johninderby

FLO need to update their stickers. 😁

 Some installations do fight you every step of the way and seem like they are doing it on purpose. Oh well at least you got there in the end.

Hmmmm 🤔

Old thread by someone with a similar problen but with an earlier version of Windows.

Just a thought do you have the Windows Net Framework installed as it won’t see the Hitec wirhout it.  🤔

I got the 290 mono for solar and lunar imaging with a long focal length HA scope and a Skymax180. Another camera may suit your 300 PDS better though.

Good idea to start a new thread asking for camera recomendations for your scope.

Get the Celestron Starsense (Skywatcher version) and the GPS unit for the AZ-EQ5 and it will set itself up in minutes.

Yes it’s a ZWO ASI290 MM mono camera. Only arrived a few days ago so not used it yet. Replaced a ZWO ASI 120 MM camera . Actualy bought an Altaor GPCAM3 290 M the week before but not impressed or maybe it was a defective one but returned to seller. Never had any problems with the ZWO 120 so decided to get the ZWO 290 even though it was more expensive than the Altair. 

The AZ-EQ5 would be ideal for lunar / planetary imaging and as mentioned in Alt-Az field rotation isn’t a problem for lunar / planetary.

Simple smartphone image using the AZ-EQ5.  Now have a proper camera now so looking forward to better images.

This article in Physics World might be of interest.

https://physicsworld.com/a/tiny-particles-dance-around-each-other-in-near-zero-gravity/

Amazon and eBay.

Just look for GT2 drive pulleys and belts. The motor has a 6mm shaft which I couldn’t find so bought 5mm bore pulley and drilled out to 6mm.

This online calculator was invaluable for working out what length drive belt to buy.

https://www.bearingboys.co.uk/Timing-Belt-Finder--Calculator-24-a

I’m using a new Win10 laptop which only has USB3.0 ports. First downloaded all the drivers, restarted and then plugged in the Hitec and it all worked fine.

Try plugging into a USB3.0 port and if that doesn’t work all I can suggest is to unistall the software and remove in the usb device manager and reload the drivers and software.

Used something very similar to nano magic. Not a lot of holding power. 🤬

Did you download the drivers? 

https://www.hitecastro.co.uk/index.php/support/category/hitec-dc-focus

Cleaning the surfaces first with Isopropyl alcohol or something similar first is important and also should be left for 24 hours to reach full strength and done in a warm place ......... which won’t be a problem next week. 😁

BTW be carefull if buying 3M tape off eBay as most of it is fake.

I use servo tape intended for RC cars. Sticky but can be removed fairly easily. 

Something like this.

https://www.modelsport.co.uk/fastrax-double-sided-servo-tape/rc-car-products/16131

15 minutes ago, mckinnell said:

Hi Guys,

         Grierson, i have not yet decided on which camera, and, Johninderby, yes mate, the RVO is the older of the models so, FLO and seeing they also stock the SkyWatcher focus motor, i will go to this outlet when i purchase the required items.

                                                                                        Thanks for all the help and best regards to all,                     Tom.

The Skywatcher motor is very adaptable and fairly cheap. I just finished adapting it to two scopes..

The latest version of the Hitec Astro unit as stocked by FLO has a plug in power cable not the hard wired version. Also has a sturdier case. Check with RVO if the version they are selling is the old one or the new one.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-cables-leads-accessories/hitecastro-dc-focus-controller.html

The power cable does have a cig lighter end but it’s a standard 5.5mm / 2.1 centre positive plug so a cheap AC adapter can be had for 5 to 10 pounds from Amazon etc.

Hitec Focus controler can be used with the JMI motors if you don’t want to use the Slywatcher motor.

Hitec’s Focusmaster kits with stepper motor are great if you want to get really serious but probably more than you need.

https://www.hitecastro.co.uk/

The Skywatcher unit should fit the PDS focuser with no problems using one of the supplied brackets. Just make sure ypu can remove the focuser knob first.

Or you could make your own version of the TS unit.

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p5218_TS-Optics-Focus-Motor-with-Control-for-UNC-Focuser.html

Think the straight through is 180mm amd the right angle is 162mm.

Get a Slywatcher  Auto Focus motor unit and add a Hitec Focus control..You can coonect the motor connecting to the focus knob shaft or get a toothed drive pulley and drive belt and do it that way if you wish.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-focusers/skywatcher-auto-focuser.html

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-cables-leads-accessories/hitecastro-dc-focus-controller.html

Telescope Express sells the EQ6 adapter.

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p9201_Berlebach-Tripod-Adapter-from-UNI-to-Skywatcher-EQ6.html

That review was with an ST80 which might not be the best scope to use an 82 degree Eyepiece in. A 68 degree eyepiece will suit it much better. Some interesting comments in this CN thread. 

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/590289-at-what-point-does-field-curvature-bother-you/

The Nirvana ES 16mm is a real bargain at the moment for a mere £85.00 from most UK dealers. Very, very nearly as good as the Nagler.

I have the 4mm, 7mm and 16mm and find them very nice to use. Prefer the new rubber eyecups over the old flat topped versions.