wormix

For info, the bore on this mount is 25mm. As you can see it looks like an EQ5 so externally very hard to tell

Evening all, I have just picked up an old EQ mount to use as a grab and go and am trying to identify whether it is an EQ4 or an EQ5 so I can then purchase a polarscope. Would somebody with an EQ5 mind measuring the bore of the polarscope chamber / polarscope diameter for me? The EQ4 had a much smaller bore than the newer EQ5 Also, would somebody mind please weighing their head as I believe the EQ4 is lighter? Cheers

I would use 10Pcs/Set Panel Mount PCB Fuse Holder Case with Cover for 5x20mm 250V 6A https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07KZHHG2Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_mQZDFbCVJSM2D on strip board. Only disadvantage is having to open up the box of one blows

This looks really interesting - I’m a sucker for starting pcb projects and not finishing them!

Good to know - that’s essentially what I want to do - have power distribution and usb all together, and maybe dew too. Was going to use strip board for distribution to separate ports. I have most of the components, so just want to incorporate them all neatly.

I am currently toying with various portable methods for powering my set up and was considering purchasing one of these - https://deepskydad.com/dchub2 But then I got wondering whether it would be pretty simple to build one myself. Ignoring the USB for now, to split an incoming 12v source into 5 separate jacks, would it be as simple as wiring them all together - so incoming live to 5 live wires from the output jacks, and the same with the earth, or am I missing something? Obviously would do something a little more elegant than just shoving them all into a terminal block, but would that work, or would it be susceptible to voltage fluctuations, etc? What I am trying to achieve is a lightweight distribution box I can mount to my dovetail, then have a single power cord connecting to the battery at ground level. be interested in your thoughts cheers

Or maybe Mars (bar)

My first ever attempt at a planet, quite pleased with it as a first attempt. Seeing was horrendous, and i have no idea what i'm doing in Autostakkert so may be able to pull some more detail out once i undestand what im doing. Taken with ETX125 on HEQ5 and unmodified Canon 600d with 2x Barlow This is a quick jpg conversion so that weird artefact on the NE edge isnt there in the better image

Just copied this exactly as I had most of the parts and I haven't even started sourcing the components for my Robert Brown. Another excuse to use my 3D printer too!

Ditto! And so the gradual flow of cash out of my bank account continues!

Make sure you have a multimeter and check, then double check that the polarity in your new connectors matches the old and you should be fine. Im paranoid about wiring mine in but as long as the multimeter matches there won’t be a problem....

Funnily enough this is the thread that led to my question - there are 2 different converters used and was curious if one is more suitable than the other. ta

Following in from the battery connector thread, as part of my battery box I want an output for a canon dslr at 7.4v. There seem to be 2 popular dc-dc converters used - LM2596 & XL4015. Can anyone advise whether one is more suitable than the other? Thanks

Timely as I am building a power box in the next week so had the same question Are these connectors impossible to insert the wrong way round? I presume there is a lug that means they always go the right way in?

Courtesy of Dew Control - better get building that controller!

You are a sage - the timescale on FLO website has dropped down to 25days.

I have almost the same scopes - ETX125 and a WO Megrez 72 that is almost identical to the above. Won’t be using in EQ mode for a while / at all - will keep the HEQ for AP, although would be useful for Mars tonight.....

That’s good to know, thanks. Have placed an order with FLO, just the 60day wait 😱

So yesterday I had one of those days where I just couldn’t bear the thought of staying up late to watch the skies, then when the evening came it was beautifully clear and Mars was shining nicely. However the thought of dragging my HEQ5 out and getting it all set up was too much so I just sat inside and felt guilty instead. It did however get me thinking about my set up and have decided that an az gti may just be what I need for some truly grab and go stuff, and also good for travel. I intend to buy new (aware of the availability Sd lead time) so I have the support as am also aware of the QC issues these suffer from. Can somebody please detail what I need to be keeping an eye out for in particular? cheers

I seem to suffer from mount aperture fever (if that’s a thing). I have an HEQ5 which is more than adequate for my current Megrez 72 and before that the 150pds that I have just sold. Yet I keep looking at classifieds for NEQ6’s which is way beyond what I need.....

What mount / fluid head is that John? cheers

Sounds amazing - I’m currently set up in a campsite in the chilterns (Bortle 4, SQM20.54) with excellent Eastern views ready for some planetary action tonight. Still planning a dark sky later this year hopefully.

I use a cheap and nasty unpowered USB2 hub mounted to my dovetail, then extended with a similarly cheap and nasty 5m cable so I can sit in the warm house. I currently connect my HEQ5, Canon 600d and QHY5l-ii Guide Cam through time it and it works flawlessly. To be fair, I had all of those sitting around at home already so thought I would try and got lucky - did try a different hub and that didn’t work at all. Interesting seeing that 10m cable - May try that as I will need extra range for the winter period as all the interesting targets rise over my house. Image below, you can just make out the USB hub mounted to a 3D printed vixen style clamp and then onto dovetail.

I recently bought a 600D with the express intention of getting it modified. Now the nights are closing in I guess I had better think about following through 2 companies are mentioned frequently; CheapAstroPhotography Astronomiser Is one a stand out from the other? Also, I’m terms of modification is there any reason to go for full filter vs uv / ir cut filter? cheers

Following with interest - I’m planning on a night with Mars Thursday night - intending to try my 600d via APT