Skyprodigy 130

Bought a new toy? How about writing a review for it? Post it here!
Davegn
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Re: Skyprodigy 130

Post by Davegn »

Wow. Nice! Thanks for sharing.
Dave Ng
Bishan Park SideWalk Astronomy
http://www.facebook.com/SingaporeSidewalkAstronomy
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Gary
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Re: Skyprodigy 130

Post by Gary »

@Mystiq - This Moon pic is taken with my android phone through your SkyProdigy on the same evening.

Image

This is slightly touched up in Photoshop using levels and curves only. The original version can be seen here --> http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/9313 ... d501_b.jpg.

Without the ability to adjust camera settings, most Moon shots using iPhone's default camera app will be over-exposed. You may try to use a Moon filter or reduce your aperture using the cover to get a better exposure with your iPhone.
http://www.astro.sg
email: gary[at]astro.sg
twitter: @astrosg


"The importance of a telescope is not how big it is, how well made it is.
It is how many people, less fortunate than you, got to look through it."
-- John Dobson.
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acc
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Favourite scope: Mag1 Instruments 12.5" Portaball

Re: Skyprodigy 130

Post by acc »

Looks like a great scope!
We do it in the dark...
Portaball 12.5"
Takahashi Mewlon 210
William Optics 110ED
...and all night long!
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Gary
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Re: Skyprodigy 130

Post by Gary »

During last night's sidewalk at Bishan Park, SkyProdigy 130 was not able to auto align itself. Based on memory, the sky clarity was about the same (if not very slightly better) than the first time when it was there.

Need more tests to check the auto-align feature under average sky conditions in Singapore. Or if there is a way to improve or speed up the auto alignment process - e.g. manually move/point it to a clearer patch in the sky, power off and power on again. Perhaps a brighter Moon just drowned out enough stars to hinder auto alignment.

Didn't have time to really test other alignment options due to the sidewalk nature where we are constantly "interrupted" by the curious public (not that I mind cause it's suppose to be a sidewalk anyway). Perhaps more intensive testing during some upcoming overnight sessions when there is much less crowd or privately by the owner herself.

The play in the focuser is more obvious if the visual train is extended (e.g. via barlow), shifting the image in the view while focusing. Perhaps exaggerated in last night's case because the telescope was not auto-aligned properly and thus not tracking properly.

The default red dot finder has been replaced by a right angle finder. Very useful upgrade. Less neck pain in finding objects through it. [smilie=good-job.gif]
http://www.astro.sg
email: gary[at]astro.sg
twitter: @astrosg


"The importance of a telescope is not how big it is, how well made it is.
It is how many people, less fortunate than you, got to look through it."
-- John Dobson.
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Gary
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Re: Skyprodigy 130

Post by Gary »

Good job! A few more planets to complete the set. :)

Perhaps "killing" 2 planets with one shot tomorrow morning shortly before sunrise? :)
http://www.astro.sg
email: gary[at]astro.sg
twitter: @astrosg


"The importance of a telescope is not how big it is, how well made it is.
It is how many people, less fortunate than you, got to look through it."
-- John Dobson.
Davegn
Posts: 290
Joined: Thu Feb 23, 2012 12:12 pm
Favourite scope: 94" Ritchey Chrétien reflector telescope
Location: Ang Mo Kio, Bishan Park
Contact:

Re: Skyprodigy 130

Post by Davegn »

Don't we all wish we have CCD embedded in our eyes. If only the iPhone could control some exposure I think some of the detail might pop out.
Dave Ng
Bishan Park SideWalk Astronomy
http://www.facebook.com/SingaporeSidewalkAstronomy
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Gary
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Re: Skyprodigy 130

Post by Gary »

Nice pic and sighting of Jupiter! Time to hunt for its Great Red Spot and shadow transits!
http://www.astro.sg
email: gary[at]astro.sg
twitter: @astrosg


"The importance of a telescope is not how big it is, how well made it is.
It is how many people, less fortunate than you, got to look through it."
-- John Dobson.
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