We got a new telescope a while back and were more or less intimidated by the whole thing. I'm going through your videos step-by-step and it takes a lot of the mystery out. Thanks for having these videos up for us to learn by.
So I keep watching your tips and tricks videos in order to improve my setup, and turns out every single tip you give us is something I've already done to my scope, was planning to do when budget permits, or isn't applicable to my setup. I salute you, fellow wise man! :')
I knew it! lol You can tell you've been in the building trade Jason :) Love how you can clip it out the way so it doesn't clatter about when not in use. I guess you could also dangle a laser collimator if you don't have the key ring LED, but the little LED does have that handy hook. Great video!
Hey Chris, thanks buddy. lol, I saw a old guy use one on his tripod years ago and thought...That's a good idea that is..And used it ever since :) It doesn't suit everybody but I like it.....I certainly didn't think it was going to be a 17min video though XD
I thought of building this on when I bought my telescope. Now I am sure I am going to make it! I was surprised there wasn't a leveler on the tripod from the factory... clearly it is that important.
Jason i like your tip and ideas in this video! I'm using the K&F concept carbon fibre tripod for my star adventurer and telescope so I'm going to try this in summer. I won't have spreader tray but I'll make one. Level bubbles in tripods are ok. Where did you get little laer keychain? I'd like one haha. I've got 2 Olight keychain flashlights but not a laser one. Sad the early dark nights are shorter now. Where you get that little plumb? Hope I spelled it right hehe. I'll let you know how I get on when I've tried this tip! Thanks again for the video and stay safe buddy!
Hey Bushcraft, thanks buddy. It doesn't suit everbody this method but I love it. I can't for the life of me remember where I got the little laser keyring, it's just something I've had kicking around for years, you can still get similar ones online though. You can buy actual "plumb bobs" from building supplies..But I usally find something that does the job lying around the house....Cheaper that way XD. Take care buddy, clear skies :)
Unless the line is dead in the centre where its connected, the reinforcement ring will be in the wrong position and will not give you level. Also some mounts (like mine) have a metal bar for tightening I just buy some cheap bubble level inserts and stick them on the top of the legs and one on the tube as well
Hello ronald, your quite right, everything does have to be central to get a good reading...but saying that for general visual astronomy the tripod doesn't have to be 100% level..You just don't want them like the tower of Pisa. This method doesn't suit everybody...But those who use it...Love it..Including me. Take care, clear skies :)
What I did was to make a whole through the cardboard with a pin (or use a plastic button!) and pass the line through the hole(s), and glue it from the (back. Then I glued the whole thing to the screw with a stiff RTV polymer. The hole(s) serve as a strain relief, in case you catch the bob on something. The use of a pin to hold the bit of cardboard keeps your fingers and screw free of glue, if you don't have forceps- an old modelbuilder's technique. A Good idea!
@@smalloptics753 ha ha, I took your advice from one of your videos and bought a 15mm eye piece. Each time I upgraded a eye piece the weather goes bad. Sorry everyone 😔
We got a new telescope a while back and were more or less intimidated by the whole thing.
I'm going through your videos step-by-step and it takes a lot of the mystery out. Thanks for having these videos up for us to learn by.
This is a great simple trick, nice way of getting a level 👍
So I keep watching your tips and tricks videos in order to improve my setup, and turns out every single tip you give us is something I've already done to my scope, was planning to do when budget permits, or isn't applicable to my setup. I salute you, fellow wise man! :')
Hello Juan, Thank you for your kind words my friend :)
I knew it! lol You can tell you've been in the building trade Jason :) Love how you can clip it out the way so it doesn't clatter about when not in use. I guess you could also dangle a laser collimator if you don't have the key ring LED, but the little LED does have that handy hook. Great video!
Hey Chris, thanks buddy. lol, I saw a old guy use one on his tripod years ago and thought...That's a good idea that is..And used it ever since :) It doesn't suit everybody but I like it.....I certainly didn't think it was going to be a 17min video though XD
I thought of building this on when I bought my telescope. Now I am sure I am going to make it! I was surprised there wasn't a leveler on the tripod from the factory... clearly it is that important.
fantastic, thankyou so much, this was so simple but so effective!
Hello there, your more than welcome my friend :)
Good idea Jason.
Thanks for sharing.
The bubble on my tripod is way off, so your idea will sort it.
Your welcome Nodrog. Clear skies :)
Very Useful Tip !! Great Video, Thanks Mate !! 🔭
Thank you my friend, your welcome :)
great way to get level out in the field on uneven ground 😃🔭👍 awesome advice i have never thought of that 👊🔭👍
Your welcome buddy :)
Jason i like your tip and ideas in this video! I'm using the K&F concept carbon fibre tripod for my star adventurer and telescope so I'm going to try this in summer. I won't have spreader tray but I'll make one. Level bubbles in tripods are ok. Where did you get little laer keychain? I'd like one haha. I've got 2 Olight keychain flashlights but not a laser one. Sad the early dark nights are shorter now. Where you get that little plumb? Hope I spelled it right hehe. I'll let you know how I get on when I've tried this tip! Thanks again for the video and stay safe buddy!
Hey Bushcraft, thanks buddy. It doesn't suit everbody this method but I love it. I can't for the life of me remember where I got the little laser keyring, it's just something I've had kicking around for years, you can still get similar ones online though. You can buy actual "plumb bobs" from building supplies..But I usally find something that does the job lying around the house....Cheaper that way XD. Take care buddy, clear skies :)
Unless the line is dead in the centre where its connected, the reinforcement ring will be in the wrong position and will not give you level. Also some mounts (like mine) have a metal bar for tightening
I just buy some cheap bubble level inserts and stick them on the top of the legs and one on the tube as well
Hello ronald, your quite right, everything does have to be central to get a good reading...but saying that for general visual astronomy the tripod doesn't have to be 100% level..You just don't want them like the tower of Pisa. This method doesn't suit everybody...But those who use it...Love it..Including me. Take care, clear skies :)
THANKS AGAIN JASON....I AM GETTING BETTER . CHEERS
Your more than welcome.. Great to hear :)
Why not just put a bubble-level on your little tray or someplace near the OTA? I use one on my Dob mount.
Hello Don, why not indeed... I just prefer this method as I find it easier to see in the dark without having to use artificial light.
What I did was to make a whole through the cardboard with a pin (or use a plastic button!) and pass the line through the hole(s), and glue it from the (back. Then I glued the whole thing to the screw with a stiff RTV polymer. The hole(s) serve as a strain relief, in case you catch the bob on something.
The use of a pin to hold the bit of cardboard keeps your fingers and screw free of glue, if you don't have forceps- an old modelbuilder's technique. A Good idea!
Yeah! thats a good idea to, there are loads of ways of attaching the line, I've just shown one of many.
That's a really great tip Jason, for a minute I thought you were putting a fruit bowl on the telescope tray. 😂
Hello Rob, glad you like buddy. Hahaha not quite...But a real plumb would work untill it goes furry and falls off :)
@@smalloptics753 ha ha, I took your advice from one of your videos and bought a 15mm eye piece. Each time I upgraded a eye piece the weather goes bad. Sorry everyone 😔
i put my plumb in my tripod and now i need a doctor :O)
Ha ha ha sounds painful XD
That's almost exactly the solution I came up with.
Great minds eh? 😀
Indeed Steve :D