SUPER TUNE the Skywatcher CLASSIC 250P

Рет қаралды 43,253

2 жыл бұрын

Is SUPER-TUNING a simple Dob telescope possible???, HOLD MY BEER!!! or HOLD MY PINT!!! (for the UK viewers)
#Skywatcher #telescope #BudgetAstronomy
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There will be many more video content like this which will give practical useful info to help newcomers and experienced Astrophotographers in the astro community to undertake Astro practical tuning, to let viewers get see the Astro equipment I review in detail.
So please everyone show your support to MP ASTRO and subscribe onto my channel, if you want to see real authentic reviews and modifications that do work and have been tested out by myself.
kzfaq.info/love/t5E...
The Skywatcher Classic 250P telescope:
RVO:
www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/...
FLO:
www.firstlightoptics.com/tele...
Eyepieces Upgrade:
Super Plossl 1.25" Eyepieces:
www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/...
2" Panaview Eyepieces:
www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/...
Explore Scienfitic 2" 100 degree FOV 14mm Eyepiece:
www.firstlightoptics.com/expl...
Lazer Collimator:
www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/...
Cheshire Collimation Eyepiece:
www.amazon.co.uk/Collimating-...
The links to products listed to achieve the SUPER-TUNE 250P:
Uprated Dob base main bearing:
www.teleskop-express.de/shop/...
Uprated Secondary Mirror adjustment screws:
www.teleskop-express.de/shop/...
Telrad upgrade:
www.firstlightoptics.com/find...
Telrad dew shield:
www.firstlightoptics.com/find...
AstroZap Dust cover:
www.firstlightoptics.com/astr...
FLOCKING material:
www.firstlightoptics.com/misc...
10X50mm Right Angle Finderscope:
www.firstlightoptics.com/find...
80mm Cooling fan:
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
Orion Dob Counterweight system:
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
Silcone Grease:
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
Parts for the Altitude bearing mod:
sourcing map 626-2RS Deep Groove Ball Bearing 6x19x6mm Double Sealed Carbon Steel Bearings 5Pcs (YOU'LL NEED 8 BEARINGS)
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
M6 (6mm x 40mm) Hex Socket Countersunk Machine Screw (Bolt) - Steel (Pack of 20)
www.amazon.co.uk/40mm-Socket-...
Electrical Tape 15m x 15mm Pack of 6 - Waterproof, Non-Conductive PVC Insulation Tape for High/Low Temperature with Strong Adhesion and Prevents Corrosion - Black Tape
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
M6 Washer 6mm A2 Stainless Steel Form A Thick Flat Washers (20 Pack)
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
M6 (6mm) Finishing Washer (Stamped) - Stainless Steel (A2) (Pack of 20)
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
M6 Nyloc Steel Nuts, 6mm Self Locking Nuts with Nylon Inserts (20 Pack)
www.amazon.co.uk/Nyloc-Steel-...

Пікірлер: 161

@markjordan1530 Ай бұрын

My first thought was gosh, it’s a long video. But having watched in its entirety I really appreciate the detail that you go into. Others edit instructions down and lose the smaller details. So that when you attempt the job yourself you make mistakes. Thankyou for this thorough instruction. I’m ordering the bits I need now.

@MPAstro Ай бұрын

Yep Mark, it's a long video, there are too many channels who make short videos, and instant results. I go through it in detail and show real evidence that it works. Just to make you aware there is a part 2 of this video, defo worth a view

@markjordan1530 Ай бұрын

Oh great. I will watch later. Any recommendations on replacing the focuser? I have a big heavy PanaView 32mm which I like but I think it has strained the stock focuser a bit. I’ve refurbed it but I’d like a better one. I see there is a SkyWatcher one at £170 which has mostly good reviews. Be interested in your thoughts. Mark 2:31:36

@MPAstro Ай бұрын

@@markjordan1530 Yes First light Optics Astro Essentials 2" focuser is a good one!!

@MPAstro Ай бұрын

Here is the link in case YT deletes it www.firstlightoptics.com/astro-essentials-focusers/astro-essentials-v2-2-dual-speed-low-profile-crayford-focuser-for-newtonian-telescopes.html

@markjordan1530 Ай бұрын

Brill. Many thanks Martin.

@Mrcloc 2 ай бұрын

Very good, and very much appreciated! I would only change one thing, and that is to put the electrician's tape on the plastic rather than the bearings - when put on the bearings it will result in a seam which will cause a bump. If you put it on the plastic you can put the seam somewhere where it will never interact with the bearings. I would also consider a plastic duct tape rather than electrician's tape because the adhesive on the electrician's tape doesn't last and goes gooey. I will definitely be flocking my 8" 200p that I use for astrophotography, but I'm thinking of using Musou black paint or something similar. I might even just use black felt - whatever is available to me here in SA. I definitely need to mask the mirror clips and cut off the piece of focuser tube that sticks into the OTA. That diffraction is unnecessary.

