db-astro.org

longinthetooth · Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 7 Location: Kirkcaldy

I've recently renewed my interest in astronomy, bought a telescope but haven't yet got the knack of setting it up and using it properly. My ultimate aims are to be able to set up efficiently for both visual and astrophotography and hopefully take reasonable photos. I have a 10" LX200 classic and a canon 350 with extra 300mm lens (so far!). I stay locally and could do with some help!
Cheers
JB

bwh · Joined: 06 Feb 2007 Posts: 95 Location: Dalgety Bay

Welcome, you have a very nice scope to start with, and the canon camera should make a cool combination.

There are three magazines to be found at WHSmith, "Sky at Night", "Astronomy" and "Astronomy Now" which will each give great month view of what you should be able to see, where key stars are and where planets are .... Jupiter in South early night a good target to start.

You should also be well placed for Messier objects....

If only we get clear skies, bad month for cloud.

welcome on board. Happy to arrange get-to-know-your-scope evening session sometime.

regards
_________________
bwh

Meade 8inch (228mm) LX5 Smidt-Cassegrain fl=2000
Skywatcher 120mm Refractor fl=1000m
Toucam Pro II 840k

bwh · Joined: 06 Feb 2007 Posts: 95 Location: Dalgety Bay

Next meeting on the group is Monday 3rd Sept, bay inn - details top right of screen.
_________________
bwh

Meade 8inch (228mm) LX5 Smidt-Cassegrain fl=2000
Skywatcher 120mm Refractor fl=1000m
Toucam Pro II 840k

longinthetooth · Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 7 Location: Kirkcaldy

Thanks bwh!
It's the goto I can't get to function correctly, I haven't the knack yet - it's a steep learning curve for me - and anyway it's only been clear a couple of nights since I bought the thing! So not much time to practice.
I'd appreciate any tips people have.
Cheers
JB

bwh · Joined: 06 Feb 2007 Posts: 95 Location: Dalgety Bay

http://www.astrocruise.com/polarnew.htm

Does this help, guidance to get scope setup .... ?
_________________
bwh

Meade 8inch (228mm) LX5 Smidt-Cassegrain fl=2000
Skywatcher 120mm Refractor fl=1000m
Toucam Pro II 840k

longinthetooth · Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 7 Location: Kirkcaldy

Thanks for the link bwh. I haven't got as far as setting up with the wedge - I have got one- I've simply been trying to set up alt/az. There's something fundamental, and probably really simple I'm not doing right! Won't get out tonight - it has clouded over again!
Thanks though for your help.
Cheers
JB

bwh · Joined: 06 Feb 2007 Posts: 95 Location: Dalgety Bay

hmm alt/az is much harder i think, i got brief glipse at Jupiter (nice), its moons 4 clear, and maybe sight of Vetsa (asteroid) - only maybe - it was left and down, and should have been right and up - so maybe SCT mirror switched... ?

also very nice half-moon over the bridges...

maybe tomorrow night, wierd clouds came from east ???
_________________
bwh

Meade 8inch (228mm) LX5 Smidt-Cassegrain fl=2000
Skywatcher 120mm Refractor fl=1000m
Toucam Pro II 840k

bwh · Joined: 06 Feb 2007 Posts: 95 Location: Dalgety Bay

Can you describe your typical setup procedure, and the nature of the issue, so people can offer some advice.... ?

Guess the object you want does not appear, but how do you align scope in first place (is there compass, do you always carry out polar alignment, or level north, or two -star... etc etc etc)

Very warm clear, night - could be 1st clear night of autumn...
_________________
bwh

Meade 8inch (228mm) LX5 Smidt-Cassegrain fl=2000
Skywatcher 120mm Refractor fl=1000m
Toucam Pro II 840k

longinthetooth · Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 7 Location: Kirkcaldy

Hi again bwh
I've been reading the Meade manual again and it could be that I'd only used a one star alignment when a two star alignment is necessary. I'll give this a try. Levelling and pointing the scope due south is a proper pain in the neck!
The goto was degrees out, not just a little bit.
Its clear tonight but I don't have the time to set up!!!! Just like the thing!
Cheers
JB

longinthetooth · Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 7 Location: Kirkcaldy

Eureka
As soon as you mentioned two star procedure the penny dropped. I should have read the manual carefully (or at all) before starting. A two star alignment sorted it all out tonight. Goto is terrific!
I hope to get along to one of your meetings soon.
Thanks for your help
JB