Hi
I've been looking at doing this fo 40 odd years and now I am in a position to buy what I think I will want for the long term. I tend to buy things with the future in mind, so I'd prefer to spend more now rather than upgrade later, but not ridiculously of course. Due to the recent drop in the AUD I think I'll purchase on my return from the UK next week. I'm writing this from Dover ATM.
The long term goal is a remote computer controlled home observatory so the things I buy now will be working towards that. Here are my ideas so far.
GSO Rc astrograph, probably the 8 inch carbon fibre that seem to have corrected the initial focuser and baffle issues. The larger sizes seem not a good choice at this point in time Can any one comment on that
Skywatcher NEQ6 Pro GoTo Mount
From what I've read this seems to be a reasonable mount with a reasonable price can anyone say that the az-eq6 for approx 500aud more would be that much better?
CCD camera. Here I have an open mind since this is one area that definitely will improve in value and capability So I think a reasonable cheap option to start with would be good here. Even perhaps the cheap stacking option.
Other bits and pieces I'm not so sure about as yet. The whole thing will be run from a Gentoo Linux system although Windows is available should I need it in the short term.
Obviously I'll need bits and pieces later depending on CCD choice,autoguider etc
I just think buying the RC and mount and joining the local society would be a good place to start.
Any comments, ideas, pointers, tips from experience would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
P.S any advice on where to purchase these would be appreciated too, anyone with Google can figure out where I've looking so far.