@stevenickolls8016 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Martin, always enjoy these practical videos. Very instructional. 👍 Cheers, Sreve

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

Thank yoiu Steve for watching, I will now begin to provide the links to all the upgrades, so it will take me some time, but I hope you can make use of this video

@evelynmoriarty4181 Жыл бұрын

Learned so much from this video - thank you! Just bought a 10" flextube and I'm going to try some of these mods!

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

Have fun!

@gwzapo 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Martin. You touched on so many points here. I recommend folks save this video if they own a Dobsonian. Your points on the cost of both new and used Astro gear to the how-to super tuning of the Dobsonian are outstanding. Thank you!!!

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gary, I had more info but had to cut it out as it was already 3 hours long video. I must admit it's not easy doing a practical video with a cumbersome optical tube, the amount of camera angle shots I needed to do was unreal. Processing over 5 ours of video and editing it out is no joke!! I will be hoping to do another video on Skywatcher Classic 250P, I have an amzing Sony A6400 camera, and capturing DSOs in video at just 1/4 second at ISO 16000 is unreal.

@gwzapo 2 жыл бұрын

I know creating these videos is a lot of work. I tried doing a couple of videos beyond what I typically do....lots of hours. Thank you for putting these together as you have for several years. Stay well!!!

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gary for your support to MP ASTRO, look forward for more videos coming soon!!

@hashtaglobotomy2655 Жыл бұрын

I just picked up an Orion xt8 pro for 150 in almost like new condition with all the original accessories. This video is great for people like me.

@HollomanUFOLanding 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video as always Martin, thanks.

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

Many thanks

@alphacentauriproxima 2 жыл бұрын

Another great vid, Martin. Thank you.

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks again! For watching!!!

@lersusallarhand5831 Жыл бұрын

That was by far the best uprgrade video on Skywatcher Dobsonians I have ever seen! Thx a lot for all the advice. Needless to say, that I am about to start upgrading my 10 Inch Flextube. I just ordered some upgrade parts for the mount (yes, sadly up to the 10 inch variants, Teflon pads are still used, in the flextube lineup) with the help of your list. Greetings from Germany

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks!

@padraicley3265 6 ай бұрын

I like to see your upgrade list. I have an identical unit.

@sky-watcher Жыл бұрын

Excellent work, very useful video!

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

Many thanks!

@michaeloppenheimer2582 2 ай бұрын

I have a twelve inch skyline, And I love it.

@MPAstro 2 ай бұрын

Skywatcher no longer make these scopes anymore. Your scope is now rare item!!

@VinayKumar-yg5rf Жыл бұрын

Nice video martin. So detailed and to the point. So many people have this dob and for new people always curios to buy new eyepiece for DSO and planets too. You can make one detail video for them with sample of FOV. So can can understand and get idea what they have to buy.

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. There is going to be PART 2 for the SUPERTUNED 250P, SO WATCH THIS SPACE!!!

@pccgbpetondal3369 Жыл бұрын

No need to move mounting, just use a magnet as weight at the bottom end of the tube to balance. Also if drilling holes in tubes or anywhere you fear the drill slipping just stick some masking tape down and mark and drill on it.

@Mrcloc 3 ай бұрын

"...but you cannot beat visual astronomy" Absolutely!

@MPAstro 3 ай бұрын

Cheap, enjoyable and no need for gimmicks!! Have you checked part 2 of this video

@jeanfitzsimmons2258 8 ай бұрын

Martin....THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!~{{{HUGS}}}

@freshday633 Жыл бұрын

top vid m8 great job thanks

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

No problem 👍

@ryanfahrne5318 8 ай бұрын

Thanks, you just swayed me towards the Celestron 10"

@tantalos60 2 жыл бұрын

I own a 10" Skywatcher dob. Oceanside was sooo nice they shipped me two! (No, didn't keep the second one) Added a fan for cooling.

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jeffrey for watching!! Hopefully get to test the Dob, hopefully more videos

@padraicley3265 6 ай бұрын

Martin, thanks for the detailed and informative video for the Skywatcher; I got the same 250 (10") for a few days except for the Flex version. You give me nice details about how this Dob was put together and mech weakness? I am in Bortle 3-4 and excited to see how it goes at my local monthly Star Party next week.

