saac

Mike these are fantastic, love the shot of M42. I can just imagine how satisfying it must be to get that stage.  Look forward to seeing more and maybe some tips as well as you hone your technique.

Jim 

The remote operation would be a sight to see Mike, just operating it remotely would be as fun as observing with it.  My knowledge of computer networking is confined to setting up a home wi fi but you've prompted me to take a look at TeamViewer.  

Jim

Fantastic to see it at this stage Mike you must be getting so much enjoyment from the setup now.  I'm aiming to be able to ultimately control mine from the warmth and comfort of the conservatory, about 10m away.  I'm a long way to getting to that stage but I have your build history bookmarked for ideas.  Congratulations again - have you managed to use it from Spain at?  That would be an amazing sense of achievement.

Jim

I'm part of the Tasco club too.  Mine was a Christmas present, 60mm refractor,  and I remember the moment I unwrapped it like it was yesterday.  To be honest, I never once gave one moment thinking about the quality of it; optics, mount, magnification, resolving power, as an 8 year old it was everything I had hoped it would be.  For me it fired a lifelong passion for science, later on I would go to university to study engineering, joined the Royal Air Force, then mid career change took me to the classroom as a physics teacher.  That telescope played a very big part in my life.   I remember the biggest challenge I had  was finding and identifying what I looking at.  The moon was the easiest of targets, if only we had the internet back then , I may have had a chance of knowing what I was doing.    Happy days, here's to Tasco.

Jim

Nice work Bob,  using the premix concreting service is the way to go, I did similar for the base of my observatory back in the summer there.  I mixed the concrete for the pier foundation by hand and that alone was enough.  I like your idea about the channel to drain the water water from the base.  If that doesn't work out what about laying down some self-levelling compound -  or maybe another thin skin of cement shaped so water  runs off away from the pier.  I had my pier installed today and what a joy to see the telescope mounted - like Christmas for grown up kids.  Good luck with the rest of your build.

Jim

Mike absolutely fantastic news, good for you.  Oh good news about the dome as well.  I've taken the plunge and got my summerhouse up now. The conversions hopefully to be completed next summer.  We need plenty of updates on your progress getting everything commissioned now.  Take it easy but enjoy it fella, you earned it.

Jim

Excellent progress Gonzo, love the way you are working round problems.

Jimmy

Mike,

Good investigation work there with the usb camera - I would never have thought of using brick cleaner, that saved a lot digging and disruption. I have a tendency of rushing in  with things like that - it definitely pays to think things through like this.  Thanks for your hint on the Start Tech Industrial USB Hub, that's now on the wanted list.  Really good to hear of your latest news Mike, may it keep getting better - I bet you are itching to get into that fine observatory of yours.

Jim

Re the resin creep onto the sensor.  this may be a stupid idea but I thought I'd throw it in for consideration anyway.  Is the flow onto the sensor happening due to capillary action - just like what you rely on when you are staining a microscope slide/coverslip.  If it is then would something as simple as a low tac masking tape help - one of the better quality ones like Frog Tape.  That said don't know how the sensor would be impaired by the low tac glue on the tape - hopefully it would clean off.  Like I said maybe a stupid idea.

Mike,

I'm following intently to see how you progress your automation; my conservatory (study) is about 10m from my planned obsy site so I'm hoping to follow a similar automation route.  Your absolutely right about stopping when your body tells you but I guess you well understand that.  The progress you have made already and the pace is amazing - you've inspired me to get my act together.  I now have permission from the boss to spend some money on a suitable shed/summerhouse for conversion. My wee car is being sold but like you found, once the decision has been made, you just have to commit.  I'm looking to start work in the summer holidays (school) and while I'm happy with the physical side of the build  the automation side is well outside my comfort zone.  I'll be following your footsteps if that's ok.  I bet you can't wait to get using your obsy in earnest.  

Jim 

Oh dear, I have just had?? to sell my Nikon 600mm F4 lens to help fund the project, sad day but it didn't get used enough!!

Regards

Mike

I know how you feel Mike.  At the moment I'm resisting the urge to sell my beloved 1967 MGB to fund my own obsy project.  What to do, what to do.?  I guess it comes to what will bring you greater enjoyment.  Don't make it any easier though!

http://1drv.ms/1g0YJhO

Mike,

Thanks for taking the time to outline your automation plans.  You have me hooked now!  My observatory is most likely 1 to 2 years away so I'm still very much in the planning phase (hopefully automated as well).  I'm looking through the forum trawling for ideas seeing what creative stuff other folk have been up to - I'll be stealing some ideas from you if that's ok. 

You're absolutely right with regard to PMA, stay committed and focused on this.  Thanks again for the inspiration.

Jim

Fantastic effort Mike, I love your pier design - it's not only functional but looks really good the way you have finished it.  Just out interest how far are you planning to take the automation ?  Good luck with everything Mike.