Robny

We have a campervan and have used it a couple of times for astro imaging sessions.  In fact, we've installed red LED lights as well as white and have access to power.

Definitely look into ASTAP also, it works superfast

I normally let the environment sensor take control of that, but generally they're on about half power from first switching on the gradually increase power through the night

Been away from the forum for a while, but still been dabbling when the weather allows.  These are my most recent images completed.

Both taken with WO GT71 in Bortle 8 skies in Warrington, as always appreciate any feedback, tips and tricks and good to be back.

BTW - These are just jpeg images

55 minutes ago, GoldTop57 said:

Don't know if this thread is any good to you: https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/759309-eq6-slewing-in-wrong-direction/

Thanks for that but unfortunately not, I saw that thread and did what they suggested but still no joy.  I've also just updated my synscan firmware and motor control firmware on the mount and still does the same

2 hours ago, badhex said:

Yeah that is weird. Has it always done this?

I dont remember it doing this before, but I cannot see for sure.  When I slew with Eqmod, it's fine.  This only happens with the hand controller and in APT.

I've reset the time, factory reset and set location again, still the same

This is what's happening, pretty sure those axis should run the other way, they seem inverted?

I have tried both of those things...

Its an odd thing and really frustrating.  From behind the mount when I slew East the scope moves over to the left, that is wrong?  Isn't it?

Hoping somebody can save my sanity....

My EQ6-R Pro seems to be slewing in the wrong direction using the handset and in APT, East and West directions seems to be flipped.  But when I slew via EQMOD it seems to be correct okay.  I've tried searching the internet but cannot find anything.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

Rob  

Thanks for the quick replies...

When I'm referring to reach I'm thinking focal length.  So based on my current imaging train from what I understand from Olly is that 500mm would be my "ceiling" with my current camera, thats good to know.  

However, it's quite a ways from planetary and lunar.  So, I guess the next decision is going to be, do I want to to get a little extra focal length to keep within the limitations of my current camera.  Or live with what I already have for deep sky and just get something for planetary and lunar along with a suitable camera and maybe look at getting a mak or an sct

Rob

Hi All

I'm possibly looking at adding a second imaging scope to my setup.  I currently have a widefield setup which consists of a WO GT71 with 183mc Cooled camera on a EQ6r Pro mount, I wouldn't sell or change this setup - I love it!

However, I want to add another OTA to give me a bit more reach for smaller galaxies/nebula, moon and planets etc.  I want it to slot into my current setup as much as possible but realise I may be in for another camera if I want to do moon and planets etc.

I have a couple of ideas myself but am wondering what suggestions people might have with a budget of £1k, prefer new but don't mind used if it's worth it.

I'm not looking to do this until the end of the year but I need to set my sights on a goal to help me save the money, what are people thoughts on a suitable OTA to suit my needs?

Thanks

Rob

This is my first EVER deep sky image from 2017, taken I believe with a Sony A7r, to look at my most recent it is quite a difference.  The improvements seem to sneak up on you without fully noticing until you look back.

Rob

Thanks......

So ideally the lower the FWHM the better

Hi All

Just looking at FWHM, I understand the concept, what it is and why it matters.

I'm using the 'SubFrameSelector' in PI and this is my results (attached), based of this (which I know is pretty bad - neighbours decided to have a fire on the only clear night) I would need to discard everything from where the graph sky rockets?

As I said, there was a lot of smoke in the air and I also had a meridian flip in the middle of the session.

Thanks 

Rob 

Hi All

Wanted to share my image and hopefully get some feedback, but ease understand that this is a quick and dirty process just to see what I got.  I need to spend a bit more time with processing.

This is two hours worth of data in bortle 8 skies combining 2 minutes and 30 seconds exposure lengths, taken with the following equipment:

WO GT71 - AA 183c cooled - EQ6r

Feedback welcomed

Just signed up myself, thanks for the heads up 

Just as a point of reference, this is the FOV with  GT71, 183 sensor and a 0.8 reducer.  I haven't yet out grown mine, depends what your tastes are, I like widefield and the GT71 is a great scope 

Rob

I bought this fir my 6yr old and its a great little scope.  We were able to see Saturn's rings and Jupiter with its moons.  It also gives great views if the moon and at this time of year should be great for Orion etc:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/heritage/skywatcher-heritage-100p-tabletop-dobsonian.html

@fifeskies

Just curious, your observatory.....did it start life as a pent roof or apex roof?

Regards

Rob

Thanks again for the response, more food for thought.  Think I'm going to build a balsa wood model in 1/8 scale to get it straight in my head.  Considering going for a concrete pier just to keep the cost a little bit lower, but that may change.

I'm sure I will have more questions if you don't mind, seems you have something similar to what I was thinking.

Rob

Thanks for the pictures, videos and advice.  I really like what you have dont to the roof line.  Might look at something like that myself if you don't mind.

The scope room, on reflection I think will be 6x6 not because of a possible new scope, dont think that's on the horizon anytime soon but just so I have room to manoeuvre around it quite comfortably.

I have an eq6-r that will be on a pier and my scope as a WO GT71 (so not particularly too big) so should leave plenty space to move around it.

Out of interest....are you using a pier? What height did you go for?

Thanks again

So, I'm in the very early stages of planning after gaining planning permission (from my wife) for the observatory, with a few caveats....im working on those.

But essentially, what I'm thinking (More to the point, what it has to be - remember the caveats) is a roll off roof.  I'm planning to convert 6x10 shed kit (heavy duty) and putting a partition wall down the middle with an access door to the scope and having a split roll off roof, wher the roof will remain permanent over the warm room portion (or shed portion, caveats again) and having it roll off for the scope room.

My early concern with this is water tightness where the split is.  Its going to be a pent roof and I'm just wondering if anyone has over come this and could share some advice regarding the split roof and watertight join.

I'm sure there will be many more questions but thats good for now, any input much appreciated, I've attached the shed plans and the possible shed in question for reference.

By the way, this is a summer project, so planning now

https://www.sheds.co.uk/adley-10-x-6-pressure-treated-premium-double-door-shiplap-pent-shed.html#.X7GnUArCPxM.gmail

Rob

My setup has changed recently so thought I would share 😁

29 minutes ago, ollypenrice said:

The way to cut the cost of a robotic setup is to share it with other imagers. Would that work for you?

Olly

Possibly in the future, though, maybe it's not for me.  Was wondering about the pricing to see if it is something worth thinking about, but it isn't, not yet.

12 minutes ago, andrew s said:

If you are more interested in data and images than enjoying your kit then sharing a robotic set is the way to go. Obviously it's not for everyone and I miss tinkering with my kit but I am getting data on flare stars that would be impossible from Cheshire.

Regards Andrew 

I'm not, I like using my kit, I like make adjustments and alterations but I like using it under the stars more, which at the moment is difficult.  

9 minutes ago, pete_l said:

If purchased wisely that would get you a mortgage on a not too bad house in the area near Pixelskies. Though that then becomes a long-term investment and requires some presence (if only to set up your robotic rig).

Plus you have the issue of security. Would you be happy leaving 20k of kit unattended?

Hmm...now that's worth thinking about...lol

Maybe a move to the country away from LP would be better, at least when I do get to use it I'm not battling LP also

2 hours ago, andrew s said:

I have my rig there. I suspect the price depends on how much space you need. I have a standard space (Paramount MEII ODK16) and pay £300 pm.

The service is excellent.  Happy to discuss via PM .

Regards Andrew 

Thanks for letting me know, I think at the price its too much for me.  Arr well, was worth a thought, no matter how brief.  Thabks for taking the time to reply 🙂