beamer3.6m

Can you not do lunar etc in eq mode...

You usually would if you were say using an heq5 so why not the gti... just thinking of saving the time changing modes???

6 minutes ago, The Admiral said:

A relatively new experimental feature of the ASIAir is the 'all sky polar align' feature, which can be found under the 'i' button. You switch it on, and then you can do a PA looking towards the South. I've used it because I too have a poor view towards the North, and it seems to work well enough. Remember to switch it back off again when you want to do an ordinary PA. Have a look at this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP2Z32e5ZcI

Ian

Brilliant.

Quick question.

When doing the PA routine with ASIAIR I am aware that the mount moves in RA and an image is taken to plate solve etc

My question is what stars are imaged at this time as I have a very very poor northerly direction view so I'm concerned that I may struggle to get the star image.

Yep I will have the asiair so hope to you that to par align.

37 minutes ago, Elp said:

I've found it's usually the difference, you'll know clearly if you stand back and Polaris seems a mile off.

That's a sensible tip but I cannot see polaris as my house is in the way unfortunately 

Quick question.

When using the wo wedge with the gti in eq mode, do I set the latitude scale to my actual latitude (54) or do I do 90-54 =36...

I have seen both suggested on Google????

1 hour ago, Priesters said:

@beamer3.6m I’ll happily sell you mine for £20 plus postage.   Main bolt slot is a tiny bit knarled but fully functioning.  I have never really used it as I only intended to use the dovetail part but then ended up using a longer set up so I could balance the mount more centrally over the tripod.  If you are interested in using the polar scope bit then it may make more sense for your rig.

Does this include the polar scope also?

Do you have a link to this?

24 minutes ago, Elp said:

I've specified the lost features in my previous comment. Plan mode allows you to define what target is going to be shot, what type of images to shoot (light, dark, flat, bias). This way you can potentially image multiple targets in one session without intervention, or take mosaics easily. The gen1 only has the autorun option which starts imaging once you set it to go. I find the plan mode only benefits when doing mosaics, for anything else like taking calibration frames I need to be with the scope anyway.

Thank you for this...

I am not a mosaic imagery (or at least not to date) so I do not think the plan mode would be a big loss.

I also note the lack of live stacking. This is a feature I am less sure about loosing... but again the difference in price between the v1 and Plus is considerable.

So what other functions ate not implemented on the v1, other than 'plan mode'.

Also, anda stupid question, what is 'plan mode' and is it worth the potential £200+additional cost

I have the opportunity to grab an ASIAIRv1 for £100 but I'm unclear about the differences between this and the PRO / PLUS versions.

Is there anything the v1 doesn't do which is essential or any bugs etc that are frustrating etc.

I intend to use it with an az-gti mount, Canon 1100d and zwo120 mini guide cam

From looking at Google it seems that the asiair is not compatible with qhy cameras for guiding... is that correct???

My second question...

So for a basic imaging rig (EQ) what do I need software wise as it has been years since I imaged.

I have the following:

Laptop

Canon 400d

Canon 350d

Qhy5 guide cam

Various cables

130pds

Synscan handset from original heq5 mount (must be 5years old now)

-----

So if I use the gti would any of the above be useful. The heq5 is just too much of a faff to get out. I want portable and lightweight.

I used to image with the heq5 using PhD etc and so understand the concept of guiding etc but I am a looooong time out of the game so just need to know the BASIC kit I need to get going... I don't need to go for asiais or advanced setups immediately.

Quick question

Can the az-gti be mounted directly to the skywatcher tripod which is used for an heq5.

I have an heq5 but it's heavy and awkward for me at the mo,  but can I utilise the tripod to save on the purchase cost of gti???

I assumed it was just a case of the baader film blocked certain wavelengths and thus reduced the damage/brightness (wrong word) of the sun which can still be seen through it.

I couldnt find the wavelengths the baader film blocked and thought that 450nm (blue laser) might still get through but with any harmful rays (wrong word) being blocked.

I'm obviously wrong.

The laser spot will be far brighter than Vega. The laser comes with safety Googles which are od3+ I believe but you can still see the laser spot and the item being etched/carved.

Ideally I want to be able to see the laser spot (so it can be focused etc) but at the same time avoid the potential dangers to viewers of the process.

This is available in the US but the shipping is silly money... https://jtechphotonics.com/?product=445nm-laser-shielding the images however show a good idea of the laser brightness however.

Hi.

It's been a long time since I have been on this form but I always remember it being a helpful and friendly place so thought I might ask this somewhat unusual question here.

I have a CNC machine which I am going to mount laser module on so that I can cut various accessories for my scope (acrylic eyepiece holders etc).

I want to add an extra layer of protection from the laser and thought baader solar film may be of use if I were to stick it to a clear acrylic sheet.

The lasers wavelength is 450nm.

Would the baader sheet shield this wavelength but still allow the laser beam/spot to be seen?

Your help is appreciated.

The free eyepieces with sw scopes are pretty pants.

I prefer a red dot finder over a magnified finder anyway.

I would do bresser for the mount.

M44 Beehive

5 x 300 second subs

No darks or flats

Could you not use the standard heq5 motor upgrade to make it goto.

Maybe a little more expensive but very simple to do and you get the synscan controller and can control it via a laptop etc.

I have the black heq5 like yours.

Why not download photoshop cs2. Its free.

The veil

M31

M39

Scope 130pds

5 x 600 secs

2 darks

20 bias

No flats

M15

Scope 130pds

5 x 180 secs

2 x darks

20 x bias

No flats