Richie092

From what I understand that is a very good focuser so shouldn't have issues there.

Like you I am not 100% convinced by Ekos autofocus yet. I have not had a single session where it just worked. This won't always be Ekos of course. Once I was slightly dewed up, another time the focuser connection had worked its way lose and then I also lost my backlash settings, however...

Have tried all the settings and still don't get a satisfactory focus. Resorted to the Bhat in the end. What did help however were the following.

Keep guiding enabled

longer exposures so seeing evens out

getting as close to focus as possible before starting the auto routine.

I have now fitted a ZWO EAF so I can use the AAP. Will see if that improves things.

I love Ekos and will continue to use on one of my rigs but for the mobile one I have gone with the AAP to keep things "simple"

What focuser are you using?

I’ve had that. Instant dispatch notice but weeks till dispatch. I was told it would be weeks though to be fair. 
I have always had a reply within 24 hours on their web messenger so I would call that pretty responsive. 
 

hope you get resolved. 

Thanks Vlaiv

Hmm, OK. I have ordered it now so will give it a go. Have ordered from FLO so there won't be a problem returning it if I can't get it to work.

This is a very challenging hobby! I have no idea where most of us would be without the internet and forums like this.

So just to finish up. The OVL will screw straight on to my Star71, the other side - T thread - will screw straight on to my 533MC. I didn't know a T thread and an M42 were the same!

I have also ordered this

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/astro-essentials-low-profile-female-t-thread-to-male-c-thread-adapter.html

That will screw on top of the OAG and enable me to screw my 120MM direct to it. Should be quite a solid set up.

Lastly, I have ordered 3 clear nights with zero cloud/wind/security lights/UFO's to set it all up with.

Thanks for the detailed explanation Craig.

Nice set up, I have just put my 383 on a Samyang 135 hence the changing around.

I have asked FLO about fitment of the OVL one to my Star71 and 533, I like ZWO stuff but the last couple of bits of theirs I have got haven't been perfect.

Thanks Craig. I was looking at the OVL one but cant quite get my head around the T2 threads, it might be more straightforward to go with the one you are using - ZWO to match my cameras.

Are you happy with the quality?

Thanks for all your help Vlaiv. You have made up my mind.

Great, I'm shooting OSC so all good there.

Last question (probably) How important is focus on the guide cam? I set my first one up on the guide scope so stars are slightly out of focus, this was the advice five years ago when I first tried AP, is that the right thing to do for OAG?

Cheers

Richie

Thank you for your response, it is really helpful.

I'm imaging at 4.9 so in theory, 4.9 * 9 = 44.1mm max. I'm looking at half the depth of the OAG so 7.5 + distance to sensor 17.5 = 25 so potentially need a 20mm spacer?

Is that right?

I'm trying to decide if this is a good idea or not so any help or advice would be appreciated.

I currently have the W/O star71 (348mm focal length) guided with a ZWO 120mm on top using a guide scope. All good there but I am putting together a wide field rig with the Samyang 135 and I'm thinking of putting this guiding set up on that and going OAG on the Star71 for the following reasons...

1. It will leave the top of the scope free to mount the RPI/AsIAir Pro.

2. Lower the overall profile of the set up so I can close the lid on the peli case without removing guide scope each time.

3. Lower the overall weight a bit. Can't hurt.

4. Save £30 on another dew strap.

5. Whilst I love my Star71 it is so short and the tube rings are so close together that I need "something" between rings and guide scope mount to fit it that makes it just a little ungainly/untidy.

I have the following questions though.

1. Is it OK to guide a short focal length scope with an OAG?

2. I have to buy a 2nd guide camera anyway but using the OAG will I need to buy better one than the ZWO 120?

3. Is it harder to guide OAG than guide scope?

4. Am I driving myself mad and should I just by a cheap guide scope and another ZWO 120 for the Samyang?

Would love to hear your thoughts...

Hi. Just getting in to this myself. What software are you using? CPWI?

Yes both are great but I prefer the second one too. 

I’m currently building this system. It looks pretty good so far but not tested yet. 
https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/56485-zwo-eaf-adapter-for-samyang-135mm-lens

lol, didn't say I could afford it.

or one of these...

https://pegasusastro.com/products/prodigy-microfocuser/?fbclid=IwAR3QHa13mdppBEtAu9GnUMHn5emAfVeip8e_lK-8K05KekmnO9Pb3uEF2t4

No affiliation with Pegasus just excited about shiny new stuff.

Have you seen the new Pegasus focuser? Will need to sell a kidney but a lovely looking piece of kit...

https://pegasusastro.com/products/prodigy-microfocuser/?fbclid=IwAR3QHa13mdppBEtAu9GnUMHn5emAfVeip8e_lK-8K05KekmnO9Pb3uEF2t4

It is a great piece of kit once up and running. There is a dedicated lead for each brand of focuser (not sure if the Pegasus might just be USB) so make sure you have everything you need to get going.

I use the Lakeside motor, controlled by the UPBV2 but not sure if you can fit that to a C11. I use a Star 71.

What software do you use to run your rig?

1 hour ago, doubledoubleswifty said:

I've ordered one from Tecobuy as well.  Just got an email from them saying it's been dispatched today - I'll keep you updated how it goes!

I bottled it and ordered from Amazon. It is sitting in front of me with the Atik EFW and 383l+ hanging off the back of it waiting for first light.

Hopefully get an hour tonight to see if I have the spacing right. M48 to M53 Adaptor 2mm -> Atik EFW2 22mm -> Atik 383L 17.5mm = (2 + 22 + 17.5) = 41.5mm (+/- 0.5mm) I may need to space it out a bit but will see.

Hopefully yours will turn up soon. What are you using it with?

Two fantastic pictures there. I love the field of view you get with this lens.

On 15/02/2021 at 12:55, Greg Shaw said:

Hi Everyone 

I was wondering what are you using to power your mount?

I initially used a 12v 8A mains to cigarette adaptor sold to me by RVO when I purchased the mount from them. I later swapped to the Pegasus Pocket Power Advance with their own power brick which is 12v 10a. When I look at the Pegasus control panel I can see the input was 12.4v.

I have been told that I should be driving the mount with 13.8v.

This annoys me bit because the Pegasus unit is not cheap and is sold as a unit to do this exact thing. So I am wondering how you are al powering your mounts from the mains as I only use my mount in the garden.

Thanks Greg

I use the Pegasus upbv2 to power my eq6 and it’s perfect. 

Result!! One of those is mine 😁

On 13/02/2021 at 16:08, FenlandPaul said:

Hi Richie, I purchase mine in October from a company called Tecobuy, who I think ship from Hong Kong. It cost £328.99

It took about 3 weeks to arrive I believe. Mine has been a good example, and I don’t know how I would have fared if I had problems with it.

Online you’ll see mixed reviews on product quality and customer service, but they’re undeniably the cheapest place to buy new. I did well with them, and am considering going back for a 24mm f/1.4

If you’re prepared to take what may be a bit of a risk, it’s great value for money. But proceed with a level of caution.

Did you have to pay duty or import tax on the screen price? It looks a little too cheap to be true!