Xsubmariner

Here are some diagrams and pictures of fit. As you can see your disconnected cables are from the first connector and are the -be leads to your shutter tx module and motor control board. My kit has the tx module located in a different position.

Hi tooth-dr, To start your journey with dome automation here are a couple of links to a useful blog for setting up the test software: http://little beck.org.uk/?p=1043 http://little beck.org.uk/?p=1056 I have the software you will need and the drivers.

Yep, as I suspected the cabling in these units is a little fragile. Great news, looks like you have the wireless connectivity for shutter control, the tx module in the motor drive unit automatically talks to the shutter drive module. I have a solar panel mounted on the bottom of the dome shutter that feeds through to the controller which then charges my motor battery. This way there is no awkward wiring to interfere with the dome rotation. It’s a little hostile outside at the moment, I will look at my setup tomorrow and give you the heads up on wiring configuration. I will also take some pictures that show the completed installation points.

A point of note when you clean your drive unit, check the cabling between the motor control board and motors. Mine caused problems when I initiated the system, the solder used seemed prone to corrosion and I had to re-solder the connections. These domes do suffer damp (condensation not ingress), which is a pain. If you have Dropbox I could post all the relevant software and scan in my circuit diagrams, then when you are ready to install contact me and we can arrange facetime or something, to help guide you through the process.

On another point, might I suggest it is worth relocating this post to the observatory section. Your call.

Great to hear, I will dig out my notes and old records and will provide some guidance and links for assembling the kit when you are ready. Having looked at your kit photos, I would suggest it is worth cleaning up the electronics board it would also be best to relocate the shelyak controller so that the connectors are not subjected to rubbish.

I have a dome and RoR connected to a central control room. Recently I acquired the Hitech weather station delux, which automatically detects the cloud condition and alerts rain for activating some form of closure procedure. A lot depends on what your trying to integrate with and control, in my case I need to directly link into the SkyX as I need the software to park the mount before shutting the RoR, at the same time I will be linking the signal to my Shelyak controller on my dome to close the shutter. Might I suggest you look up weather stations first too see what might provide a solution for your particular arrangement.

The dome system works fine, aligns then tracks the dome slot to the telescope once you have set up the environment geometry file in the driver configuration settings. It took me some time to install and configure the drivers and setup the data correctly for the first time, when rebuilding the dome. Like you, I acquired mine in bits second hand. There are key points during the dome rebuild where special attention to detail is needed to ensure the system works smoothly and effectively. I had to deconstruct my dome section after the first reconstruction to ensure a better fit. Might I suggest you ensure your dismantled observatory bits are stored safely and are not stressed, they can distort and will be a pain when rebuilding.

Hi Chris, welcome and have a pleasant journey through the universe.

Hi Manji, welcome to the forum, you will see a big improvement with your new telescope. The dew problem is easily overcome with an appropriate length dew heater strap and controller. It’s relatively cheap equipment that’s regularly available used. Good viewing.

Hi tooth-dr, I have the same control system and controllers working on my Pulsar dome. Do you have the wireless interface for the shutter control?

Hi Bryan, Welcome to SGL. If you are not already a member of an Astronomy club may I recommend you find your local group and join, many are free or relatively cheap. This is a great hobby, only spoilt by the weather.

Hi Beth, welcome. Are you new to astronomy or do you have experience, if so, what areas of astronomy are your interested in?

I have been washed out here ever since I did my initial testing with the mount. I haven’t had any opportunity to progress any SiTech grooming and wonder if it is necessary at this stage other than proving it works. I was hoping to have my Dual 130 APO setup in place by now, but just haven’t been able to complete mount testing in all, my fault for buying the Mesu. Until I get some decent sky for testing the GTF81 will stay in place for initial trials.

Its amazing that on the ground we are subjected to rigorous (some might say illogically prohibitive) planning controls, in space, any person with sufficient money can fill the area with space junk that will spoil the sky for millions. Two other companies are planning similar ventures, all in the name of exploiting the WWW. We used to call it progress.😡😭

I enjoyed reading this thread and now have a better appreciation of Pinched Optics and what to look for. As I continue learning, these forum threads provide a valuable source of information which is not readily available in books or videos.

Yes, you got a good deal, I will give you a call when I need another scope. 😊

I have Swarovski 8.5x42. Amazing wide-field image good for stargazing and country pursuits.

Wow, great image. I hope to do a mosaic some day, may I ask if there is a good reference that documents the concept and challenges associated with mosaics?

May I enquire when the next SGL star party is scheduled to take place as I would love to attend my first SGL party and get to meet some members.

I noticed there was no pipes for services (power/extended USB) are you running them in later?

Your weights look wonderful, I am not at all envious. 😒

I have the ASI 071 Pro which is a great APS-C sensor. It worked fine with my edge 11” with 0.7 reducer.

Here is my home made flat box fo my 5” Apos, I also have a similar one for 12” and a 19” unit on the wall for bigger scopes. These all work well and are easily made from ply and old paint tub plastic.

As others have already stated a great start. The first images are always the best, now the fun starts. Today we are blessed with a wide range of equipment and software to accommodate most user budgets, coupled with dedication and patience we all possess the opportunity to produce remarkable images from our own back yards.