TheSkySearchers

So, all the ads for the smaller Celestron goto mounts (SLT/GT/LCM) always show the Vixen clamp tightening knob facing downwards. Without thinking I copied this behavior. The problem is that it is difficult to get the clamp really tight to ensure that nothing slips out because the downward pointing position is awkward, at least for me! So the other day, I said to myself, "Self, let's rotate the altitude axis until the tightening knob is facing up. I was unsure if this would have unintended consequences during the goto alignment or the follow on slews to objects. As it turns out the mount doesn't seem to care a hoot which way the knob is pointing when you start your goto alignment. Everything worked normally just like when the knob was facing downward.

So from now on, it'll be knob UP for me.

Cheers,
JT

My comments filtered through your subconscious JT?

I have mentioned that it also puts the solid part of the saddle on the bottom for better support of the telescope as well as easier to tighten/ loosen the saddle clamp many times over at that other place.

From my experience with Az-GTi position of the knob (up or down) is also not important, but position of the scope (right hand or left hand is certainly is).

Love the background on the last photo.

Bigzmey wrote: ↑Sat Aug 03, 2019 1:45 amLove the background on the last photo.

Here's the uncropped version. JT

Geeeeez!

Beautiful view JT!

JayTee wrote: ↑Sat Aug 03, 2019 2:06 am

Bigzmey wrote: ↑Sat Aug 03, 2019 1:45 amLove the background on the last photo.

Here's the uncropped version. JT

SLT AR102S and Koko Head.jpg

Terrific! Is this your lanai? Now if we can only do some thing about those clouds...

Bigzmey wrote: ↑Sat Aug 03, 2019 8:51 pmNow if we can only do something about those clouds...

The clouds, oh the clouds. If only you could!

This is my new reality. It shouldn't be such a surprise, I'm on a tiny island surrounded by 2500 miles of cloud producing ocean in ALL directions! Why wouldn't there be clouds? The worst part is that during the day the sky cover rarely exceeds 30%, but at night it, without fail, increases to 70%. Just look at my Clear Sky Chart in my sig below. So daytimes are basically clear and nighttimes -- SUCKS!

Obscurringly,
JT

PS, DSLRs don't like it here either, the nighttime temp rarely goes below 75°F, which means my sensor temp usually stays around 90-100°F. Can anyone say sensor NOISE! jt

Ok, maybe I need to rethink retiring to Hawaii.