Thalestris24

2 minutes ago, wimvb said:

Happy Easter. And good luck with setting up/configuration.

Thanks! It should be fairly straightforward as it will just be the Windows software I'm already familiar with. I may need a poe wifi extender, or possibly an access point, just outside the window but that's a small matter! An extender should do as it won't need to have a big range and it'll only be me using it. I should get the 4C on Tuesday. Also ordered a usb-c power connector - in anticipation!

All the best

Louise

Oh well, I've ordered a MeLE Quieter 4C N100 with 16GB ddr4 and 512GB storage. I'm sure it will do the job providing the wifi works ok. (Fingers crossed!) The outside wifi signal will probably improve if I raise the router up above the bottom level of the kitchen window. I'll test that out with my phone and maybe also with the window open. I think Wifi doesn't much like double glazing...

Happy Easter everyone!

Louise

6 hours ago, wimvb said:

Nice to see you here again, Louise. After reading your op and some of the response, I'm still somewhat confused. You write that you're interested in the synscan wifi module to control your mount. With that a standalone autoguider. What will you use for camera control?

As an alternative to the Staraid, there are the Lacerta Mgen autoguider, the Skywatcher Synguider, and the Celestron Nexguide. (I have no personal experience with any of these, although I did look into the Lacerta many years ago.) The Lacerta is the more expensive option. Otoh it seems to have a better track record. It deserves to mention that it was the first autoguider to incorporate multi star guiding, even before PHD and Ekos.

There are other options for you. The easiest is the ASIAIR, but that is limited to certain equipment. Next are Stellarmate OS, and Astroberry. Both run off a Raspberry pi, and require a minimum of set up/tinkering.Any Raspberry Pi solution will require a 5V power source. StellarMate OS, including the app, costs about 50 $, while Astroberry is free, but lags in development. The StellarMate comes with an app that installs on an iPad or similar android device. Both can be used with a webreader such as chrome. There is also the StellarMate X, pre-installed on a fanless computer. This comes with internal power ports and dew heater outlets. Finally, you can have a small fanless pc, such as the Mele Quieter, with your setup, and run ASCOM on a windows machine.

The downside with all these solutions is that they require a stable wifi connection. Although, once you have set up your imaging sequence, they all run stand alone, if you want to. Of all the options mentioned, I only have experience with the StellarMate and Astroberry. Once set up, these systems just work, and keep on working, even if you lose the wifi connection.

 

Hope this helps.

Hi Again

I've been looking at the mini PC options you mention. The MEle  minis look attractive with Windows. In fact the Stellarmate X is obviously a MEle packaged with the Stellarmate OS etc. At least the MEle could be used for something else maybe. Using Windows also means being able to make use of familiar astro software. so that would be a plus. I tried out my wifi outside just with a Samsung phone, which is currently set to 2.4 GHz. It's a bit on the edge, and it cut out when I was downstairs but reconnected when I went outside. I was able to browse a bit on the net. It's from the second floor and through double glazing. It started raining so i cut my test short... I'll try again and maybe with the kitchen window ajar which might make a difference. I could also try moving the router closer to the kitchen.

I was a bit concerned as the Stellarmate X doesn't have an external antenna. The MeLE PCG35 looks better but doesn't seem to available in the UK (at the moment, at least), tut! Oh well, I'll have to think about it will revisit after Easter!

Cheers

Louise

1 minute ago, Elp said:

For reliability you'll definitely need autoguiding, I haven't been able to image without it past say 50mm. Also depends on your per sub duration, I usually do 30-60s.

I'm not sure - it's so long since I did any astro - I'll have to relearn everything! In any case, I'd be able to try the setup without autoguiding to see how the wifi performs. As mentioned above, am looking into the Stellarmate X system. Not sure what limitations that has but looks similar to the ASIair. I'm trying to find out power requirements for it but they don't seem to mention it anywhere. I'll have a look on here to see if anyone has written about it.

Cheers

Louise

2 hours ago, wimvb said:

Nice to see you here again, Louise. After reading your op and some of the response, I'm still somewhat confused. You write that you're interested in the synscan wifi module to control your mount. With that a standalone autoguider. What will you use for camera control?

As an alternative to the Staraid, there are the Lacerta Mgen autoguider, the Skywatcher Synguider, and the Celestron Nexguide. (I have no personal experience with any of these, although I did look into the Lacerta many years ago.) The Lacerta is the more expensive option. Otoh it seems to have a better track record. It deserves to mention that it was the first autoguider to incorporate multi star guiding, even before PHD and Ekos.

