Nigella Bryant

On 12/05/2019 at 19:54, Whirlwind said:

Is this just for imaging of visual as well?  I ask because if you want a longer focal length of about 1600mm and it is just for imaging then why not say the VXL12"?  This would be less burdensome mount wise and aperture is less important (compared to visual) when it comes to imaging.  It's also not as costly so would allow more funds to be spent on the mount (which is always the critical part of imaging set up).  You are saving about £2k.  That could then go towards upscaling the mount (which might open up things like the MESU) and/or a cooled CMOS colour camera which would also likely improve your images.  If you are committed to going for this weight capacity the only other mount with this capacity and price range that I know of is the JTW OGEM but is relatively untested (the base version is similar to the CEM120 in price). 

On the other hand if you want a visual telescope as well then a 16" will work wonders and that changes your mount choices.

I have considered the Ogem as it's only £150 more than a CEM120 but I'm weary as there's literally nothing out there about them, apart from their own Web page. I did email them asking for more information about the mount and all I got back was an obtuse reiteration of my question. "what would I like to know" da, a download on spec, a pdf brochure of an actual mount. Their website seems to contain mostly computer graphic simulations, etc. So I'm now weary about that. Wasn't a fantastic promotion of their mount. 

1 hour ago, Rainer said:

Hi,

Why do you limit yourself to this exposure times ?

Rainer

Cus in light polluter skies more shorter image's stacked are better than less longer one's. I saw a convincing talk on this recently. 

On 13/05/2019 at 01:37, Datalord said:

I was very seriously considering a CEM120EC before buying an ASA DM85. But only the EC version. I think those encoders are worth it knowing all the trouble guiding can give you. (disclaimer: Still haven't tried imaging without guiding, but I spent a ton of money getting to that point...).

My top price to spend is£3500

1 hour ago, cotak said:

If it's the last one why not go out with a bang?

I think in this contest the cem120 is the better choice just for the cable management alone. And the lack of backlash would be good too.

That's what I was thinking, along with USB 2 and 3 connection, GPS and WiFi built in. Keep thought's coming, lol. 

Welcome, I live in Bristol too under bortle 6 sky conditions but you'd be surprised how much you can see. I've only just taken up astrophotography and I'm amazed what can be done. Here are my first examples from my Bristol back garden. I use a 12inch newtononian. 

Hi all, wanting some opinions on mounts. It will be the last mount I'll buy having turned 60 last year and retired. I currently run an OO12inch f4 Newtonian on a neq6. It's at the top of weight capacity for that mount at 20kg with guidescope, etc. I did rebuild and tune the neq6 with rowan belt mod, upgraded bearings on worm gears, added the upgrade counter weight bar plus weights. It is sweet as a nut and after two or even three star alightment puts the object within the field of view of my Canon 1000dm camera. I can also do unguided images for 45 to 60 secs which is enough in Mt light polluted sky. That's the background. 

Now I know my mount is way over capacity for imaging and in the next couple of years before I go into the heavens myself I'd like to own a 16inch VX f4 Newtonian. So I'm thinking of going for a new mount this year for keeps and  I'm looking at either an EQ8 or a CEM120. The cem120 would be at the top of my price range. 

I'd love opinions please. BTW, telescope is housed in an observatory a 2.7m pulsar dome. 

One image, unguided exposure for 30secs, right? I can do that as a newbie lol. 

18 minutes ago, Rodd said:

Pretty good.  Its funny, many folks choose M42 to image first....maybe that is one reason there is a reputation for a really steep learning curve in AP--its one of the most difficult targets to get right!  And for the first go, a almost impossible.  You have done well.  You had a bit of a guiding problem-but I did not notice it for quite some time.  How do you limke the 12" newt? (another tough one to get started.).

Rodd

Yeah, seems bright and big but took me ages to process and lot's of looking at YouTube instructions,  lol. I know it's far from brilliant but a start. Yes guiding not perfect not aligned with pole star correctly and unguided sub's. I love the newt but a steep learning curve to be honest with that and getting the mount right, Neq6. All equipment is second hand, lol. 

This is my first DSO, taken in January with my Canon 1000dm and 12inch f4 newt 

1 hour ago, sloz1664 said:

Hi Nigella, Can you post some photos of the inside of the dome, in particular views of the top of the inner wall where it meets the dome.

Steve

Hi, will take some pics of inside dome tomorrow,  thanks

Nigella 

Hi all, I've an older pulsar dome. Can someone get in touch with me with all the items needed. I'm not particularly interested in automation just being able to rotate and nudge the dome electrically. I  bought a wiper motor but that burnt out so not sure what I did I'd just connected it to a 12v transformer and hadn't worked out how this was going to run , ie track wise. I quite familiar with electrics, but not electronics, etc, so was just thinking of a forward backward switch. Any help would be great. 

Ella

I bought a second hand 60mm supposed to have been in good condition but when I received it I looked it over and the blue UV/IR had two large spots and the rest was foggy when looked at in bright light. I was disappointed in the seller. However I sent it off to Telescope House UK and they examined it changed the blue filter and all for £30 so pleased. As the scope was half the price of a new one I'm still happy. All my thanks to Telescope House and Bresser UK.