souls33k3r

Oh here we go again. I think I should stop coming here because you lot make me keep spending money which focuser do you recommend that isn't silly price? I don't know if it's the motor or not but this is how it sounds, listen carefully (volume up please and close to your ear) There's a grinding noise at the end of the focus run. VID_20200406_174420.mp4

Cheers for the very value input Alan. I used 800 as the backlash value but it still did not help. I know @PhotoGav has the same setup apart from the fact that he is not using the reducer while I am and I'm pretty sure he mentioned the backlash value he has used was super low. I think I will have to find a way to figure out the backlash then. I will take off the focuser and re-attach it because I did do that while in the dark but I was certain that the flat end of the focuser was properly aligned and tight. I did also make sure that the focuser was moving with every command so not sure where this all mignt be coming from now. Time for a rethink. Here are a few pictures showing how the focuser is attached to the back and the focuser which might help explain the setup slightly better The gap between the focuser pin and shaft. Screws that hold the focuser L bracket and L bracket attached to the scope L bracket attached to the scope stock focuser The two L brackets

Hi All, Last night I thought I should bring out my EdgeHD 8" scope and try out my Lakeside focuser and also get all the spacing correct since now I'm using and OAG. Spacing came down to 105.6mm which I measured it with caliper. Installed the lakeside focuser bracket which had a bit of an issue aligning the second L bracket which connect to the OTA so filed the aluminium. Once done, I took the setup out and when started to do focus run I noticed that the lakeside focuser shaft was sandwiched between the two L brackets moved slightly in the middle and all started to work. But that was all that worked for me. I then brought my scope close enough to focus (The numbers of steps the focuser was moved from 0 - focus was around 112,000), reserved the motor on Pegasus UPB and marked the new position to 0 (because for some reason lakeside max steps that it auto focuses is around 65536?). Any way, using SGP and HFR values and Lum filter, I was focused at around 2.4 - 3 HFR (The values jumped with each frame even when the focuser position was not changed and I don't know maybe it was the seeing). Then using @RayD video I calculated the steps it took to have the HFR values between x3 - x5 and the steps it took was nearly 1500. Calculated the steps size for SGP and away I went. I entered the backslash compensation to values of 100 - 800. Now the issues. 1) Every time I was close enough to focus (the HFR values being low) I took an image and my stars looked blown out. Even when I was moving the focuser position to 500 steps the HFR values would not change. 2) I was able to focus disregarding the HFR values to make the stars look smaller by manually focusing to a higher number. 3) When running the auto focus run, some times I would get a straight horizontally but at times when the auto focus run would be successful, I would get a lower value of HFR on the green line but then the last two subs would make the value go higher. Even if the higher number was acceptable, the "Auto focus is complete) value would be around 2x higher than what it showed on the green focus line. Also not sure what the first 3-4 points are, how these are getting introduced? 4) I'm not sure where this 1197 value of the focuser is coming from? I did something at the beginning of the session but did not pay much attention to it but the 1197 value was around 532, again not sure where this value is coming from? 5) Attached is a 30s sub, I think I know collimation is my first issue but also would an out of collimate scope show out of focused stars and also have an impact on focus run? elephant lum.fit Sorry about the lengthy post but I wanted to list them all and see if I can get some assistance on the points. Please mention the point number when answering so that I can document everything. Cheers

You bloody always surprise me matey. Superb processing. What make and bandpass filters did you use here?

My goodness man, this has got to be one of my favourite images with such beautiful writeup. Amazing capture matey. What FL did you capture this image with?

I swear you get better every time Rodd. Perfection is what this is buddy. We're you able to figure out what those fuzzy blobs were at 2 and 7 o'clock?

Now that is something spectacular. Well done you. Just keep at it and learn different processing techniques because the first two of the three hurdles (Knowing your gear and Image Acquisition) you're well on your way and the last hurdle which is processing skills, well truth be told that skill never stops. All the best.

Stop it now, you're making me blush 😛 Mate, I'll be picking your brains on a few things in private rather than distracting away from the thread if that's OK? Not now but soon

Yeah I noticed that one too. Try putting it in astrometry.net? Nonetheless if I can have 1% of your processing brain, I'd be a happy bunny matey

Your processing skills continue to amaze me Rodd. Very nicely done. This image is so beautiful for so many reasons. This fov is littered with galaxies all over. Also what's that at 7 o'clock? Cluster?

I had a right nightmare with the CEM60-EC, I couldn't guide no matter what I did. The firmware back in the day (well it was last August) was littered with issues. In the end I had to send it back and had it swapped with the vanilla CEM60. Now the 120EC was better, firmware had a few issues initially but that was all sorted out. Maybe I had a lemon, but then again I wasn't the only one having such issues. There's a thread I started a while back on CN and it has a plethora of information from people testing it and whatnot. From the latest info, the newer firmware now has a handle on things but not to the extent of saying its fixed but more of a workaround. https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/658841-cem60-or-cem60-ec/ Its a massive thread so make yourself comfortable but I'm sure you'll find all the info that you need right there for the 60EC version. The Cem60 vanilla has been a joy. Hope this helps.

What a great addition to the ever growing arsenal of FLO.

Glad to hear you're all alright. Remember, there are 10 of you in the office and 63,974 of us here who are ready to help you guys in whichever shape or form to keep FLO running with a moments notice

That would be super interesting to see Gina.

But then is that "something" enough to be justifying the spend for a 3nm filter or better stick with a 5nm and get both Ha and NII transmissions which will happily go down to a faster Focal length?

From what i understood was that the bandwidth could shift slightly and enough to go off band with the 3nm filters.

I have recently bought a TG 365 cover as well but have not had the chance to even take it out of the packaging since I'm recovering from wrist issues.

Noted lol

Not a bad shout that. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, had never thought of it.

Bloody hell Alex, this is one fantastic image mate. Wowzer!

@KevS you could do us all a favour and put the info here so that everyone could benefit from it

Not sure if this fits your requirements buddy https://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=159280

I know right? You can very easily buy one for £30 from amazon. Don't get me wrong I really like pegasus products but this one take the right mickey out of us. I know mate, it's silly to be spending money on such a product.

The new pegasus one https://www.altairastro.com/pegasus-usb-31-control-hub-6-port-2593-p.asp Don't get me started now.

How could you not love FLO for their service. Makes you want to buy from them over and over again. I've been married to FLO for a very long time and instances like this makes me want to buy from them again ... and i have and will be for sure