Beginners Start Here!

[iceman]

If you're new to astronomy, or if you're curious about astronomy, this is the place to ask your questions! Please, don't feel intimidated! We're here to help and it's a quick and easy process to start posting threads on the forum! It'll only take you 30 seconds.

1. Click on the "Register" link on the top right hand side of the header
2. Fill in your details with a user name, and remember to include a valid email address!
3. You will be required to confirm your registration via the email message sent to you. Check your email, click on the link in the message from IceInSpace forums.
4. Congratulations! You're registered!

Now just go to the forum of interest - to start a new thread simply click the "New Thread" button, type your message and click "Submit New Thread". To post a reply to someone else's message, open the thread and click the "Post Reply" link at the bottom.


Please, don't feel that your questions are too simple or that it's a silly or dumb question. We all started as beginners and if you're willing to ask questions it can really help lessen the (sometimes) steep learning curve for this great, interesting and rewarding hobby!

Hope to see you soon!

[rumples riot]

Cool Ice, this should be a very popular forum.

Paul

[Starkler]

Seems everyone here is an expert now :)

[seeker372011]

:) :) :)

[Saturn%5]

I am far from an expert .



So my question would be if you are going to clean your mirror what would you clean it with :newbie:

[vindictive666]

hello

follow this link and it might answer youre
question about cleaning mirrors :)

http://www.cloudynights.com/howtos2/clean-newt.htm

hope this helps :D

[Starkler]

If you want your mirror to dry spot free it help to do a final rinse with distilled water and then while your mirror is standing on end, get some paper towel and use the corners to carefully soak up any beads of water.

[iceman]

I want to clean mine, but i'm scared :scared: :scared2:

I'll get around to it one day tho.. I just don't look at it, then I won't realise how much grit is on it :)

[vindictive666]

hiya

just thought of thissa one

or you could try an lenspen or an puffer brush i think they are called ?
any photographic store should have em
ive seen em for under $20
:D

[xraydelta1]

,,, at least not for mirrors.

Mirrors used in telescopes have the reflective coating on the outside, unlike most with a layer of chrome or similar under glass.

This coating is usually aluminium, it's very soft.

Even the gentlest of brushing will damage the surface. Some people suggest rinsing under flowing distilled water, which will remove any loose dust particles, even going as far as drawing a soaked cotton ball over the surface as you rinse.

Distilled water is best because tap water contains othe elements which can damage the surface.

[silvinator]

there is always something new to learn in this hobby, which is why i love it so much. hello to all the people that are beginning to discover just how wonderful our hobby is. i hope that people are here to stay!

[Striker]

Just saying Hi.....

I can honestly call myself a beginner (noob) as my total experience in astronomy is almost up to 6 hours now.....hehe

Just bought 8 Inch Dob having its first look tonight if the skies are clear.....looking ok atm......

I feal I will be asking many questions here...hope you dont mind....

[iceman]

That's what we're here for, welcome to the forums Striker! Don't be afraid to ask any questions, we all started off at the same point.

How did you hear about us?

[Striker]

I joined the Astronomy online forums today and saw a member called Ving talking about these forums.....so here I am...

My first night out with my 8 inch Dob was great beside's the bloody Mozzies...guess what I found "the moon"....lol...it was so clear.....I just kept using my 25mm as my 15,9,6.5mm were too close...didn't see anything else but I didn't have a clue what to look for anyway.....the Dob was easy to use and setting the 8 x 50 scope was simple...omg I am a pro already....lol...

Next purchase...Aeroguard.

[rumples riot]

Welcome to the forum Striker, hope you enjoy your stay.:gday:

[seeker372011]

LOL:) :) :)

(can you hear 'Welcome to the Jungle" playing in the background?)

[Mick]

Hello Striker.

[Daring Dave]

Welcome Striker !


:welcome:

[Striker]

What the moons already been found....DAM.....I thought I was the first...what a downer....lol

[iceman]

Seriously though, the moon is a great place to start for someone new to observing.. There's enourmous amounts of detail that can be found on the moon, it just takes practise, a steady atmosphere and high magnification.

Did you get a neutral density (moon) filter with your kit? You should try that with the 25mm, it'll dim things down a bit and make it more comfortable to look for the detail.

You should consider using the high magnifications, there's a lot more to be seen, though you need steady seeing conditions to get the most out of them, plus the moon drifts out of the FOV very quickly at high magnification so it's a constant nudge nudge nudge needed.

Having said that, I do love a full moon view with the 25mm, well, I don't mean the full moon, but fitting the whole of the moon in the FOV :)

Good luck, with enthusiasm and practise (and sky charts), you'll start finding the other wonders that can be seen in the night sky. If you stay up late enough (10 or 11pm) you'll catch Saturn rising in the East, then you'll be hooked forever!! :)

Your first DSO should probably be M42, it's easy to find and one of the best DSO's in the sky.

[Striker]

Yeah Iceman I have a moon filter which dimms the brightness a little.....I will continue looking at the moon testing and playing a bit with my first scope....one thing?....whats with all the abbreviations.......and what the hell is a M42.....it sounds like a gun.....lol

DSO..FOV...? remember my scope come with no instructions.....

[ving]

DSO = deep space object
FOV = field of view

M42 is one of a number of DSOs discovered by a gentleman called Charles Messier (hence the "M"). it is also called "orions nebula". the constellation orion rises in the east at night, you may know part of orion already as part is known as "the saucepan" or "pot". the nebula is in the handle of the pot and is one of the prettiest things you will see in the night sky.

[iceman]

heh sorry, i'll elaborate.

M42 is a catalog code for a Deep-Space Object (DSO). The "M" stands for Messier, some guy (Charles Messier) who did a list of deep-space objects to view. So 42 is just the 42nd in his list.

M42 is the Orion Nebula, which is a big area of gas and dust where stars are being born. It's in the Orion constellation. Through the telescope it looks like a hazy patch of gas/dust surrounding 4 small stars.

A DSO (as I said) is a Deep-Space Object, basically, everything that's outside of our solar system (which is the moon and planets, asteroids, comets). DSO's include stars (!), nebula, galaxies, globular clusters, open clusters, etc.

FOV is Field-Of-View, the area of sky you see when you look into your eyepiece.


I suggest you go to your local bookshop and check out the astronomy/science section, or to your local telescope supplier. There should be some begineers books on astronomy, which will tell you all about these terms and give you a great head start.

[ving]

wasnt me! I swear!:whistle:

[silvinator]

I always thought DSO meant deep sky object...not that it matters.
Very nice description of M42 Ving, nice & poetic for a librarian of your stature :P

[ving]

aww shucks :ashamed:

I could reply in haiku if you like ;)

[iceman]

'atta way Ving! :D

Silvie,

deep-space, deep-sky, same thing :)

[Striker]

I am reading Astronomy 2005 as we speak....what computer software would you recommend that can be accessed easily for a basic planet finding program........has to be Noob Striker proof. or would a star chart be easier to understand?

What time of the night do you all most commonly view and do you all look to the east.....

[ving]

having a star chart and understanding the basics of that will make planets easier to find... i use cartes du ciel on my puter. its free and works great.

at the moment saturn is the easiest planet to observe rising in the east in gemini, a fair way below orion. most most other planets either rise in the early morning or are of the type that are hard to find.

I start viewing from about 10- 10:30pm and rarely stay out after midnight or i get nagged ;)

[Striker]

Thanks Ving...just downloaded that program.

[rumples riot]

Striker I generally take advantage of any hour of the night. Although getting up early sure does take the wind out of your sales. And from my place and court yard I can only see to the east down to the south. I think I go the best of it, if it had been facing to the north I would not have been happy Jan.:astron:

[Striker]

Ok......so approx 10:00pm tonight I can see Saturn from the east...pending on conditions..is that right....anything else to look for before 10:00pm and how high of the Horozon should I start looking...

One thing I do know is where East is...so tell me which direction and I will find it...maybe.

I hope the Mozzies have gone to bed by 10:00pm....lol

[jackenau]

At around 10, I would say it would be pretty low in the sky, probably just above tree line. Would start to get higher by 11 and is in the east north easterly direction.

Ken m

[Striker]

Thanks Jackenau.........I will try to check it out tonight.........

[Striker]

Ok.....I have seen my first planet Saturn with the help from Ken and Ving.......thankyou.

I spotted saturn easily once some of the fast moving low cloud dissapeared around 10:00pm last night.....11:00pm EDST.....then 15 mins later suddenly I was getting abused (Wife) no need to say anymore...lol...

I focused in on Saturn with my 25mm to spot, then I changed to my 6.5mm only to find each time I changed the eyepiece I managed ever so slightly to nudge the scope...lol...so this went on about 5 continuous times...once finaly fitted with the 6.5mm and in my FOV...haha had to throw that abrevo in.... the Monster(Wife) broke through her Chains and started abusing me of the time.

So I had a good 5 mins of actualy viewing time and found the focus was clear and considered the image to be very sharp but could not see any color....the conditions could have been better but should I be able to see some color on a good day......and considering the image was sharp..does this mean that my scope doesn't need collimating.......I just want to make sure my scope is set up right from the start...I would hate to think 3 months down the track that my scope was out of tune and I didn't know better.

[ving]

colour is something that will come to you. the more you observe an object the more you see in it. sxaturn being low on the horizon wouldnt ahve show a lot of colour anyhow. once it rises up further you will see more. :)

[Striker]

Ok..next question.....where and what camera to buy to fit my Guen Sheng 8" dob....

I want to take picture of the moon seeing I discovered it earlier this week...lol..

[silvinator]

hey Striker, if you have an old SLR film camera lying around, then you could use that for prime focus moon shots. Otherwise, any digital camera coupled afocally (or just held up to the eyepiece, though it's hard to keep from shaking in winter!) could give you some great moon shots as some forum members here have done. But you would be limited to capturing bright objects unless you have a way of tracking things with your dob. Also a cheap and nasty webcam would be good too.
Mike, I just had to point it out being a mother hen and all. :P But you're right, there really is no difference eh! As long as we all know that it's something far away, that is not a part of our solar system, then I'll be satisfied :D

[Striker]

Hey Iceman,

I hate my Dob's wooden mount already......it would be ok if I was like 2 ft tall on some occassions, I just find I am always in a very uncomfortable position which make viewing all the worse....is there anything wrong with going to a EQ5 mount for a Dob 8...or am I going over board.

Next question Konus Maksutov-cassgrain scopes...are they any good?...remember I am looking mainly at panets/moon and orion m42 atm....

[jackenau]

Evening Striker

From what I have read, it is quite reasonable to mount up to a 10" dob on an EQ5 mount. I suppose it has something to do with the stability-weight configuration.

Another option would be to pier mount the scope, I suppose this would be only useful from viewing in the one location.

I have the same problem with my 12" scope, but have a couple of garden chairs which are pretty comfortable and allow me to see into the eyepiece with very little contortionabilty.

Ken M

[Starman]

Iceman:I Just heard you plug your site on the A.B.C.About 10 minutes ago.

Thought I'd take a visit and have a look around.

Cheers!

[iceman]

Hi Starman!

I was hoping someone heard it ;) :welcome: to the forum and I hope to see you back often!

[ballaratdragons]

Howdy Starman,

Welcome aboard the starship 'Ice'.

:ship1:

<b>Enjoy the ride! </b>

[[1ponders]]

:welcome: Starman

[Starkler]

Wha ??

Mike is now a radio star ?
Please explain !

Welcome Starman :)

[Toshi]

Hey guys and girls, Ive found this site few days ago by looking in other forum called astronomyonline, iceinspace was mentioned so came to lurk around, I found this site very informative and decided to sign up... :cool:

btw, why didnt I sign up yesterday? It was my birthday :doh:

[toetoe]

Hi Starman,
keep looking around as i am as there is always something new..

[toetoe]

Happy B/Day Toshi,
I have found these forums the place to be if anyone needs any sort of info relating to this field.....Nice knockers!!

[frogman]

Good Evening All......

Brand spankin new,virgin (to astronomy)noob, with a little more money than sense from what i have just read.
Just bought myself a:
Guan Sheng GS-980-BK7-CRF
300mm x 1500mm reflector with 2" Crayford style focuser on a dobsonian mount.
with 4 Plossl ???? eyepieces
Moon Filter and a pair of binoculars (why ?)

For $1049 delivered.
I have been told that anything over 8" is is being greedy.... but ..... spent saturday night at the KOOLANG Observatory(is that right???) with their 500mm Dob and fell in love with it all...

