Andyb90

I looked through the different options and went with the Nitecore NU25 https://www.nitecore.co.uk/Products/nitecore-nu25.html It has separate buttons for Red and White light. The Red light has a low setting and the buttons can be locked. The torch is charged via USB and feels lightweight on my head. It can also be tilted which is useful.

Hi everyone, I'm interested in the Antlia 1.25 Pro NB filters. Can anyone confirm that they fit in a ZWO EFW and there is enough clearance for the filter wheel to rotate? I have the 8 X 1.25 ZWO EFW. Thanks, Andy

Thanks for the suggestions. I also found a Nitecore headlamp (NU25) to add to the list of options. One issue I had with my old headlamp is that it must have knocked against the inside of my bag and turned itself on. I only realised when I went to grab it for a session and the batteries were virtually dead. So I'll probably go with a headlamp that has a locking function.

He has a YouTube channel and website called AstroBackyard. His channel has charted his journey through astrophotography from beginner to more advanced imaging. Just my opinion, but I think he's a very likeable chap and I enjoy his content.

Hi everyone, I’m getting back into imaging and my old head torch no longer works. Can anyone recommend a good torch please? Ideally: - Light weight - Can turn on the Red light without having to cycle through white light settings. - Rechargeable or inserted batteries is fine. Thanks, Andy

Got the unit today. The description says '700W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (1,400W Surge)', but I'm not completely sure how that would be checked/tested. I did see a few Youtube videos testing other Bluetti power stations and they appear to feature some kind of device that has a graphical output, which I think they were using to show the Sine Wave shape. The power supply unit for the power station even has its own fan 🙂 From what I understand the cigarette type socket is regulated 12v, but the other 2 x 12v DC ouputs are not regulated. I purchased a couple of AC to DC power supplies to try with the 2 AC outputs. I've never had a power bank/battery with AC outputs before.

After a fair bit of research I ended up going with this power station: https://bluettipower.co.uk/products/bluetti-eb55-portable-power-station Its probably a bit overkill, but if I'm out at a remote site and have an issue like a breakdown then I'll have plenty of juice for things like plugging in a heater to keep warm etc.

Thanks for the info. Maybe I’ve over estimated my power needs. My setup will be similar to yours. I see the Anker is 256wh or 21ah @ 12v.

Hi everyone, I'm looking for a battery to power astrophotography gear from a remote site. I think I need around 30ah. I've ordered an ASI Air Plus for my setup and plan to use it to power the camera cooler and dew heater bands. So I think I only need one 12v DC output on the battery to connect to the ASI Air. My mount will have a separate power supply. So far I found the Jackery Explorer 500: https://uk.jackery.com/products/explorer-500w-portable-power-station Are there any other options I should be considering with a good brand reputation? Regards, Andy.

Ok, thanks for the tip.

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to order a couple of straps with 2.1mm connection. Just need to get an ASIAIR plus now :-)

Great, thats even better if they can provide a shorter lead length.

Hi all, I found 'Dew Control' heater straps via Google and see they offer a 2.1mm connector, which would be useful as I plan to order an Asiair Plus. Does anyone use these straps? Would you recommend them? Regards, Andy

Hi all, I'm interested in the Redcat 51 for a portable imaging rig. I'd like to use auto focusing with it and have seen a couple of kits for the scope. - ProAstroGear Black-CAT Mount - uses an external gear - Deep Sky Dad EAF Mount - uses an external belt Does anyone have experience using these kits on the Redcat 51 during freezing conditions? I'm wondering if frost/ice could form on the helical focuser and/or the gear/belt and stop auto focusing from working properly. I've also looked at the Askar fra300 scope which has a rack and pinion focuser, where I would just remove the focuser knob and attach the motorized unit. So the connection between the motorized unit and telescope focuser would be covered, not on an exposed surface. Thanks, Andy

Ah right ok, thanks for confirming that.

Hi everyone, I haven’t done any imaging for a bit and my PHD2 version is now out of date. So I want to update to the latest version. Do you just install the new version over the top of the old one, by running the installer? Will that wipe my existing equipment profiles and settings in PHD2 ? Thanks, Andy

Yes, although I’d be willing to do some cropping if it was just the edges that had issues. I’m wondering if my Baader filters would work at f3.25. Also I focus manually, so not sure if that will be difficult at f3.25.

Here’s an Astrobin image from Trevors website. It was taken with the reducer https://www.astrobin.com/full/m8xy95/0/ Stars look pretty good to the edges.

Hi all, This new reducer/flattener looks interesting. It's been featured on the AstroBackyard video. Reducing my Esprit 80 down to f3.25 is very tempting. Has anyone else seen this? Are you considering getting one?

Good to know the 1.25” will fit. Although having checked the current prices the 1.25” are about 75% of the 36mm cost. So could be worth considering the 36mm.

Interesting. I hadn't heard of Annie's actions before. Looks like they're a no brainer at $15.

Hi everyone, I'm interested in the Astrodon narrowband 1.25" mounted filters. Can anyone confirm that they fit in a ZWO EFW? Andy.

I'm particularly interested in comparisons under moonlight. So I'm looking at various forums and sites to find some.

Great, thanks for the advice. That makes sense as I feel the effect is too strong just be applied to the whole image. I'll use layers and eraser/masking to be more selective.

I find temperature changes make a significant difference. I refocus throughout the night. I did try auto focus, but couldn’t get it to work reliably. I may try again soon as I have a new focuser.