Eenie meenie minee mo

dazcaz · Post by **dazcaz** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 5:06 pm

Thanks for the pic. most useful.
The tripod and mount are more robust, so I have a place for that already

As for Steve's commect on it being a new toy/hobby and finding a space...
I have a lot of hobbies, space is running out

The 'scope and the mount might have to live in serperate room though.
I've had a look in our motorhome too and think I've found a place for the 'scope (OTA?), Now depending on how small the tripod/mount goes down, I might have a home for that too.
Having talked with my wife (it does happen occasionally) she seems to want us to get "The big one". I'm happy with this. I just have to work out a way of paying for it

Thanks again for all your help
Darren

Themightyimp · Post by **Themightyimp** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 5:18 pm

dazcaz wrote:Thanks for the pic. most useful.
The tripod and mount are more robust, so I have a place for that already

As for Steve's commect on it being a new toy/hobby and finding a space...
I have a lot of hobbies, space is running out The 'scope and the mount might have to live in serperate room though.
I've had a look in our motorhome too and think I've found a place for the 'scope (OTA?), Now depending on how small the tripod/mount goes down, I might have a home for that too.
Having talked with my wife (it does happen occasionally) she seems to want us to get "The big one". I'm happy with this. I just have to work out a way of paying for it

Thanks again for all your help
Darren

Women allways like the big ones mate.............

Sapper · Post by **Sapper** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 8:45 pm

I recommend having a look at the thing set up before you commit, some of these 'scopes are big b****rs ! I picked up my 6" short focus refractor as an ex-demo bargain (and very pleased I am with it) but had been looking at a 4" or 4.75" based largely on price. The 6" is big though. But when you see it, don't let that put you off. If you go for a compromise 'scope you'll regret it a few weeks down the line and be back in the market for an upgrade. I started in December with a 114mm reflector, thinking I wanted something inexpensive in case I got bored, but decent enough so that I didn't get bored 'cos I couldn't see anything worth seeing ! It didn't take long before I wanted an upgrade. I raised the money by selling stuff on e-bay. That way you could raise the money and free up the storage space ! I sold the 114mm for Â£50 - half of what my wife paid Father Christmas for it less than 3 months before .
Cheers
Martyn

dazcaz · Post by **dazcaz** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 12:16 am

I'm off to look at a 200 on an EQ3 mount in the morning (Friday).
I have no intention of buying it as it's way over-priced, but it will give me a fairly accurate idea of how much room it will take up.

If all goes to plan I intend to order the 200 HEQ5 from a reputable online dealer soon.

Does anyone make a case for the 200? A little bit of protection when being taken to dark skies.

Darren

dazcaz · Post by **dazcaz** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 7:05 pm

Good news!
I have ordered the Explorer 200 HEQ5 from Steve at FLO.

I'll let you know when it arrives.... I've just seen the weather forcast....
I won't be using my shiny new 'scope for a while

Oh well, it'll give me time to play with it and learn a little about it.

At last I'll have a 'scope worth having... I also have a reason to chuck some stuff out

Darren

stewart · Post by **stewart** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 7:44 pm

good choice darren,you will be impressed by the mount,superb value for money and the o.t.a aint half bad either.Welcome to the ever growing Skywatcher Explorer owners club

a happy bunch of astronomers......weather permitting that is.

UKAndy · Post by **UKAndy** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 11:57 pm

Hi Darren - I certainly agree with Stewart. An excellent choice, and an excellent mount, especially for photography - Oh how I wish I'd had another Â£300 in the coffers when I bought ours, as now it'll cost me another Â£450 just to get an HEQ5 mount for my "paltry" 130mm!

You'll have to let us know when you post your first photo's...

As you say, the forecast ain't too good for at least the next few days, but plenty of time to RTM and play with the motors.

dazcaz · Post by **dazcaz** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 4:16 pm

UKAndy wrote:Hi Darren - I certainly agree with Stewart. An excellent choice, and an excellent mount, especially for photography - Oh how I wish I'd had another Â£300 in the coffers when I bought ours, as now it'll cost me another Â£450 just to get an HEQ5 mount for my "paltry" 130mm! You'll have to let us know when you post your first photo's...

Yes,I'm sooo looking forward to the new arrival. I think it's the right choice, but won't know until it's set up and I get my first viewing.

As for spending another 450 quid on an HEQ5 mount you could spend a little more ( <50 quid) and get the Explorer 200 bolted to it as well.

Darren

Andrew INT · Post by **Andrew INT** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 7:05 pm

I got my scope from FLO last week, and am very (very) happy with it.
I even used the discount to go towards the Revelation eyepiece and filter set (Â£100)

I have heard that the Barlow is a bit cheap and cheeful, but I've not had a good enough play yet due to all the cloud (one nights viewing so far) so cant comment. Very happy with the quality of the Revelation kit.

Keep looking up!

A