After reading this forum i am installing cart da whatever it is called and have just bought some books on the subject from ebay!..

I would like to thank you guys for your information in advance....

Tah Boys.. sorrrry and girls..

Anthony

[[1ponders]]

:welcome: toshi and frogtwat. Happy Birthday Toshi. This place is a good birthday present to give yourself:P

Sounds like your well on the way Anthony. 10 and 12" dobs are very popular 'round 'ere. Won't be long till all the dob owners are crawling out of the woodwork to offer you suggestion. (watch out for the one's suggesting new eyepieces. I'm sure they've all got shares in nagler and televue :P )

[ving]

hey anthony, welcome aboard. sounds like a good scope you have bought. :)

[Striker]

Welcome Anthony...you have made a good choice on your purchase...well done.

[iceman]

Hi Anthony, welcome to the forum!

Where did you hear about us? You're from Kulnura, another local! Where do you observe?

Congrats on getting the 12", they're popping up like flies around here lately, almost overtaken the rush of 8"'ers that people bought a month or two ago. :D

Koolang observatory is a great place.. we should meet up one day soon!

Hope to see you back here soon.

[frogman]

IceMan cool by me ..... i need help and my toy isnt even here ye should be ariving this afternoon on wednesdayt...!:)
Ummm i have only observed once and that was at Koolang (20k away) and i will be setting up HERE on the property.... when the lights go out you can't see your hand in front of your face!
I live onsite (work) at The Paintball Place.

The boss said to me buy whatever you want from them (Andrews) and ill pay for it on the c/c you can do extra work around the property to pay it off :) woo hoo

[ballaratdragons]

Hooray, another GS 12 incher. Welcome Anthony!

I take it that Paintball Place is out of town in a dark area?

Tell us your impressions when the little boxes with your scope and stuff in them arrive.

The only hard bit is when you try to roll the sheetmetal into a tube! Fitting the mirrors in the right way is fairly easy, and assembling the Crayford focuser doesn't take more than 2-3 hours.

Good luck.

[frogman]

Your kiddin me arent you ?????

you tellin me its a full kit ?

[Striker]

hahahahaha.......Ken stop it......Your cracking me up....lol

Their is some assembly but all the major components are in tact......

lol....

approx 1 hour assembly max...and thats being slow....

[frogman]

Well done Ken you scared the s..t outa me
OHHH this waiting is KILLING ME !!! why done couriers work night shifts ???? Its at the Gosford depot. i can smell it. But .....just.....can't.....reach.....i t...!!!!

aren't couriers nasty people when you ask for an apropriate time for delivery :)

[frogman]

Woo Hoo Woo Hoo

Ummmmmm Woo Hoo

Doh its cloudy!!!!

[frogman]

Ok ther sent me
4mm
12.5mm
14mm
30 mm

10x25 nockies

[rumples riot]

Now you will have to wait at least six weeks before the clouds will go away. Thats part of the curse, any time you buy something astro related you have to appease the weather gods and wait the mandatory time.

[ving]

I'd have chosen a 9 or 6.5 mm over the 4 but there you go :)

welcome to the world of dobbing! :D

[frogman]

Thats just it Ving i didnt choose they are the ones Lee sent ....... so i take it that means the next purchase should be a 9mm ep?

is it worth getting (if poss.) 2" ep's ?

Your not wrong Rumples.... its been perfect viewing weather for the last few... days and now look at it !!!! GRRRRRR

[rumples riot]

Don't worry the same happens to most of us.

[slice of heaven]

Frogtwat, ordered my scope from Lee yesterday BUT told him I would ring today to finalize the ep selection after I sort out what would be worthwhile for the scope considering I've plenty of plossls & kelners for the kids. I thought Id choose 6, 9,15 & 25 to give them a good variety.
Soooo,I rang them this morning and was greeted with
"Sorry its too late we sent it 1st thing."
What ep's?
4...Closed my ears....20
The lady who I talked to said she selected them & packed them in.So there lies the mystery of the wild ep selections people have received.I've since talked to Lee & he will replace the ones I dont want. So give him a ring & ask him to swap the ones you dont want. Doesnt hurt to ask.

[frogman]

Fair enough is the 4mm going to be any good with such a large (ha ha ha ) appp...app..... mirror ? or should i just do the 9mm for it ???

what about the others ?
12.5 15 and 30 ??????

[iceman]

I wouldn't use the 4mm, it's likely to be pretty bad.

I'd use the 9mm as my lowest, barlowed if seeing really good (rare). I've also got the 15mm, 25mm and 32mm GSO plossls.

With a 2x barlow, it gives me all the mags I need.

[frogman]

GSO ????? Ill call lee tomorow and see if i can get the 4 and 12.5 changed to 9 and 25.

Whats the go with theses "wide view" ep's.
and does anyone use 2" ep's ??

Mike ill check out the best spots to set up out here and ill buzz you one day if you want to come up !!!!

Night all

[BC]

[QUOTE=Striker]

"I hate my Dob's wooden mount already......it would be ok if I was like 2 ft tall on some occassions, I just find I am always in a very uncomfortable position which make viewing all the worse....is there anything wrong with going to a EQ5 mount for a Dob 8...or am I going over board."

Hey Striker,

I'm looking over the older posts and I see you posed pretty much the same question as me when I came along recently. Did you ever put the 8" Dob on the EQ5? The folk here suggested pretty strongly that it wasn't a good idea. My trouble is that I basically like the idea of manouvering through the celestial coordinate system with fine control. BTW I am a cartographer who's job it is to understand terrestrial coord systems so perhaps I'm biased.

[atalas]

BC use a chair, Newtonians on an EQ mount get in even more awkward positions! unless
you have rotating rings and they would cost you as much as your dob did. Use a height ajustable chair and get comfortable.

Louie :)

[Ratman]

Hi people, Just wanted to say that I'll be calling in here from time to time with some varying questions, and by the look of previous posts, it seems that everyone in here would be willing to help out with answers. Being a nubie and all, the saga of which scope to buy has had me a tad bamboozled so far!

Cheeers Rats

[ballaratdragons]

Hi Rats!

Welcome aboard.
Let us Bamboozle you even more!! :rofl:

[square_peg114GT]

Hi Ice! I've dropped by a few times before but never took the time to register. Anyway, fine looking site you have here. Hope you don't mind a Yank dropping in now and again. I'll try to behave.

:)


Pegster

[iceman]

Hey Pegster, thanks for the feedback! Nice of you to drop by and say g'day :) We've had the odd yank come by from time to time, and yep they were odd, but they didn't cause too much trouble :D

:welcome:, :gday: and come back soon!

[[1ponders]]

:gday: and :welcome: Square. You're more than welcome to join us. Don't you know our long term goal is to poach everyone from ALL the amateur astronomy forums. :D

[square_peg114GT]

Careful what you wish for! :evil:


But seriously, thanks for the kind welcome to the odd Yank.

Oh, and Pegster works fine for a nickname or feel free to call me Tom if you'd rather (or 'hey you dumb Yank'). :lol:

[[1ponders]]

np and again welcome Peg2 (hmmm need superscript capability in these response panels), ok, Pegster

[captain3081]

Fantastic website!

I have almost convinced myself to buy a 10" GSO Dob. After reading this site, a few questions have emerged:
1) Should I pay extra for the Bintel, or go Andrews and use extra cash for EPs.
2) Is the deluxe version worth it for a newbie?
3) What is short/fast focal? Will the 10" F5 disappoint me when looking at planets?

Am really excited about starting the hobby. Been fascinated for a long time, never had the cash to get a decent scope before. Almost confident that a GS represents good value.

I hope to be a worthy contributor to the site. Fantastic work Ice, its so good to have a dedicated local forum.

Cheers!

[acropolite]

Welcome aboard the good ship IIS Captain...or should that be Sir...:D

[slice of heaven]

Ayyy Captain :welcome:

Your in Sydney so choose wisely. Andrews is cheaper yes, but Bintel seems to offer better service, their definitely more knowledgeable.
The deluxe version is worth it for the focuser alone,Definitely recommended.
The newt will give decent views of the planets, no problem, and top views of the fainter deep sky objects.

[ving]

CAPTAIN ON THE BRIDGE!

hiya cap, welcome aboard :)

GS make good value scopes. armed with a bit opf knowledge you shouldnt be disappointed :)

oops...

[Starkler]

Huh ?

[[1ponders]]

reads like a Freudian Slip to me Geoff. ving is finally coming out of the closet and dreaming of owning a value GOTO. :rofl:

Oh and :welcome: Captain. :hi:

[Striker]

Ving makes Knowledge sound bad so I dont want any.....lol

Ving you may want to change "should to shouldn't"

[slice of heaven]

Cant you guys read Vinglish yet ? :lol:

[davidpretorius]

welcome captain,

yes to planets being very nice, check out iceman's planet images, they are brilliant, you won't be able to do this straight out of the box, but with some barlows for magnifying and some sort of tracking when you want to produce exactly what iceman has, you can do it too. Yes the views of planets are great!

Barlows and tracking are not necessary t have a go however, i have included a link to my jupiter pic without tracking and without a barlow, using a webcam which is equivalent to say a 5mm eyepiece. http://www.precons.com/iis/gallery/Images/Deep%20Space/20050801-005-jupiter-wavele.jpg
and my orion nebula pic without tracking, using the 40mm eyepiece, without a barlow

deluxe version is a must i believe, crayford focusser is much much better, not sure on the bk7 mirror as i do not have anything to compare with, not sure if a fan is coming with the 10".

I was in the same dilemna in june this year, bintel or andrews. I could understand the extra for bintel due to them collimating (aligning the mirror) and making sure things were spot on, BUT freight to Tassie was $200 for bintel, Andrews $75. I therefore went Andrews. In your case, go and visit both as there is no freight and my guess is that bintels will win you over. Bintel are experts, Andrews aren't. Both are great guys, but as one member recently found out that if there is problem with a scope (it is not very common mind you), that a bit of pre delivery care and inspection is worth the extra money from bintel.

The free bits are much the same. I got 4 free series 500 eyepieces (40mm, 25mm, 12.5mm, 6.5mm) from andrews, moon filter and binoculars. I believe bintel offer a eyepiece case which i have seen and like very much.

The series 500 eyepieces work and provide a decent enough view. They are not crap, but they are the bottom of the food chain. I would strongly recommend spending a little extra from bintel (if you go that way) and get two maybe three eyepiece only.

Say 30mm and 10mm, (others may vary this), but down the track you can buy a barlow that will magnify these eyepieces. ie if you get a 2x barlow, the 30mm becomes a 15mm, the 10mm becomes a 5mm. The 10mm will give very nice
views of the planets.

For my eyepieces, i hardly use the 6.5mm, the 12.5mm is great on jupiter, and the 25mm and 40mm are great for the nebulas and clusters.

If i had my time again, i would forgo the 4 free series eyepieces and spend a little extra on say two good eyepieces and a barlow.

Food for thought. Great guys here for info and are they are only too eager to help u!

[captain3081]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone, and especially thanks for the advice. It helps to feel that someone is holding your hand when spending this sort of money.

I went to Andrews today and had a chat. I have to convice the wife that Christmas has come early, after I check out Bintel.

Love the Captain jokes, I get it on every forum, but for the record I am not a trekkie.

Will keep you all posted as I progress.

Thanks again! :thumbsup:

[ving]

eh, typo... so shoot me :P
fixed

[davidpretorius]

don't worry about the wife, i just told her i was getting it and that was that.....ooops gotta go, she has just walked in......."what was that dear, clean the kitchen????... yes dear ..... i know dear ...... only 452 hours of housework to pay for the telescope, i know, i know!!!"

[confined]

Hello everyone.

I've just signed up, and I have little to no knowledge of Astronomy. I am considering buying a dobsonian, probably in December, and I would greatly appreciate it if you could all send some information my way. Assume I know nothing :)

Hope to be hanging around, at least until i'm a novice astronomer :P

Cheers!

[asimov]

Welcome to the forum confined...enjoy!

[confined]

Thanks for the warm welcome asimov!

I'm just doing some cruising around the beginners forum to get a better understanding of astronomy.

I'm learning already!

[[1ponders]]

:gday: and :welcome: confined.

[confined]

Thanks [1ponders].

I'll say this now, so hopefully you can all steer me in the right direction.

I'm thinking of getting a dobsonian, but I want something that I won't need to replace anytime soon. By that I mean that it should satisfy my needs when I become a bit more of a pro. MUCH later as well, I think I will get into astrophotography, so that would be another thing to consider. I believe an equatorial mount is the way to go?