There are other options for you. The easiest is the ASIAIR, but that is limited to certain equipment. Next are Stellarmate OS, and Astroberry. Both run off a Raspberry pi, and require a minimum of set up/tinkering.Any Raspberry Pi solution will require a 5V power source. StellarMate OS, including the app, costs about 50 $, while Astroberry is free, but lags in development. The StellarMate comes with an app that installs on an iPad or similar android device. Both can be used with a webreader such as chrome. There is also the StellarMate X, pre-installed on a fanless computer. This comes with internal power ports and dew heater outlets. Finally, you can have a small fanless pc, such as the Mele Quieter, with your setup, and run ASCOM on a windows machine.

The downside with all these solutions is that they require a stable wifi connection. Although, once you have set up your imaging sequence, they all run stand alone, if you want to. Of all the options mentioned, I only have experience with the StellarMate and Astroberry. Once set up, these systems just work, and keep on working, even if you lose the wifi connection.

 

Hope this helps.

Hi Wim and thanks

I haven't got all the solutions yet! But with the Synscan wifi and Canon dslr I can just use a remote shutter. I have one that does timed exposures. I'm moving away from the standalone autoguider ide - too expensive and may not work too well with the poor seeing here... The ASIair might be a solution but I'd need a ZWO guide cam so together is a little pricey. I'm too old and impatient to tinker around much with other stuff. The Stellarmate X looks a possibility - I'll have to look into it!

Cheers

Louise

10 hours ago, bomberbaz said:

have a spring clean out sale Louise, but first spend sone time figuring exactly what you want then gear yourself around it, I will give you my pre-requisites that led to my choices.

• Lightweight overall
• Able to carry good payload mount (without counterweights, refer to point one) and also lightweight itself (only 5kg)
• Reasonable aperture (150) and suitable for suitable for spectroscopy
• All in one system able to operate via tablet/phone
• Simple to operate

I am no expert, anything but however my setup allows me to do what would be unthinkable a few years back, especially to a novice such as I. Given what you say, I feel points one and two above should be of particular interest to yourself. Not sure about the rest but that was important to me.

Oh and my powertank is Lithium/Ion type, much better in cold weather and no charge memory issues.

Cheers

Steve

Hi Steve

It's difficult to sell stuff from here in Glasgow - it's not exactly a hub for amateur astronomy... It's too much hassle to try and ship stuff. Other than that, I've got everything I need apart from some means of using kit remotely. I've looked at the ASIair but that would require buying yet another guide camera as they obviously only support their own make. The SynScan WiFi dongle is a partial solution but no guiding. However, the Takumar lens at 300mm is probably fairly undemanding so I could probably get away without, but I'd just have to try and see... I can't do anything much about the LP and weather here but that's always been the case!

Cheers

Louise

25 minutes ago, Ags said:

Welcome back Louise! It might not be what you are looking for exactly, but I recently invested in an ultra portable setup based on the HEM15 and AsiAir Mini. Both are really impressive and the Air would be my recommendation for armchair imaging. Coupled with a small scope and guidescope and a lightweight tripod, the setup is an easy lift. The Air can do all sky polar aligning so you may not need Polaris.

Hi Ags! Yeah both of those were mentioned above. The thing is I've already got so much equipment and I don't really want to add even more to the pile! I'm only in a 1 bed flat so don't have a lot of room. I really want to be able to use the eq3 pro (pictured above) which I can just about manage to carry. Having said that, I'll have to try and see if I can carry it down the stairs and back up again,,, If that's ok, and as I said, I think I might try the Synscan wifi first and see how I get on and if I can get reliable wifi communication ok.

Louise

6 minutes ago, Elp said:

This is one of the reasons I've kept my setups so they fit into one bag, tripod in hand. Totally understand. It's so frustrating at times I might even consider a ZWO Seestar for total hassle free imaging within it's limitations.

I've previously spent a ton of money and years trying to image through an open window. Had some success but it was very limiting. Now that I've moved there is a small possibility of carrying a limited amount of stuff downstairs. It might still not work very well for me but  I'll give it a go.

Louise

4 minutes ago, AstroMuni said:

Louise, if you want the luxury of sitting in your room and imaging on a low budget then the RPi is the way to go. You can purchase an RPi for less than £100 and get either a free build such as Astroarch (astroberry has stopped providing updates hence didnt recommend) or Stellarmate ($59) which comes with an app to run on your phone or tablet. If you dont have a computer I would suggest getting a tablet and connecting to the RPi with browser. Its possible to do this with a phone but I find the screen is too small. I use the HEQ5 pro with the RPI and have been using this combo for a few years now.

