dazzystar
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Everything posted by dazzystar
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Hi All, I understand that generally the more expensive the mount the better the build quality will be and therefore the better its tracking accuracy. Fundamentally I understand what tracking accuracy means but what I don't understand is all this talk about sub-arc second stuff. What does that mean to the lay person trying to do some astrophotography? My rig is yet to see first light but should do very soon and I know that the mount I have (an EQ3 goto) will need to be upgraded but what I don't know is what I should upgrade to and what benefits (apart from generally a heavier payload capacity) I will get. Can anyone offer some advice or point me in the right direction to a video / document that can help explain it to me and perhaps others? Cheers Daz
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Is my mount on the right way around???
dazzystar replied to dazzystar's topic in Discussions - Scopes / Whole setups
also, the arrow on the saddle is pointing to 90 degrees on the graduated green dial when in the parked position. -
Is my mount on the right way around???
dazzystar replied to dazzystar's topic in Discussions - Scopes / Whole setups
Thanks. I thought for some reason that the dec motor should be on the right side when in the parked position and not the left as in the picture. -
Hi All, With my mini pc, DIY autofocuser, DIY powerbox and ASI183MC camera on my scope I want to cable them all up as neatly as possible with just a single power cable running up the tripod. I'm looking for ideas as to how to cable everything up as neatly as possible. I'll be making my own power cables and will buy whatever USB cable lengths needed to keep things as short as possible. I can also design and 3D print any clips, etc. needed. Cheers Daz
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Stellarium - Set Location not working
dazzystar replied to dazzystar's topic in Discussions - Software
thanks @alexwolf but I'm already on the latest version and have this issue. Here's a screenshot showing the location window with incorrect Lat / Long values. They are not too far off but not exact. -
Hi All, Despite numerous attempts in getting Stellarium to store my correct Lat / Long coordinates it fails to and I don't know what to do now. I put in the correct numbers, give it a name and that all works. I then go to configuration and click on the save settings button but whenever I call up the name I gave the coordinates are wrong. Can anyone help? Cheers Daz
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and @fozzybear!
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Hi All, I understand the principles of light and dark frames, basically subtracting the noise from your camera depending on the temperature that the frames were taken but can somebody explain the best methods of taking them? I've a small Startravel 102 scope and ASI183MC non-cooled camera. I'd prefer not to have to spend loads of money on some light panel, etc. Cheers Daz
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Astro rig PSU recommendations needed please
dazzystar replied to dazzystar's topic in Discussions - Scopes / Whole setups
I can't see the scope being used for more than 3 - 4 hours per night in the garden. We may decide to go to a star party so would need to think about that in more detail. I'd have a power splitting box (DIY) to deliver 12V power to each device from a 12V power source for neatness of cabling (just one cable from the ground to the scope instead of several). The Tracer batteries are very expensive and therefore a no-go for me. Both ZWO cameras are un-cooled and are powered by the USB ports on the mini PC but the ZWO doesn't give current draw specs but it has to be 500ma or less if I remember correctly as this is the max current per USB port. The 12V 3A figure I gave you for the Beelink U59 mini pc is just what is written on the mains power supply it comes with and according to various tests uses an average of 11W with a 23W max. -
Astro rig PSU recommendations needed please
dazzystar replied to dazzystar's topic in Discussions - Scopes / Whole setups
Thanks Steve. I'll be running an EQ3 mount (soon to be upgraded by the addition of a OnStep mod), an ASI183MC camera, An ASI120MM or similar small guide camera, and a Beelink U59 mini PC (12v 3A). Hope that helps. -
For those that are interested, here's a pic of my 3D printed base plate and dovetail clamp for the Beelink U59 mini PC.
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EQ3 Synscan mount...bearings or something else?
dazzystar replied to dazzystar's topic in Discussions - Mounts
Thanks again @wimvb It's actually the DEC axis that's stiff (still getting them confused!). Any tips on modding that easily? -
Tuning the EQ3-Pro - or, I need to scratch a tinker itch
dazzystar replied to wimvb's topic in Discussions - Mounts
Thanks @wim for the reply. I'll leave well alone then. I have ordered the parts for a OnStep upgrade so hopefully this will improve things a little. -
Thanks @runoffshed for the love!
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Robert Brown Arduino dew controller build, step by step
dazzystar replied to JamesF's topic in DIY Astronomer
Or has someone already done that? -
Robert Brown Arduino dew controller build, step by step
dazzystar replied to JamesF's topic in DIY Astronomer
Has anyone any thoughts of integrating on board 12V and 5V power turning this into something more like the Pegasus Powerbox Micro? -
EQ3 Synscan mount...bearings or something else?
dazzystar replied to dazzystar's topic in Discussions - Mounts
Great Julian. Keep us all posted! -
EQ3 Synscan mount...bearings or something else?
dazzystar replied to dazzystar's topic in Discussions - Mounts
I saw that video and may do that mod once others, more experienced than me, confirm it works and is worthwhile. -
Tuning the EQ3-Pro - or, I need to scratch a tinker itch
dazzystar replied to wimvb's topic in Discussions - Mounts
Think I may do the same. Are you going to post a video or a review / before and after? -
Hi All, I'm not saying it's sticky but when trying to balance the RA axis the movement isn't smooth and often needs a slight nudge from my finger to get it move. Is this normal for a SW EQ3 or is there something I can do to help? Cheers Daz
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Hi All, I thought I'd share some finished pics of my DIY Autofocuser. This was based on Robert Brown's excellent MyFocuserPro2 project I cut down the original schematic as I had no use for buttons, LEDs, handset, joystick, temperature probe, etc. and just wanted to stick to the essentials. I 3D printed the motor enclosure (a NEMA 17 PG5), electronics box enclosure and bracket for my Startravel 102 scope. I have tested and all is good but I haven't yet taken it for a 'proper' spin yet as I'm still completing my setup. Here are some pics. Cheers Daz