I've been looking at the GSO and Bintel 12" dobs, and just seeking more opinions and guidance. I won't be purchasing anything for several months, so this should give me adequate time to prepare myself for such a purchase. Also if you could enlighten me on good accessories such as eyepieces and barlow lenses, that would be tip-top :)

Also, I wouldn't mind being able to view both DSO's and planets, but DSO seems the way to go, if that has any bearing on choices of telescopes.

Cheers!

[[1ponders]]

Definately the Dob is the best bang for you buck. If you want to do astrophotography you can do it with a dob, but its not the optimal setup, even with an equatorial platform. If you find yourself loving this hobby, which you probably will :D, then when you do decide to go for photography, then get a dedicated setup. You can get going with an excellent quality GSO Dob (GS 580, 680, 880) relatively inexpensively and save up the thou$and$ needed for astrophotography

[davidpretorius]

Hi and welcome confined,

12" reflector - can't go wrong for either dso's or planets.

now the mount!!!

where you save money is by buying a dob mount. whereas allow $1200 plus for a solid eq6 (equatorial mount). not sure if this will get you a motorized mount though. You can buy motorized platforms as well, which give you about an hour of tracking but no more!

i have a 10" dob from andrews with the bk7 & crayford focusser. i am in the process of motorizing it and hope to do it for around $500 ish.

if i did not enjoy the journey of motorizing as much as i am, i would be saving for a eq6 mount!.

the dob is great for viewing all the dso's and planets.

eyepieces: try and go for good one, you can buy series 500 for around $29, but i would budget at least around $50. Also allow for a super wide or ultrawide. I have the 80 degree 32mm ultrawide from andrews and it is great! The nice wide views are lovely and it great for hunting dso's.

allow at least $150 for a good barlow for planet viewing.

the barlow will magnify the eyepiece you are looking thru.

Don't go overboard with heaps of eyepieces, as a 2xbarlow will turn a 20mm into a 10mm, a 30mm into a 15mm, therefore negating the need to buy a 10mm or 15mm

have fun

[confined]

Well I just had a quick browse in Google, and came up with this: http://www.skywatchertelescope.net/EQ6.html

It will easily handle refractors up to 200mm and classic Newtonians up to 14" in aperture.

So I imagine there would be no dillemas with throwing either the Guan Sheng GS-980-BK7-CRF or the Bintel BT-302 onto it? (both are 12" dobs)

I just want to know if i'm on the right track so far... :S

Cheers.

[davidpretorius]

plus rings to put around the tube and a bracket if i am correct?????

[[1ponders]]

You might get away with that for visual work, confined, but for photography its very unlikely it will be stable enough. If you want to do photography then the safest bet is to work with only 40 - 60% of mount capacity. But with such long tubes you have the additional problem of "lever arm movement" a type of mount flexure that is caused by the leverage action a long scope has on the Dec juntion of the mount head

This link might give you an idea of what you're looking for. http://members.iinet.net.au/~rog1/astro/info/review/portable_photography_mounts.html and Roger is only trying to mount two small refractors. From only my brief experience with astrophotography I would suggest to start with small scopes. Either Telephoto lenses on a camera or a short tube refractor. The longer your focal length the more demanding it is on your mount and the harder it is to get a successful image, especially with a mediocre mount. You can do a lot with a smaller good quality mount using shorter focal length scopes

[davidpretorius]

u could hold it stiller with your arms around the tube?????? as a third ring????? but it would be tire ring!

[ballaratdragons]

Hi confined.

Welcome to astronomy, the hobby/interest that will be around as long as we have space up there!

As far as buying now and updating later, that is a great idea. Around December Andrews will have their new 16" Dob available. Buy one and when you are ready to upgrade to GoTo I will buy the 16" off you for about $300. It will be used by then and second hand scopes aren't worth much as the beams from from your eyes wear the mirror out!
Oh, you will also need Nagler eyepieces for that 16", but don't worry, I'll grab those off you to when you sell me the scope. $20 each should cover it.

I think Ving will want your series 500 eyepieces though! Just give them to him :thumbsup:













Confined, please ignore all the above dribble and welcome aboard :P

[confined]

Thanks for all the advice. Would you suggest that I get a 12" dob for viewing, and then at a later date (maybe several years down the track) grab a smaller scope or something and a decent camera and then think about astrophotography.

One thing i'd really like to know now, is what I should purchase to further my knowledge in astronomy. Are there any magazines you would recommend a subscription to? What binoculars should I buy? (I have Tasco 8x21mm), And should I get anything else, ie. laser pointer, acessories etc etc.

Thanks for all the feedback!

[[1ponders]]

If you have the funds, hell go for the whole shebang. It depends ultimately on what your long term goals are.

You could get up and running in astrophotography with an Orion 80ED, a film SLR (if you want to punish yourself :) ) or a digital SLR (Canon, Nikon, pentax etc (canon generally being the prefered DSLR atm) a good quality mount (with maybe a small cheap refractor and webcam for autoguiding or a reticle for manual guiding) and a "T" adapter to conect the camera to the scope. All up around 3 - 3.5 grand. Cheaper if you can pick stuff up second hand. Oh and a few eyepieces for those visual nights.

Or to go the Dob road a 10" or 12" GS for between $700 and $1100 (get them with the crayfor focuser definately) plus another couple of hundred for some good quality eyepieces. Total maybe $1000 - $1500.

It would certainly be nice to have both. :D With a quick setup dob (maybe on a trolley) you can take advantage of nights with sucker holes, while if your wanting to do imaging, the sucker holes bring on lots of frustration 'cause you want to be out there and you know its just not worth setting up. Mind you the view through and Orion 80ED is certainly nothing to complain about, but it just won't compare to a 10" dob

Your choice :P

[confined]

Thanks for that [1ponders], but as I don't have enough money to get started right now, I should concentrate on furthering my knowledge of astronomy.

Could you give me some recommendations on binoculars, resources (magazines, books, websites) and any acessories I should consider/definetly get?

Just want to learn a bit more for now, and I think i'll forget about astrophotography, at least for the moment. Just want to get off my feet in the world of astronomy :P

Cheers!

[[1ponders]]

If you do a search (at the top of the page) on binoculars you will find HEAPS. There has been a couple of pretty indepth threads over the last month or two. For magazines Australian Sky and Telescope is a great read. There are probably thousands of websites dedicated to astronomy. Apart from my favourite one here :P I also like http://skyandtelescope.com/ as I can personalise it for my location and get an interactive sky charts for dates, times and locations that I can specify. The first thing you need though if your just starting out is a planisphere or "star wheel" to help you start identifying constellations, stars and some of the brighter deep sky objects.

[confined]

Thanks again.

I might grab a 1 year subscription tonight, while the 15-20% off deal is still running, and then order a star wheel tomorrow.

I've also made my own thread about binoculars, as I just want to get a bit more specific/relevant information for me. Feel free to stop by :)

Cheers!

[[1ponders]]

Stop by :eyepop::rofl: I live here :lol:

[ballaratdragons]

Confined,

If you are going to save up till the end of the year for a scope and you want as much glass as possible, consider the new 16" dob coming out around Nov-Dec at Andrews.

He has not informed us of any prices yet but the hint from Andrews is that they are very cheap for there size.

Just an option.

[davidpretorius]

yes yes the 16" and we can get to look thru it for free!!!!!

[RAJAH235]

As do most of us, Paul. :shrug: :D L.
ps. Hi 'confined'. Welcome.....:welcome:

[Starkler]

Too late !
I wish I could buy one just in time for the star camp :)

:windy: :windy: :windy:

:rofl:

Ok its not funny is it ken ;)

[confined]

I won't be buying anything until December (except A S&T subscription and some binoculars), so 16" Dob could be on the cards.

Thanks for the update. You'll have to fly over here and check it out, for free...:scared:

[ballaratdragons]

No No No, we look through it when you do your drive around Oz to visit all us terrific members!

Geoff, sorry but you've lost me there. What's not funny? The weather or the Andrews story?

[ballaratdragons]

Hahaha!

Remember when beginners dreamt of owning a 114mm reflector or a Dork Smith refractor. Then the craze was to start with a GS 6" dob. WOW, then the beginner craze was the GS 8"

Now here we are informing beginners of the new GS16"!!! LOL! What next???

"Hey bud, ya gotta start with the basic 2m Mak Newt in a computer operated 9m dome with infra-red imaging or it just ain't worth taking up this hobby"

[confined]

Sorry Ken, but I can barely afford a pair of binoculars let alone a 16" dob and a trip around Aus. Let alone a vehicle capable of hauling it :P

Maybe early next year son, maybe...

[Starkler]

Ken your getting old mate !
Whats likely to happen if I bought a 16 inch dob just before the star camp ? :rolleyes:

[ballaratdragons]

:doh: I am getting slow aren't I.

No Geoff, don't do it!!!!! Pleeeeeeeez! I've placed an order for good weather for all 4 nights! The Bureau of Meterology accepted the cheque, so I hope they deliver. :shrug:

[scubagirl]

Hi all I'm new and need some help with my first telescope. I have two daughters ages 11 and 8 and want to buy something for xmas that the whole family will enjoy. My uncle is an astronomer in the USA and recommended I buy the Orion StartBlast Astro Telescope. It's portable, a reflector telescope and has a 113mm diameter. It's $169.00USD, but the company doesn't ship overseas, but even if it did with the exchange rate and shipping I'm now looking at over $300.00. So my question is what is a good telescope with a 113mm diameter that's good for beginners?? don't know if my kids will still be interested in the telescope after December 26th. It's all so overwhelming, all the numbers and diameters and ratio's and focal lengths...... I would like to spend about $200.00 if possible. Anyway anyone with suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
:confuse2:

[atalas]

:welcome: to IIS scubergirl ,I hope you enjoy your stay here.
Which telescope to buy ? on the budget you have (IMHO ) I would go for a set of bino's , $199.00 will buy you a set of 20x 80mm bino's which will be fun and easy to use .

[davidpretorius]

welcome scubagirl,

http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm

Andrews is probabley the cheapest of the good to great suppliers (in my opinion). He is based in sydney along with Bintel https://www.bintelshop.com.au/welcome.htm.

http://www.andrewscom.com.au/images/products/telescopes/refractor/70x700az2.jpg
are refracting and basically your cheapest $199, pretty easy to use.
http://www.andrewscom.com.au/images/products/telescopes/dobsonian/gs580.jpg
are called "dob" based units, moderately easy to use $299, but you get to collect more light and see more with it.

Dobs are very popular. The girls will be tall enough to look thru the dob as the eyepiece is near the top.

For your 113mm reflecting
http://www.andrewscom.com.au/images/products/telescopes/reflector/gs280.jpg
$399, but i am guesing the girls may have to stand on something to look thru it.

I would go the 150mm on a dob base for $299 as you can always buy a mount later.

I notice you are from Victoria. There is a Star camp at ballarat with families and all staying there for friday 30th to 2nd nov. It would be well worth the day trip pop in, see all types of telescopes

Yorke are in the city in melbourne, but everyone seems to use the guys in sydney.

You will get great help from the guys and girls on this site.


Welcome

[Starkler]

The 6 inch dob in the picture above is the minimum scope I could recommend to anyone. Anything less will just be an exercise in frustration with a wobbly scope that will shimmy everytime you touch it or try to focus. What might look reasonably sturdy on the shop floor is a different animal once those wobbles are magnified by 100 or 200 times.

The Orion starblast would be a great starter scope. I would buy one myself if they were available here :(

[Reg Johnson]

Hi, another new bloke here. Interesting to read all the scope/eyepiece talk. I bought a 12" Dob and am not really over the moon about it (excuse the pun) I saw the article regarding star testing...I see no rings at all under high mag. just a large fuzzy ball. I had the scope outside to cool off for an hour too. Am now dismantling the mirrors as instructed....

[ving]

hi reg, it could just be that the seeing was bad and hence no rings.

[davidpretorius]

what were your expectations to start with?

I have found that collimation is only the last 5%-10% in sharpness or viewing pleasure

I was blown away with my 10" dob in terms of nebula, galaxies, double stars and planets when i first got it regardless of the collimation.

Friends are dumb struck when they see mars even if it is 10 degrees above the horizon, there is no detail, but to see a red blob, they are wrapped. It is only now 5 months later that I am imaging that i want sharp contrast on planets and splitting stars etc

I would have thought a 12" would still show great amounts of stuff regardless of collimation unless you were expecting to see mars filling up your eyepiece with all the fine detail.