@MPAstro 6 ай бұрын

Not a problem, now you have a real scope which will show you everything. I've always say the best telescope is the dob

@steveayers6887 Жыл бұрын

thankyou very much.....great info

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@steveayers6887 Жыл бұрын

You are very welcome...🧐

@maievshadowsong5436 Жыл бұрын

Hello Martin, awesome video! I love that you took time to actually show us how and what to do instead of just showing us a list. Very helpful. I'm in the process of buying a telescope, i'm new so i was thinking about the 10" skywatcher flextube. However sadly i'm not sure that i have the space for it. I have 2 options Skywatcher 10" Flextube or Skywatcher 150/1800 Mak. on a PRO NEQ3 mount. I don't know how much deep sky i will be able to see with the dob, i'm Bortle 4 - 5+ so it will be mostly planets and some not so faint DSOs. I heard the Mak is really good with planets but is it close to the 10" planetwise? What scope should i buy? Pls help.. i can't decide and the summer is ending fast :)

@ericbrodersen3666 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to make this detailed video. I wonder how the balance would change if you were to put the magnet weight on the bottom of the optical tube to help offset the large amount of weight on the top in addition to balancing it front to back?

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

Good question! The magnetic weight can easily counterbalance at the bottom. I use an Explorer Scientific 100 Degree 14mm Eyepiece (weighs 1Kg) with my Telrad and 9X50mm Eyepiece, it's alot weight at the top. It will take quite few adjustments of sliding the weight back and forth along the main tube to get it the exact sweet spot of balance. Though be careful not slide too close the Primary mirror, as this counterweight is very strong magnet, and considering the mirror cell is made of steel, you could effect the collimation, so around 1-2inch away from the primary mirror cell is OK.

@ROY-COLLEY 8 ай бұрын

Hiya Martin nice job there mate. And I'm so glad I found your channel. I'm a total newbie, I'm so new I still got my wrapping on.😅. I got a Skywatcher 250pds with a EQ6 Pro. I'm about to order my flocking from FLO . I'm hoping to learn Astrophotography. But thanks to you I've learnt how to flock 😅. One thing what is the length of your scope mate. So thanks mate Roy Cardiff. Where in UK you mate ? I hope you get better sky than us. FANTASTIC SHOT OF NEBULA MATE LOVE IT.

@joergbaumann7429 Жыл бұрын

Sehr sympathisch 👍😁

@3uphrates 4 ай бұрын

Thanks Martin. I just installed the base bearing and it's perfect. I got rid of the original finder to fit the Telrad, that saves some weight and helps with the balance. For the side bearings, the original bushes are 20mm but the bearings are 19mm. Maybe the tape is actually required, half a milimeter radius, to avoid endup up with extra load and wear on the central axis?

@MPAstro 4 ай бұрын

Great stuff 3uphrates. Now you see for yourself how a Dob should perform. These mods will make you use the Dob more often, try making the setting circles mod, where you use your dob as a push to go system, I have done a video on it on my channel

@hetewei Жыл бұрын

GREAT

@daytonagreg8765 7 ай бұрын

The 8” Dobsonian “Apertura” already comes with the laser collimator (I believe)

@JoeJaguar 11 ай бұрын

another great video it does look much darker now inside the tube

@MPAstro 9 ай бұрын

Yes I agree Joe, Keep up the good work on your channel!!!

@JoeJaguar 9 ай бұрын

@@MPAstro thanks and same to you

@suefrancoeur9148 2 жыл бұрын

I have the same dob. Had it delivered 150 miles, collimation was perfect. No problems whatsoever moving the scope, turns pefectly on the mount. Does not knock on screws when vertical (if it did, would take the eyepiece holder which I never use as well as the handle. It is perfectly balanced, if I had problems, I would do what other people do..use magnets weights. Can't believe it was taken apart, drilled into. No small modification. I the end, your scope is still bottom heavy.

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

Well you are very lucky that you have a Dob which was manufactured properly!! Unfornately I see manufacturing standards slip badly from Skywatcher, and quality on their products are slowly getting worse. There are few people who having the same problems I'm facing at the moment and even though I've stripped the telescope, apart as long you know what you doing, it is totally fine!! Thanks for watching, but if you do get problems, please use video as advice, it will help!! Believe me!! It won't be long when your Dob will start to have problems!!

@suefrancoeur9148 2 жыл бұрын

@@MPAstro Synta is a manufacturer of many different well known brands. They are well known for the quality of their optics. Everything is cheaper nowadays. I am not the only one with a Skywatcher 250 with no problems, or perfect collimation when bought. Whatever the brand, the base is not the greatest. I do not overload it, a small magnetic inclinometer and just changed the finder scope for a Skywatcher 9/50 RACI. I take great care of mine. We just roll it out of the garage. All scopes will have some problems eventually, like everything else ! (never had a single problem with my 10 yr. old camry, unless changing the battery after 10 yrs. is considered a problem.

