MG01

Thanks everyone....I need to figure out the distances in the image train but hopefully the new cam will be fine with smaller filters. Are Adapters a thing or is that only when you know a bloke with a 3D printer? 😝

Trouble is I have a SX filter wheel and LP Filter and would like to use that with the Camera Adaptor (B) which I don't have a drawing for...I'll try and sketch something later... I think the Adaptor (B) is supposed to be used with CCDs...but again, I'll have to draw out the image train to figure out how close to the 113.13 (or 113.14 maybe?) I can get. How important is it to hit this number? Is it just a case of the centre will be in focus but the periphery will show some aberration? Given that most images will be smaller than my sensor I guess I can get away with a certain amount of error?

Thanks everyone...I was just looking a the following second-hand Kenwood...https://www.hamradio.co.uk/used-equipment/kenwood-ps-52-used My peak power draw is something like this: (nicked from a post I made earlier today about general settup) At the scope I have to accommodate the following: NEQ6 Mount - 12Vdc, 2A Currently Canon 5D MkII which is battery powered, but moving to Atik 383L+ - 12Vdc, 2A Kendrick DigiFire 7 with 2x 3" and 1x 5" bands - 12Vdc, 3A (8A Max load if I change things) 5" band for scope - 1.2A 3" band for guide scope - 0.8A 3" band for RDF - 0.8A 2x 4 port USB2 Hubs - 5Vdc (via 12 => 5Vdc transformer), 4A total max Atik Cam (data only) SX Lodestar (data & power) SX Filter Wheel (data & power) EQDir (data only) Game Pad (data & power) TEMPerHUM (data & power) GPS Module (data & power) At the laptop (which my be outside or may be inside tent or wooden pod) I also have the following: USB SSD Drive (Powered by laptop USB2 port) Lakeside Astro Focuser Control unit - 12Vdc, 1A (Powered by same PSU as scope equipment but connected to laptop USB2 port) Repurposed EE router to create wifi network for 5D image transfer (12Vdc, 1.5A, but currently using Wall Wart! to stop trips) Ignoring the Laptop which needs a 240Vac to 19.5Vdc brick, I have a max load of 17A with an estimated load close to 10-12A from my 13.8Vdc 12A power supply....cutting it a little fine I think. I was wrong about my current PSU...It is in fact a 12A.....but something kept causing it to shut down, so I'm assuming I'm pulling too many amps?

As I return to the hobby I've had a few stumbling blocks. Most recent the need to replace my NEQ6 control board because a bit of an IC decided it didn't like the rest of the IC and flew off into the ether! Coupled with a few power loss issues and USB problems I have decided to rethink how everything goes together. My main problem is length of the run between scope and laptop. Currently I need to be withing a couple of metres of a 240v socket at the laptop end and then the scope is often up to 10M away in order to be away from paths, boggy ground etc. I can manage a short run at home, but the 10m I need for flexibility at star camps is what I think is causing the greatest problem. At the scope I have to accommodate the following: NEQ6 Mount - 12Vdc, 2A Currently Canon 5D MkII which is battery powered, but moving to Atik 383L+ - 12Vdc, 2A Kendrick DigiFire 7 with 2x 3" and 1x 5" bands - 12Vdc, 3A (8A Max load if I change things) 5" band for scope - 1.2A 3" band for guide scope - 0.8A 3" band for RDF - 0.8A 2x 4 port USB2 Hubs - 5Vdc (via 12 => 5Vdc transformer), 4A total max Atik Cam (data only) SX Lodestar (data & power) SX Filter Wheel (data & power) EQDir (data only) Game Pad (data & power) TEMPerHUM (data & power) GPS Module (data & power) At the laptop (which my be outside or may be inside tent or wooden pod) I also have the following: USB SSD Drive (Powered by laptop USB2 port) Lakeside Astro Focuser Control unit - 12Vdc, 1A (Powered by same PSU as scope equipment but connected to laptop USB2 port) Repurposed EE router to create wifi network for 5D image transfer (12Vdc, 1.5A, but currently using Wall Wart!) Ignoring the Laptop which needs a 240Vac to 19.5Vdc brick, I have a max load of 17A with an estimated load close to 10-12A from my 13.8Vdc 12A power supply....cutting it a little fine I think. Is this about normal? Some possible changes and questions I'm considering to improve all of this? Continue as is with 2 USB2 Hubs at the scope, but with an upgraded PSU. Does a low ripple linear supply help reduce image noise, does it justify additional cost? Eg: https://www.radioworld.co.uk/power-supplies-10-20-amp-medium-high-power/microset-pt-110a-10-amp-138v-power-supply Or: https://www.hamradio.co.uk/used-equipment/kenwood-ps-52-used Replace 5Vdc USB hubs with larger 12Vdc, 3A USB3 hub to improve power to devices and data flow to PC https://www.scan.co.uk/products/7-port-startech-superspeed-usb-30-hub-desktop-usb-hub-with-power-adapter-black Use USB over Ethernet device to improve reliability over distance https://www.amazon.co.uk/Extender-Repeater-Keyboard-Gamepad-synchronously-USB2-0-U2EX50/dp/B01EV33R8S?ref_=ast_sto_dp Can I add a hub into this or does that push it too much?...as it is only 4 port I can probably loose the GPS module as I have a GPS phone app that works without mobile signal and you only really need it for the setup. Use Synscan WiFi or shoestring version to eliminate EQDir module and Game Pad...then use phone to control scope movement https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sky-watcher-mount-accessories/sky-watcher-synscan-wifi-adapter.html Does this work alongside EQmod? Can I still use EQmod on laptop to control guiding and scope position from Stellarium or does the App conflict with this? Does this use the prolific drivers in the USB version of the mother board and is this stable. Can I achieve all of the above simply by using a miniPC at the scope...then just run a 12Vdc line and Ethernet to the scope and use remote desktop? Any recommendations? Do the astro specific ones justify their increased cost? There's probably other things I haven't considered as I'm trying to get up to speed with how things have developed over the last 10 years. If anyone has time to cast their eye over this and offer some feedback that would be really helpful. I do have a tendency to over complicate things sometimes 😆😝😬 Thanks in advance 👍

