Quote:
Originally Posted by Tannehill
You have a scope. I assume it came with a finder, then. I think you mentioned having about $300 left over, right?
How’s this sound, then. Format below is: Item, Price, Source/Comments
Adjustable Observing Chair, $177, Bintel Stellar Seat Observing Chair. Or similar. GREAT GREAT accessory, worth 30% more aperture when you can sit and relax and enjoy the view, being able to raise or lower the seat. Get one with (or make) cushioned seat!
Cheap elastic eyepatch (pirate-style) for the OTHER eye, $2.50, You'd be surprised how much tension it eases when you don't have to WORK at keeping your other eye shut. That's if having it open bugs you, as it does me especially if the surroundings are not PERFECTLY dark...and they rarely are 100% pitch black, really.
Chesire, $49, Bintel 1.25" variety (or CatsEye high end option). Good collimation is a must
Sight-tube, $0.50 if you make it yourself from 35mm film cannister with center hole. Learning about centering the secondary and collimation is a must, and fairly easy to learn.
Redlight LED torch, $18, Bintel; LED bulbs preferred as they break only with great difficulty.
S&T Pocket Atlas, $25 plus shipping from U.S. Or a red acrylic shield for your laptop; don’t want to annoy your ‘mates with bright screen! But an atlas of some kind is critical.
Some thrifty Eyepieces to start but not too cheap, $200 for 4 EP set from Bintel, I think they throw in the case! Premium EPs DO make a difference, so if there is any hardware time on which you want to exceed your budget, it's with EPs.
Cheap collapsible table for scope-side (assuming it’ll fit) $69 at Bunnings
Cheap folding chair to go with cheap table (assuming it’ll fit) $20 at Bunnings
A dark sky site, Worth a kidney
A dark sky site and a spouse who lets you go there a few times a month, Worth two kidneys.
Some amicable and quick witted friends with whom to joke and share the dark sky site, PRICELESS!! Can be made on your own with simple tools, and you will keep them forever.
And that, my friend, gets you there with about $11 to spare….
Regards
Scott
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The $11 is for petrol to drive down the road to buy it all.
