sloz1664

Hi Nigel, 

Nice to hear from you. Going back, my original shutter was certainly not designed for automation and I had to modify it so much to make it run nice and smooth & also to ensure it keeps aligned to contact the limit switches. The motor is a Chinese clone, purchased on Ebay and unfortunately I have no details to hand. I will investigate and report back.  I didn't want to buy an expensive motor as, to be frank, I didn't think I could modify the shutter to be able to motorise it. The motor has enough guts to driver the shutter, but kept slipping on the drive belt, due to flex in the shutter and I've had to add some modifications to enable it to run smoothly. 

The two rollers stop the shutter from lifting due to the pressure between the drive gear and the drive belt.

Automating the shutter is still an on-going project. I have built Hugh Gillespie's Magic Wire project and I have installed it in the Pulsar. I have it opening and closing the shutter, but, I'm having issues with the limit switches not working as they should.

I have attached the Magic Wire manual for your perusal. If you need any addition information please do not hesitate to ask.

Steve

Magic Wire Manual.pdf

Hi and a very warm welcome to the Lounge

Steve

Hi and a very warm welcome to the Lounge

Steve

Hi Ken and a very warm welcome to the Lounge. Invest in a fabulous book by the name of "Turn Left at Orion" It is written for observers finding their way around the heavens and very hands on.

Steve

Hi and a very warm welcome to the Lounge

Steve

Hi Glyn and a very warm welcome to the Lounge

Steve

Hi Anthony and a very warm welcome to the Lounge

Steve

What are you installing to require a com port. This will help to establish the right procedure to attach your revice.

Steve

Hi, a very warm welcome to the Lounge and hope the info given has helped your cause

Steve

Hi Eckhard and a very warm welcome to the Lounge

Steve

Hi Stanga and a very warm welcome to the Lounge 🙂

Steve

Hi Phil and a very warm welcome to the Lounge. I love my Tal 25mm eyepiece as well

Steve

Hi Gary and a very warm welcome to the Lounge

Steve

Anyone having issues connecting the AAG Cloudwatcher via serial cable. I cannot get mine to connect via direct link or via Startech usb to serial adapter. Windows 10 Pro.

Steve

Hi Julian, I really feel your pain after my latest project to automate my Pulsar shutter. There is nothing easy in this hobby. A bit like building a scale model of the great wall of China using matchsticks.

Steve

Hi and a very warm welcome to the Lounge

Steve

Hi Junare and a very warm welcome to the Lounge. popped onto your beautiful island whilst on a Caribbean cruise last year.

Steve

I use an AAG Cloudwatcher but I also use the Hydreon RG-11. Hopefully both will detect "clean rain " and so far they have. I must get some distilled water and try it, as unfortunately I have lost my Liebig Condenser 😀

Steve

Hi and a very warm welcome to the Lounge

Steve

Hi F and a very warm welcome to the Lounge

Steve

4 hours ago, Nigella Bryant said:

"The Phoenix Complex" signage, the finishing touch to the rising from the ashes of my dome referb, repair and relocation. This has become my logo, lol. Thanks SGL for your time and input to this build and naming.

LOVE IT 😍

Excellent piece of rack & pinion drive automation, quiet and will not wake the neighbours. That is if you have any. Looks so rural.

Steve

Hi Chris and a very warm welcome to the Lounge

Steve

Hi Greg and a very warm welcome to the Lounge and welcome to the dark side that is Astro Imaging

Steve

Great image Brendan and well worth the imaging time.

Steve