Martyn87

Thanks Elp. Looking again, the Altair 585C (https://www.altairastro.com/altair-hypercam-585c-colour-fan-cooled-usb3-astronomy-camera-13481-p.asp) actually looks like a really good deal, to the point it might convince me to forget about the concerns I have and go for one anyways. Especially as the C6 hyperstar doesn't support DSLRs so I'd have to buy an astro cam if I went down that route in the future.

I had looked at the 585, but looking at the field of view tool on Astronomy Tools, I thought it was maybe a bit tight. The 533 looks a good option though, especially with it being square. Am I wrong in thinking that dark frames would help reduce the vignetting? I'm going to assume I'd be cropping too as I know SCTs have issues with star shapes towards the corners.

Yep, it is a C6 (sort of anyways, it's a StarSense DX 6", but the OTA is basically the same thing). I'll likely end up with something like a EOS 100D unless I can get a mirrorless like an R100 for a good price. The sensor on the 100D is 22.3 x 14.9mm and I am using the F6.3 reducer.

Yep From Microsoft: "Note: While a Remote Desktop server (as in, the PC that you are connecting to) needs to be running a Pro edition of Windows, a client machine (the device you are connecting from) can be running any edition of Windows (Pro or Home), or even a different operating system altogether."

Unfortunately the Pro version is required for RDP on Win10 and Win11. A total con, as this is not even close to being an enterprise feature.

Thanks Elp, mount is still a work in progress but is likely to be a (H)EQ5 or GEM28. Subs seem to be around 5/10 seconds but I guess I'll probably have to go longer with a DSLR? I really need to look at calibration. I understand the theory, but still not 100% sure on putting it into practice

Yep, can't argue with that. Just had a quick look and the Lenovo Mini PCs are about 1.2kgs. Not sure it makes a huge difference when most mounts are over 20KGs though

Pretty obvious one here I guess, but I'm putting together an AP rig at the moment based around a 6" SCT and was planning on using a DSLR with a large sensor to avoid having a really narrow field of view with this scope. However, as it's going to take a while to get all the gear together, I'd like to try out EEA. However, it seems most people are using either specific astro cameras or something designed for video use, like the adapted CCTV sensors, webcams etc. Is anyone using a DSLR for EEA? If so, any recommendations for particular models that work well? Thanks!

I bought this exact setup for the same reasons you mentioned. Managed to pick it up for £260 which I feel was an absolute bargain for a 6" SCT! Obviously if you want to do any imaging then the mount will be no good, but the StarSense setup with the app gets you in roughly the right area as long as you have relatively clear skies. EDIT: Just to reply to what some others have said about the mount, it is basically a cheap camera tripod and for anything other than visual, almost entirely useless. It IS NOT a wobbly mess though, and I say this as someone who had no intention of keeping it when I bought the scope. Once you have it on a target, as long as you're not touching the controls, you can get a nice steady view. Obviously whatever you're looking at is going to move out of that view pretty quickly though. It goes without saying that it is not as stable as it would be on a mount that cost more than this entire setup...

@TiffsAndAstro Here you go, a tool direct from Microsoft https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/autologon AFAIK you don't have to use a local account either, it will still auto-login if you use a linked Microsoft account. If you wanted to get really clever, you could set up a login script to launch all your software too.

There are loads of Mini PCs listed on ebay from Dell, HP, Lenovo etc that could be picked up refurbished from around £70. This would give you the option to run Windows if you wanted to, or go down the Linux route. As others have mentioned though, you'll almost certainly need a powered USB hub to get the number of USB ports you need. Some of these Mini PCs will have VESA mounting holes. I'm sure some clever person with a 3D printer could knock up a VESA - Vixen mount to hold the PC on a dovetail...

I think the other thing to bear in mind is that the EQM35 has a bigger RA worm gear with more teeth. DEC is bigger on the HL55i, but I guess that's less important

I think it's more similar to the EQ5, so shims on DEC and bearings on RA, but maybe @Ardsley Astro can confirm if they've had theirs in bits!

I'm not an expert, but the RA tracking looks pretty decent for what is a "budget" mount? DEC doesn't look too bad for the most part either if you can resolve the backlash issues? Might be a promising option for those that don't want/need a hand controller and would rather buy new than second hand! Was this with the 130P?

Thanks Jon, all really useful info! Out of interest, which guide scope were you using? I was planning on going OAG, but if I ever end up buying a Hyperstar, then I'd have to switch again. I think for the time being I'll be sticking with a DSLR, so obviously much larger sensor. I had been looking at the imx585 but I think that would be asking for trouble!

Thanks Elp, I'd definitely still prefer a HEQ5, it's clearly going to a better mount, but I can't find any used ones in my usual places at the minute. Maybe I just need to wait for my classifieds access and keep an eye on there

Thanks Magnus, good to have some info from people using the less common SkyWatcher mounts! The thing I can't quite get my head around is why SW have 3 goto mounts with less than £50 between them at retail: EQM-35 Pro - £659 EQ-AL55i Pro - £683 (albeit reduced on FLO from £759) EQ5 Pro - £699 The AL55i is the one that's taken my eye at the moment as I quite like the idea of driving it from my mobile instead of the had controller, and when I'm imaging, I'll probably have it hooked up to a PC of some sort anyways. It also uses servo motors rather than steppers, which in theory should be smoother... really though, there doesn't seem to be a lot between them. There's the HEQ5 too, but that's way more expensive, not far off double the price new! Sky at Night mag put of a review of it recently and they seemed to like it, but I don't know how much faith to put in their reviews... https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/reviews/sky-watcher-eq-al55i-pro-mount

Didn't mess about and ordered the f6. 3 reducer as recommended. Not had chance to try it properly yet but took a break in the clouds to check the difference in FOV, I think it'll be staying in place full time now...

Interested in this one, but information seems very thin on the ground, SkyWatcher Global don't even seem to have a product page for it! Is it a UK only model? How does it compare to the EQ5?

Just seen this one mentioned in another thread on the forum, might the EQ-AL55i be a decent option? https://www.firstlightoptics.com/equatorial-astronomy-mounts/sky-watcher-eq-al55i-pro-go-to-astronomy-mount.html

Keeping an eye on this, I'd also seen these on FLO and wondering how they'd compare to the EQ5/HEQ5/EQM35...

If you're still struggling with this, feel free to drop me a PM, happy to help diagnose!

It's just a 3D printed model from Thingiverse! https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3614818

Little early birthday present to myself after some advice from other forum members, and a case I printed to look after it when it's not in use (in celestron orange to match, of course!).

Thanks Tony, and to you! I actually printed a this fine focus know from Thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3998859 It helps, I think the issue was more with my eyes to be honest!