It worries me a bit, because if you are disappointed now, then collimation wont double or triple the experience, it only refines it!

Unless there is something majorly wrong with your scope that is!

Another guy in NSW bought a 12" and was disappointed but that was because he didn't know where to look.

I would love to hear you opinion on Orion (the saucepan in the photo). Point your scope at the handle and let me know what you see. it rises in the east around 9pm my time, so adjust for WA time. This is one of the showpieces of the sky and I hope that the experience of viewing this will get the excitement levels rocketing!!

Re Collimation:

Very important, but not the be all and end all. It is a refining process.
Not sure of the links, but these are my two favourites and in order:
1. http://www.schlatter.org/Dad/Astronomy/collimate.htm
2. http://legault.club.fr/collim.html

#2 is for the final tweaking ie a star test.

Especially for the star test, you need your primary mirror less than 1 degree different to the ambient temp. We all say take your scope out and let it cool for an 1hour, but that does not work here in tasmania as the temp keeps dropping from say 9pm to after 12pm. Take a thermometer out with you and check to see when the temp has stabilized and then wait for an hour!!!

Once the mirror is the same temp, then you will see the rings around the outer edge. Of couse as ving has mentioned, the actual atmosphere or high level jet stream could be causing havoc, so that will also bugger the star test!

I am hoping orion will get you excited!

[ving]

your excitement is quite infectious you know dave :)
there are many factor to take into account as you can see. maybe also you were using too much magnification?

[Mikezoom]

Hi all, :)

Mike here and have been reading for a week or 2 after being told about this funky place by Astroman from...

http://www.weatherzone.com.au/index.jsp

Well now my GF hates my PC even more as I have been spending double time on it. :P Great place, hope to see everyone from time to time and make sure you are all here to help when I get my GS 880 in Feb. :nerd:

Mike.

[davidpretorius]

easily fixed with the GF, marry her and then she won't care what you do. If it gets you out of the house, but keeps you off the streets, then astronomy / computers is great!!!

i also have the 10", the best scope in the world bar none!!!!

yes we will help, cos we love to!!!

[Harlequin]

G'day, I am interested in developing a lifelong hobby in astronomy. I live in QLD, on the Gold Coast. I am planning on driving 25 mins away from the coast to the national parks for darker skies when I have decided which telescope am going to invest in. I am prepared to invest $6,000 for long term hardware. I am interested in viewing high quality DSO?s and I do not plan on astrophotography.

I find the idea of an expensive computerised telescope interesting since this will allow me immediate success out-of-the-box. However the features of the large aperture DOB Truss that can be (de)assembled into my large Camry Toyota Station Wagon is also very attractive. The DOB Truss will allow me access to DSO?s other hardware may not be able to. I am prepared to spend 30 mins assembling, with an additional hour of cool down before beginning to explore space.

I am fortunate to have a local mentor who is prepared to help me with any problems I encounter. This has reduced my newbie concerns about manually locating DSO?s with the DOB style telescopes.

Please let me know if you have any advice and tips. I am looking forward to contributing to this community. Chat to you soon.


Best regards


Harlequin

[Hitchhiker]

Invest is exactly the right word. A good telescope is a lifelong investment.

If you're only interested in visual observing maybe a big dob with an Argo Navis or similar computerised system would be a good start.

[ballaratdragons]

Harlequin, may I suggest to take up the hobby of 'Astronomy' instead of 'Astrology'.

[davidpretorius]

Ok off the top of my head, i am thinking your $$$ are putting you in the middle of no mans land.

$2499 for a 16" truss dob
$1000 for a dob driver from TECH2000 or Mel Bartels system
$1000 at the most for two top eyepieces or three very good ones
______
$4500

Or getting up around $7 - 10,000 you could get yourself into some serious equipment that a member Rumples Riot has just purchased.

I will not suggest an eq mount only because you are wanting setup quickly when driving out and back. plus you have no interest in astrophotography.

Having said that though, I would suggest allowing $500 for a toucam and modifications or some complete imaging packages. THere is nothing more pleasing than taking shots of what you see and showing friends and family.

I have just installed a Tech2000 dob driver on my 10" that tracks the stars and planets and incorporated into your laptop gives you a goto system.

keep coming back asking us questions, you will get lots of advice and you need to digest that an be 100% sure and happy you are buying something that will meet everything you are wanting to do over the next 10 years or so.

There is no perfect setup, each one's is different, so ask away and pick to pieces each setup and work out what's best for you.

[asimov]

Why even have tracking if theres no interest in astrophotography or high power planet viewing....Just a thought.

[davidpretorius]

true, spend say $1500 odd on a 12" dob + $1000 for argo navis and some very good eyepieces and leave it at that.

don't tell your wife you haven't spent the remainder of the $6000!!!

[asimov]

But with a budget of 6K.....I'd have to go the 16" truss tube dob. + full set of High-end EPs....I can't imagine staying with just low power DSO observing for too long! Theres too many other things to be looking at! I'd have to have the tracking/CCD camera & all the other goodies!

[Harlequin]

LOL, I missed that mistake since I was reading half a dozen threads at the same time while writing down ideas I had been thinking about. =)


Are there recommended procedures for locating DSO's of interest? For example: space reference maps with diagrams, labels, etc? I have read many astronomy books from the library that assume you know the basics. While I have been reading your experiences, I find myself having to pause and research what specific words and terms mean. If astronomy is a continual learning curve then I think I am going to really enjoy it.

[Harlequin]

The attraction of the Go-To system involves the large database of thousands of objects that can be found within a few minutes. The tracking would not be used unless I changed my mind and setup for astrophotography.

I would like to be able to find the time to explore space at least 4 times each week. How many different objects in space are reasonable to explore during one night of dark skies and good weather?

[davidpretorius]

i know from experience, to start with you will wanto to look at every object in the night sky in one sitting.

I would suggest starting with something easy and then working out from that object.

If you are buying in the next few months (16" don't arrive till march), then orion is a great area for nebula and then around there are lots of double stars. also there are at least 10 galaxies that are strating to come up in the earlier morning.

i have starry night pro (a must i believe) and it is a computer simulation of what you see in the night sky.

Experience is everything. You really want to get good at a certain small patch of sky so that finding that object is easy and then you can study.



a few months down the track, then you start to realize you have the rest of your life to view the heavans and so spend long periods of time observing a certain object for 10's of minutes at a time.

i am watching mars a lot at the moment and also the stars in orion.

I plane to have a go at the leo triplets galaxies tonight!

[Miaplacidus]

Sorry, Harlequin, but I am now going to sound like a very, VERY old fart. It's good that you have someone to help you, but I still believe that the very first thing you need to buy is membership to a local astro club. Then binoculars and a basic star chart. A newcomer with a big budget is still a newcomer, and a big budget to me just means more potential to make a very expensive mistake. There is simply no substitute for looking through (and at) lots and lots of other people's telescopes actually in use.

Really, if I was in your position, I might even consider buying a 80-100 mm apo triplet on a fantastic alt-az mount with digital setting circles. The DSCs you'd be able to migrate across to any dob you get later, and I bet the refractor would always get a lot of use, one way or another. Still, I don't even want to pretend that this sounds anything like the right choice for you right now.

Cheers,

Brian.

[ballaratdragons]

Also, another idea Harley is to download Cartes du Ciel into your pooter or laptop. It's FREE! Takes about 20 minutes to learn how to use it and it is very easy to use.

It is a program of the sky and you can use 'Search' to see where things are in the sky, mark your favourites on the map, switch to red screen to protect night vision etc etc. There are plenty of Astro programs but I find Cartes du Ciel easy to use and because it's free!

Go here and scroll down to the list of available dowloads and select 'Basic Package 2.76' - http://www.stargazing.net/astropc/download.html

There are thousands and thousands of Galaxies etc for you to locate using this Star Map program.

[janoskiss]

Being able to join a local astronomy club or society and getting help from experienced people would be nice, but if that's not feasible, it's no big deal.

I was going to go the join-a-club-first route, tried to contact a local one a couple of times about their next scheduled viewing night, and got no response. Stuff this club joining BS, I thought, I'll just get myself a telescope. And I did. And it was a dud. But it was real cheap, and I had a ball with it anyway, so no big deal. Then, after a lot of reading I bought the 8" Dob I have now, which is great.

As for the actual astronomy bit, you just need to get some maps of the sky (planisphere + star charts) and you look up with naked eye, binoculars and telescope, in that order, and enjoy. "The Southern Sky Guide" by Ellyard & Tirion is great for showing you where the best deep sky objects are and has enough content to keep you entertained for a year of observing and then some.

It's not hard. This is astronomy, not rocket science! :P But it's a lot of fun. :)

[Harlequin]

Davidpretorius,

I will be buying within the next few months. I am interested in the specifications of the 16" truss Dob compared to other models. Especially since I have had a chance to practice with my friends homemade Dob.

I am keen to explore Orion since viewed many images from NASA and the recent photo from Alexander. I wish I could print huge posters of these amazing images for my house.


Brian,

I have reviewed information from an active and well organised astro club located in north Brisbane. After reading their response about astrocamps and meetings, I referred to my Brisbane map and am not confident with navigating through Brisbane CBD from the Gold Coast. I have spoken to friends and family about any existing Gold Coast astro clubs without success.

I have rediscovered large foldout star charts from several magazines published by Australian Geographic called Newton. I have borrowed my friend's binoculars and have created nightly tests to locate well known objects in the sky in order to become more familiar with the well known DSO's.


Ballaratdragons,

Thank you for referring me to this wonderful program. I can not believe this is available for free with all the features and information included. This program has been added to my permanent "bag'o'tricks".


Thanks for the advice.

Best regards,


Harlequin

[Ziggy Stardust]

Goodday to all,

I found you guys via the great article in Sky and Telescope and was excited to find a true Aussie forum....

Well, I'm Tony. I'm an ex-South African ( no cricket jokes please ) here now in Perth. I have always been very active in astronomy back in RSA and served on the ASSA committee for the Johannesburg branch back in 2003, before coming to Aussie. And since then my scopes are mostly gathering dust, due to work and not finding the right bunch of astro-holics to spend my nights with.... also ****** light pollution in Merriwa for the first year here. Well now I'm up in Swan Valley and on a nice dark big small holding, backing onto Whiteman Park... so the night is bright again....

ok, so what toys do I have...
1x Meade LX 200GPS 12 inch meade, plus loads of extras
1x Helois 150mm ( 6 inch) F12 refractor ( chinese made, but a great scope)
1x Borge Apo 90mm refractor ( also used as a guide scope on Meade 12inch)
1x wide angle bino's.... most used tool!!!
1x nikon 4500 camera dedicated to astro work...

and more len's and toys than I can admit to my wife...

So whats my claim to fame....mmm published three times for my eclipse foto's from the 2002 Eclipse in Africa. Twice in Sky and Telescope (usa) and once in Astronomy.


And what am I looking for... well as the Meade 12inch is close to 35kg+++ I need some one to help me use it.... and some friends to get cold with on clear winter nights around the Swan Valley areas... and too make good Astro-friends here in Australia.

Tony
aka...Ziggy Stardust

[iceman]

Welcome Tony!

There's already a thread dedicated to you: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=6948

Hope you enjoy your time here! There's some great guys over in Perth that i'm sure would love to get together for some viewing nights.

[Gargoyle_Steve]

Howdy folks .... quick intro: I'm a very old hand in terms of loving the dark skies, etc but never owned, and very rarely even looked through, a decent scope that engenders in one a love of astronomy and the heavens above. Experiences with others' scopes has been with nothing but fraught with bad optics, smeary results, painfull attempts at fine tuning, etc. Have decided to get out and buy a "quality" scope, budget is really tight at present but have a new job working shiftwork so often I'm awake a lot at night and there's few other things you can do by yourself in the dark :-)

Anyway .... choosing a first scope .. like many others here I've thought seriously about a good Dobson, big as I can afford which is only 8-10" probably short term. However while doing heaps of research I did get very keen on something like a Meade ETX. Must admit the idea of a GOTO system appeals hugely to me at present, though the pricing has put me right off the ETX models at this time anyway.

Through friend in the states I have come across a couple of other great Meade deals I really cant go past. I should point out that my main interest at present is scoping the moon and other planets, comets when available, and a few of the more lively and beautiful star clusters.

