[JonHale]

Hi

I thought it was about time I delurked and said hello as well as to thank everyone for the advice I have been absorbing secretly over the last while.

I am starting to get back into astronomy seriously again as a hobby after a few decades. I've always owned a scope, but they were generally fine dust collectors rather than being used. So I got hold of a nice 6" refractor (I must like grubbing around in the dirt when looking near the zenith!) on an HEQ5 Pro. Suits me fine for where I am - a little bit of light pollution but the main problem is trees.

It was more gut desire that made me opt for a refractor rather than a reflector- one of those things I can't really explain.

I am building a pier as budget allows to make life a bit easier. I'm going with concrete and over-engineering slightly so if I get the bug I can upgrade the mount head. So far I have made the plate to hold the head (Camry disc brake, with a few extra holes and some threaded rod) and "just" need to do the concrete pour.

Anyway, thanks and hello to you all.

Jon