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

Totally agree, just remember you'll lose collimation on the mirrors from time to time, even if you are rolling the telescope out of garage, Make sure you have a Cheshire or Lazer collimator to hand, a quick check and adjustment all it takes.

@suefrancoeur9148 2 жыл бұрын

@@MPAstro I have a cheshire and a cap collimator. Scope is on an adapted dolly, like most of us with a 10" scope. It's our at home scope. It's just I'm part of a group with dobs, from different parts of the world. I'm in Canada. I learn a lot from their experience, some have been into astronomy for 40 yrs. Those scopes can stay collimated a long time. The "nut" at the base should be loose. (as per SW instructions and logic )...too tight and that's when it's hard to move. I'm 4'11", 115 pounds and have no problems, but I don't overload it. I have a Baader Digiscoping adapter for my SLR camera, had to import it from the UK, but worth every penny. Hope you get nice clear skies, it's been a terrible winter in Canada !

@ziggyfrnds 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the detailed instructions, I have a 8" newt that I will try this on. Do you recommend flocking versus painting acrylic or matt black? Also do you think the secondary mirror sides should be painted black or flocked? after all they do come into the frame and can send stray light into focuser. Hope you and your missus recover from covid and get back to full health soon :)

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words, I'm finally back on my feet once again, my wife is OK just slowly recovering back. The 8" Newtonian is damn good scope, personally I would always go for the flocking, the painting acrylic will not do much darkening as the main tube has already has this installed by the manufacturer. However you can use the dark paint to to blacken the edges on the mirrors, which does help, I've done this with my 8" Quattro imaging Newtonian, it works really well and will eliminate stray light further, this is great for imaging, for Observing I don't think it's really needed to be honest, just be careful when painting the mirror edges, you get that stray paint splashes on the mirror coatings, you'lll ruin the optics, and removing the splashes will remove the coatins so please be careful.

@ziggyfrnds 2 жыл бұрын

@@MPAstro thanks for taking the time to reply! Really appreciate your input. I was putting off flocking for some reason but now I'll go ahead, you've given a great guide in your video.

@HollomanUFOLanding 2 жыл бұрын

The screw holes for installing the fan to the primary cell - you had to drill those, correct? The fan itself came with the 4 holes but the rear of the OTO didn't, correct? Maybe that got missed out from your video. Top notch mods in that video, Martin, really quality helpful stuff. Thanks & Clear Skies m8

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

These had already had the M4 threads drilled in, they come as standard with Skywatcher. Though I have seen some Skywatcher's don't even have these!! Yep defo give these mods a try HollomanUFOLanding

@SnorkelSalishSea Жыл бұрын

This is excellent material Martin. I have a generic 10" dob with most of the problems that your's started off with. Most of them do not bother me much except for the movement. When the seeing is very good I want to be able to study the Moon for a few hours at 300x but I get frustrated by how often I loose it from the FOV when nudging the telescope to keep up with the drift. After your changes to the bearings, did your dob move smoothly enough for high-magnification lunar and planetary viewing?

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your support to my channel, Yes the bottom base bearing upgrade helps massively on the slewing especially when using high powers on planets, though still tricky but alot easier than standard bushes by miles.Actually makes observing alot easier and more enjoyable.

@SnorkelSalishSea Жыл бұрын

@@MPAstro Thank you Martin. I am trying to avoid spending money on something like a Nexstar 8SE just for the benefit of tracking at high power on those rare nights of good seeing. Best wishes - Brian

@waynebarrow2517 Жыл бұрын

Come to Perth Australia and experience 300+ days of clear skies - only problem is you're limited to southern hemisphere. Thanks for video. (Had to laugh when you started with superfast 3 min Dobsonian set-up ready to view.... and you produce a near 3hr video to expound this! Ha Ha)

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Wayne, that will be my next goal in life to stargaze in the southern hemisphere, once I've paid off my mortgage, has at the moment cost of living has hit UK very hard, everything is so damn expensive, hence why I'm making videos like this based around the budget Astronomy format. So even my budget is very tight and i work full time employment, I'm having to put the hours in to make ends meet.

@waynebarrow2517 Жыл бұрын

@@MPAstro Very sorry to hear UK living very hard at the moment - elites have made sure hard times are world wide. If you ever come to Australia; I have a couple of acres you can stargaze from and active astronomy community to interact with. Regards - Wayne

@michaeloppenheimer2582 Күн бұрын

That is a nice 10 inch Dob, Well , we haven't been doing much observing likely because of the cloud cover, Olivi , three time so far this year and it's july already.

