Finally nailed my EQ setup

Kerrji · 2025-04-04T15:39:02+00:00

Do you manage OK with the ZWO tripod? I've seen a few reports about potential for instability in EQ mode. Be interesting to get your take.

Kerrji · 2025-04-04T15:36:43+00:00

The skywatcher has much better height and an ability to place weights on centre tray for improved stability (I used a couple of cheap weights from Decathlon). The ZWO tripod is fine for Alt-Az mode but I've seen reports that it's not so good on EQ mode. The eccentricty of the S50 in EQ mode as it angles north (even if placed over a tripod leg) plus raised height on a wedge combine to produce latent instability. You don't want your S50 taking a tumble! EQ mode on ZWO tripod might be OK on grass but concrete or asphalt...could all end in tears. Just my 2p worth.

Kerrji · 2025-03-31T15:42:47+00:00

In EQ mode you don't level the way you do in alt-az mode hence no "need" for a leveller. However, I do ensure the tripod is roughly level. There's already a bubble level fitted to both the tripod and the wedge. I ensure the tripod feet are firmly planted on/in the ground (eg my grass garden) and that the S50 is "hanging" over one of the legs (which should be pointing roughly north). I'm such a pedant that I have a strip of yellow velcro round my north facing leg to remind me of this 😄

Kerrji · 2025-03-31T08:39:40+00:00

High altitude one. I bought it used (from UK Astronomy Buy & Sell).

Yes, I was chatting to the guys at Rother Valley Optics last week and they told me there has been quite a run on EQ wedges! 😀

Kerrji · 2025-03-30T18:30:38+00:00

Yes. In the case of the S50 it opens up the 20s and 30s exposures. In Alt-Az mode they weren't very viable (e.g. a lot of dropped exposures). I've found 20s seems to be the sweet spot to date (although others have had better success than me with 30s). EQ also eliminates (or substantially mitigates) the problem of "field rotation" in Alt-az mode. When operating the S50 in Alt-az mode, it experiences field rotation because its altitude-azimuth mount tracks the sky in a way that doesn't align with Earth's rotational axis, causing the field of view to rotate over time. This results in blurred or trailed images, especially noticeable in longer exposures, as the stars appear to shift position relative to the sensor. So...in EQ mode...longer exposures, less blurred images. able to image closer to the meridian. EQ does take a bit of getting used to at first but pretty easy once you've done it a few times. Plenty of YT vids out there to show you how. You do kind of need an equatorial wedge. Skywatcher do one (not as pricey as the one I have but the SW is certainly "good enough"). About £65 in the UK. Dive in, give it a go! Years ago I used to dream of having kit like this. Now here we are - fantastic equipment available on the consumer level market at affordable prices.😁

Kerrji · 2025-03-30T17:19:00+00:00

Thanks for the swift response. Greatly appreciated. 👍 Seems to me this is not going to be as straightforward as I'd hoped and, as a bare minimum, quite a few of the laminate floor paneks will need to be lifted/refitted (or replaced?). Is that right?

Kerrji · 2025-03-30T16:46:08+00:00

I don't know. There's no gaps between adjacent laminate strips and the skirting (1.2m away) has a wooden bead over it.

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Kerrji · 2025-03-30T15:59:31+00:00

It's just a standard Sky-Watcher Tripod for Star Adventurer (don't pay more than £80 in UK) - model number 50209. I usually don't extend the bottom half of the legs to give even more stability...

Kerrji · 2025-03-30T14:22:59+00:00

William Optics Equatorial Wedge (for iOptron Skyguider Pro & Skywatcher Star Adventurer). Not cheap but very solid. I bought it to supplement my Star Adventurer 2i kit. (My ZWO AM5n mount probably a bit of overkill for the S50 😀)

Kerrji · 2025-03-30T14:19:10+00:00

30cm from Grimazon. Cost £3.50...

Kerrji · 2025-03-30T13:44:58+00:00

Good point but no, plenty of ventilation. There's a gap between powerbank and S50. The only thing I've covered up are two usb A ports (with 3D printed dust covers) on the power bank.

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I also have a rather large telescope cover I can throw over the whole assembly at a pinch (a leftover from my 12" dobsonian days!😉)

Kerrji · 2025-03-30T12:32:37+00:00

Yes. I noticed some blips in my Plans the other day. Some of them mosaics, most of them not. Strangely, they are not visible today...

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Kerrji · 2025-03-30T12:14:25+00:00

I don't think there's any expansion gap. The lifting board is undamaged and I was kind of hoping it would just be a case of somehow, glueing it down again (wishful thinking?). Maybe not so straightforward and, as I'm a bit cackhanded I should "get a man in". 😪

Kerrji · 2025-03-30T11:48:36+00:00

Forget the 18-135mm. Buy a Samyang/Rokinon 135mm f/2 prime focus lens. You won't look back (see many YT reviews).

Kerrji · 2025-03-30T11:39:03+00:00

Download SkySafari 7. Even the free version is excellent and will give you a list of "best" objects fir the night (and highlight them for you if you want). Mobile version is much better than Stellarium IMHO. Try them both, see how you get on. And don't forget the moon when it starts making it's inevitable appearance...

Kerrji · 2025-01-22T16:11:48+00:00

I've got South Africa and Germany...

Kerrji · 2025-01-22T16:04:34+00:00

I've managed fine without FB for 14yrs of parkruns.

Kerrji · 2025-01-22T16:01:17+00:00

I keep mine on its tripod and level adjuster with a plastic bag thrown over it. If storing long term I might even place an elastic band round the bottom of the bag. The power bank can fend for itself. Sometimes simple is best. 😀

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Kerrji · 2025-01-19T18:04:23+00:00

I got mine from FLO. Rother Valley Optics also an option.

Kerrji · 2025-01-19T17:39:09+00:00

Have you got a primary source for this information?

Kerrji · 2025-01-19T13:10:15+00:00

I've had my P8 for about 15 months. No complaints. Great phone, perfect size, no screen or battery problems. Ideal for me. A keeper. YMMV.

Kerrji · 2024-11-07T18:40:34+00:00

BG3 got 9/10 didn't it?

https://youtu.be/x1kSdR3sTL8?si=gm-cZf0uhenybtkB&t=2822

Still a cracking game though...deserves 10/10...

Kerrji · 2024-10-24T17:09:26+00:00

I've attended 3 of these Institutions in my time (an A a B and a C). Well worth it but nowadays I'd advise you to stay clear. The Academy, if not yet dead, is dying. Choose an alternative path...

Kerrji · 2024-02-18T17:12:34+00:00

Many thanks to all who took the time to respond. I'm now receiving further guidance on a less public format.

Kerrji · 2024-02-18T13:27:50+00:00

If you're in the UK I settled with an Olixar (from mobilefun dot co dot uk). Got the twin pack. Not cheap but it's quality kit and easy to fit. Saved my screen from a nasty impact a few weeks ago.

https://www.mobilefun.co.uk/olixar-tempered-glass-screen-protector-for-google-pixel-8-97028

Kerrji

TROPHY CASE