Xsubmariner

While originally offset south for my LX200, I needed to centre the pier within the Pulsar 2.2M dome for my CEM120EC2. During commissioning I needed to make slight adjustment to the dome control GEM offset value to find the best alignment. To find the best setting I plotted the scope alignment to the dome slot by slewing the mount/dome to positions of Azimuth (every 20degrees 0-360) and elevation (10,20,40,60,80 degrees) using POTH in Ascom. While tedious, in the end I managed to get a good compromise where the scope was hardly shaded by the dome. Perhaps one of the mathematical experts here can explain why the dome geometry model for GEM didn’t seem to work as accurately for CEM mounts.

Great image and nice presentation. Martin

Hi Ed welcome to SGL a great source for knowledge. Martin

Thanks John, this will likely be my first print job. I plan to build an all sky camera and interestingly have a spare Qhy 5L- that needs reassigning. I was thinking I might try one of the all sky lenses that came with my ZWO 120 cameras. Yet another project for the schedule.

Hi John, Congratulations with your first printing experience and successful outcome. May I enquire if your STF file is available for others? I also recently acquired a 3D printer but sadly have not yet set it up. The recent good weather resulted in Astro payback and my wife generated a substantial list of building and maintenance work that I am progressing. I look at the printer repeatedly but must resist. Soon my precious you and I will build a new world. 😳 Martin

I love the way vlaiv simplify things 🤥. As he suggests just buy the flattener or comma corrector it’s easier on my mind. 🤪

Hi Gary, welcome to SGL a great source of astronomy wisdom. Martin

A thoroughly enjoyable article and great learning project that draws on simple engineering principles to explore the art of tracking celestial bodies, whilst creating a working mount. I am sure it will generate much conversation at any star party. Made my day, thanks.

Hi Sam, welcome to SGL and enjoy your new hobby.

When I collected my pulsar dome I used a long serrated, flexible kitchen knife to slice through the silicon, it worked well. Later I removed the old silicon with a can of silicon remover. Take care when reassembling the dome quadrants to ensure the bottom mating surface that runs on the side sections is level. My first attempt at rebuilding the dome had to be disassembled and redone. The second time round I used short pieces of wood to bridge the 4 dome quadrant joints. Clamping the wood to the dome across each joint ensured they remained aligned as the bolts were tightened. Good luck with your build.

Hi John, Good luck with your build, will you be isolating your surrounding concrete base from the pier base to prevent vibrations when you walk around inside. I used flooring screed expansion foam. Looking forward to reading about further progress.

Hi Dafydd, Hi and welcome to SGL, enjoy your new scope and clear skies.

If the seller is not playing fair, then you must decide what price you are prepared to commit to get personal satisfaction. If the value is small compared to potential legal costs, then what price for the moral principle. Don’t underestimate the frustration and anxiety any legal action will generate.

Hi and have a great time searching the forum.

Great idea, may I ask if these events be hosted on a viewing platform for people to watch later should they be unavailable for the Zoom event?

Superb image Adam, your new kit is working well for you.

Hi Tom and welcome to SGL. There’s a lot of information and support for beginners, enjoy.

Hi Mike welcome. Might I suggest you acquire the best mount you can afford, it will improve your imaging and is cheaper long term.

Love the can do attitude and ingenuity. Nice image, now watch your wallet closely otherwise the AP bug will take all your money.

Hi and welcome. Martin

I currently use, SGPro and Sky X (which I notice is not in the list). Now I have a dual imaging rig, I am disappointed SGP still hasn’t provided multiple camera synchronisation and dither. While the Inclusion has been discussed since 2006 the language now suggest it might appear in version 4, when might that be? In the mean time I plan to investigate APT. I occasionally use Artemis with my Atik cameras (another not on the list) and Nebulosity.

Hi and welcome, enjoy your new scope.

Hi Scoobs767, Here is a picture of my redundant shed with both doors open. The door opening is 870mm maximum, and inside space is 1680mm. It isn’t the 1M you were hoping for.

The site shows my location as Bortle 4, so not too bad. Unfortunately imaging does suffer from Wye valley mist on some of the scarce clear nights.

Hi and welcome to SGL. You will always remember your first DSO image, be careful though imaging is addictive and will strain your wallet.