Nothing wrong with Dobs. I wish at times I had some thing with appature that I could just throw outside during those brief 30 min intervals of clear sky we've been experiencing.
That might work Geoff, though we will have to watch it quite closely. I know everyone here is cool, but I have seen this sort of thing turn into a slinging match.
However, if you think it will be constructive, then lets get it happening. Got plenty to gripe about my scope, even though I thick it is a good scope.
Let's start with something that should be easy to fix.
That dumb idea of having a power lead connection that sticks straight out for about 5 cm to get caught up in the handcontroller and microfocuser leads. My connection is nearly snapped off after only 4 months of intermittent use. Anyone got any ideas of how to fix that.
Fixes that an electonic brick could uses please, well maybe not quite but you get the idea.
Me personally I would simply tape it into position, so that it goes down and held away from the handbox lead. As for rewiring, you go me there, don't like power and it don't like me. You could also try using velcro fixed permanantly in place and then just velcro you lead on setup.
The problem I'm having is that the area I've circled is rigid and flexes very little. The only flex is where the end of the lead cover joins the plug. This is the part that has me concerned. Apart from the fact that the coil leads of the handbox and microfocuser are stretching and losing their "springyness". Is there a right angled plug I can replace the existing plug with?
Dn'tchajustluv digital cameras for this sort of stuff
You could try at Dick smiths, they have all sort of plugs. Only thing with the rewire is to make sure that the centre is positive (I think). You need to check with your local dealer for the exact polarity. Its not that hard, just some soldering and thats it. You just need to get the right plug.
I tried "Dick's" but no luck. I've only just though of it, but I might give the Electrical Techs at work (TAFE) and see what they can do for me. If nothing else they should have heaps of catalogues that I can browse through to see what's available.
Maybe I can drop Don a line at Bintel where I bought it from. I'm sure i'm not the first to experience this.
My connection isn't as bad as your's......the flexible part is very short and doesn't get in the way.......I did however just purchase a 12v connection from Jaycar that cost $7 that hooks upto my 12 volt battery pack through the cigaret lighter. Here
I have tested it and it seems ok....and yes the center is positive.
Hi Guys, 1ponders, *JAYCAR*.part #PP-0515.(Right angled female DCPlug). 2.5mm diam. part #PP-0514.(ditto). 2.1mm diam.
A piece of equipment that IS necessary is a DIGITAL multi meter. These can be purchased for as little as $15.00.Have a look at QM-1520.
HTH.
ps. still a spark.
Hey everyone! Just to let you know my "baby" arrived yesterday - a brand new 10 " LX200GPS UHTC!
I opened the big white Meade box with my wife and three kids watching. There was a collective gasp of amazement when we all saw just how beautiful (and big) "she" is...by the way, is it usual to give one's scope a name?....I tempted to give "her" one...
How's the weather been, you ask? Yesterday, just when I had finished putting her together it started to rain. Pelted down pretty much all night! Today- we had a sunny day in Sydney until late afternoon when a torrential downpour with hail etc came down. Our garage suffered minor flooding. It is true what they say....it really does rain for days after you get a telescope. There are some gaps opening upin the clouds but I am very cautious about how wet and spongey the ground is, and I might wait until tomorrow night. I would hate to have a disaster and drop the scope! In the meantime I am learning how everything works. The autostar suite is simply awesome. I can't wait to put it to use.
Iceman, you'll have to give me bell and arrange to drop by soon!
Rodstar
PS My tongue was planted firmly in my cheek when I made the comment about Dobs. . The 20" Dob I recently looked through was mighty fine!
Iceman, you'll have to give me bell and arrange to drop by soon
Awesome Rod, so it was you that brought the storms to Sydney/Central Coast yesterday!
Looks like it should be clear tonight, maybe a bit windy though. Should be ok for a first light though, let us know how it goes!
And i'll definitely pop over maybe next week, and we'll go out next weekend. I'm taking Jacob to the Koolang Observatory next Saturday night (12th) - are you up for another trip?
Maybe we could go to Mangrove Mountain on the friday night, it's new moon weekend after all!
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Very happy for you Rod. How far up the central coast are you.? Will you be dragging clouds away from here?
