Newbie Lightbridge 12" - better planetary viewing?

[cjpops (Craig)]

If weather permits, ill try the star test this evening..

I just watched a few youtube videos on this.

[cjpops (Craig)]

Wasn't exactly clear tonight, bit of mist happening in the air so i didn't try the star test.

However, my partner managed to find my old eyepieces from my previous scope and they were marked as K10 (10mm i assume?) and a K25 (25mm?).

I tried out my 'K10' eyepiece at Jupiter and was able to see the Red spot for the first time (it was closer than the 15mm eyepiece).

So, i'm guessing for now i'll get myself a laser collimator (orion brand), a decent Barlow lens and perhaps a budget 6-7mm eyepiece and then i should be right for the next few months to get the hang of it before making an expensive purchase on a 'real' eyepiece.

Cheers all

[richardda1st (Richard)]

I wasn't happy with the Orion LaserMate deluxe. It wasn't very well collimated itself, but was just usable. But in my efforts to correct it I basically destroyed it, making it even more misaligned.

I'm now totally happy with an Astrosystems 2" laser, which actually cost me about the same as the orion. Bought the orion from Bintel for $129

That's just my experience, I think some others are happy with their's

Cheers
Richard

[cjpops (Craig)]

Still haven't bought a collimator yet - Bintel is selling an Orion Laser for $99 - is this the one you had trouble with??

I just like to get one that is less fuss...

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

I have a Saxon with 7 brightness settings, I use 2 brightness levels when colliminating.
I tried an Orion on a recent trip and found it too bright and struggled to get the secondary alignment. Swinting to locate the dot onside the ring. I do like the target which is better than mine.

[cjpops (Craig)]

oh gosh.. i was going to pick up the orion laser this morning at Bintel but until i saw your post i figured i better do more research and save my money on much better one..

Might ask here if they have one for sale..

[JethroB76 (Jeff)]

Get an Astrosystems or similar

[richardda1st (Richard)]

Originally Posted by cjpops

Still haven't bought a collimator yet - Bintel is selling an Orion Laser for $99 - is this the one you had trouble with??

I just like to get one that is less fuss...

Yes it was. I recommend a 2" laser to eliminate any inaccuracy/slop between the focuser and adapter. Also a barlowed unit is best. The only good thing about the Orion LaserMate deluxe is the angled viewing window, which allows viewing whilst you are adjusting.

[cjpops (Craig)]

Bringing up my old thread...

Ive ordered the bobs knob springs for the mirror on my LB..

Can any share their experience on replacing the springs?

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

I replaced mine shortly after I bought the 12" GSO. Makes collimating so much easier!
Springs were a little tricky, only suggestion is do them one at a time. I also put my tube up on the kitchen table with a doona on the table to stop it rolling off. Getting it that bit higher makes it easier to work with.

[Jeff]

Pretty straight forward Craig.
Just follow the installation instructions which will come with the knobs.
You can also download instructions from the website:
http://www.bobsknobs.com/page3/asset...glish_Newt.pdf

Cheers,
Jeff

[cjpops (Craig)]

Thanks for that link Jeff. The springs hasn't arrived yet so will post how i go when i get them.

[cjpops (Craig)]

Hey guys, the kit arrived (primary springs, secondary knobs and FarLight counterweights) - must say the installation was easy on all three.

It was definitely much easier to collimate with these new springs/knobs - you can tell easily the new springs are much more firmer.

Hope this info helps any newbies out there.