Ok, so here's the gist, I can get a Meade TeleStar DS-2130AT with H25mm, H12.5mm and SR4mm and a 3X Barlow lens plus the basic Autostar system, I like the 5" aperture but this unit has the standard rack and pinion focuser (as do all these options) with .965” and 2” eyepiece holders. I know the 1.25" are the go now, how much worse are the .965's, how much smaller is the FOV?

Alternately I can get a DS-114ATE, pretty much the same accessories package, still with .965" eyepieces, but comes with the bonus electronic eyepiece - the simple RCA video output type but I can see the fun in that, would the 114mm aperture grab enough light to make the video outpout worthwhile?

Or ..... :-) ..... I can get the DS-2114ATSA "short tube" version but it does have 1.25" eyepieces in 25mm and 9mm and a 2x Barlow.

I have a couple of options as well for some 60 to 90mm Meade refractors also with Autostar guidance. I have read that a reasonable refractor will do as good a job of showing planets, if not better than, any reflector for the same or similar price. I wonder how happy I would be with the smaller aperture.

These are all going to cost me between Oz$280 and $350 roughly sent to my local post office. For this price I think I could make do very nicely until such time as I can save somewhere between 1 to 2 grand maybe for a fairly pleasant, large bore Dobson setup.

So .. open to discussion, please feel free to tear my ideas apart, or perhaps even affirm that my ideas aren't too far off line for a newbie.

PS: I do have a set of binocs already, they're only Tasco but they are 8-24x50 variables and I do have a lot of fun with them.

[Starkler]

Steve, please as a minimum, dont consider anything cheaper than a 6" dob of GSO or skywatcher make. Anything less is going to be a frustrating waste of money where you will be fighting wobbly mounts, bad focusers and poor optics instead of enjoying your scope.
You certainly should avoid short tube type newtonians which have a long focal length. These scopes have a built in plastic barlow and are typically very poor optically, and almost impossible to collimate.

[[1ponders]]

Listen to Starkler. The mount will drive you nuts for a start. It will be very flimsy. There are quite possibly some good .925 eyepieces around the place but I'm betting the ones offered here are not them. Avoid .925 eyepieces, 1.25" are the minimum to start with as they are the "standard" now.

Best bang for the buck? 6" - 8" GS Dob, you might even be able to talk them into throwing in a couple of eyepieces. Too many people have given up the on astronomy because of dodgy mounts and scopes. Check out the GS - 580 under Dobsonian scopes here (http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm)

I see you're on the Sunshine Coast. I'm in Nambour and there are quite afew of us you get together every month out at Kenilworth. You're welcome to drop in for visit at either place. Drop me a pm if you interested.

[Miaplacidus]

Join your local club and sponge off everybody else. I find that OPs have the fastest and easiest set-up, as well as the biggest aperture. Not only that, but you don't even have to hang around when it's time to pack up. Very easy on your back.

Seriously, though, at least you'll get a good idea of what you really like by looking through a few different scopes.

:welcome:

Brian.

[astroron]

Hi Steve,:welcome: as Paul says come upto our Astro nights at my observatory nr Kenilworth and see whats available and talk to other astronomers before spending your hard earned money on something which could reach it's use by date very quickly.
Give those 0.925 eyepieces the big flick and stick to the 1.25" as they are the standard today.
Look forward to seeing you at one of our Astro nights. Ron:thumbsup: :)

[janoskiss]

Welcome Steve. I'd give up the Goto and spend the money on good quality and more aperture. You can get an 8" Dobsonian for little more than $400. You'll have to navigate to the objects yourself using charts but once you get there that telescope will show you a hell of a lot more.

Don't think that 8-10" aperture is small. 8" is the largest Dob that I'd still classify as grab and go (can be carried in piece with ease). 10" is the largest you can use sitting down on an ordinary chair. With a 12" Dob you would do most of your observing standing up or sitting on a tall stool. Any bigger and you'll probably need a step or ladder to view near zenith. So 8-10" is a very good user friendly size in Dobs.

Considering you want to get a large Dob in the future, I would go with the 8" for extra portability, which will come in handy even when you have your monster dob.

But 10" is quite a lot of aperture and you would probably be very content with it for many years to come. And if you want goto you can get an Argonavis (push-to computer) for your dob later on. If you can go to a star party or observing night and compare telescopes for yourself that would be best.

[ving]

g'day steve!
I'd go with what steve said :)
8-10 inch dob i'll show you heaps :)

[Gargoyle_Steve]

Well thanks very much everyone for the advice, it is very much
appreciated! I have to say I was a bit confused by some comments
regarding quality as I thought Meade scopes were good quality, which is
why I was looking at them, but I do understand I was looking at very
inexpensive models. However since everyone seems to think a nice
Dobsonian is the go so that's what I'll probably do.

I've got a 4WD ute with lockable fibreglass canopy which can hold a
single bed sized mattress flat so I can probably carry probably any
size scope I 'm likely to purchase at this time, as long as my arms
& legs are up to carrying the bits once I reach my destination.

I very much appreciate the invitation's from Paul and "Astroron" to
come along to one of your evenings, would love to come along (work
roster permitting - 24/7/365 shiftwork) and as soon as I have time to
figure how to send a private message on here I'll be in touch. As I
work either 3 to 11 pm or 11pm to 7am it may be a while before I'll be
able to catch up with you folks in person, so I'll probably buy
something soon-ish instead of waiting to check out some other people's
pride and joy's. Otherwise the money I do have aside will get eaten
away by car bills, vet bills, insurance bills, other bills, etc, before
I can make a purchase.

I found a litle time this afternoon to phone both Andrews Comm's (was
lucky enough to have Lee Andrews answer the phone, VERY helpful man who
took the time to explain a number of things to me) and I also called Bintel
and spoke to a lady there briefly as well. I may be ordering something in the
next few days, and admit I am leaning towards buying from Andrews, though
I have read the comments on this site regarding Bintel's impressive customer
care, pre delivery check, etc.
Again, I welcome any comments from the crowd here.

There is only $50 difference betwen the Skywatycher 10" and the GS-680
deluxe version at Andrew's, would anyone care to offer opinion as to
whether there's much difference to be gained for the extra bucks.
Apparently I'm only looking at $50 or so for delivery to my area, which
came as a very pleasant surprise as I'd been imagining $100 or more.

I look forward to talking to you all more on here - have a great day/night!

Steve

[Gargoyle_Steve]

PS: Next time I'll see if I can try to NOT post my reply as half width/double height. DOHHHH!

[Gargoyle_Steve]

"There is only $50 difference betwen the Skywatycher 10" and the GS-680
deluxe version at Andrew's"...

I AM having a bad day ..... disregard that 10" bit, they're both 200mm units.

[janoskiss]

The Skywatcher has much better finish on the tube and the altitude bearings and friction control are better too. OTOH the GS deluxe comes with extras like fan, crayford (not sure about the SW). For a good price on the Skywatcher Dobs, try MyAstroshop (although their "online store" seems to be down at the moment). But in the end, you'd get a lot of enjoyment out of either scope.

[[1ponders]]

Hi Steve. If you want to pm someone, left click on their username beside their avatar and select "Send a private message to......"

Re your question about Meade quality. They certainly do produce good quality gear, some of it is exceptionally good, particularly the higher end equipment (starting around $1000) and up. Unfortunately they and a lot of other companys still want to flog off to the unwarey really flimsy tripods. The optics of the scope may be OK but it's the mount that is the real let down and leads to despair and frustration.

I wonder how many budding amateur astronomers have been turned off forever because of discustingly poor quality mounts. :mad:

Pardon me but this is a bit of a soap box issue for me. The mounts generally don't do what they are advertised to do yet Consumer Affairs (even tried the ACCC but after Alan Fels :bowdown: left ) seem quite happy to do nothing about it. And yes I have sent a couple of letters and emails to them. I think there needs to be a concerted effort from the Amateur Astronomy community to get CA off their butts and act.

I'll shut up now :mad2: Sorry for hijacking your thread with my soap box Steve. At least you are forwarned now :)

[Gargoyle_Steve]

Good advice is never hijacking Paul so don't sweat it, I really apreciate all the good advice and info that all the great people here are so willing to share. Thanks all!!!!!

[cjmarsh81]

I have the Skywatcher 10" and agree with janoskiss that the finish is better than the GSO's. Also the tension knobs are great for quick adjustments. It does however come with a rack and pinion focuser which is a pain. I have regreased it once already and am forever tightening and losening it with an allen key to try and reduce sloppiness.

[Gargoyle_Steve]

I appreciate the feedback very much, and I have been researching prices on line and making a number of phone calls ..... have pretty much narrowed it down to the GS-680 Deluxe (Crawford) or the Skywatcher (with Crawford mod) but the price comparison is $449 GSO against $595 Skywatcher ..... I am asking myself is the SW 33% better than the GSO for the price margin.

I DID also get a very tempting offer from Bintel, as they are out of 8" Dobs at present I was offered the 10" Premium model for a VERY keen price .... stretches the budget VERY badly (maybe too much actually) but VERY tempting!!! Will make my decision tonight... stay tuned!

[janoskiss]

Out of those I'd go with one of the GS Dobs at those prices. 10" if you can swing it. But just to confuse you some more (sorry): a new GS crayford model has come out recently with 10:1 geared fine-focus. It's only $50 more than the standard model from Bintel and probably worth the upgrade.

[Gargoyle_Steve]

Hmm ... food for thought. I'll be talking to Andrew's Coms again first thing in the morning .... might see just how far I CAN stretch the budget. Hell, I can get away with paying only 6 months rego on the car for now. :screwy:

[acropolite]

Steve, even if you have to wait a little longer, wait and go for the 10 inch dob, there's no substitute for aperture and the difference in price isn't that much.

[Gargoyle_Steve]

It's done, I have bowed to the superior knowledge and experience of all you kindly folk ..... my new GSO 10" (Deluxe version) has already been dispatched and is on the way. When I did the maths the 10" will gather 56% more light (actually more, assuming the secondary mirror is the same size in the 8 and 10 inch versions). Therefore it's not only a better scope but slightly better value - better again when you also get the mirror fan. That's my story and I'm sticking to it - you can see how I quite reasonably "logicked" myself up into the bigger scope. :-)

Now it's off to Woollies tomorrow to buy a months worth of instant noodles .... but I'll be happy eating them!

[janoskiss]

good logic Steve! :) Buy your noodles in bulk from an Asian grocer instead of Woollies and you'll get better for a lot less! Koreans make the best instant noodles btw. ;)

[cjmarsh81]

While your at Woollies get a month's worth of mozzie repellant too. The things they don't tell you about when you get into astronomy.....

[[1ponders]]

And a fold up table, a couple of towels (to lay on the table and then to drape over your sky maps) and some red cellophane (for the end of your tourch). Oh and a beanie, white zinc for the moon burnt nose, a pocket protector and some sandals. Might as well look the part. Do you need glasses? Better get some new ones with thick black frames. Or if you go for wire frames they will need a bandaid wrapped around the bridge area. (you don't actually have to break them, but looks are everything you know)

[vespine]

It's really funny; I've always kinda been the "bit nerdy" one out of all my friends, they all kinda gave me and each other 'side ways glances' when I've been telling them I'm getting into astronomy.

The funny thing is every single friend that I've had over after sunset and set up my wobble master 2.5" refractor to point at saturn (a tiny white fuzzy dot but you can make out the ring!) inevitably and without fail, has had the same reaction, goes something like:

:eyepop: Oh My GOD! That's SO COOL! you CAN ACTUALLY SEE IT! ! WOW!!!! I Never knew you could actually SEE it, that's BRILLIANT!!! Show me more!!!

[[1ponders]]

:rofl: So true. :lol:

[Gargoyle_Steve]

" IT " has arrived !!!!!
It has been just over 24 hours since it was despatched .. mighty good service both from Andrew's and the courier people!

Thanks janokiss for the good word on noodles, I'm going to need that!

cjmarsh gotcha on the mozzie repellant ... as a long time, avid bush traveller and camper I know only too well how annoying those things can be, and as we will want neither a fire nor dry cow dung patties to throw on it while astr-observing (nor fresh wet creek mud smeared all over our exposed skin, and lenses) I guess regular commercially-available repellant will be the best option. Do they have one that smells of manly leather yet? :-)

Paul I'm only going to take half your advice, already had a list of table, towels, chairs, red torch, etc planned, perhaps my laptop with Cartes du Ciel loaded. Negatory on the sandals, when in nerd mode I'll be wearing my favourite comfy warm uggies (I'll wear the black formal ones on special night events!) and sadly I don't wear glasses ... yet.

