New BT252

[shaneaust]

Yo:

Went down to Melbourne this morning and picked up my new BT252. Got it home and fully assembled - and we've got low cloud tonight....:mad2: X 1,000!

One question - this one sits fairly close to the ground (ie side panels are not very high, and I'm used to my ATM 10"-er for which I made high side panels).

How do you handle this with yours (anyone who has one)? Do you mount it on something for extra height? I guess if I was 4'5" it'd be perfect, but I'm stooping down to view out of mine. Or, I **will** be stooping, if this weather ever picks up.

Suggestions?

[Starkler]

I have an identical scope, and I use a wooden bar stool cut down to a comfortable height. You will always see more and in better comfort while seated :)

Also take a look at this how-to (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/index.php?id=63,206,0,0,1,0), written by yours truly, to help you get the best from your scope ;)

[shaneaust]

Thanks greatly, Geoff - and I have made a copy of your how-to article for reference.
I agree that sitting down to view the night skies is a lot more comfortable than standing and stooping - will design a chair that'll allow me to "sit on my arse and watch the world go by", literally!
Thanks for the suggestion, too!
Mick

[shaneaust]

Geoff - one more question. I had trouble using the focuser when experimenting this evening. The focusing knobs turn - but they aren't moving the drawtube properly and in some cases just let it fall back into place again. The booklet that came with this scope says "The black nylon thumb screw on top of the body of the focuser is to lock the drawtube in place once the telescope is properly focused. Before refocusing, remember to first loosen this thumb screw".

Huh?? There is no "black nylon thumbscrew" on my focuser at all.

Did you experience this same problem when you first assembled your BT252?

[Starkler]

Do you have the crayford focuser or the rack and pinion type?

Does it have two metal knobs on the underside? if so its the crayford type. The one closest to you is the focuser tension and other one is a focus lock . Completely loosen the lock screw and adjust the tension screw for a nice smooth feel.

[shaneaust]

It's got the 2 knobs on the bottom. And, yes, it works fine, adjusting it the way you describe. Pity they didnt mention this in the instruction guide...