Xsubmariner

Nice smooth roof. Does the controller have an interlock to enable a mount parked signal to ensure the roof only closes when the scope is parked?

Well I am deeply disappointed. I ordered the book on 10th March through Amazon for its release on 28th March. Now I have a notification it is expected May-October. WHS indicated it was in stock 1-2 weeks, so cancelled order with Amazon and ordered through WHS, a week later I am now notified they are trying to source. Don’t you just love the annoying aspects of internet retail. 🤬

Hi Panos. Welcome to SGL, there’s lots of information across the forums. Martin

NGC2237 - Rosette Nebula in Monoceros captured 2/3, 5/6 March 2024. A total of 41xHa, 28xOiii and 31x Sii frames all 300sec. Integration 8.3 hours. Processed using PixInsight, plus Russell Croman’s Blur/Noise/Star XTerminator, Foraxx Colour Pallette. H,S,O stars processed using Foraxx script. Imaging Kit; TOA150 reduced to 755mm fl, QHY600M with QHYFW and Antlia 3nm HSO filters, Mesu200 mount. Tak60 guide scope with ZWO120mm camera.

Good steer Jeremy. Now ordered, hope you're getting commission? 👏

Thank you Stuart, my poor grammar. My response was intended for the thread author as you say. 👍

A watch of Nick’s video might provide an answer . As he explains ZWO we’re sorry about their design fault but left it to owners to clean up their problem. After owning several ZWO cameras including the dreaded frosting ZWO 071 before the pro version, I decided to switch to QHY and have been very happy. I still own several smaller (non cooled) ZWO’s and one 2600mc which thankfully was after the thermal lube problem. I wouldn’t be too hard on the seller, he did agree to take it back if necessary. I am not saying this was the reason for your problem but thankfully yours was easily resolvable and you probably acquired it much cheaper than a new unit. I have acquired used cameras in the past and they have delivered great value for money. Clear skies and every success imaging with your new camera, the sensors overall performance is a game changer in UK Astrophotography, enjoy.

LBN576 in Cassiopeia known as the Garlic Head or Popped Balloon Nebula. A faint supernova remnant, it lies 10,000 light-years away with a diameter of 98 light-years. Processed using PixInsight core tools plus Russ Croman’s BXT, NXT, SXT. GraXpert and Foraxx script were also employed. Equipment: TOA150 with 0.7 reducer, QHY268M with QHYFW and Antlia 36mm 3nm Ha and Oiii filters. Mesu200 mount with guiding supported by PHD2 using OAG/LoadstarX2. Acquisition controlled by Sequence Generator Pro. Frames: 37x Ha 600s, 34x Oiii 600s Total integration 12 hours. Capture dates: 9/17/18th January 24.

I acquired USB3 to Fibre Optic units for runs between observatories. While they were not compatible with USB2.0 data transfers they were great for my ZWO main imaging camera. The problem came when I acquired replacement QHY268 cameras that would just not function using the FO converters, they remain fine for ZWO though. Each FO converter allowed 2xUSB3.0 connections and were blisteringly quick. I tested one of them with a 64M and 26M camera running simultaneously at the fastest frame rate with not a single frame dropped according to Sharpcap. The best active USB3.0 long cables I have found are Startech 5&10M, currently have 6 running between the control room and observatories.

A pretty picture. 😢 I’ve just realised I am not a Star-Gazer, I’m a Star-Imager 😱

Hi and welcome, there’s lots of informative data within the topic threads.

While I have no experience of an EQ8, I was imaging with my Meade 12”/Mesu200 in ROS three weeks ago during very blustery weather and managed to capture good data, with no obvious problems. I could hear the wind occasionally whistling on the control room roof.

I use an Epson ET8550, It’s an excellent printer capable of all paper sizes up to A3 and greatly benefits from eco tank technology. I recommend this because of its print quality and amazing value for money ink bottles, gone are the pathetic small ink cartridges priced as gold. It also comes with user friendly software and can employ paper calibration data if you can acquire it for your chosen paper.

Paul, I was quoted £600 for insurance from a specialist company which mirrors your experience. Likewise with Gordon my observatory is treated as an outbuilding and limited accordingly. Where I have been a member of various societies associated with other hobbies it is usually the case these groups offer insurance at very good rates for their members. These rates are enabled through economies of scale by virtue of the large membership numbers. In my experience the membership costs of these bodies was paid for through the considerable savings in insurance. I checked the main societies websites associated with Astronomy and none offered preferential members insurance as a benefit. I am led to believe most Astronomy Societies are struggling with poor new membership rates. Perhaps if they were to negotiate preferential insurance rates for members equipment, Observatories and outreach events they may find more people drawn to membership. A win win for everyone.

Welcome to SGL. You will find a lot of useful information within the forum threads.