My astronomy aspirations

[Baron von Richthofen (Vaclav)]

Just to let you all know my astronomy aspirations it is all going backwards, I tried to set up my ETX90 and it turns out to be to heavy for me and now I am in a lot of pain, I was hoping I could cope but it seems not, my career/wife is saying I TOLD YOU SO, I will never live it down, it seems that I will be condemned to solar viewing with a PST
And now to sell it all just after I get it
Regards
Vars
PS-It is only 3.5KG

[sheeny (Al)]

Sorry to hear that, Vars. I take it you have a bad back?

My back is good at the moment but I have injured it in the past so I sympathise. It can really take the shine off your day, as I'm sure you are aware.

You don't have anyone who can help to set up the ETX90? Even if i isn't all that often I think that would be preferable to selling it (for me anyway).

There are a lot worse things in life than being limited to solar observing with a PST! Even if that's all you can manage, things will get better... solar minimum has to end sometime!

Al.

[Baron von Richthofen (Vaclav)]

I knew it was a gamble when I was getting the gear and I lost, I hate being disabled and it only been 4 years and this is for ever that the part I cant stand
but you are right Ha solar observing is better than nothing
Vars

[Baron von Richthofen (Vaclav)]

I have had a flash of genius, I am going to setup a remote radio controlled ETX90
Vars

[GTB_an_Owl (Geoff)]

thats the idea Vars

where there's a will - there's a way

(or is that " a relative")

geoff

[sheeny (Al)]

Originally Posted by Vars

I have had a flash of genius, I am going to setup a remote radio controlled ETX90
Vars

Now we're talking!

Al.

[Phil]

All i can say is be very very careful when lifting stuff. Look after your back it is the only one you have. You don't wont to end up like me.
Phil

[BerrieK]

All I can do is agree. As someone involved in imaging people's damaged spines and treatment for intractable pain, and who has a bad back herself, I can say it essential to take care when lifting anything, particulary astro toys which tend to be a little of the hefty side of the spectrum. Likewise just using your gear at the eyepiece can be a real pain in the neck or back.

Sorry to hear of your woes Vars, these things can really mess with you head. Vars dont give up on your aspirations, the remote idea sounds great. You are very clever being able to set things like that up for yourself. I am just an occasional tinkler with my 8" Newt which weighs a tonne on its mount and I am a very basic user.

Oh and Phil, your neck looks dreadful, looks like you have had some pretty tough times with it (sorry to let you know but the xray is upside down).

[coldspace]

Originally Posted by Vars

I knew it was a gamble when I was getting the gear and I lost, I hate being disabled and it only been 4 years and this is for ever that the part I cant stand
but you are right Ha solar observing is better than nothing
Vars

Seeing that you have found the scope way to heavy for your situation, and been a Meade scope you have probally bought it from one of the few reputable Meade dealers here in OZ
Why don't you contact them and explain your situation?
I am sure you would be able to exchange your scope for some other bit of gear or if it is un-used like you say they may even refund you the cost?
I have dealt with both the Meade dealers in Qld and NSW and have found them to be very helpfull, so in your situation I would be very suprised and/or disapointed if they could not come to some arrangement with you.
You may have to pick up the postage though.
Would be alot better than trying to get it sold through the classifieds.

Matt.

[bluescope]

Hi Vars

I think the remote control idea is a good way to go if you really want to view the night skies. There are eyepieces that can be connected directly to TV's to enable you to see objects.

Meade #902 Electronic Eyepiece

You can control your ETX90 from a computer also.

Meade also have electronic focusers to suit ETX90 as far as I know.

I guess it's up to you as to what you want to do !

Good luck mate !

[Baron von Richthofen (Vaclav)]

Originally Posted by Phil

All i can say is be very very careful when lifting stuff. Look after your back it is the only one you have. You don't wont to end up like me.
Phil

Ouch, I hope you can take pain killers not like me, cant take any as I am allergic to all forms of narcotics, it gets interesting at times, the remote ETX is looking to be very expensive so I think I will pull out of astronomy, to painful and to expensive
Vars