TheSkySearchers

I've been wanting a Twilight ll mount ever since I saw bladekeeper's setup on Astronomy Forum some years ago! I couldn't resist when I saw one listed for $300 on CN. I drove the 50 minute drive to pick it up this morning.

Although my setup doesn't look as slick as other setups I have seen, I can't wait to attach my various scopes to it, and start observing! Below I have my Galileo 120mm f/8 reflector and Meade 80mm f/5 refractor. Balancing the 2 scopes was a little tricky, but I look forward to fixing that after tonight. Right now I just want to catch some starlight!

A fine looking setup Bruce, I hope you get lots of chances to use it

Lady Fraktor wrote: ↑Sun May 17, 2020 5:47 am A fine looking setup Bruce, I hope you get lots of chances to use it

Yes, I observed with it last night with the scopes you see in the photo. I made the mistake a few times of not having the mount locked down when switching out eyepieces and it's a good thing the scopes were connected securely because I had a few spin-arounds if you know what I mean?

The good news is I accidentally came across the Sombrero galaxy, seeing it for the very first time! I could see it easily with both scopes but did not observe the dark central lane. It actually stood out quite nice in my 80mm f/5 with my 10mm Radian. Believe it or not, I have tried to find it with my Go-To mounts with no success! I knew it was a galaxy at first but I had to look it up to identify it. I am looking forward tonight to observe with the mount using my 127mm refractor.

Clear skies!

That sounds like a fun and interesting night!
Maybe you should wear a helmet when viewing with this setup?

The sombrero is an interesting target so hopefully you get some good views tonight.

Looking good, Bruce!

Nice, and a reasonably local find

Thanks, it was a very good deal for the money! I was able to connect my 80mm with rings, but I am still not 100% happy with it. I am loving the mount however!

Last night I set up the mount with my 127mm and 80mm fracs and found the Sombrero galaxy easily but could not find the same target with my 10SN reflector on a Dobson mount! After about an hour of searching with the Dob, I gave up until another night.

Does it have the stock bearings or did the previous owner put in needle bearings? Just curious.

Congrats on the new mount Bruce, looks good!

pakarinen wrote: ↑Tue May 19, 2020 12:11 am Does it have the stock bearings or did the previous owner put in needle bearings? Just curious.

It has the stock bearings as the owner said he wasn't handy enough to make mods on the mount! I am considering doing the azimuth needle bearings mod based on the posting of it on CN: https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/5498 ... -az-mount/. It could definitely use that or at least adding a plastic washer with some Super-Lube on the stock azimuth bearing first to see how that works. :smile:

I love the mount, but besides needing an improvement in the azimuth bearing, I would like to make a few other improvements as well that a lot of other Twilight ll owners have done:

1. I would like to add a counterweight system for when I don't want to attach a 2nd scope as mentioned in the CN link.
2. I would like to add a Kokusai Kohki Guide Handle so I don't have to push my scopes to move the mount. Better yet, I could make a handle for it,
so I don't need to spend $70 for the Kokusai handle!
3. I would prefer a couple more eyepiece holders on the mount, as the spreader on the mount only accommodates for two 1.25" and one 2". Once
again, I can easily make one out of wood.
4. The mount is not tall enough for my 127mm F/9.3 refractor and limits its use. I'm not sure what can be done to fix that other than adding a
longer pier mount extension.

It's a shame that ES hasn't made some of these improvements already, especially the azimuth needle bearing improvement as in my opinion, it's really needed and it could be added without raising the price. The other mods could all be offered by ES as add-ons. :twocents: