djh

Because of the tight surroundings of my tiny observatory (just a garden storage box), it can be impossible to use the finder scope in most directions as there just isn't room for me to get to it. So I'm wondering if there is a small camera/electronic finder scope around or maybe using a small guide scope that would suit. I'm using a EQ3/2 with goto and a Skymax127. This will get my target on screen if I use my crop sensor DSLR. But then I have to centre the target before then having to take the dlsr off and then add my planetary camera. This is a lot of faffing about and I wondered if there was any other way of doing it?

I use one on my Skymax, but have fitted it via a belt. This allows me to pull the belt down and manual focus if changing camera/adding barlows. Plus I upgraded it to radio control and therefor take away another cable that can get caught up. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-focusers/4tronix-focusrf-remote-control-for-dc-focus-motors.html

After a long rest from astronomy, I have tried to get back into it with some planetary photography. I'm using a Skymax 127 and a Zwo ASI120mc-s camera. The first two times I used the ASI Studio software were fine and I found it easy to understand and use. However, the last two attempts have been a disaster. As I try and focus, the program just seems to freeze and I have noticed a little count down thing going on in the left hand corner. I have tried shutting the laptop down and rebooting, but it still does it. although trying it the next day with the camera indoors, it always seems fine. What am I doing wrong?