Society for Popular Astronomy

I originally posted this query earlier this year - other priorities then got in the way, plus I subsequently had lots of problems getting the things to work. I could not, at first, get the ZWO ASI 034MC to work and had to visit the vendor, who also struggled (turned out to be issues with USB connect...

Ordered the ZWO ASI034MM in the end, will let you know how I get on in a few weeks.

Well you've done it again - I need to look a little closer but reckon one of the two webcams at 365astronomy are just what I am looking for, watch this space (no pun intended!) - many thanks Brian. Whilst I realise these types of webcams are mainly for planetary and lunar imaging, are DSO objects po...

Once again thanks Brian. After my experience with the Logitech I am now inclined to find something that works out the box but not too expensive. Any thoughts on the Orion Colour Imager IV, which seems to fit the bill, for a not too expensive price: http://www.telescopehouse.com/acatalog/Orion_StarSh...

Brian, at last we had a good sky last night which allowed me to try your focus experiment. The result showed the focal point to be within the upper 2cm of the focus tube and should therefore be within the correct range for the webcam sensor. Regrettably I must therefore conclude that this webcam is ...

Good idea, however, I will need to wait until (if) ever it stops raining + we have a clear night to do so - it will be interesting to see the result. I did last time try the additon of a x2 barlow which unfortunately made no difference.

Thanks for your thoughts Brian. Answering your questions: yes the webcam did work fine before - it was just lying around at home free (so to speak) and I thought I'd try and get it working with the telescope (I am relatively new to astronomy - keen, but loads to learn!) and, yes I have tried it in t...

I am also looking for a suitable DSLR - does the 1100D have a lockable mirror, which I believe is useful for astro imaging?

I really have two related questions: 1. I have stripped down a Logitech webcam I had lying around (don't know which model), removed the lens and attached a nose, in the hope I could make a start at webcam imaging. Unfortunately I am unable to get a picture: if you move the webcam around it registers...

Thanks guys that is helpful.

I have an Equatorial EQ3-2 mount which, as most will know, requires alignment with Polaris in order to track correctly. Unfortunately where I have to set-up the mount (at the back of my house) means that most of the time the north sky and Polaris is is obscured by my house. Is there another way I ca...

I am a relatively newcomer and have been using my Skywatcher 150PL now for about 6 months, with good results on the planets and moon. However, for anything else I find it difficult to locate and and view e.g. the Andromeda galaxy or M42 / 43 in Orion - unfortunately I do not have a motor drive at th...

Thanks Brian Would this be worth getting too?

http://www.scopesnskies.com/prod/laser/ ... AC666.html

+ any other comments on points (1) & (2) ?

I am also interested in getting a laser pointer but am unclear from the answers which is the way to go. 1. Taking on board the issue of misuse, what is therefore the best pointer for astronomical use? I presume the higher the mW the more powerful the light, however, some here seem to suggest that a ...

Thanks again David - the draw tube is 1.25" so the 2" idea won't work. Notwithstanding, your thoughts have been helpful - all I need to do now is make up my mind. As a newcomer the other feature of astronomy is the bewildering choice!