Spent most of the afternoon setting up the mount and stuff. Of course, Lucy (the dog) insisted I play 'stick' with her the whole time, the process took much longer than normal. Turn a screw; throw the stick. Adjust a cable; throw the stick. Attach the counterweight, throw the stick. Well, you get it.
By early evening I was up and running. Spent a couple of hours learning how to align the scope and use the various features. All was going well; I was ready to view ISON early on Saturday morning after viewing some the other interesting objects to test out the optics. I was also going to spend some time making sure I could piggyback my camera on the scope in anticipation of photographing ISON later this month.
Then it happened - only 6 hours old - I accidently yanked the power cord from the mount. And, since it was screwed it in to keep it from popping out unexpectedly, the angled force snapped the power jack right off. Argh!!
Well, it looks like I can get a new jack from RadioShack and solder it in. Voids the warranty on the mount, but the thought of sending the mount back for repairs is the last option I want to take - the freight would be expensive and then the down time would be prohibitive. I've repaired and built electronic gear before so I am confident I can make the repairs myself. So, looks like I know what I'm going to be doing on Saturday. Luckily, the power plug can still be seated in what remains of the jack as long as I tape the cord to hold it. It lasted so far as I've been able to use the scope this past evening (and as I write this it's still working). But a real permanent fix is absolutely needed. I may even forgo the jack and wire an external jack. Wont look as neat, but would prevent this from happening again.
Initial impressions: this telescope is fantastic. Well built, the optics are outstanding. Money well spent! ISON, I'll be ready for you.
Wow, that's some toy. Look forward to your ISON pics.
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