sloz1664

Hi Stephen, and a very warm welcome to the Lounge. From another Stephen 😀

Sorry Steve, I'll try again...... NINA Steve

Hi Steve, Just picked this thread up & welcome to the Observatory clan. You have had lots of positive comments and help on your build, equipment & software, which must be encouraging & overwhelming at the same time. If I may, I will add a couple of subjects to consider:- Software: Have a look at Nina full observatory automation, image capture etc; it's free, getting a lot of rave reviews and if you don't like it. It's cost you nothing. Networking: Go for high quality CAT cables. preferably CAT6 or even the new CAT7. Future proofing is necessary as data volumes are increasing at an alarming rate. Security: Get a good alarm system. I also added a couple of sound bombs and strobe lighting. If, in the future, you come across any deaf and blind low-life's...........Thy tried 👹 Insurance: Check your policies, you may not be fully covered. I have a separate cover just for my dome & contents. Looking forward to your progress and keep the photos coming Steve

Hi, and a very warm welcome to the Lounge Steve

Hi Alvin, and a very warm welcome to the Lounge Steve

Hi Nigel, Fantastic news and great to see the project completed and working well. Humble thanks for the recognition, but glad it helped. Glad you have a rain sensor, I've been thankful on more than one occasion with short sharp showers that were not supposed to be present. C/W actuated the dome closure within seconds and saved a soaking. Like you, without Hugh's MagicWire system I wouldn't be fully automated and yes it works a dream. I've been using Voyager for around nine months and absolutely love it. It just works and I've now upgraded to the Array system to run two scopes in tandem. Again, great to see you have completed, which is not an easy task and applaud you on your finished project. I'll probably upgrade my shutter motor to your design this summer. The extra umph may be needed. Steve

Hi Quentin and a very warm welcome to the Lounge Steve

Hi, Will and a very warm welcome to the Lounge. Nice images you've posted Steve

Hi and a very warm welcome to the Lounge. Great images btw Steve

Hi and a very warm welcome to the Lounge Steve

Hi and a very warm welcome to the Lounge Steve

I've had an on/off love affair with SGPro. I really like the interface and it's processes, what I don't like is the issues with freezing on certain processes like auto focus, plate solving and connecting to the guider. I cannot have this happen to me whilst unattended imaging sessions. I have tried NINA but there is an issue relating to my dome so that's on the back burner. I now use Voyager which is a fully automated programme. It just works, that's when when you get your head around fine tuning the dragscript programmes. I still like SGPro, once they can get the gremlins sorted and add an automated power up and fully power down proceedure. Steve

If you want to convert your LED panel to assimilate an Alintak panel here is a great solution DIY LED Panel Steve

Hi iPoncho, and a very warm welcome to the Lounge 😁 Steve

Hi Max, and a very warm welcome to the Lounge Steve

Hi Allan, and a very warm welcome to the Lounge Steve

Hi Tim, a very warm welcome back to the Lounge and there's a wealth of knowledge on here. They will have you spending your money on a brand spanking new mount in no time Steve

Hi Daz, and a very warm welcome back to the Lounge Steve

Hi and a very warm welcome to the Lounge Steve

You will not be disappointed with the Baader Diamond Steeltrack. I fitted the same model to my Tal 200k and it is buttery smooth and very precise. Steve

Voyager astrophotography automation software have recently announced an update to their Viking switch control which now as Ascom compatibility. Viking has a great array of input/output function switches. I use Velleman i/o boards and I use Viking to automatically switch on all of my equipment on start & switch all off on finish. Steve

Hi Rich, What a great question and I'm pleased you received a prompt reply. Also, a warm welcome to the Lounge Steve

I understand Lunaticoastro are looking at updating their AAG Cloudwatcher with hydreon the rain sensor. There is a debate whether to use the RJ-09 or RJ-11. Steve

Hi Trevor, and a very warm welcome to the lounge Steve