Thanks, but I've got too many computers already!

19 minutes ago, Elp said:

You could test out APT or NINA and see if it works for you. If it does you can then use a mini pc mounted on the rig and connect to it over WiFi.

I've been using asiairs for over four years having tried astroberry previously. It took all the faff out of setting up and automation I can concentrate on acquiring images. I can also control it from an upstairs room with my phone (again I wanted it simple, no traditional computer).

Whatever you decide, go for what works for you as there's multiple ways of doing it.

The mount, I know, I went for a hem15 over an am3 as couldn't justify the additional 500 or so.

I used to use APT but then switched to Sharpcap. At the moment I don't know if wifi will work between my flat and downstairs, and outside. I think I'll I'll try the Synscan wifi module first as it's cheap and is a low power device. If it has to be remote then setup will be a bit of  faffing around (polar alignment etc.) though, as I say, I'd prefer standalone if I can get it! It's mainly about not having to carry too much down two flights of stairs, through the security door and then back up again. I really want a single journey to take everything. I'll just have to try things and see, I suppose.

Louise

39 minutes ago, Elp said:

There's one available (customer return). And you think the mounts expensive? You can achieve similar with a camera and computer controller either pc or on board computer.

30mm guidescope £50,

Zwo 120mm guidecam 150 odd,

Zwo asiair mini 215 odd.

All the above put together, also much cheaper if buying used, you'll also need 12v power either battery or a mains adaptor. No PC required, control via app. Note an Asiair is only compatible with zwo products barring the mount which they support a lot of brands.

If you don't want to use an Asiair you can source a raspberry pi 4 or 5 and load astroberry (free) or Stellarmate (paid) onto it for even less outlay.

The ASI mount is quite a bit more expensive compared to  the Ioptron one that Steve has and posted about - that's all I was comparing to. Yes, FLO is advertising and also mentioned they had a return going at a discount in their reply, but I don't want to buy something that's discontinued. Ideally I'd like a standalone setup that will work with my EQ3 pro and portable, and which partly automates a lot of functions. I'm an old lady so can't carry much - do read my op, it explains where I'm at. I might try the Synscan WiFi - at least it's quite cheap so if it doesn't pan out, it's not much to lose. I just set up the EQ3 pro with the 300mm F4 Takumar, Canon DSLR and qhy miniguider with an Altair Astro GPCam. I need to be able to control everything remotely from my 2nd floor flat i.e. via wifi or, ideally, change it to be standalone.

Louise

25 minutes ago, Elp said:

Zwo Am3 would be the equivalent, Am5 for larger payload. Ioptron do larger ones hem27, their HAE have harmonic drives on both axis like the zwo ones (so no balancing in both Ra and Dec required), higher up the budget you've got Rainbow RST which has been on the market for years before HD flooded the market, Pegasus NYX and the new player on the market Warp Astron with their servo HD drives WD17 and WD20.

Once you've used a HD mount, you'll wonder why you ever bothered with a traditional EQ mount, especially if you need to carry it out and back in.

The AM3 is expensive! But I'm not in the market for either! I'm more interested in any equivalent for the StarAid which FLO says has been 'discontinued'. They didn't say if that means just discontinued by FLO, or discontinued by the maker,

Louise

4 minutes ago, bomberbaz said:

It's a HEM15 louise, very capable little mount which carries quite a good weight with no need for counterweights. iOptron HEM15 Hybrid Harmonic Drive Equatorial GoTo Mount (without iPolar) | First Light Optics The lack of needing a counterweight up to 8kg I think is one of the things that really attracted me to it, Down side, pricey compared to eg EQ3 but it suits my purposes.

Ah right, I didn't understand your original post as I'd never heard of it! It looks a neat, lightweight package, - relatively portable, especially compared to my heq5 pro which I struggle to pick up even on its own. Price isn't too bad, considering. I'm contemplating buying a StarAid Rev B standalone autoguider which is priced around £800... However, Flo says it's 'unavailable' so not sure what the situation is with it. It doesn't seem to be a 'big seller'. Maybe there's an alternative out there?

Louise

4 minutes ago, carastro said:

Great to see you back Louise.  I live in a very LP location and find Narrowband works well.  However this may be beyond your costs.  

I am wondering whether one of these new Smart telescopes might be your answer.   I have been watching members of my society with the Dwarf 11 & Seestar Telescopes.  They are getting some reasonable results. 

Several are taking them abroad with them.  

Pros:

Built in camera, finds your target, polar aligns itself not sure if it needs polaris. 

Light.  

Cons: 

Maximum exposure length 15 secs.  

Hi Carol - you're still here! Great! I have narrowband filters etc but don't know whether I'll be able to manage long enough exposures. Just posted a pic of the old EQ3 Pro. I can fit a single filter inside the Canon/ Takumar. It's all one step at a time at the moment. Can I get a basic remote  system up and running and guiding? This is the first step

Louise

35 minutes ago, bomberbaz said:

I use one of these Celestron Lithium 13.2 Ah LiFePO4 Powertank Pro | First Light Optics not cheap but holds a lot of juice and is reasonably lightweight at 2kg.

I am now using a 150p quattro, hem15 atop a skywatcher tripod Sky-Watcher Tripod for Star Adventurer | First Light Optics with asi air and ZWO cameras and can carry the whole set up out as one. Not sure I would like to carry it all downstairs though.

The tripod is very light so I put the powerbank on the utility tray to add stability.  Using this setup I track circa 0.6-0.8.

Not sure whether any of this is suitable to your needs but there as an idea.

The pic helps! But what mount is that? How does it work? It looks a big load on something small...

Here is my little EQ3 Pro on custom aluminium legs, with Canon 550d and mirror lens, and, down below, the little blue battery and the 300mm Takumar on another Canon : Of course, I still have the heq5 pro but it's much too heavy for me.

5 minutes ago, bomberbaz said:

I use one of these Celestron Lithium 13.2 Ah LiFePO4 Powertank Pro | First Light Optics not cheap but holds a lot of juice and is reasonably lightweight at 2kg.

I am now using a 150p quattro, hem15 atop a skywatcher tripod Sky-Watcher Tripod for Star Adventurer | First Light Optics with asi air and ZWO cameras and can carry the whole set up out as one. Not sure I would like to carry it all downstairs though.

The tripod is very light so I put the powerbank on the utility tray to add stability.  Using this setup I track circa 0.6-0.8.

Not sure whether any of this is suitable to your needs but there as an idea.

Hi Steve

Thanks for the info. Not sure how you run a Quattro on a tripod?? - I must be missing something... The asi air is pricey compared to the Synscan WiFi and your battery seems overpriced compared to the one I was looking at! My eq3 pro is just about manageable for little old me! I dug it out of the cupboard the other day and set it up with a dslr and Samyang 500mm f8 lens (slow...) in the kitchen. I can't do anything with it there apart from a dummy alignment and checking it's tracking ok.  I've also got a Takumar F4 300mm on another canon dslr which is lightweight and might be quite good. 

Cheers

Louise

Hi Gazers!

After quite a long hiatus, I may be back in the game! Having settled in a new (to me) flat I'm looking at possibilities for astro imaging again (I miss it!). Unfortunately, I'm still on the second floor, now have double glazing, and am even nearer to the brightly lit city centre, as well as having lots of local artificial light   On the plus side, there's a possibility of carrying my EQ3 Pro downstairs and it might be possible to set up at the back of the flats.  I won't know until I try, and that will only happen if there's ever a clear night! I'd still only have a limited view of the sky which would be roughly WNW to nearly North. Again, on the plus side, I'd be able to see most of the Meridian/Zenith. On the downside, no Horizon - buildings all around. So not ideal, but at least it would be outside. I don't know if I'll actually be able to see Cassiopeia / the pole star - I'll probably still be limited to brighter stars cos of the light pollution. Next time it's clear I'll pop out and have a look and see what I can see. So Polar aligning may be a problem though it never stopped me before! 

Sooo... I'm thinking in terms of setting up standalone i.e. with a dslr/without a computer or, maybe, remotely via wifi. I think the mount would be in the region of 35-50 feet away from my living room or could be a bit closer from the kitchen I've looked at the Synscan wifi module - could work, but I'm not sure about running up and down the stairs to keep an eye on things. Any thoughts on that? Also looked at the Staraid Revolution B. On the face of it, it would do a lot of the functions I'd need - albeit at a price! Might be worth it, though. Not sure what view of the sky it needs - anyone know, had experience? I'd also need a lightweight battery. I've powered the EQ3 with a Chinese DC1298a '9800mAh' battery before. I still have a couple of but not sure whether they can still hold a decent charge. One seemed to charge ok, the other charged a bit too quick... I'll try them out when I get a minute. They are only about 250g each and were quite cheap when I bought them in 2014/15, but they're a lot more expensive now... So I could be looking for an alternative lightweight, but hopefully rugged, 12V battery   This mobility scooter battery is only 1.5kg and looks like it would last longer than me! https://ecotreelithium.co.uk/product/12v-12ah/ Thoughts?

Thanks for any responses

Louise

2 minutes ago, PeterCPC said:

I'll be 73 in April. Not much fun is it.

Not much! But I'm grateful for surpassing my three score and ten! Still, nothing lasts forever...

3 minutes ago, PeterCPC said:

My health has improved but I still can't lift anything very heavy so I can't put the AVX mount out. I got one of those Seestar scopes to play with in the interim. Apart from the health issues, the age doesn't help.

Hope you enjoy your new home.

I'll be 72 next week! Hey ho.

52 minutes ago, PeterCPC said:

Louise I have been away from here due to health issues and have only just seen this. I wish you all the best for the future. By the way - the weather everywhere in Britain is awful.

Hi Peter

Thanks. I'm fairly settled in now. I have furniture and curtains and other stuff! All my astro kit is tucked away in a cupboard... I'll get around to sorting it out and maybe selling it one day. I'm sure someone would/might like my 115mm TS Apo refractor, at least. It's been rather chilly and snowy here the last couple of days. I try not to go out in the cold! Hope your health has improved.

Regards

Louise

15 minutes ago, uhb1966 said:

Hello Dear Thalestris,

sorry to hear you are selling up. I wish you all the best!!

Aww thanks but I'm getting too old, the weather here is awful, and I'm moving home!

6 minutes ago, Mark2022 said:

Hi  Louise, first, sorry to hear of your predicament. I know the sheltered housing thing well as my mother decided to live in one for a number of years. It was compact but really, it suited her quite well. She was closer to family too. I'm in the borders and could, possibly, be interested in your Photoline 115 and the HEQ5 and could get around to picking up. Where can  I  find your asking prices? Or should I message you?

Regards,

Mark

Hi Mark

TBH it was a way to get social housing after my current landlord (understandably) wanted me to move on. The sheltered flat is similar to what I've been living in i.e. quite spacious. It also has gas central heating which is a bonus (I think!). But it's unfurnished so I'm left with a lot to do before I can properly move in.  Thanks for your interest in my kit! Of course, I'm only allowed to sell on here via the appropriate forum. What I'll do is I'll put the details of the mount and scope in the buy/sell section when I get a minute (in the next few days). I'm not sure what prices to put but they won't be expensive. However, it will have to be first come, first served. At the moment I have the Apo 80 on the Heq5 but I can swap over with the 115mm and take a pic. I have extra weights for the Heq5 so I'll be able to balance but can't really demonstrate the mount properly. The last time I used it, it was fine and the motors all run ok. It's never been out in the open.

All the best

Louise

13 minutes ago, ollypenrice said:

Moving is a nightmare and I fervently hope never to do it again! Very best of luck, Louise.

Olly

 

It is - especially when you have the added accumulation of 12 years of  miscellaneous 'stuff'! On the plus side the 'new' flat is only 6 mins walk away so at least I don't have to go far!

Thanks

Louise

1 hour ago, scarp15 said:

All the best for your new move, appreciate that it will be hectic. 

I would expect that some folk in the Glasgow area would travel south to the Galloway astronomy centre and that following the autumn equinox there will be a lot of newbies, perhaps students etc looking to join societies for at least a taster in amateur astronomy. Understand though that time may require for boxing your equipment for now, whilst pursuing the best means to move this on.

Thanks for your thoughts. I don't think my kit is really for most beginners. Maybe the EQ3 Pro, though that's the one I'd consider keeping as it's portable. The scopes and mounts have been living in the living room since I bought them! I would dismantle the Heq5 Syntek from its pedestal mount and also take the 80mm APO off for transporting. Hopefully the Man with a Van will be ok with that when the time comes!

Cheers

Louise

9 minutes ago, Ouroboros said:

Hello @Thalestris24.  Sorry to hear you’re selling up. I think it’s a good suggestion to approach a local astronomy society. My local As group helped someone out in similar circumstances. I wish you well for the future and hope you continue to drop in here from time to time.   

Hi, thanks for your interest! I haven't done any astro  for years. I started selling up over a year ago. I let someone on here have my AVX mount. Although there is a local  society - Astronomical Society of Glasgow I don't know that their members do much practical amateur astronomy. The skies here are pretty terrible. I'll still be around and might post occasionally in the microscopy section once I've settled in to my new home and got things set up.

Louise