@michaeloppenheimer2582 Күн бұрын

I am currently using a 12 inch dopsonian. Telescope.

@michaeloppenheimer2582 Күн бұрын

I use the magnets out of speakers, To uh give additional balance to telescope.

@marcgallant5270 Жыл бұрын

I have been using my first scope "SkyWatcher Heritage 130p" for 12 years. I think I'm overdue for a new light canon :D!! So I have settled for a 10 inch dobs. I'm debating between the skywatcher 250p, starfield 250p, explore scientific 250p and the new celestron 10 inch explorer dob. Those are my only options in Canada

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

I would go for this one, if you can order one from FLO, this Newtonian has all the upgrades which I have featured in my video. www.firstlightoptics.com/stellalyra-telescopes/stellalyra-10-f5-dobsonian.html

@tuunaes Жыл бұрын

If needing to drill holes into tube and not feeling taking risks, some piece of timber could be used to make support to put inside the tube. Wouldn't need complex/expensive tools to make it. Of couse making it too long and forcing it in would also distort tube, but length (and shape of ends) would be easy to fine tune using wood file. (better do wood working in different room/outside to minimize risk of wood dust getting into telescope parts)

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

I totally get where your coming from, sometimes these mods are not everyone to try out, but as long you find another solution, that is completely fine to go the nod destructive approach.

@thesivraj 2 жыл бұрын

Just bought a Saxon 10” dob second hand. I think it is identical to your skywatcher. Your video nearly exactly what I wanted and just randomly appeared in my recommended feed. Probably not sure I’ll do adjustment to pivot height. I think better to add counterweights via primary knobs or perhaps using Velcro. Going to give that some thought. Not sure the knob approach will work on this model as locking knob is too close. The Orion counterweight also a good idea. Might go looking for that for my larger lenses when I can afford them!! I’ve seen springs upgrades recommended on other dobs - do you think that is worthwhile for easier collimating/better maintenance on collimation? Gotta find an Australian supplier of affordable flocking. The ones I’ve found are asking silly money. The mirror fan upgrade - is that really only relevant when you have large temp differential inside to outside? Mostly seems to me to be a great way to get more dust inside the tube. The astrozap is exactly similar to something I was thinking of making myself. But was going to Velcro it on or use elastic. Glad to know there is a proprietary solution out there. Hadn’t seen one before!! How do you find the telrad to use to the right of the spotting scope? I’ve not installed mine yet as I felt that location was a fraction awkward but can’t work out where else to put it. Was thinking to put the spotter with reflex site where you have telrad and telrad where you have spotter… but may just follow your layout for now.

@thesivraj 2 жыл бұрын

Oh and you got a subscribe!!

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

So sorry for not getting back to your reply, I am still suffering from Covid, so I'm slowly getting back on my feet, but I need more time, and now I'm having to look after my wife, she's really ill at moment!! Looking vaguely at some of your points, You have to bear with me!! The fever is terrible!! The telrad you can place mid way down the tube, you can place anyway the other side of the tube, it's really up to you!! The cooling fan makes a really difference to image quality, but if you are prepared to allow the tube to cool down for an hour or more, than you don't really need it. Astrozap cover is defo a must, but you use altenative darken material, it should do the job quite well. The collimation uprated springs, to be honest are not really needed on this model, as the standard ones do an excellent job for primary mirror collimation. You can always get black board paint to paint the main tube, that will work too, but flocking material is way better!!

@gunnarjensen5910 Жыл бұрын

I have two newtonians. One 8 inch astrograph (StellaLyra) and one 10 inch dobsonian (Skywatcher) . Was wondering what would be the best way´s to prevent dew. The astrograph (quattro) has a dewshield with an internal heater, but thinking back, seems silly since the primary mirror is on the back and the secondary mirror nowhere close to the tube. And dew seems to collect on any barlo lenses and optical glass also...?

@joeg946 Жыл бұрын

Hi, about black support (at 1:13:35), let say that we look it like two parts, one bigher, touch the tube, and one smaller, circle, which lay on 2 white bearings. Is that black smaller circle same diameter on dobson 200 and 250 mm? (I know that suppprt which touch tube are change dimension because size tube). I need that because working on GoTo. Thank you.

