Hello 10Chainers. As usual, nothing stays the same for long up here. Over the course of the next few months, the existing setup is moving out or over to make way for the big guns - a C14 (ex Duckadang) and a Losmandy Titan. The Titan is still 4 months away but the second NEQ6Pro and GSO RC have already left the building. The second EQ6 will also go but the ED127 will remain, mounted side-by-side with the C14.
The observatory will need some mods to the roof but nothing an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel can't accomplish.
New Moon nights will continue as normal.
Peter.
Hi David. It's an older 'orange' Celestron C14 with a FL of 3900 or thereabouts making it an F/11 natively but F/7 with a reducer/flattener - so that'll give me the FL of the ED127 (980), the C14 at F7 (2400) and natively (3900) to image at - which is one of the reasons why I've ordered a Titan as well. It'll be a mind-boggler when it's up and running I think.
Peter.
Hi Robin, it's 22kg on it's own but add another 7 for the ED127, 1.5 for 2 x QHY8s, 1.5 for a guidescope, 3 for some bars and saddles, ...you get the picture. I figure it will all top out to about 32-35kgs on the Titan- about 75% of capacity.
The RC and the EQ6 it rides on will go down to Ron at Sirius Optics to sell for me - unless there are any other buyers lurking about the place.
I wish I knew more about the C14's life story. I haven't been able to find out anything beyond the fact that Duckadang decided to downsize somewhat. Anyone got any contacts there I could follow up?
Peter.
Hey Jeanette - we're on the same page in S&T! They've used my M83 from Barambah last April. I didn't even know about this one - got a big surprise when bought the mag today. I can't remember which email address I gave them mind you
Pardon me hijacking Peter - this is practically the local gab thread now....
Ahhh the prestige of it all. I bought an extra copy of Sky and Tel to send to my Mum.
Anyone else outside on this glorious clear night?
I have to use my Mini Tower, which is ok, it's light enough for me to handle. I've put a dove tail on my 20d and am shooting through my new Tammy 90mm.
So far I've had a go at the Running Chicken and I'm working on Rho Oph atm.
Short subs of course. But I've been there done that. At least I'm out here.
Can't wait to get my scopes back!! Reckon I'll be fit enough by next new moon to bring them on home.
Glad to hear you're starting to pick up J
I'm still out - playing with adaptor for a spare finder Brendan made up so I can use it as a guider. Working well so far. I think I can at least double my sub times if need be.
Have been sucking down RGB on Eta I couldn't get at Ron's last time due to clouds, and now snatching a bit of M8 before bed. Certainly a nice night, 'specially now the moon is gone.
Hi everyone. Well, it's still a lottery but it's been such a long time between good new moon nights that we really are due for a good one on Saturday 16th. If the skies are clear, I'll open the gates for Friday 15th as well, and even SundaY 17th for the seriously deprived.
Let me know if you're planning on making the trip.
