Author Archives: james

Alternative Breakfasts

Posted on February 28, 2012 by james

I’m sitting here this morning eating rhubarb crumble for my breakfast. It makes an interesting change from the usual toast or cereals and I’m very much enjoying it. The thought also strikes me that as it was home-made from rhubarb … Continue reading →

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Starting This Year’s Fruit and Veg

Posted on February 28, 2012 by james

Well, kind of. I’ve already got broad beans under cloches in one of the veggie beds and a sowing of peas in the polytunnel, but they were all planted last year… Anyhow, my daughter has been getting at me to … Continue reading →

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This Little Piggy Went To Slaughter

Posted on February 27, 2012 by james

This morning at stupid o’clock I took our two Large Black pigs off to slaughter. Large by name and large by nature, too. I’d estimate they’re somewhere up around the 120kg to 130kg mark, live weight. We’ve had them eight … Continue reading →

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Proper Marmalade

Posted on February 27, 2012 by james

Towards the tail end of January or the start of February I like to buy some Seville oranges and make proper marmalade. I’m really not keen on a lot of the manufactured stuff which just doesn’t have the bitterness and … Continue reading →

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Strike Temperature

Posted on February 23, 2012 by james

During my last batch of brewing I came across a formula for calculating the water temperature for a mash given the grain temperature and desired mash temperature. Unfortunately I can no longer remember where it came from. However, it is: … Continue reading →

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Trouble Brewing

Posted on February 23, 2012 by james

I’ve not made much beer in the last year, so having ordered 25kg of pale malt and various other bits and pieces, last week I decided to crack on with a few brews. Protz and Wheeler’s “Brew Your Own British … Continue reading →

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Observation Report, 18 Feb 2012

Posted on February 23, 2012 by james

My plan for this evening was to spend a bit of time collimating the 127 Mak having had it in pieces a week or so back and then attempt some imaging of Mars, but strong winds made that completely impossible. … Continue reading →

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EQ3-2 Polar Scope Illuminator

Posted on February 23, 2012 by james

I’ve read a few posting by people who have made polar scope illuminators for their EQ5 mounts and as I find aligning my EQ3-2 very awkward thanks to the lack of illumination of the reticle I decided to attempt to … Continue reading →

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Mains Power for Skywatcher Motor Focuser

Posted on February 8, 2012 by james

Now I have the motor focuser on the 127 Mak I decided it might be useful to be able to power it from the mains when the opportunity arose. I had a rummage around for a suitable power connector socket, … Continue reading →

Posted in Astro Equipment, Astronomy, Projects | Tagged | 3 Comments

EQ3-2 Mount Tune-Up (Part Three)

Posted on February 6, 2012 by james

My EQ3-2 mount came with a pair of motors installed for the RA and DEC axes. I’ve had no major issue with the RA motor, but backlash in the DEC axis was very bad. Up to now my experience of … Continue reading →

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