Takahashi EM400 + Takahashi Mewlon 300

Atmos
24-02-2017, 12:55 PM
You finally obscondered with it when someone wasn't looking ;)

Boozlefoot
25-02-2017, 12:03 PM
I see so much on this site and DROOL! But this is how its done in the bush with little funding, and at the end of the day I still love it!:hi: 150mm solar scope (pinhole lens and translucent screen in finder / homemade); Bush binocular mount; 12" Dob with a 90mm Mak finder(cause I cant see the 8x50 crosshairs on dark nights, and the grandson can also view the same target through the Mak when I'm on the Dob) The digital compass mounts on the turntable and is used in conjunction with a digital inclinometer. I couldn't afford a DSC so use this with Stellarium. It's rough (cost $53) but it works fairly well. Too damn heavy to move lately so a sliding roof ob is being built, lower half in stone (plentiful/cheap) and a ply over steel two half sliding top. Then there'll a homemade steel wedge mount to replace the wooden Dob base. 114mm binoscope also in design stage.(Just for the fun of it) And I've got the most priceless gift of all......a truly dark site on a quiet no through road, nearest neighbour 1/2km away.

Cheers to all and thank you for the advice and support I've been given.
Rod

Kunama
25-02-2017, 02:24 PM
Nice setup Rod! As we know, a dark site is worth much more than fancy optics...

tim.anderson
27-02-2017, 09:03 PM
My EQ8 + Long Perng 126mm triplet apochromat (thanks Adox) + Atik 420 mono imager (thanks Screwdriverone) + ZWO electronic filter wheel (LRGB+Ha) + Orion ED80T CF used for finding with a Baader Zoom + Orion SSAGPro camera and guidescope + a red dot finder.

Ten degree horizon 360 degrees around from the back deck on a concrete platform.

Cowra dark skies and a retirement to enjoy it in. Some pics at:

https://plus.google.com/+TimAnderson1956

FlashDrive
17-03-2017, 07:00 PM
339 ... 80mm f/15

Col....

Kunama
17-03-2017, 07:02 PM
Nice scope Col but I think you need my Husqvarna chainsaw for a few hours !!!

LewisM
17-03-2017, 07:09 PM
No point Matt - he shaved the beard and mo off :) :P

Baby-Face Flash

FlashDrive
17-03-2017, 07:58 PM
I take it out the front .... no trees in the way there..



Since when .....:confuse3:

Col .....

LewisM
17-03-2017, 08:27 PM
Much worse...err..better :P :P :P

StephenRH
27-03-2017, 01:01 PM
Here's my big beast. It's way bigger than I thought it would be. I call it 'Kororia'. The name is Maori for 'glory' and it comes from Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God." It's a fully laden 28" f/3.3. It was made by Peter Read, SDM Telescopes, in Bunbartha, VIC, Australia. It's a real work on art - aesthetically pleasing to the eye and tests revealed excellent performance.
The mirror is by Mike Lockwood of LCO in USA.
It has ArgoNavis and Servocat (with two handboxes - one on the stalk and one at the eyepiece.
Kororia has an 80mm f/6 Explore Scientific Triplet APO Finder with a 20mm Nagler. That has a 3.4° FOV at 24x magnification. A Telrad is fitted. There is also an 11x60 RA Finder to help balance the scope (which is as near to perfect as you can get).
I use Nagler eyepieces and have ordered a Stellarview 20mm 100° eyepiece as well.
It has fans fitted to cool the mirror and heater straps around the smaller instruments and eyepieces.
The rocker box is larger than usual as Peter wanted to raise the height to see closer to the horizon over my 1.200m fold down walls on the observatory.
It's permanently set up in Pukemaru Observatory, on my property near Kaitaia and about 100m up f the house.
I will be using it for visual variable star observing (CVs, RCBs, NLs, and a few Mira/LPVs). Plus of course, public viewing.
I have asked people not to ring me if it's a fine night between Last and First Quarter. I will be busy (unless it's raining).

Oh and by the way, it's been stormy for the past 2 days so no viewing and rain/storms/thunder predicted for the rest of the week so I haven't had a chance to observe yet. That is so often the case with a new telescope.

Allan
27-03-2017, 09:56 PM
Beautiful dob Stephen, you must be very happy. I saw it near completion in Pete's workshop, and you have to love the quality and attention to detail Peter puts into the dobs he's building these days. Certainly in my travels around the world observing with friends and at star parties, I haven't seen another dob that rivals what Pete builds.

So it's your variable star scope. Do you plan to turn it onto some other deep sky objects?

Kunama
28-03-2017, 07:49 AM
Love the scope Stephen, looks beautiful.

Peter was a great help to me when I built my scope, offering lots of free advice and supplying some custom parts. He sure does fine work!

Hope the Long White Cloud gives you some sky time!

Kunama
30-03-2017, 03:58 PM
My new observing ladder, with treads at 150mm spacing for better viewing heights:

Atmos
30-03-2017, 04:22 PM
Smaller than your previous one?

Kunama
30-03-2017, 04:32 PM
Actually about 150mm taller....

Atmos
30-03-2017, 04:39 PM
Oh, well it looks more ergonomic from my pretty bad memory :P

Kunama
30-03-2017, 04:50 PM
I actually bought two identical ladders today, then dismantled one of them and used the treads and a few other bits to make this one.

I cut about 16mm off each of the donor treads and fitted them halfway between the existing ones. I also installed a second brace on the back and then drilled some 53mm holes in the top for 2" eyepieces.

I will also be installing a taller folding handrail once I work out how to lock it securely in the up position....

UniPol
30-03-2017, 05:23 PM
Very nice Matt, another stairway to heaven if your not careful.

FlashDrive
30-03-2017, 05:49 PM
:lol:

LewisM
30-03-2017, 06:32 PM
I don't get it...why on Earth do YOU need a ladder Matt?

;)

Kunama
30-03-2017, 06:34 PM
It's not for me, it's for all the Short-RRRRs wanting to take a look.........:thumbsup:

StephenRH
02-04-2017, 09:37 PM
Thanks, Allan. Yes, it's a work of art all right. As good to look at as to look through. I will look at some deep sky objects and planets -- and show them to the public -- but mainly variables. It's performing way beyond my expectations. I saw mag 17.3 in the field of RU HOR and the seeing hasn't been great so who knows how deep it will allow me to see.

StephenRH
02-04-2017, 09:40 PM
Peter is a terrific guy all right, Kunama. His telescopes are delights to look at and delights to look through. Mine is exceptional.

Land of the Long White Cloud? We have not had a decent night so far -- partially clear skies but lots and lots of fog! Now we have a week of rain forecast -- remnants of the storm that hit northern Queensland :-(

Slawomir
15-04-2017, 04:02 PM
My current imaging setup after over four years of evolution. Ready to test camera's orthogonality, just need clear(ish) skies...

RickS
15-04-2017, 04:08 PM
Looks great, Suavi! Good luck with the weather.

JaseD
15-04-2017, 11:09 PM
WOW! Public viewing... nice. Next time in NZ, I would love to come check it out. My FIL is in Warkworth, you're really only a hop and skip away. Lovely bit of kit.

Cheers
J

Slawomir
16-04-2017, 08:17 AM
Thank you Rick,

Weather was good last night. Riccardi reducer highlighted a tilt somewhere in the optical train, so will need to investigate that. Stars with the flattener are pretty good, but could improve also. Will try to sort this out in the following weeks.