Ok ... now I just have to make room in the lounge to unpack it, bribe the dogs with snacks to NOT lick any optical parts, assemble the base, check collimation, etc.

(oh yes, we do the Happy Dance)

[[1ponders]]

:lol: enjoy Steve. :)




BTW have you looked out at the sky yet...........It's your fault. :sad:

[Gargoyle_Steve]

Well a day and a half after the scopes arrival and several hours of attempted collimating I may finally have my scope somewhere near being right, at least close enough that I can't bear to wait any longer to at least try it on something! When I got home from work just after 11 the sky had a fair number of stars visible in the southern regions, enough so that I thought I'd sit up, try to refine the collimation, drag the scope outside and have a first peek through it! Even setting up the finder scope for a peek may have held me over.... Alas! The sky is covered with clouds, not a star visible, exactly as predicted. Thanks Paul!! :-) I guess I'll try after work again tomorrow night when I get home around 11-ish again. In the meantime I think I'll try and get some much overdue sleep so I'm fresh for a stunning nights viewing come Saturday night.

(If you don't make wishes, then your wishes can't come true........)

[Shacky]

Hi guys,
This is my first post and I am in the process of buying my first telescope. I have had a look at a few online, at the moment the best one I can find (and afford) is the Bushmaster SE114-900 reflector. I also have a good quality digital SLR camera and was told I could get a T-mount and clock drive to allow me to take some astronomical photographs.

The telescope is on special at the moment for $199, down from $400.

Does this sound like a good purchase for my first telescope?

any feedback would me greatly appreciated.

Shannon

[vespine]

I'm a newb to astronomy and I can tell you the best advice I got was to 1st buy a pair of half decent binoculars. They are much cheaper then a telescope and handier and you'll be surprised with what you can see through them!

$119 would get you a 7x50 or a 10x50 pair from http://www.aoe.com.au/binoculars.html

I ended up buying a 8x56 pair that I found on special. wether you prefer 7 or 10 magnification is up to you but don't just decide based on thinking more magnification is better! You will still see the SAME objects, you will just see fewer of them at once in higher magnification, and higher mag is harder to hold steady for as long too. The best idea is to try to look through a pair of each before you decide, but that's easier said then done for some people, I didn't get a chance to do this myself.

With my 8 mag binocs, i can literally JUST fit the southern cross into their field of vision.

Binocs are a great 1st purchase! You can learn a LOT about the sky with them and see some pretty amazing things, this then will be the best way to show you HOW MUCH pursuing the hobby will be worth to you. You may decide that the 114mm telescope is enough, or you may decide that you want something a bit more! (Like me ;) )

But whatever you choose, even if you chose NOT to buy a telescope at all, you will STILL have a pair of really useful binoculars!

I, and most people would NOT be without their binoculars for an observing session, they make locating things so much easier, and a lot of things that just don't fit into the field of view of a telescope just look great through binoculars. You also have no chance of tracking high flying planes and satellites with a telescope, but they are a piece of cake with binoculars. I almost always start an observing session just having a scan around the sky with my binocs while my eyes dark adapt.

[Shacky]

thanks for the tip vespine, I do have a reasonably decent pair of binoculars already.

At this stage im just looking for a cheap, but decent quality scope to use from my balcony for both astro and land viewing.

Once i get used to astronomical observations etc, using skycharts and the like, I will probably upgrade to a much better telescope.

Any other feedback re my consideration of the SE114-900?

[vespine]

hehe sorry! I guess I should have just asked 1st ;) Like I said i'm a new comer too so don't really know anything about the bushmaster.

Andrewscom have similar specced telescopes for $300-$400 from skywatcher, celestron and guan sheng. http://www.andrewscom.com.au/site-section-10.htm

so if the bushmaster is in a similar league it may be a good deal. From my limited experience, the question I would be asking is if this scope uses 1.25" eyepieces. I borrowed a refractor that had the 0.9" eyepieces and it was rubbish, I personally would not recommend anything that doesn't use at least the 1.25" and I thing it would easily be worth the $100 extra to get a scope that does.

Actually, for the extra $100 I bet a lot of people would tell you to go for a Guan Sheng GS-580 Limited 150 x 1200 $299.00 AUD, and for another $100 you could get Guan Sheng GS-680 200 x 1200 Limited version $399.00 AUD about 3 times the light gathering power for twice the price.

a LOT more bang for your buck :)

[Shacky]

thanks vespine, i wil give the retailer a call and find out what the eyepiece size it.

seeing as i am a real noob, is the eyepiece size of 1.25" the diametre of the eyepiece or a different measurement?

This is the description it gives for the Bushmaster SE114-900

450x Power high resolution, heavy duty aluminum tripod, deluxe equatorial mount.
MIRROR DIAMETER: 114mm
FOCAL LENGTH: 900mm
MAIN TUBE POWER: 150XMAX.
POWER: 450X
ACCESSORIES INCLUDED:A) 6mm eyepiece,B) 20mm eyepiece,C) Lunar filter,D) 2x barlow lens,E) 3x erecting lens
Recommended uses:

Professional astronomical viewing and terrestrial viewing

If someone could explain what all the accessories are, it would be greatly appreciated...:D

[Shacky]

has anyone ever bought a telescope on ebay? would you suggest doing so? as there is a 1000-114 Seben reflector with an automatic drive included plus a heap of accessories for $320.

what would one expect to pay for a Skywatcher 254/1200 EQ6 with a GOTO motor drive?

Again, as I am really new to astronomy, i don't know if this brand is good etc.

[BobsYourUncle]

I'll try (someone should confirm/ellaborate, i'm a newbie)

The eyepieces are what performs the magnification. Magnification = focal length / eyepiece diameter.

The lunar filter attaches to the eyepieces do reduce brightness, which is good when looking at the moon. Don't try to look at the sun with it though, under any circumstances. You need a proper solar filter that attaches to the front of the telescope (and i still wouldn't bother).

The 2x barlow goes between the telescope and the eyepiece, and doubles magnification.

The erecting lens flips the image around so it's correctly oriented. Most useful when looking at stuff on earth. I guess it magnifies x3 too. This is the one i'm the least clear on.

[Shacky]

thanks for that BYU!

[RB]

Just a correction on that BYU,

Magnification = telescope focal length ÷ eyepiece focal length not eyepiece diameter.

So if your telescope Focal length is 900mm and you put in a 6mm eyepiece then you have 150x magnification. (900 ÷ 6 = 150)



Eyepieces basically come in 3 diameters, 0.96", 1.25" and 2" inch.
That's the diameter of the barrel that goes into the telescope.
If your telescope has a 2" opening then you can use both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces but you need an adaptor to reduce it down to 1.25".

This is not the focal length of the eyepiece. The focal length of the eyepiece is used to calculate the amount of magification it will yield.
This can range from around 50mm down to about 2.5mm even though the diameter of the barrel is the same, either 2" or 1.25".

Hope this makes sense.

Click here (http://www.televue.com/engine/page.asp?ID=107) for a quick rundown and diagram

[BobsYourUncle]

Yeah, thanks for the correction, that's what i meant :) Just used the wrong term, typical newbie :lol:

[Gargoyle_Steve]

Shacky I had looked at the Seben scopes on ebay too briefly .. .then I got smart and did a google search on that brand name, everywhere I found it (apart from Sebens own site) it was always mentioned as being a typical "wobbletronic" ie apparently not worth the effort, even though you seem to get astronomically good value, to make a really rotten pun.

The only place on ebay I saw of interest for scopes was the Meade factory outlet (ebay US only) and it only posts to the US. Again I was warned by members of this forum that though the 114,mm, etc, Meade scopes may have been ok, the mounts are what really lets the scopes, and the owners down. Even these Meades at the lowest price ranges apparently have wobbly mounts so it becomes a hellish frustration to try and get the scope pointed, and not wobbling, and focused ..... all at the same time. Which doesn't happen!

I know someone with a similar level wobbly mount / tripod / scope package, and it frustrates him so badly he leaves it in the shed all the time now.

After the good advice from the learned folks here (or as Homer Simpson said " It's pronounced learnd ") what kind of scope did I end up buying, seeing as I started pretty much where you are?

I spoke to Andrews Comms and Bintel, and I am now the very happy and proud owner of a 10" Dob.
(Which is a Newtonian reflector type telescope with a 10" diameter main mirror, mounted on an inexpensive but very solid Dobsonian type mount, not a tripod type affair).

The Dob's provide simnply the best value going, they offer large diameter (ie large light gathering capability) optics at prices unbeatable by any other type scope available.

I hope this information has been of some help to you.

Welcome to the forums, and I hope you buy something that will make you very happy!

Steve

[Shacky]

Steve, thanks for the help matey.

I have a friend at a shop that got me a discount on the Bushmaster 114-900. I ended up getting it for $179 (RRP $399)

Not too bad for my first scope. It has a 4mm, 12.5mm & 20mm eyepiece. They 12.5mm & 20mm are fine, but the 4mm seems to be out of focus (maybe it has too much magnification or the atmospheric conditions weren't ideal for this level of magnification)

Although the mount seems a little wobbly, it seems to be a great little (not really that little) telescope.

Now I just have to get used to how to use it etc. I have no idea of what declination, right assention or the flux capacitor do :P I suppose I am just going to have to read up on how to set it up and then work out how to read star charts and use the Cartes Du Ciel program.

Quite typically, the first night I had it set up, it was totally overcast. So i just spent a little while focusing on a distant street light and calibrating the sighting scope. Then last night there were patches of very clear sky which enabled me to get a reasonably clear view of Jupitor with the 12.5mm eyepiece. It was quite exciting to be honest. I can't wait till the night is clear enough to have a good gander at the moon :D

I have a Canon EOS 300D digital SLR that I am going to hook up to the telescope with a t-bar adaptor and purchase a motor drive to take some astronomical photographs.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what eyepieces or accessories I should get as the 4mm doesnt seem to focus properly?

[Gargoyle_Steve]

I can help you with that flux capacitor ... you have to take it "wayyyyy over there", then you need to run 1.21 Gigawatts through it :eyepop: (pronounce it as Jiga-watts or it won't work).

By that time your DeLorean should have accelerated to 86 mph, and you'll be sweet!

Gotta go, the Mr Fusion is running low on scraps..... :screwy:

[Shacky]

Well last night we had a beautifully clear night and I was able to see Saturn's rings... man now THAT was cool. The 4mm eyepiece seemed to work fine, obviously the problem was with the atmospheric conditions the other night. The only bad thing was with the high magnification whatever I was looking out was out of the FOV within 5-10 seconds :S

One of the adjustment settings on the equitorial mount was quite stiff and sticky (quite like I was after seeing Saturn for the first time) so I have just pulled it apart, cleaned it all out and lubricated the cogs... now it just glides :D Should make things a hell of a lot easier to follow.

Any suggestions for what eyepieces I should get, or are the H4, H12.5 and H20 sufficient? btw what does the 'H' stand for?

[ving]

a good set of GSO plossls would be a start and they are cheap, but the big question is how much do you want to spend?

[Shacky]

firstly let me say, i don't know what the different types of eyepieces are... plossls, SD etc etc... I don't know what they do, whay the differences are or what types are better.

I don't want to spend too much, but the price I am willing to pay is dependant on how much it will increase my viewing pleasure. Preferably not over $50, but I have no idea how much eyepieces are worth... they could be worth more than I paid for my whole setup for all I know....

[vespine]

Does the mount have a motor drive and/or 'slow motion' controls? The whole point of getting an EQ mount is so that you do not suffer:



You should be able to adjust the RA setting to keep the object you are looking at within the FoV.

I don't know if I'd worry about getting eyepieces yet. Did you work out if they are 0.96" or 1.25"? You could take a punt and get a bintel 6mm plossl for $30 https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=6330 but that's not guaranteeing anything, it may still not focus well if the limiting factor is the primary optics. If you could get along somewhere where there would be others willing for you to look through your scope with their EPs, you'd be set ;) If you got $30 burning a hole in your pocket you can try it, but remember that even close to new, you probably won't get much if anything for a 2nd hand bintel plossl.

[Shacky]

I don't even know how to set up the EQ mount, ive tried to find a 'how to' on the forums or guides, but can't seem to find anything. The instructions that came with the scope are almost near impossible to understand. Any pointers on setting up the mount properly?