Thanks everyone...I finally did manage to get back uo to Kielder last week (with the whole family as it was half term) and it was lovely! More for the company than the stars as I had a very frustrating time with my setup...my EQ6 board popped an IC so didn't get much done other than catching up with everyone I'd not seen for almost 8 years! A few repairs and upgrades to do now!

As I'm about to jump to the dark side and dip my toe into CCD imaging I wondered if anyone can recommend a good linear power supply? My current switched mode is only 6A and doesn't have much headroom so I thought it might be wise to look into a new PSU and since I've read somewhere that this camera may benefit from a linear supply I thought I'd head down that road. I guess there are plenty of open cage type ones available from Rs and the like but I figured there's probably plenty of folk here who've tried and tested a number so thought I'd ask. Thanks

I have a TMB field flattener for the WO FLT132 and am trying to work out how on earth I achieve the illustrated lens to chip distance of 113.13mm. In the past I was told that the distance isn't that critical, but having read a number of other posts I'm starting to think that was wrong. I know it's easy to chase pixel accuracy, but as I'm returning after quite a long break from AP I thought I'd check and see if there's anyone making custom Aluminium or Copper spacers/adaptors that might not cost me a leg! May as well try to get close at least, right? I've attached a drawing from the William Optics website....any suggestions?

I'm using an f7 scope if that helps?

Thanks, I need to do a little figuring out with my image train moving from DSLR to CCD! I do have a SX filter wheel with 2" carousel at the moment as I was using it for LP filter for a full frame canon...but it may be cheaper to get a new carousel and smaller filters than a full set of LRGBs at 2" Out of interest for Oiii & Ha do you add these to LRGB or does the filter replace one of the 'channels'

I may have just 'accidentally' won a bid on an atik 383L+ and would appreciate some recommendations for 2" filters as my experience is pretty much all with DSLR so far. TIA! EDIT...sorry I forgot to say my targets are DSO's, primarily emission and reflection nebulae and galaxies.

