dazzystar

Thanks guys.

Hi All,

Is there a 'correct' method in working out where things like your motor controller, cables, etc. should be mounted if you want to fit them to your OTA without them snagging or hitting other parts of the mount? Obviously there's the trial and method way which often isn't 'correct'...any tips from anyone would be warmly received.

Cheers
Daz

Cheers...obvious when you know!

Only issue for me now is that I'm using my long SW dovetail on my Stellere which means only one pair of cone bolts are in contact with one of the rings...oh well...

Please tell me how the cone error screws could have any effect on the tube's position seeing as the rings are held tight on to the dovetail or is there some magical engineering involved?

what I also don't understand is that my small dovetail bar (in the picture above) came with the Startravel 102 scope and has 4 small bolts on it (2 each end) which are for cone error correction but as they are directly underneath the tube rings they can serve no purpose at all?

Cheers!

Hi @fozzybear

The first image is from someone else on a YouTube Video. The black square thing is the bottom of a tube ring. Did he put the washers in the right place?

Hi All,

I'm trying to figure out a way of mounting my Stellere Hiper 80 refractor on to two Skywatcher rings then on to my EQ3 Pro saddle. Below is an image off a YouTube video where one guy shows how to do it. Is this correct first of all?

Next, is an image of the parts I have. The reason why I'm asking is that in my mind the most amount of metal for the ring to sit on would mean the dovetail would be upside down and therefore wouldn't fit in the saddle of my EQ3. Could some kind person or persons advise on the 'correct' method of mounting these rings please?

Thanks Michael for the reply. When you say 'Measure from there back to the end of the focuser.' What do you mean to the end of the focuser?

Hi All,

I've been loaned an Officina Stellare 806F 80mm refractor which also has a clam shell on a small ADM vixen bar. Unfortunately, there's nowhere either on this clam shell or scope to mount my ZWO mini guide scope. I assume my only alternative is to source a new method of mounting the scope to my EQ3 mount right?

Cheers
Daz

Thanks. I wonder if I can 3D print something?

Thanks @fozzybear

Can you explain why I need it please and how the length is calculated please?

Cheers

Daz

and I'm not certain if this is relevant, but I had to wind the focuser almost all the way in earlier to get that in-focus shot. That was with the diagonal installed.

Thanks guys. I really wish I knew about this months ago. I could have at least had the right equipment here for when we had clear skies. 

Here's an image of my setup below. If someone could tell me what extender I need or how to calculate which one I'd need that would be great!

Here's the pic now!

I put the diagonal in and an EP then focused. I then replaced the EP with the camera and at least can see something now (pic below). I've had to wind the focuser almost all the way in to get it into some kind of focus. Will I be okay to remove the diagonal and just have the camera without this or the nose when I come to use it on stars?

Thanks again for the reply. The camera is in place of an eyepiece and there's no diagonal. Should I put an eyepiece in (without a diagonal) and focus (or try!) and then replace it with the camera to see?

Thanks so much. I've adjusted those settings and here's what I'm getting now. I've tried rolling the focus tube in and out. The object (a small building) is visible when I remove the camera. I don't know what settings a proper exposure should be.

Hi All,

On my ASI183MC fitted to my ST102 on an EQ3 Pro, I'm trying to focus on a distant object this morning to test it out and all I'm getting is a kind of green / white image which is out of focus (see pic below). I've removed the camera and can see the object I want in the distance. Can anyone offer some advice please?

Cheers
Daz

I think I'm going to need to be shown exactly what I need to do in person to be honest.

sorry!

ST102 on an EQ3 Pro with ASI183MC (not cooled) main camera and ZWO mini guide scope with ASI120MM mini guide camera.

Hi All,

First clear night and I've put the rig out for first light. Thing is as I'm new to all this I have no idea what my exposure times should be on my main camera in NINA or where I should start positioning my focus, etc.

Any help, even partial help really appreciated.

Cheers
Daz

Thanks guys! What about condensation and stuff like that. We've all got expensive kit attached to our AP rigs like cameras, mini PC's, etc. non of which like water!

Hi All,

I don't want nor would the wife allow a permanent rig enclosure in the garden but I would like something that would enable me to keep the rig covered when not in use, especially during the summer when hopefully the weather is less likely to freeze, etc. I saw a tent available, designed to house with a scope with a removable top cover but that was very large. What do you guys use?

Cheers
Daz

Hi All,

I'm looking to chat to anyone who has replaced the stock stepper motors on their EQ3 but still use the SW motor control box. Anyone out there?

Cheers
Daz