The optics seem pretty good actually, the H4mm eyepiece was pretty good last night, quite clear. So i am pretty keen to get a better eyepiece. Anyone in Adelaide who might be willing to give me a crash course in telescopic alignment.... beer supplied :D

[vespine]

Well as far as I know, all you have to do is figure out which is the "polar axis" of the mount. That is the axis about which your telescope turns when you adjust the RA setting. If you draw a line through that axis, that line has to point at the southern celestial pole. If you want to do imaging you have to do it very precisely but just to use it for visual use and just to begin with I think you can get away with it if it is just roughly right.

Roughly: Firstly adjust the polar axis tilt (the one that can be adjusted to tilt up and down) to 34.5 degrees for Adelaide, then set the tripod down on relatively flat ground and point the polar axis south, then turn the whole thing east (anti-clockwise) about 10 or 11 degrees to account for the difference between magnetic south and true south.

From then on, you are not allowed to lift the tripod up, you can only use the axis on the mount to point your telescope. It takes a little getting used to before you become good at pointing at all the different regions of the sky.

[chunkylad]

Hi Shacky and welcome

I started out with a 114mm Newt on an EQ mount as well! It gave me some memorable nights, and showed me my first DSOs. I still use it for dedicated solar observing, with a JMB full aperture solar filter.

Here is some info on different types of eyepieces, as well as some important basics for beginners:
http://www.belmontnc.4dw.net/optics.htm#top
http://observers.org/beginner/eyepieces.freeman.html
http://www.atscope.com.au/visual.html

Good luck, have fun.:)

Dave

[Shacky]

Dave,

Thanks heaps for those websites, they have certainly helped me to understand what the difference with all the eyepieces mean. Now I just have to work out what is the best eyepiece for me is!

Shannon

[shelly]

Hi,

My name is Michelle and I have had my Sky-Watcher 6" reflector for nearly 3 years now. I haven't really done much observing with the exception of some planets, the moon and M42.

My telescope : http://www.skywatchertelescope.com/15075PEQ3-2.html

I would really like to use it to take photos of what I am looking at too. I think I would need to motorise the mount. Does anyone have an opinion on which choice would be best? My mount is an EQ3-2.

http://www.skywatchertelescope.com/MotorDrives.html

I have a Canon PS Pro1 digital camera - any tips for using this camera - so far I have only mounted it onto the piggy back setup on the tube support rings.

So far I have enjoyed reading through the forums - congratulations on an informative site.

[[1ponders]]

Hi Shelly and :welcome: to the site.

I have an almost identical mount though with a refractor on top. I find it a great mount for quick setup as well as a good pack and go mount. I also have the Single Axis Drive with the handcontoller. For visual work it does a great job but I wouldn't want to try to do long exposure through your telescope with it. The weight of the reflector will more than likely be at the upper weight limit of the mount. I have successfully used that mount (after accurate drift aligning) to take widefield shots and piggyback shots with both SLR and DSLR cameras.

Can you tell us a bit more about your camera. How long can your exposures go? 5 sec, 15 sec 30+ sec? You should be able to take single afocal (shots through an eyepiece) of the major planets, moon and sun, fairly easily with your camera.

Does it have a video mode? If it does and you can fix it in front of an eyepiece, you could be able to get videos of the major planets, the moon and the sun (with suitable solar film) and process them using a program called Registax. This will give you a much better image than single images alone. Tracking will help immensely here.

Enjoy the site and ask as many questions as you need.

[shelly]

Thanks for the welcome and the quick reply, [1ponders].

Some more details about my digital camera (it can be used as a manual camera right through to automatic).

Shutter Speed - 15 seconds max
Movie - up to 3 mins max - 640 x 480
Images - stored as jpeg (or raw)

Should I be taking the images in the raw format? Would they make for better processing?

What's the best solution for fixing the camera for afocal shots? I haven't tried that yet.

Thanks again.

[[1ponders]]

Raw would be better than Jpeg, though probably more of a challenge to process but the final result is worth it. There are a number of brackets and attachments around specifically for mounting cameras like yours for afocal imaging. From brackets like this (http://www.telescopehouse.co.uk/page.aspx?theLang=001lngdef&pointerid=4001C768E7364B20BE7A3928D B201AF8&action=lnk) to connectors like this (http://www.astro-engineering.com/Camera%20Mountings/digitalcameraand.html) or this (http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-067)


I have one like the last one and while it looks straight forward to use there can often be a lot of cursing trying to get everything lined up. It unfortunately used grub screws that need an allen key (included) to tighten and adjust which is a pitb at night in the dark. If it had thumb screws to tighten it, it would probably be much more user friendly.

Do a google search for afocal mounting bracket or afocal mounting and you will find heaps of info. With a few links back to this site :P

[[1ponders]]

ps with your camera set to 15 sec exosure and (can you change the ISO setting?) mounted on your mount after a good polar aligning you wouuld be able to get so fairly respectable widefield images. Longer would be better of course. How many settings can you adjust manually on your camera?

[shelly]

I think practically all of them - I've only played around with a few settings

ISO ranges through 50/100/200/400 and auto.

Manual and auto focus.

This is a list (http://www.canon.com.au/products/cameras/digital_compact_cameras/powershotpro1_specs.html) of specifications for the Pro1 if that helps.

I'll have a look at those brackets - thanks for the links.

[[1ponders]]

Looks like a good camera to try your hand at afocal shots both still and video, though by the look of it you can only take video in 30 sec batches. Which is not a problem as you can capture say 2 x 30 sec avies of Jupiter and then join them together for processing, or a range of other options.

The important thing is to get the camera steadily attached inline with the eyepiece, so an connecting adapter is very desirable. Your camera has good optical zoom so you will be able to use long focal length eyepieces (32, 26 or 20 mm) and the optical zoom to achieve good magnification rather than trying to shoot with low zoom and short Focal Length eyepieces. That will make lining up your image that much easier. Plus having the manual focus can be a bonus as well.

What size memory card to you have? The standard 64meg that came with it or a larger capacity card? How about an AC power adapter? Not essential but useful. Or a spare set of batteries? It can take a surprisingly long time to get everything lined up at times and then just when you are ready to take your video or stills the batteries run out:doh: None of this is essential but after a while you will want to move on from trying to hold your camera steady by hand and this will give you some idea of the items you may want to consider.

Have you looked at the current imaging competition going on. You might want to consider having a go. :thumbsup:

Competition (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=9170)

Competition Entries (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=9184)

Competition Comments and Advice (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=9219)

[shelly]

I can take up to 3 minutes of video at the higher resolution and I have a 1 gig memory card. The battery will last for nearly 16 hours of contiunous use, longer if I dont continuously use autofocus.



After reading a few different threads is when you say 'processing' am I understanding correctly that is where the avi files are converted to individual frames then centered and then stacked with registax? I'm still not sure how all that works but is that the general order you could do it in?
I just found this link (http://precons.com/iceinspace/Articles/imaging_toucam_planets_notracking.a spx)about processing images from the competition links you provided - very informative. Thanks.

I will definately give some pictures a go when the cloud disappears.

I think I'd like to get a connection first before I try the afocal pictures. I like the afocal digicam support (http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-067)that you said was like your's. It looks simple to use.

[[1ponders]]

If you are able to take 3 minutes that will be plenty for the planets and too much for Jupiter. Once you have taken the Avi you can process it directly (if the format is correct) in Registax.

If you get that particular bracket, see if you can find thumb screws to replace the existing Allen Key tightened grub screws. Hopefully others who have different brackets will at their views to give you a better idea of what is available

[Dujon]

G'day. As best I can figure this is the place to introduce myself.

I've just decided to get out of my armchair and do a little bit of observing.

To enable this somewhat out of character behaviour I have purchased a 10" Newtonian and Dobsonian mount (GSO optics - I most assuredly cannot afford much of what is offered for sale these days). It, the telescope, is somewhat better than my old faithful Tasco 2" refractor which I purchased new some 45 years ago. Mind you it gave me considerable pleasure for a while - providing the seeing was good - but the silly table-top tripod with which it came should have been made illegal before it was allowed to be sold.

In the interim life has rolled on; marriage, children, career, grandchildren - you know how it goes. So, I'm back in the fold (if I was ever in it) even though I've tried to keep up with things from afar by dint of much reading.

Right, enough. I'll go back to trying to align my finder.

[iceman]

Welcome to the forum, Dujon! How did you hear about us?

Great to see you getting back into the hobby after all these years. I've got a 10" GSO dob myself, and love it. Though of course, I wish it had accurate tracking and I wish I had more aperture :)

Blaxland is a great place, I imagine you get some nice skies up there. There's a few other forum members from those parts.

I hope you enjoy your stay here and find some threads you can contribute to, and please, don't be shy asking questions!

[Dujon]

Thanks for the welcome, iceman, 'tis kind of you.

As far as how I found the site goes - I forget. No, not really, it was when I was doing a quick research exercise on the worth of the GSO optics. Reading here, there and everywhere brought me to the conclusion that for each dollar spent the GSO products were/are good value. Hence my purchase.

Like most places in the mountains I'm surrounded by trees. This is good if it's breezy but it does limit one's access at times. At the moment Saturn is low in the western sky after dusk which precludes me having a gander unless I cart everything to a 'as-yet-unfound' location which would allow me the privilege. We all have our problems so I'm not complaining.

Questions? What are they? I surmise that as I slowly learn the art of using a Dobsonian mount they might well come, but I'll persevere with my ignorance and problem solving skills (?) until such time as I give up.

It is said that you can't learn unless you ask; I would suggest that you can't learn until you do.

[janoskiss]

Welcome Dujon! The 10" GSO Dob should be much more than "somewhat better" than the 2" refractor. :) Be sure to collimate. ;)

[Dujon]

Thanks, janoskiss.

At the time I purchased the 'scope I also ordered a laser collimator. The main unit arrived two days ago but, because of overcast conditions, has been used but the once. Today the collimator assistant arrived so, given that it's still overcast, I might check the alignments this evening. Due to my propensity for doing things back-to-front this could take some time.

I'll let you all know how it goes . . . then again, perhaps not as it will undoubtedly turn into an essay on one man's stupidity.

[Jupiter]

Just arrived, my 10" Dob from Bintel, giving it a run tonight and not a cloud in the sky, can't wait for sundown.

[ving]

you got a new scope and there are no clouds? unlikely! :P

congrats jupiter :)

[Jupiter]

I've heard the stories, but I ordered it on Thursday last week, then the cloud rolled in, last night was clear and tonight looks like it will be clear as well, goodbye wobblitronic hello dob, I'm stoked, I nearly hugged the delivery guy today.

[lingsifu]

Hello everyone,

Firstly I hope you'll all bear with me as I'm an absolute newbie and may ask some extremely silly questions..

I received my very first scope today, it's a Guan Sheng 10" dobsonian. The only thing I managed to do with it was assemble it and bring it outside - after which, I don't know what to do! The moon isn't out tonight, so I positioned the finderscope at the brightest star in the sky but couldn't see anything in the eyepiece (I tried the 6mm, 9mm and 25mm Plossl eyepieces that came with the dob, stood outside for a couple of hours, trying to adjust the focus). It must be because I hadn't aligned or collimated, but I don't know where to start.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated..

Thank you!

[ballaratdragons]

Hi Lings,

if you couldn't see anything at all it sounds like your finderscope isn't lined up. Even an 'Out of Collimation' scope will show you something.

Wack in your highest number eyepiece eg: 30mm or thereabouts and get a bright star in the eyepiece. Then while it's in the eyepiece, adjust the finderscope to be on the same star. Then to test it, move the scope and aim it at another star or Jupiter and keep moving the scope gently until the new object is in the centre of the finderscope. The object should now be in the eyepiece too. Tell us how you go with that before we move on to the next bit.

[lingsifu]

Thanks ballaratdragons, I managed to line up the finderscope with the eyepiece :)

[janoskiss]

:welcome: Lingsifu!

These GS Dobs are great scopes, but do not come with adequate documentation.

First thing. Grab yourself the XT10 manual from Orion. The XT10 is essentially the same scope as the GS 10". Here is a link to the XT10 manual (http://www.telescope.com/text/content/pdf/IN_179_Rev_C_SkyQuest_XT10.pdf). It will tell you how to set up the scope, align finder, collimate etc and get started. If you are still having trouble collimating watch this video tutorial (www.andysshotglass.com/Collimating.html).

Next, get yourself a planisphere and some charts, and a red torch (one on a headband is best - Kmart sell one by Energizer: expensive but very useful). I started with a planisphere and "The Southern Sky Guide" by Ellyard and Tirion - both under $25 (you can get them from scope shops, e.g., Bintel).