Does anyone have any suggestions where one might get hold of something similar to this star knob but with either a nylon or leather none marring tip? It's to replace the focus lock on my William Optics 66SD as the thumb screw is a little dificult to tighten with cold or gloved hands. https://www.zoro.co.uk/shop/standard-parts-and-machine-elements/star-knobs/gn6336-4-st-25-m5-20-star-knob%3B-polyamid%3B-bolt/p/ZT1072122X M5 25-35mm length with Nylon tip? Alternatively I guess I could just epoxy a leather pad to the end? although I'm not sure how well that would work...maybe if I grind it flat first? thanks

As I get back into AP I'm considering moving from my 5D mkii to a dedicated mono astro camera. I had a read through the excellent pinned post but one thing I'm finding hard to get my head around is how to compare one with the other. I understand that it is about more than just megapixels and that the smaller FOV of an astro cam can effectiviely give me the same resolution on target as a higher MP count DSLR. But what I'm trying to get my head around is finding the point at which I POTENTIALLY can achieve better results than my DSLR. I understand that there are many variables, but hopefully someone has some advice to guide my decision making processes. Thanks

Thanks fellas...I knew I had to dowload latest versions but good to hear that these are still good apps to be using. I actually paid for APT way back when...so hopefully i still get the upgrades. I've forgotten his name, but I recall having great support from the developer. That link was perfect jacko...and yeah, now I've seen some EQMOD screen shots I remember it's pretty much the heart of it all. I used it with a game pad to control the scope. I recall a few folk talking about such wizardry back then...sounds like a neat solution that ZWO have put together...might have to look at that for a future upgrade, but no chance of our kit all fitting in one bag sadly...hard enough fitting it in one boot! Really looking forward to Kielder and I'm hoping to get the scopes out for my Scouts at some point too...if we get some clear skies and I'm up and running again! Thanks again

Well, it's been a while and I hope everyone is well! Almost 8 years since I began a bit of an astro imaging hiatus...I guess I shouldn't blame children, but...😝 I've no idea who is still about but thought I'd pop over here on the off chance I can get a little heads up as to what if much has changed. I've not been keeping up due to family life and even lost my forum threads and posts (when it was upgraded? I assume?!?) But I'm back and want to check what folk are using these days for guidance and capture etc. I have a disassembled EQ6 to which I'm about to add a belt mod. I'm probably going to go with the Rowan kit as that seems pretty solid, but nothing set in stone yet. The mount will be carrying our OG WO FLT-132 (haven't checked it yet so hope it's okay!) being guided by an original lodestar attached to a WO ZS66. I've not had a chance to have a play yet, but previously I was using the following software: Stellarium v0.11.0 - Navigation and target aquisition FocusMax v3.4.3 - Focuser control PHD - Guiding APT v1.6 - Capture through DSLR DSS v3.3.2 - Frame Stacking Registax v5.1 - Frame Stacking I also have EQMod downloaded but can't for the life of me remember what it did! 🤦‍♂️ Obviously I have some upgrading to do, but I was wondering if folk are still using these or if there are any new alteratives that might be worth looking into?

That's a new one on me...I've pretty much been adobe or gimp my whole life. The latest versions of GIMP support 16 and 32bit/ channel processing so that was my first obvious thought, but I do struggle with the interface a bit...and when I'm trying to hone my AstroP skills I find it's better to go with what others are using so that there's more discussion and the learning is easier. I've heard good things about Pixinsight and Startools too...but will go have a look at affinity too cheers!

From what I understand from the adobe forum they released a version a while back that didn’t need the online or telephone activation. I have my serial number and original CS3 design premium media, but when I put the serial number in I get a screen asking me to connect to the internet to activate or telephone a number (which has been disconnected now)

As I mentioned in my welcome post, I'm returning to the hobby after a bit of a hiatus. I had previously purchased CS3 back in 2009 I think and it had been serving me well, however I've not really done much photo editing in the last 3-4 years and for that I had mainly been using elements on my laptop. So after realising a couple of days ago that elements (10 I think?!?) doesn't support HDR files from DSS, I thought I'd dig out the old Photoshop installation disk and that's when the trouble started. I'd previously de-registered the software when I upgraded my desktop machine several years ago, but when I can to re-register today it tells me that the servers and telephone activation servers have all been discontinued and the product is no longer supported!! Soooooo...there's no chance of me subscribing to a monthly fee any time soon, so I thought I'd ask what other options are available these days? Many thanks

Well, HELLO! It's been a while since I last dipped my toe in the water over here at SGL, the website was quite different and EQ6 belt mods were all the rage. Family life led to the old FLT132 being put away and I was in the midst of an EQ6 tune up, so getting my head around where I was at is going to take a while...but here I am. The WO Zenithstar 66SD is in action again on my tripod, until I have time to sort out the mount properly, but Neowise has rekindled my interests and with Zuben now almost 8yo, Jen and I are hoping to slowly get a bit more active and may even manage to venture up to Kielder again. Hope everyone is well and some of the oldies will remember me and pop across to say hi. Mike