@EleanorPeterson 2 жыл бұрын

Top stuff! Just one quibble... In the video Description you use the US expression "Hold my beer!" to indicate that you're preparing to give a tricky problem a damn good kicking. Well... 😁 As a fellow Brit I feel it's my duty to point out that the correct traditional phrase is, "Watch my pint!" Two pints of Tetley's, please, love... 🍺🍺 What the heck do you call them? They're not proper pints! Look at 'em! 🍺 👀 Dodgy Merkin mugs with handles? Frothy soap suds spilling over the side? Noooooo! I want a straight glass and a pint of bitter with a tight head you can stand a snooker ball on. (These little Google food and drink icons are all American and wrong, wrong, wrong...)

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

Lol you've cracked up!! I a must admit I do get a lot of Americans that watch this channel, so "Hold my pint" might get some of my viewers abit confused. Totally agree that the icons are too American!! But I add the hold my pint quote in the description!! Lol Thanks again for watching very much apprieciated Elli P.

@jackfrost4033 7 ай бұрын

Good morning if you use a 10 inch with goto, does moving with the goto control solve the problem of friction in azimuth? Or on the contrary is there an overload for the motor? thank you for your astronomical intelligence I'm in the process of getting rid of my 16 inch that I haven't used since I bought it a year ago

@gunnarjensen5910 Жыл бұрын

Got some clear images on my 8" last winter (M51 and M101) even in minus 22 degrees celsius. But they seem foggy or hazy around the subject (dew or light-pollution?) . Did not use calibration frames.. Any suggestions ?

@michaeloppenheimer2582 Күн бұрын

Will I know people who still use Dobsonian telescopes and have been observing for forty or more years, They're wonderful telescopes.

@mimcan70 2 жыл бұрын

Hi.Can that be a live view of nebula direct from eyepiece or stacked one.. just wondering?

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

Directly from the Sony A6400 camera

@hakman239 Жыл бұрын

I got the svbony aspheric 62° eye pices 23 and 10mm they seem to work well only paid £10 on bf sale Ali express

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

At least these eyepieces will be much better than the standard issued ones!! And the 62 degree field of view will make views awesome!!

@aranbarrett9543 2 жыл бұрын

I like obsvation probably a bit more than the astrophotography side, I wasn't able to get a dob for my first scope, but I think I will have to get a 10 inch now, I'm very curious about its capability.

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

Very more than capable telescope, did you see the results at the end of the video Aran?

@aranbarrett9543 2 жыл бұрын

@@MPAstro yes pretty impressive to capture that detail in real time without stacking and calibration frames wow, which is awesome because I'm not practiced in calibration frames 😊good work Martin, I'd love to see what the planets look like when they are with us again in a few months 😊

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

You'll gonna be blown away!! The planets will pop , as long your seeing conditions are steady, you'll not be be disappointed!! 100%

@joergbaumann7429 Жыл бұрын

The project-list 😂😂😂

@Stephen-gp8yi Жыл бұрын

I’m thinking of getting one of these.what’s the difference between the classic and the sky liner?i was originally going to get the explorer 200p with the eq5 mount but I wanted a straightforward easy to use scope as I’m new to the hobby.thanks

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

No difference really, just one's mounted on a dob and the other is mounted on a EQ mount. Personally if you want simplicity just stick to the Classic Dob and the 8" model is best bang for your buck!!

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

Also to add there is another line of Skywatcher dobs which are called Flextube, which they can fold in to compact sizes, however having owned one myself, these are heavy optical tubes and allow alot of dust to settle on the primary mirror, and it's a must that you buy a light shroud to wrap around the truss assembly has stray light can interfere with your viewing. So stick to Classic solid tube dobs to be honest!!

@KartikPatel-nt4ff 2 ай бұрын

😅😅😅😅well information good show 😅😅😅

@MPAstro 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching

@southerncross300 Жыл бұрын

I have a dobsonian sky-watcher 8 flextube, do altitude modifications work on it?

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

It should do!! The flextube is similar design to the normal classic tube. I know that the uprated Altzimuth bearing mod fits the flex tube, as I have done this on my 300P flextube many years ago.

@hakman239 Жыл бұрын

Can you do an updated collimation video the old ones you did arnt good quality

@joergbaumann7429 Жыл бұрын

I use telrad and optical finder...

