G'day one and all,
Been a member of these forums for about 12mths now, always lurking, reading and digesting helpful information from what I reckon is one of the best sites around. Congats and thanks to Iceman!
Unfortunately, I never thought I had anything worthwhile to contribute to this community, hence this being my first post. Hopefully, it'll be far from my last.
A bit about myself. A married 45yo amatuer (more likely novice) astronomer living on the Gold Coast. Also enjoy computers, internet, games, sailing, cooking, eating, drinking, etc...
My equipment includes an 8" f5 newt, 8" mak, a couple of EQ5 mounts, one with goto, crummy aluminium tripod, more recent sturdy steel tripod, some generic EP's and an old Quickcam.
Always wanted to get more into astrophotography, but find it such a hassle dragging all the gear out into the backyard, painstakingly setting it up, then putting it all away again in the dark. There's got to be a better way, I thought. So, I started looking around for a pier. About as rare as hen's teeth out here in OZ, and what I could find OS cost an arm and a leg, plus shipping! Anyway, did a bit more research and digging around the 'net, then thought "Bugger it, I'll make 'em myself".
So, after a bit of R & D (trial and error), and with a bit of help from Ron at Sirius Optics at Underwood, Qld, I've started producing some piers and adapters for sale. Initially in 2 flavours, one suitable for EQ5 mounts, the other for LX 200's and the like. Have included some sample pics below. They are also available to view and purchase from Sirius.
Really interested in what you guys have to offer in the way of opinions or advice.
Thanks,
Steve Bain