January 2010
13 posts
The Virtual Revolution - BBC2
Just watching “The Virtual Revolution” on BBC2, excellent program about the birth and meaning of the Web. Looking forward to the next 3 episodes.
Mars and Moon conjunction
Last night was an very clear (and very cold!) night. The moon was full and Mars very bright. I didn’t get a chance to get the ‘scope out but the conjunction looked great. I can imagine there would be lots of great photos on the forums. Makes me wish we had more clear nights!
ST80 vs ST102
I recently wanted to purchase an ST80 or an ST102. I was undecided which to purchase and a wanted advert for an ST80 turned up 2 people wanting to sell me an ST80 AND an ST102. In such a pickle I decided to buy both so I could compare and then sell the one I liked least. I thought I’d share my findings here for those interested.
The ST80 is an 80mm f/5 (400mm) OTA and the ST102 is 102mm...
Lidl 10x50 Binoculars
I stood in a QUEUE outside Lidl this morning at 8am to get my grubby hands on a pair of the 10x50’s that they are selling for £9.99. I missed out last time they were selling these so made sure that I got a pair this time round! They are also selling a 90mm Spotting ‘scope for £99 but whilst I did consider that too, decided against it as it’s not ideal for astro work. Although i...
Meade 12" Lightbridge
Well my 12” Lightbridge arrived today thanks to Steve at First Light Optics. The ‘scope arrived in 2 large boxes, one for the IKEA style base and one for the OTA. The boxes were single skinned which is a shame as it wouldn’t have cost much more to double skin the boxes and even though my Lightbridge wasn’t mishandled and arrived intact, I can imagine others being easily...
Celestron Nexstar 6E
Well after much soul searching (and wallet checking) I finally made a decision on purchasing a new telescope. I was dead set on the HEQ5 Pro with a C8 OTA, but finally decided against this due to portability issues (and lack of funds!).
That left a fork mount. The CPC800 seemed favourite but I just can’t justify the near £2000 price tag. The alternative was the 8SE however I had some concerns...
Skywatcher ED100
Well I received my skywatcher ED100 today. I brought it second hand (3rd? 4th?) from astro buy/sell for £500. This seems expensive but it’s the full kit with metal case, eyepieces, finder, diagonal and rings. Initial inspection was good with build quality about average. No real niggles although the dew shield squeeked something terrible when I removed it to inspect the lens cell! The...
Ambermile AzTech Mount
I have been one of the lucky first owners of the new Ambermile Aztech mount my version of which arrived by courier first thing this morning. I’ve spent the last hour putting the mount together and gaining first impressions of the thing. The mount is very similar in design to others, including the Williams Optics EZ-Touch, the Teleoptic Giro II and the Bray Tablet. However the load capacity...
iPad - want one! →
Why am I washing my rubbish?
Just that really. Recycling shouldn’t involve washing stuff you would normally throw away. Fin
Weekend? What weekend?
I swear the weekends get shorter and shorter. I’m not sure if this is due to getting older, having kids, or both but I would much rather work for 2 days and take 5 days off! I’ve checked my lottery ticket and I didn’t win £26 million this week :(
Ebook Readers - redux
Well I finally caved over Christmas and purchased myself a Sony PRS-300. I have to say, I was dubious at first, but after using it for about two weeks I’ve already read about 3 novels and a number of short stories on the device so have a good feel for it.
I have to say it’s changed the way I read books. No mean feat.
First it’s a near instant download meaning no waiting for the...
Back to work and the "big freeze"
Well, I’m well and truly back to work now. Thursday and over the hump of the first week back after a break. Bloody cold though. My office has been at 6 degrees C most of the week… brrrrrrrr
That being said, it IS winter. It amazes me that the whole of the UK seems in shock that it’s cold… DURING WINTER! Who would have thought it possible?
Just wait till the conveyor stops...