First Light with Altair 125

[+Streetbob]

I finally managed to get out and try my new scope the other day, all be it some sun bothering.

 

I found I could only get focus with the binoviewer by using a 2x tele-extender AND a 1.7 gps.  This made the 36mm eps equivalent to 10.5 mm.  However this gave a view of the full disc and the contrast and detail was brilliant.  The difference compared with my old 102 Achro is well worth the cost.

Now I just need a clear night to really try it out.

[Speed]

awesome looking set up     should bet my Tak  this month ... fingers crossed    

[+Stu]

That all looks very nice!

Could I just ask what the silver doodah on the top dovetail is?

[+Streetbob]

58 minutes ago, Stu said:

Could I just ask what the silver doodah on the top dovetail is?

It's a sign that we haven't had any clear skies so I started experimenting with a method of fine balancing when changing eyepieces.  I had a vixen clamp knocking around so I lined with flocking material so as not to scratch anything and used a bolt with a teflon end  (again to prevent scratches). 

 

I then bolted a small counter weight to the clamp.  All from stuff  I already had.

But does it work?  Sort of.  Balance is kept when changing from 36mm ep to 15 ep but only by using the very ends of the handle.  

I have 2 options:-  add another weight (which I have) but that may be too heavy or buy a longer vixen bar (red of course) and attach to the tube rings.

 

Thanks for your interest.

 

 

[+Stu]

Nice idea. I had a long dovetail on my newt which meant I could slide things around for balance. I thought about using a countersink bolt and drilling the bar to allow unhindered slidyness along the full length of it, as the other bar was shorter. Never got round to it though 😄

[Clive]

Wow! I'm amazed that a change of eyepiece(s) would make such a difference to as to require rebalancing considering the inertia of everything else!

[+Streetbob]

There’s quite a difference between the 36mm and 15mm but I can tighten the alt friction to compensate. It makes initial balancing easier but it’s mainly a case of wanting to play with my new scope but no clear skies.