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Hey Kirk,
Welcome to Ice in Space.
The Queensland weather is preventing much Astronomy at the moment. It is the wet season here, so we should know better than to buy new gear.
But yes, I have only been able to set it up twice, but had great times with it both times.
I bought it from Bintel in Sydney, with a few extra EP's and a Barlow. Check out the "for sale" threads, there are a couple for sale.
I paid $6,000 for what I bought, so the items for sale are priced about right.
I can't give you a definative answer about performance of the new scope yet as I have only used it twice, but from what I have seen, it is excellant.
Thanks to Houghy,I think, I bought the 10" model, it is right on the weight limit for me to pick up.
The 12" would be too much for one person, unless you are big and fit. I only wiegh 70Kg.
One thing that I learned right away though, is to set up the tripod really low, it makes things much easier to fit the scope. Keep the height around waist level as that is as high as I can lift the scope.
I also erect the tripod and use a spirit level on it before putting the scope on it.
I don't know if it helps with the auto-levelling sequence, but I feel better doing it, and the scope tracks OK.
I will learn more at Lostock, so if you are coming, you will be welcome to check out my gear, and listen to the advice. If you don't go, send me an email and I will pass on my newly acquired knowledge.
Mike
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