sloz1664

Thank you Steve, a most informative read and one I will apply to my future Pixinsight processing procedures. Steve

I have built 3 focusers for my set-up. One in-line & two belt driven, all running in SGPro. The source for my DIY focusers:- https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduinoascomfocuserpro2diy/ All working exceeding well Steve

If you buy the belts from reputable companies like Beltingonline or HPC Gears you can order glass reinforced belts. These will not break, they are industrial quality and withstand thousands of RPM and many hundreds of hours of working life. The biggest danger for timing belts is "not enough tension" This causes the belts to slip, damaging the belt teeth and eventually rendering it useless. Steve

10mm bolts will ensure the plate goes nowhere. It doesn't need to be level, polar alignment takes care of that and a round pin will be fine for the azimuth peg. I used a 12mm hardened dowel when I set up my old EQ6 pro. Great temporary pier & mount btw Steve

That's great to know Steve, as I'm off cruising around the Caribbean in the New Year. Steve

Didn't realise you had retired Kev. I took the plunge 2 years ago. Never looked back. Steve

Looking good Kev. With a bank holiday to help you progress. Steve

Now that is a work of art, John. Can't wait to see it mounted and, of course, the first light report. Steve

I'm sorry John I disagree with the "experiencing problems of this nature with a new design" As a new product, it should never leave the factory without ALL processes in place albeit material sourcing, manufacture, and logistics. Design, development, process capabilities, and a full quality procedure has to be in place before the product can proceed to manufacture. In a creditable company the finalised project has to signed off by the Technical & Managing Director before the first product can be shipped As a Chartered Engineer for over 30 years it galls me that the customer is now the a non paid member of the Project Test and Quality team. Steve

Just tried it Alan. No issues on any of the three targets I have tried. Steve

I can honestly say I've never had an issue with the mosaic wizard, with either the v2.6 or v3. Have you had it working in the past? Steve

Hi Ed It must be my age. What I meant to describe was anodising and not aluminising. Being involved in Engineering for 49 years, you think I should know better. Steve

I looked at dabbling with aluminising, but since retiring as an Engineering Manager I've lost my access to a toolroom and all the goodies I could manufacture. So it would have been a wasted exercise. Still I have kept in contact with all the Engineering and Tooling firms I have dealt with over the years. Steve

Project's on it's way then.. I saw your thread on the fabulous manufacture of your Focuser, as yet to be aluminised. Now there's a project....Focuser for the DarkStar. It would look quite fetching in Cobalt blue. Steve

Nice set-up Alex. You will love the easy access and simplicity in setting up your scope when you have completed your project. I wish you all the best and a speedy completion to your 50/50 roll off. Steve

That's good to know Niel. As and when I need to re-coat the ol'Tal. BTW great purchase on the DarkStar Dob. I'm sure you will fettle it back to it's best... and beyond. Lots of photos on your progress. Steve

Fabulous build Fozzie. What is the chain for? Is it to secure the tripod to a secure robust post in the garage to stop anyone stealing it, because it is a beauty Steve

Nice upgrade on a VERY NICE scope. Steve

Fabulous review Richard. Makes me want a large refractor some day. Steve

You need the CH340G nano. It is explained in Rob Brown's MyFocuer Manual. Steve

Purchased all my Nema steppers from OMC. Great company to deal with. Steve

Here are the three Robert Brown Focusers I have built. Each having their own Ascom driver. FocuserAscom1, FocuserAscom2 & FocuserAscomPro. Steve

You could also try Robert Brown's DIY focus controllers:- https://sourceforge.net/projects/arduinoascomfocuserpro2diy/ Steve

I agree they are pricey, particularly the add-on kits. I purchased my Dome 2nd hand and added my own drive system & control it with LevesDome software. Steve

I agree with both Jeremy & Dave. My Pulsar 2.1 M Dome has totally transformed my love of AstroPhotograhy. Even more now it's motorised. Steve