StevieDvd

Doppelgänger (1969 film) 🙂

I always thought pontification sounds like a maths formula for builders of bridges 😀

I need to ensure that the dovetail fit to the bottom of the AZ-GTi to allow me to use the WO wedge is secure enough for my paranoia. Would like to avoid using 3/8-1/4 adapters and make use of the already present dimples (not sure the correct name) that stop the dovetail moving when bolted in place. The dovetail that comes with the Skywatcher wedge has this covered to some extent and uses the dimple method. Before I go down the road of drilling a small hole (for a secondary bolt) in the AZ-GTi base, has anyone found a better connection method or dovetail that can be bought in UK that does a good job? Something like below (this one is for a photo tripod though) Thanks Steve

I was pondering on this the other day. My design head was thinking of a 2 stepper motor system which adjusted a base until it was level and the axis was polar aligned. The software side was using platesolving to take say 4 pictures (N, S, E & W) to calculate the current axis versus the correct one. My practical head said it would cost too much and the variations in scope and locations would make it a non-starter. My actual head said only a fool with 3 heads would try selling that on Dragon's Den.

My MGEN-II listed in the For Sale section is now sold.. Steve

Thanks for that I'll put it up on the for sale section then. I guess I'd better remove the cover and check the camera first though. I'll update this thread when it's listed in case you are interested as a backup. Steve

Are you after a spare MGEN II, if so what sort of price have you been offered a new one for? I have an unused one I'd forgotten about (bought in 2016) - I updated the firmware to make sure it powered up. Not tried the camera as it has what looks like a protective cover over the sensor which I'm not sure should be removed (it has a little tab) or kept on. Does yours have a small plastic cover over the sensor with a little tab? Once I work out that question it will be put up on the for sale section here. Steve

Just to rule out simple issues show us a picture of your setup before fiddling with any motor wires, and the details you enter in the handset too.

Cue jokes for VW servicing old bangers and recommending sleeveless attire 😂

You have a strange polar alignment routine then it seems.🤣

Yes, the big box it came in was a surprise but was very happy with the content of the smaller inner box.

Cloud attracting box arrived from FLO today with WO EQ wedge for my recent AZGTi acquisition - did not realise how small the weights bar was in real life (around 4 1/2" or 120mm in new money). Aslo the bottom part that stops weights sliding off is not a screw, I was hoping that would fit the existing bar/weights I have that uses a screw. Must rummage through the garage for a knurled edge screw gizmo that fits. It's so cute that it sort of begs for some nice stainless steel weights - but needs a reducer to fit the AZGTi and possibly an extension! Hopefully the small clouds that this purchase may invoke will dissapte quickly.

You can use on of the computerised PA methods, in no particular order of preference: Laptop - using Sharpcap (£10 paid for update for PA). This uses a PA routine that is made for aligning from a camera not on the mount axis. It will ask you to take a few inmages which are then plate-solved and Sharpcap does the maths to work out your mounys axix point versus what it should be for polar alignment. Raspbery Pi - from the free Astroberry to the paid for versions such as Stellarmate & ASIair Pro (£300 plus) - have similar routines as Sharpcap. I have recently obtained a used AZGTi setup and will be using a Raspberry Pi solution for PA and image capture, if all things go to plan.

How did you pay? If by credit card (even if just a prt of the whole payment) you'd be covered for the full amount under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act That is not to say that the company is not trading, just to possibly put your mind at ease if it turns out that way. Steve

OK good call on the wedge then, did not realise Amazon did US stock like that. Does that include taxes, duties etc?

The WO wedge comes in 2 'packaged' versions, differing in the latitude settings. Though they are both the same just assembled for instant use, takes a few minutes to dis-assemble/re-assemble to change one to the other. Why USA for the Skywatcher version - thought they were available here in stock? Counterweight a few people use counterweight kit first link I found. May need a thread reducer (mine was already fitted as I bought a used setup).

Good to hear, now connect it directly to the mount and try again. Once you start photography the handset will likely be put away in a draw.

Just search for NEQ6 (same base) here on SGL or google there are a lot of examples with diagrams.

I have an older AZEQ6 which uses the EQ6 pier adapter, I have not seen anything to indicate the latest version has any difference in the mounting point. As to the levelling: Strictly speaking the pier head does not have to be perfectly level, that's why there are adjusters on the mount to perfect the polar alignment. However, it is better to have it as good as possible since this makes the adjustments easier especially with the new PA software. In a new build the phrase 'Why not make it level' would come to mind.

Thanks, I was aware of his projects but a little beyond my skills to assemble.

Over on cloudynights there is a thread on Plug & Play Focus controllers (see PDF attached) that I hope I can use as a guide using the following: Arduino Leonardo Motor shield I understand these are the main parts needed apart from some 9 pin D connectors etc and enclosure. But this would work out around £25-£30 built and I may go for 2 or 3 of them, so is this an overkill for the task? They will be used inline with RPI running Astroberry/Stellarmate and have a usb & 12v power in to a 9 pin serial out to either a Moonlite or Lakeside stepper motor (I have both) My soldering skills are not up to much so either the above or I'd need the skills of a builder to create any cheaper home brew styled ones. I'm not looking for any controls /lcd screens just simple boxes with the right in/out leads. Thanks for any suggestions Steve PNP Focuser V2.0 Documentation.pdf

Mmmm, anything interesting? Did not realise INDI supported Python, thought it was C+/C++

Yes, nothing to much to worry about gpsd is a service for GPS dongles. If you don't have a GPS device then it is not likely to cause a problem.

Not had any problems myself but those were the only ones seemingly with stock from those I checked.

Is there another Celestron choice such as Celestron AX available, if so try that.