My new scope! I'm going to the dark side! - Page 3

iceman (Mike) · #41 14-01-2007, 06:27 AM

Well I met up with Enrique yesterday, and took delivery of the new scope.

Having never put together an EQ mount before, I pieced it together slowly inbetween running errands with the family, going out to dinner etc.

I still haven't finished yet, got to put the counterweights on and then balance it with the 12" newt on! Man it's going to be big on it. I'm starting to think my 10" will end up on the EQ6, but we'll see.

xstream (John) · #42 14-01-2007, 07:25 AM

Mike, you'll be saying in another six months time that the 12" isn't big enough nor is the mount.

iceman (Mike) · #43 14-01-2007, 07:32 AM

haha probably the mount.. I'd really like to use the 12" for planetary imaging, but if it kills the mount it's not worth it

I'd need a G11 for the 12", I guess. That's not going to happen for a very very long time

matt · #44 14-01-2007, 04:15 PM

Mike

I reckon the 12" on the EQ6 will be fine as long as the conditions allow.

You wouldn't want a breeze, though

sheeny (Al) · #45 14-01-2007, 05:34 PM

I hope you can bring it to Lostock Mike! HOughy and I will be glad to give you all the polar aligning practice you need... a little occasional rearranging of the tripod when you aren't looking...

by the time you've re aligned it 2 or 3 times a night at Lostock, you'll be able to do it with your eye's closed! (almost!)

Al.

iceman (Mike) · #46 14-01-2007, 06:40 PM

I'll definitely bring the mount to Lostock, maybe with the 10". I need help!

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #47 14-01-2007, 10:54 PM

Congrats Mike!!!

I'm too scared to even attempt to put my 12" on my EQ6.

I know how heavy it is and I don't want to damage the mount in any way.

Maybe the Meade 6" Astrograph is the way to go. Astrophotography ready and only $399.

sheeny (Al) · #48 15-01-2007, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceman

I'll definitely bring the mount to Lostock, maybe with the 10". I need help!

No worries Mike. The only thing better than playing with a new toy of someones else's is playing with a new toy of your own! I'm sure you'll get plenty of assistance.

Al.

ving (David) · #49 15-01-2007, 09:39 AM

its not a hard task moving from dob to EQ mike. If i can do it anyone can

I am finding it real easy now. Last night i went out to teh oaks with a few MAS guys and set up my heq5 in almost drakness. it doesnt take o=long at all.

you'll be fine in no time

iceman (Mike) · #50 15-01-2007, 09:45 AM

Thanks Ving, yeh i'm sure once i've done it once i'll be fine. I'm pretty sure i've got it right now, but will wait until I get to Lostock to drive it with the experts.

I haven't had more than an hour or two to play with it since I got it.

sejanus (Gavin) · #51 23-01-2007, 05:24 PM

piccies please

iceman (Mike) · #52 23-01-2007, 08:09 PM

Sorry will post pics in the next few days, when these clouds go and I get a chance to mount it again.

I didn't take any pics at Lostock when I had my 10" on the new EQ6

I'm going to try the 12" next time out, so I can make a decision on whether to keep the 12" or the 10". Then I can sell the other.

The 10" on the EQ6 was just fine at Lostock.. with proper rings (just straps at the moment), proper levelling and alignment, it will be just fine. It tracked accurately (enough) at over 8m focal length, with adjustments needed every 20-30 seconds to move the planet back to the other side of the FOV.