Yeah, I find longer cables are better for when seated. As you really do need to be seated for longer observing sessions. 9.25" is exactly 23.5 centimetres. I've just measured the shortest control I have which is used as the Vixen altitude control. It was originally from the ST80's EQ1 mount.



It's 17.5cm (roughly 6 and 3/4 inches). The other control for the EQ1 was the standard 28cm (just over 11 inches).

Out of interest I've been doing some calculations about the Orion 9mm Expanse and how it will perform on both the ST80 and StarMax.

ST80

Magnification: 44.4x

TFOV: 01:29:11

Exit Pupil: 1.8mm


StarMax

Magnification: 138.8x

TFOV: 00:28:32

Exit Pupil: 0.64mm

A bit of a difference lol.

 

I don't know how the flexible controls work enough to start stripping them down lol. The 9mm Expanse might be good for the Moon, although I was thinking it might also be good at splitting doubles. That wider FOV can make a difference.



I have just had a pretty decent view of lunar domes in the Linne area of the Sea of Serenity. Weird thing is that I was only reading about domes last night.



They're volcanic features, kind of like giant zits that didn't burst or something. lol



The terminator shadow caught them just right. That's the thing about the Moon you always see something new or different.

Lunar pictures ~ QuickMap, VLA & GIMP

 

I just got my birthday-present: A Vixen Porta II Alt.Az. Mount/Tripod. Got it from Agena - on sale at $249.00 a week or so ago.

http://agenaastro.com/vixen-porta-ii-mount.html

I believe you're more aware of these over there, Mak? Any advice, caveats, problems?

Off to open the box.

Dave

 

Overall it's a superb mount. Things what I have learned:

1/ The plastic slo mo push on controls supplied fall off. Get some decent ones.

2/ When you get decent ones, they'll fall off too. The connection to the worm gear is just a flat paddle unlike Synta ones which have a notch. So care has to be taken fixing them on or they'll fall off.

3/ You'll need to adjust the azimuth/altitude tension occasionally with the supplied Allen key (there are two concealed under the rubber flap in the mount head). Too loose and the azimuth will backlash slightly and the altitude can drift. Obviously too stiff and it will be hard work positioning the OTA.

4/ The supplied tripod is almost identical to a Synta AZ3/EQ2 standard model. I think it's a bit flimsy which is why I got a heavier duty Vixen Hal tripod.

Apart from that it is a really good mount/tripod. Happy Birthday.

 

Thank you, gentlemen! Much appreciated.

I already had a new set of control-cables I bought at ScopeStuff.com awhile ago. $20US, including shipping. I love that place! I'll never figure out how Jim - the owner - can remember that inventory - jaw-dropping!

Thus far, my only qualm is the location of the azimuth-cable hits the GSO 8 X 50mm Finder-Scope. But with the extra-length the ScopeStuff cable makes this a minor problem. As for the cables falling off, I can just take out my Dremel-Tool and give the bolts on it something to grab onto. And if all else fails, my Swiss Army Knife has a good set of pliers in it. I'd just tighten the bolts real good. But I doubt it will be much of a problem all-told.

The mount came with a booklet that explains how to change the tension and where it's hidden the tools. But the booklet was written by a moron! But I'm a mechanic in my other hat, so no loss there. Looks to be a very nice mount - cheap aluminum legs aside. I have a work-around for dampening vibrations, so no concerns there.

My thanks again!

Dave

 

Looks OK so far. All I need now is some decent weather and conditions!

 

I bought the Orion ST80 just as the OTA. I've daylight tested the Expanse. It inserts/extracts from the WO diagonal well. The eye relief may take some getting used to though. It feels well made. Uranus should be near the Moon tonight. If it isn't too bright it might help locate it. It appears like more of a disc than Neptune I think.

 

Well, I managed to view all of them. Good detail on the twilight Moon, I used Wratten #21, 15, 12 and 8 stacked with a Baader Neodymium. Eventually just going with the Baader. Unfortunately hazy cloud came ... and stayed.

 

It's just replaced the Sky-Watcher ST80 on the Vixen. The great thing about the Vixen is that I can mount the StarMax as well. Probably best not to talk about mounting the Skymax lol.

 

I started observing just after sundown. The Moon was fairly clear with only a slight haze at 17:30 GMT, azimuth 348.8° S, altitude 38.9° (Pisces). Conditions weren't brilliant but I used a succession of an orange then yellow filters until it got darker. I found I could get a good 66x and 73.5x and thought I could push it to at least 125x ~ 156x later when it was darker. Unfortunately the conditions eventually deteriorated.



I got a good view of the Apenines, Conon and Mt Bradley.



Ptolemaeus and Albategnius were very clear, sharp and defined.



I got to refer to my new geeky Sky & Telescope's Moon Map. Some say it's a rip off for five and a half quid, but you'll pay that for a pint of bitter south of Watford. I like it, it's shiny and portrays the Moon right way up and non-mirror reversed. lol

 

I saw it on Amazon while ordering a totally different Moon map (Philip's Moon Map). I like the Sky & Telescope one though, it's easy to use with one hand and pretty clearly laid out.



Reminds me of buying the Philip's Planisphere years ago. Everybody had this at one time, of course, it's bloody impossible to read in the dark lol.



I used the StarMax as it's really good for the Moon. With a f/l of 1250mm I rarely need to use a Barlow, which can simplify things. Plus no CA. I can get 208x if the conditions allow, although the Moon moves a bit fast on an alt-az at that. Around 80 ~ 150x is very sharp normally and the Moon moves less quickly. I forgot how hectic alt-az mounts can be at high magnification.

 

Just installed & tried this and that with new control-cables on the Porta - with the 150mm SW Maksutov - on it. The azimuth-cable is snaked under the scope's OTA, but over the GSO 8 X 50mm RACI, which is mounted on the Maksutov at the 8:00-position. I'll take a photo(s) after I'm finished tuning this beast up to my standards. I LOVE these cables I got from ScopeStuff. You ever taken a wander through that site yet, Ray? Pack a lunch - at least. I think there's still a British - Expeditionary - Force lost somewhere in there!

www.scopestuff.com

Jim's got stuff for parts of stuff for unknown stuff noone's ever heard of before! It's amazing.... It's also one of the top suppliers I use. Free shipping on all orders. Like Agena. All Jim asks is to order a minimum $10 to help defray overhead.

Back to my pliers, et al...

Dave

 

I think you can move the azimuth slo mo position on the Vixen Dave. It's in the instructions. My 102mm Skymax Maksutov suffers from the same problem with the finder shoe in the 8 o'clock position. I don't want to shag with the Porta too much yet though as I'm used to it. The 90mm StarMax and the ST80 work really well on it though.

 

I looked at the thing, and couldn't find a way that could work. And that's a rarity. What's the old saying? Ah yes: "When all else fails - read the instructions." Which I have, but my copy was written by an Orangutan.

Thank you very much, Mak, for the video-link!!

That video looks like a useful beast. After a good nap, I'll give it a watch or two. I have it positioned to work fine as is. The cables it came with are pretty poor - in my opinion. Glad I had these nice one's from ScopeStuff!

Later all,

Dave