@harsh365286 Жыл бұрын

Hi, I have the same telescope and need help. I cannot see anything. Even the moon is hard. Please could you recommend a moon filter that I could use and fits on the 250p. Also any thoughts on how I can see the planets? Do I need a filter or some add on to view them? Thanks

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

First off you need to collimate your Newtonian using a lazer collimator or Cheshire eyepiece, due to the fact mirrors do shift and get misaligned, as your images will become blurry. The moon filter I would go for is something where you varaibly adjust the brightness, as the aperture is large and the moon is quitely blindly to look at. This filter I would use for the moon as you simply screw it on a 1.25" eyepiece and then turn the filter to achieve the level of brightness you can view it without too much strain your eyes. www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/antares-variable-polarising-filter-125.html With planets you do not need to use coloured filters, I find them not really needed to be honest. Though a light blue and green I've found to most useful as they can reveal cloud structures and surface detail on Jupiter and Mars. The planets can be easily seen as they quite often brighter than the stars and they do not tend to twinkle, try and get them on nights where there are quite high up in the sky as you looking though the thinnest part of the atmosphere, you chance to see surface detail is greatly enhanced, as try to avoid using high powers as you lose alot of light and surface detail becomes blurred. So use low power at around 50x to 70x to find centre the planet in your field of view, once you achieve sharp focus, quickly chance over to 100x to 180x for a closer view. I never go beyond 250x as the image will become blurry and the amount of power you can use detemines how steady the Earth's atmosphere is?? If you stuggle to find objects have you considered this idea which I've done a video based on this solution which might help you alot?? kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rayYgbWn39TJp6M.html

@harsh365286 Жыл бұрын

@@MPAstro thank you sir.

@joergbaumann7429 Жыл бұрын

I collimate my newton by every start to study the sky 🧐

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

You should always collimate your Newtonian before use, Excellent practice Joerg

@pccgbpetondal3369 Жыл бұрын

Why did you not show how to cut the various holes in the flocking; a difficult task to get precise?

@harsh365286 Жыл бұрын

Sir could you please tell me what do I need to watch the moon… at the moment it’s too bright and a I got a moon filter from Amazon but it’s still too bright…

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

Not a problem!! Try this variable Lunar filter, this one is adjustable and will work upto 12" scopes!! here is the link: www.firstlightoptics.com/moon-neutral-density-filters/astro-essentials-variable-polarising-moon-filter.html

@harsh365286 Жыл бұрын

@@MPAstro thanks Sir- should I buy 1.25 or 2?

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

It really depends on what eyepieces you have, the supplied eyepieces you get with your Newtonian are 1.25", the varaible filter will screw at the bottom of the eyepiece itself. So if you gotstandard 1,25" eyepieces then get the 1.25" filter, personally I would get 2" one for bigger 2" eyepieces!!

@jdmillar1958 2 жыл бұрын

Can you post a link for the bearing Martin, Cheers!

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

No worries David here isthe link you wanted?? I'm guessing it's the Dob base bearing you wanted?? www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p1646_Roller-bearings-for-Dobsonian-telescopes-from-8--to-16--aperture.html

@jdmillar1958 2 жыл бұрын

@@MPAstro yeah thanks man :)

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

@@jdmillar1958 No problem!!

@oz6123 Жыл бұрын

Too bad you didn't buy the Apertura AD10 or Zhumell Z10 Dob instead. It comes as standard with a 9X50 right angle finder scope, a better 2 speed crayford focuser and same roller baring system for mount. The dob arms are also steel with tube height adjustments with a better solid locking device and without round tiny teflon rollers attached to the side of the mount wall panels. Also, the AD10/Z10 comes with a fan attached to the back mirror cell. All probably at the same cost as your Sky-Watcher Dob. Would have saved you a lot of money and not have to perform these upgrades. As an alternative suggestion to prevent the tube from banging into the mount is to use a large heavy duty round felt pad - buy a dozen or more pads for $1

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

Yep totally agree OZ there better made telescopes out there which cost a fraction or the same as Skywatcher with better components. Skywatcher are still a good brand but they really need to start focusing on upping their game as quality is slipping a bit and I cannot justify the high increase on the cost of their products.

@EssArrB Жыл бұрын

Yes. The Apertura/Zhumel dobs are sold as Stella Lyra in UK. Same thing give or take an acessory or two in the box.

@SimonsAstronomy Жыл бұрын

I have that telescope

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

It's a great scope, and defo a keeper for me. I had a 12" Flextube, geat views, though to heavy to move around, the 10" is the perfect match for me with a doubt, more aperture than a 8" and still portable enough to move around.

@Harutjun 6 ай бұрын

what dslr camera are you using in this video ?

@MPAstro 6 ай бұрын

Canon 600D which is Baader IR modified

@Harutjun 6 ай бұрын

@@MPAstro o ok cool

@Harutjun 6 ай бұрын

@@MPAstro but how did you modify it ? normally you just add a fliter to it on the ring right XD ?

@MPAstro 6 ай бұрын

@@Harutjun I didn't, I had to get it modded by a specialist called Cheap Astrophotography.co.uk. I will not recommend anyone to strip out a camera, there is too much electronics to be messing with.