Planetarium software is good too, but for me it's usually more of a specialised tool and I find it a lot more tedius than a prepared guide like Souther Sky Guide. But software can help you find some stuff right away. Stellarium is one of the most basic (but also pretty) planetarium programs. Probably a good one to get started with. (Others will also recommend Cartes du ciel - I haven't used it. What I use you probably don't want :lol:.) Use it to help you find a few objects once your scope is setup with finder aligned:

Saturn shortly after sunset and Jupiter throughout the night. Jupiter is the brightest thing up there, you can't miss it. Then check out some of the brighter DSOs. Start from M7, say. There are lots to see in that area of the sky.

You can also get free charts. Google for Taki's star atlas - they're the best free charts there are. There are two versions: mag 6.5 and mag 8.5. Get the mag 6.5 for now. Print them out and stick them in plastic sleeves in a ring binder (or follow instructions on Taki's site). Again I'd consider these a compliment to a written guide which would also include descriptions of what to look not just the charts.

If you haven't got a pair of binos (40-50mm aperture, 7-10x power), get one. www.aoe.com.au have some excellent binos for little over $100. It is a must have accessory to a telescope. It is a terrific finding / scouting aid with or without charts.

Do let us know how you and your new scope get along. :)

[Nordo]

I agree with the guys that you have to collimate. There are plenty of sites showing you how. Pick the one that you find easiest to understand. A basic collimating tool can be as simple as a cardboard tube with the plastic cap from a 35mm film canister (any 1 hr photo shop will probably give you one free). You put a small hole in the middle of the cap as a peephole to sight through. You place it in the focuser (instead of an eyepiece) to sight through, then follow the instructions on the collimating sites. Obviously there are better tools available, but this will get you in the ballpark. You may have to wrap the tube with tape or something to ensure a smooth fit in the focuser (it must slide in neatly, with no slop. ie, it must align straight through the focuser).
I have just purchased a GSO 10" dob as well. I did my first collimation on Saturday morning and my first viewing on Sat night (thanks Astroron & Gargoyle Steve:D ).

If you still can't see, then your problem could be dew:mad2: . DON'T rub or wipe any of the lens with anything. If you are close to a power point, you are fortunate. Just blow the lens dry with a hair dryer. The glass should stay warm for about 1/2 hour, and should enable you to get a fair bit of viewing in before you need to clear then again. Don't forget to blow dry the secondary mirror - just remove the eyepiece and the 1.25" adapter (black ring) and aim the dryer through the focuser directly onto the secondary mirror.
:welcome:

[Blue Fire]

Hello everyone! This is my first post here. I have been active in the Bad Astronomy/Universe Today and Extreme Astronomy forums, but I am thrilled to be here in IceinSpace!

My first question regards comets. Can someone point me in the right direction or does someone know if there are any comets due in the near future that may be seen with binoculars? I had the thrill of a lifetime when I first spotted Hyakutaki and then Hale-Bopp with binoculars. Of course they eventually turned naked-eye. My taste is whetted and I'm eager to see more comets. I do have access to a cheap small telescope if that will work.

[jjjnettie]

Hi Blue Fire, welcome to the forum!
Magazines like Sky and Telescope will let you know about any new comets in the sky. They might even have a finder chart so you can follow it's progress each night.
A good pair of 7x50 or 10x50 will give better views than a cheap refractor.

[RAJAH235]

Hi Bluey. :hi:..Welcome to IIS..:welcome:
Try here (http://comets.amsmeteors.org/)for a litlle more info on comets n metors etc...:D L.

[Blue Fire]

Just what I was looking for, Thanks! That site also has good links for related comet information.

Thanks also to jjjnettie for responding! I sorta figured I should stick to binoculars rather than cheap scope.

[ballaratdragons]

G'day Blue Fire!!!

Welcome to Oz (even if only via the net) :thumbsup:

["O"]

Hi All,
Just would like to introduce myself.
I am not sure how I stumbled to this great site but real glad I did.
Two of my friends and I are interested in getting into amateur astronomy.
I am a complete beginner and can't even name all the planets (yet).
I notice that most members here have some form of experiences.
But I am catching up and had been reading for about a week now.
I have not been able to meet up with any local group so far but will definitely do. We tried to go to one field night and no one turned up
!

My first question is which binocular? What are the respectable names? Where is a good shop to go to in Brisbane. Is there a significant difference between a $100 and $300 ones of same spec but different brand?

I am sure there will be many more questions to come.

Thanks,
"O"

[mickoking]

G,day "o" and welcome :thumbsup: I don't know enough about binoculars to give you any tips on them but there are plenty of others on IIS who will gladly help you.

Astronomy ROCKS ;) Micko

[RAJAH235]

Hi "O", or is that Hiho..?..:P..:hi: & :welcome:..
There just happens to be a few who live in your area that will be more than happy to assist with your choices re; types/differences/costs etc... :D L.

[iceman]

Welcome "O" to the forum! You and your friends will be made more than welcome.

Keep asking questions, it's the best way to learn!

Regarding binoculars, it's probably best to start a new thread in the Equipment forum with your specific questions, where it won't get lost amongst the introductions! :)

There's a very active IIS contingent around SEQLD, so you won't have any problems finding some people to observe with, and learn from.

[jjjnettie]

Hi O,
Welcome to IIS. As Mike said SEQLD has quite a few members that meet up regularly to observe. What part of Brissy are you from?
JEanette

["O"]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. We are from the south side of Brisbane, Mornignside/Carindale/Tingalpa area. If there is going to be a meeting on any day soon, please let us know. Or if anyone could give us a hand to start things up, it would be much appreciaed, we should be available Friday/Sat/Sun night. Will post my question re binocular in another forum.

Thank you to all,
"O"

[RB]

Welcome O,

You're gonna have a great time here and this hobby is awesome.
Good luck and enjoy.

[astroron]

:welcome: O If you don't mind a bit of travel we have an Astro weekend at Cambroon Nr Kenilworth this weekend, a number of members and their telescopes are due to attend.
You can camp or caravan or put a matteress on the floor.
there is the possibility of a very large telescope coming up.
More information can be obtained by PMing me or 1Ponders or by the forum in star parties and observing sessions.
I hope you enjoy being part of iceinspace:thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

Welcome "O", a quick trip up to Astroron's would do you and your friends the world of good, and leave you trying to decide whether you have the room for a 25" scope in your back yard ;)

We have a member in Tingalpa, goes by the handle of Striker.

["O"]

Thanks, astroron and everone, might not make it to the night camp this time but definitely looking forward to go to one in future. That will give us a bit of time to learn a bit more as well before hand so I can even appreciate things that I see more.

1ponders, i will try to contact striker .. it would be great if someone could give us a few hand on beginner advice to get started ...

I got a planisphere yesterday and was trilled for the FIRST TIME to locate the summer-triangle and the great square of pegasus ( that's what I thought look like what's is on the chart anyway - wouldn't be surprised if they are not supposed to be visible and I was looking at wrong thing :rolleyes: )

"O"

[PaddyC]

Hi... yes a new member. Almost new to astronomy, but not altogether and have always had an interest. Now semi retired and had enough to jump in and buy a bit of equipment... so decided not to limit myself and go for it.. purchased a Celestron cpc1100... trouble is it has either rained, been very windy or cloudy or all those things so havn,t had a chance to try it out.

Question - can any one tell me if it is OK to use one of those Jump Starter power packs - rather than the Celestron Power Pack - the one I have looked at has a 12v dc cigarette lighter output socket and is only $39 on special from Autopro.

Thanks PaddyC

[xstream]

They are fine Paddy, You're probably better off going for the 24 amph pack though. Super Cheap have them for approx. $130

[PaddyC]

Thanks for that.. the one I am thinking of getting is 12Ah whereas I note that the two Celstron tanks are 7Ah or 17Ah... difference in price though is the one I am looking at at $39 to between $200 to $300 for one with Celestron written on it. I gather the Ah relates to how laong it is usable between charges... am I right?

Regards PaddyC

[xstream]

I think that is basically correct, Rajah235 might pipe in here.
We find with the 24Ah and running an LX90 for 5-6 hrs at a time, it still virtually never needs to be charged.

[PaddyC]

Thanks...xstream... makes one feel a bit more confident when you can get advice from someone who knows. OK I will go for it and hopefully the weather man is correct and I may be able to have a glimpse this weekend.

Regards
PaddyC

[rogercrespo]

Hello friends,

i'm new here and hope i can learn a lot with you!

I'm from Portugal and i like astronomy since i was a kid. I already have some equipment now i have to use it! :)

I like this forum because a lot of people have GSO dobs like me and thats is nice!

Cheers,

Roger

[jjjnettie]

Hi Roger,
Welcome to IIS.

[elms]

I'm new to this site, so it will take me a while to go through everything. It looks very interesting.

Thanks!

[astroron]

:hi: Roger and Elms :welcome: to iceinspace I hope you both have a good stay. Ask away with the questions,we are all here to help if we can,:thumbsup:

[alice]

hi =)

[Ric]

Hi Alice, welcome to the group

cheers

[jjjnettie]

Hi Alice!
Welcome to IIS.

[Harry]

Hi to all, I`m a first time user for your site. And by the looks I wish I`d found you 2 years ago, when I first set out to photograph a Galaxy. Lots of equipment later, hours of reading manuals, many nights wasted I`m finally taking what I think are great shots.
I was led to your site while trying to find the answer to a question regarding
Autostar Envisage software V 5.85. so here goes!

I open the Save Process box and next to the File type selection I have 2 check boxes 1. Single Shot and 2. Web Mode.

Can anyone give me a quick description of there purpose?

Thanks for any tips
Never posted a message before so hope Im in the right place
HARRY:thumbsup:

[74tuc]

Hi Harry,

I know nothing about Meade products but here are a couple of sites that may be of use:

http://autostarsuite.net/forums/rss.aspx?ForumID=6&Mode=0

and

http://autostarsuite.net/forums/thread/8481.aspx

Hope this is of use??

Jerry.:)

[anj026]

Hello Everyone

This is my debut in to forumland. I have been into telescopes for a while but am still learning all the time. I have a 6" f15 achromat on a homenade alt-az permanant pier in my backyard. A review is forthcoming. I love this website and anticipate many pleasant times ahead. I must say well done to Mike and everyone else involved, it really is a great asset to have available at the click of a mouse. Good on you all and keep up the good work!

[iceman]

Hi Andy!

:welcome: to the site, and thanks for your first post! :) How did you hear about us?

Also thanks for your review - i'm hoping to put it on the site in the next couple of days.

[Ric]

Hi Andy,
welcome to the group:gday:



cheers

[anj026]

Hi Mike and Ric,

I first heard about Ice in Space in Sky and Space magazine.

[ruff]

Hello all,

Another Novice, learning all I can. Thanks to you all for this site and the invaluable information you are all prepared to pass on. I have only just started to observe; Bought an 8" dob 2 months ago, but it seems the clouds won't leave me alone. What little I have seen has taken my breath away. Lagoon nebula, 47 Tuc and a few other objects that I still have to identify in an atlas. I'm learning patience and awe at the same time

Thanks again and see you round

[Ric]

Hi Ruff, welcome to the group:welcome: .
You will find plenty of people able to help or steer you in the right direction. they are a great bunch of people.
I see that you have learned lesson 1. "Anything that you buy of an astronomical nature will attract clouds" and lesson 1.1 "The amount you pay for said item is proportional to the amount of clouds it will attract".

But it's still a great hobby :D

Cheers and have fun

[fishman]

Hi everyone, I'm a newb (both Astronomy & forums, so please bear with me) and I have just ordered my first scope (12" Lightbridge), I hope I've done the right thing. I guess aperture fever got the better of me. It should arrive Wed or Thurs this week.
I tried to get it first from Sydney but out of stock and then found one closer to home Gold Coast =(less freight).
Anyway I live semi-rural and it's dark here at night. I've also contacted the local astronomy society and there is a meeting coming up. Was gunna wait till then to make a decision before buying scope, but I just couldn't wait.
I found this forum when doing my research and have found a wealth of information here.

Thankyou

[Dujon]

G'day, Fishy.

Welcome aboard. I can assure you that a 12" machine will keep you busy for quite a while. There's nothing wrong with the odd impulse buy, by the way, but if you are as new/old as I am, then take a pair of binoculars outside with you as doing so will help enormously. Says he who always forgets. :doh: