Thalestris24

If you do get a cc then it might be better to get a non-reducing one as the reducing ones e.g. the Skywatcher seem to have the side effect of causing the focus tube to protrude too far internally... This has cropped up several times on other threads recently. It results in one side of the stars being flat sided. Louise

Hiya That's not bad at all Not sure why it wouldn't plate solve but obviously you need to get a coma corrector at some point. You've picked up some nebulosity too which is better than I can do with 600s subs! Louise

Hi I think you need to use the supplied 2" extension tube to use it with a 2" eyepiece. You should then be able to focus ok. Louise

That's correct!

Hi It depends on which index files you downloaded.... If you want any that you haven't already got then just re-install Astrotortilla and it has options for just downloading index files. It's worth spending time with the tutorial so you can be methodical about it. Louise

Hi On a win7 system they are in: c:\cygwin\usr\share\astrometry\data You can just create a sub-folder in the same directory and move any unwanted index files into there. Louise

Hi Julian If you followed the normal AT installation you would have downloaded the 4200 series which are fine. I don't use the -H and -L parameters and it works ok. I wouldn't say using them or not using them makes any difference to speed. You can just put the -c param at the end of the list but if you're solving ok without it then you probably don't need it. Again, I don't think it will add anything to speed. Adding the -r switch should help speed things up, as should reducing the number of objects to 50. If you turn on the log viewer in Tools tab you'll be able to monitor the solve process which should help to see where it's taking most of the time. Reducing the exposure to 3-5s might be a good idea. Also, try setting sigma to 30 or 40 in order to detect more stars. Hope that helps Louise

Hi The sort does what it says on the tin - sorts the stars in order of brightness so quicker. If you do the first 50 brightest then I think it's slightly quicker than doing the first 100. As it says in the faq: "-r to re-sort the discovered objects calibrated by the background flux, and -c 0.02 or higher value to relax the star pattern accuracy from the default 0.01" Louise

Hi You might find the faq useful: http://sourceforge.net/p/astrotortilla/home/FAQ/ Not sure if it's a typo but there shouldn't be a space with the --objs 100. I usually run it with --objs 50 and the -r sort. Also, you don't need the --H and --L parameters. Hope that helps Louise

I just had bad news about the repair to my debayered Rebel T3/1100d... After 7 months it seems JTW have given up on it now. Disappointed Another one bites the dust!! Louise

Hi Oh, yes, fitting the autofocuser won't be a problem. I was just wondering how critical the 130pds focus will be, as people were saying... Of course I'll find out - eventually! Coma corrector (and filter drawer) are on their way! Louise

Hi Dave The lightvortex guide combined with the AT faqs is useful and fairly straightforward Good luck! Louise

Hmm... wonder how the 130pds compares to the 150pds. I fitted a SW 'autofocuser' to the 150pds not so long ago. It's made focusing much easier and once focused, keeps it quite well. I'm going to do the same with the 130pds once I have it set up properly Louise

Well, if that works then no problem!

Hmm... if your max is 2.5 how can your min be 2.4 deg? I actually put 0 in for the min and AT does update that after solving. Maybe one day I'll look through the source to try and see what it's doing. The faq says: "One final set of parameters that greatly affect the normal usage (i.e. the Capture and Solve -button) is the field-of-view and area restrictions. There are four settings for setting the FOV, you should set the field minimum to about half your estimated field size, maximum to twice the size, and the scale refinement to 0.1 if you don't change setups frequently. To limit the area of search (normal starry sky usage) you can reduce the search radius to 45 degrees, as this is typically the maximum sync-limit of the telescope mounts (they refuse to sync with any larger sync offsets)" That differs from what I said before which was probably down to my rubbish memory though I'm sure I'd read it somewhere... Louise

Hi I think I read somewhere that your scale max value should be 50% greater than your calculated fov and that the min value should be 10 or 20% of that value. You'd therefore need the index files that cover that range. Also, scale refinement set to 0.1. Louise Edit: I think you use the Bookmarks facility to go back to a previous solve. Also, the File Open Dialogue lets you solve a saved image.

Looking at mine today - but... Seems to be a problem with the focuser mounting I've posted on the scopes/whole setups thread but thought I'd add a link here: http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/238240-my-brand-new-130pds-hmm/ Any advice gratefully received Louise

I've had mine for nearly 6 weeks but not had a chance to use it yet!! I'm going to set it up with a solar filter tomorrow in preparation for the partial solar eclipse on the 20th March I'm sure you'll enjoy imaging with yours Louise

I'm not bothered about noise but hope the tracking and guiding is improved (no backlash). I'm not sure how much the worm gears contribute (other than periodic error)? I suppose I'll find out once I fit the belt mod - if Glasgow ever gets clear skies again! Louise

Ah ok, thanks Mike. I've made a note and will keep the bearings in mind. My heq5 is only just over a year old but I've never had great performance out of it despite doing Astrobaby's stripdown (well, most of it). I'll see how I get on with the belt mod and take it from there, I think Cheers Louise

Oh well, I just ordered the Rowan Belt Mod Hoping that will result in some improvements Louise

Hi Mike I'm afraid you've lost me with those numbers... Are they replacements and, if so, where can they be got from? Thanks Louise

Bump! I'd quite like to know about replacement bearings too! Anyone? Louise

Yeah it is a bit odd. I've thought about posting a problem report on their forum but it's not a big deal really. Maybe there's a new release on the horizon - that would be good! Louise

Hi I've noticed that happens sometimes too. I suspect that if it's already spot-on it may not then re-slew - maybe a bug, I'm not sure. Louise