@Harutjun 6 ай бұрын

@@MPAstro o ok got it it's still interesting did not know you could do that, i am not gonna use a dslr ,i have 2 astro cameras but i was just curious it seems to give you pretty good images so it must have bee worth it XD

@hakman239 Жыл бұрын

Will the screws fit classic 150p

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

Which screws are you talking about, is it the collimation screws on the secondary mirror? Then these are M4 screws which will fit the classic 150P

@chrisg9602 6 ай бұрын

I was Going to get the 8 inch but iam going towards the 10 inch

@jimporter Жыл бұрын

Given the amount of upgrades here does anyone make an equivalent scope with all the “upgrades” already included at purchase. I don’t mean already upgraded I mean build properly and not Dow to a price.

@astroadventures3559 2 жыл бұрын

Can you stack that data that you recorded now?

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

Weirdly enough I could have stacked the several of 1 second exposures, Damn man!! Why did I not think of that one, skipped my mind there!! Thanks Astro Joe for watching!!

@astroadventures3559 2 жыл бұрын

@@MPAstro you know how they stack planetary imagery? Well why won't that work with the one second exposures of the nebula? I mean theoretically couldn't you get better detail and a lot more nebulosity by stacking the recorded data the same way you would planetary data? I would love to see the results of somebody trying that. Thanks for the response but I watch your stuff all the time. I would love it if you check out my channel and subscribe. I've been inspired by you and other KZfaqrs doing astral photography and sharing your experience. So I decided to try it on my own. Head over and check it out man I'd love to hear from you in a couple of my videos. I only have one actual full length video on how to tune up the EQ 6r pro I just got. The other seven or eight Astro videos are shorts in about 60 seconds long.

@MPAstro 2 жыл бұрын

@@astroadventures3559 I have subbed to your channel mate!! You got some good content. I apprieciate channels like yours and mine which are more for practical and DIY aspects of Astronomy, as there is too many Astro channels which are all BS product reviews which have no real evidence to back it up, but seems so staged, as their channels just simply ooze sponsorship, views and subs. Personally I avoid the bigger channels as I feel they just moviated for this reason and I feel they have totally lost their touch and passion in Astronomy. Some viewers will disagree but I haven't been wrong so far...

@astroadventures3559 2 жыл бұрын

@@MPAstro thank you so much for the sub brother. I agree 100%. Astrofarsography put a video out on exactly what you're describing here brother. You should go give it a watch. He got big into sponsorships started to lose the love of astrophotography and astronomy all together. So he just put out a video warning people about getting wrapped up in that and forgetting why they got into astronomy in the first place. It was kind of moving to see him admit how wrapped up he got in it.

@astroadventures3559 2 жыл бұрын

@@MPAstro I really appreciate the sub to the channel and your kind words brother. A channel called Astrofarsography just released a video explaining exactly what you're describing. Came out and admitted to all of his viewers that he had got lost in pushing products for promotions on his channel and apologized for it in a video. There's actually really moving to hear him admit that and correct himself. I will make sure I never get lost in that kind of stuff. And I may review pieces of equipment but only to show people how to use it if I'm currently using it and want to help people avoid pulling their hair out. Not just show the product and show some in results that try to make them buy it.

@FranklinNewhart Жыл бұрын

You didn't cover adding a Dew shield and you did not upgrade the eye piece adjuster to one that has a micro adjuster.

@hakman239 Жыл бұрын

I found thumb screws on eBay same size £5

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

The screws for the Skywatcher 250P Primary are standard, At least now you found better screws for your 150P telescope, I didn't the 150P had different screws, I thought they would be the same size as the 250P.

@SteveSmartiMartinez 9 күн бұрын

can you divide this into chapters?

@stanclarke9111 4 күн бұрын

have a Classic 200p and have not experienced any of these problems affect me. Balance is fine. Base is fine. It's a shame I wasted the best part of an evening to confirm there is nothing wrong with Skywatcher Dobs !! Think you are fussy - for what your mods are costing, you'd be best just getting another scope

@hakman239 Жыл бұрын

I have the 150p paid £150 like new

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

AWESOME BARGAIN!! Now once you get used to the telescope set-up, please do try the SUPER-TUNE to maximise it's performance!!

@hakman239 Жыл бұрын

@@MPAstro don’t think I will be for a while can you do an update video on collimator eye pice guide the one you have is bad quality

@TheJohn48231 Жыл бұрын

Manged to grab a 200p classic on Ebay for £160, bargain!

@MPAstro Жыл бұрын

Congrats on your new scope, you'll never be disappointed with the lengendary 8" Newtonian, and at a stunning price, there alot of bargains out there, just keep searching and never give up!!!