ABPhotosUK

18 hours ago, Bukko said:

Hi Andy,

I also have an issue with the USB connection to my CEM70.

I currently only use it with the handset, but the i-Polar connection does not work anymore. I am guessing it is the same issue you have found so my fix is likely to be the same.

Have you managed to get a replacement board yet and does it all work now?

Thanks,

Gordon.

Hi Gordon,

I've managed to fix mine with a homemade USB cable connected directly to the main board (the pins were swapped so took a bit of figuring out). Altair have just managed to get a replacement board for me so that should be with me soon. The iPolar is a separate connection to the main board and works independently so that's different problem to mine. If your mount is still under warranty (2 years standard) then contact your supplier I get a replacement. It's straightforward to replace. Hope you get it sorted. Clear skies, Andy

My CEM70 has developed a fault with the USB socket on the main panel which is preventing me connecting to the mount from my PC. I'm waiting on a new bridge board from iOptron but wondered if anyone has a workaround for this in the meantime. I've tried an FTDI cable connected to the handset but it appears this doesn't work (other than for handset firmware upgrades). Any help would be much appreciated.

CS,

Andy

4 hours ago, newbie alert said:

With the 70 do you get the  transportation bar that you had to remove from the axis, there should be drilled out holes that you can use to get a easier purchase on.. but the axis shouldn't be stiff, may need to loosen the back one to gain some on the front or visa versa.. you can use the same bar on the Az bolts for fine tuning PA..

This is assuming the 70 is the same as the 60 

Hi and thanks for your response. I think the 60 is somewhat different (see pic of CEM70). The latitude adjustment is fine and very smooth but one of the clamps (in the centre of the pic) is just really stiff. I suspect a squirt of WD40 will loosen it then a bit of grease applied to smooth it.

Clear skies and a Happy Christmas,

Andy

I've just got a CEM70, mounting a Canon 600mm f4 + Guidescope with Primaluce Losmandy dovetail. The mount is performing well and although a beast is still manageable to carry outside and setup on the iOptron tripier. The iPolar is a dream, PA takes literally 2 mins. Should be good for your Dob!!

Hi all,

I've had my new CEM70 for about a month now and getting good results unguided so far. The only issue I have is the Latitude adjustment clamps are very stiff and hard to turn, so much so that the Western side one no longer tightens enough. Before I start fiddling and spraying WD40 has anyone else had the same problem and solved it?

Many thanks and clear skies.

Andy

10 minutes ago, Nigella Bryant said:

I'm in North Devon. Yeah, maybe if enough of us got together. It would be a lovely thing to do again. Even perhaps a Devon Astrofest, lol. 

OK, we're planning on a move either East or North Devon/Cornwall, depending on what comes up! Do you know any other Devon based members on here? Andy

49 minutes ago, Nigella Bryant said:

A few of us in Devon. Pity the Devon Association of Astronomical Societies doesn't exist anymore. Used to like going to the annual get togethers. 

Hi Nigella, maybe if there's enough of us we can start it up again? Where are you based? I'm just starting AP seriously with existing Canon gear and a CEM70 mount, just need these darn clouds to go away 🌧☁️🤞🤪🔭📷✨

1 hour ago, Nugs said:

Thanks....... and living in Tavy', you should be used to persistent cloud. 🤣

Im East Devon, nestled in the Blackdown Hills, on the Devon-Somerset-Dorset border.

Been here 6 years now, the clouds are very familiar 🔔🌧🤪. Looking to move East next year, love the Blackdowns, just need to find the right location for the darkest skies 👍✨📷🔭

On 09/12/2020 at 21:54, Nugs said:

Total newbie here looking to explore the 'dark art' of astrophotography.

I have zero knowledge of astronomy, so I'm sure I'm set for a steep learning curve, but i will embrace the journey.

Nugs

Welcome aboard, I'm in Devon too and just starting out. What part of Devon are you in? The clouds are rather persistent at the moment 🌧 😒. 

2 hours ago, PeterCPC said:

Try the 10mm - best not to introduce a Barlow.

Thanks Peter, will do 👍🔭✨🪐

A really helpful and in-depth guide David, will certainly help me locate DSOs with my Star Adventurer

6 hours ago, PeterCPC said:

I don't use any software for collimation. You just need to use a bright star and a high power eyepiece - take it in and out of focus until you see a "doughnut" and adjust the collimation screws until it is perfectly circular. There are guides on line. Bob's knobs help enormously.

Thanks again Peter, I've done a rough check but will do this next time. Would a 10mm eyepiece be high enough power for my 5 inch scope or 25mm with my 2xBarlow? I've already installed Bob's Knobs so good to go. No sign of clear skies for a few days here in Devon. Best, Andy

29 minutes ago, PeterCPC said:

I have tried focusing using the Moon but found it unsatisfactory. I focus on a star using a Bahtinov mask then slew to the planet. Collimation is crucial for planetary imaging.

Thanks Peter, I have a Bahtinov mask so will try that with Sharpcap next clear night. I also don't have Goto at the moment (using a Skywatcher Star Adventurer). I tried installing Metaguide to help with collimation but it won't run on my laptop. Is there another software solution to make it easier? Clear skies, Andy

4 minutes ago, paul mc c said:

Mars can be very tricky,and needs good seeing,i have had worse images than that using a c9.25, yet when seeing is good you can get great images with smaller scopes,thats a good image you have,but seeing plays a big part.This was a 80mm scope.

Thanks for the encouragement Paul, I had several attempts until this night when the seeing was OK. I'd struggled with focus but used the Moon for this one. I also haven't done a fine collimation check yet. I was also wondering if my Bresser Barlow was up to the task or if a Televue would be better? Cheers, Andy

Mars 25/10/2020

This is my first stab at planetary imaging with my old Celestron 5SE, 2xBarlow and ZWO ASI290MC. Not up to the standard of others on here but pleased to bring out some detail. This really makes me want a bigger scope and mount, hopefully one day. Clear skies all🔭🪐🙂

8 hours ago, gilesco said:

Welcome, be sure to join the Devon and Cornwall club on here

Thanks Giles, I will definitely find it out. See you on there and clear skies 👍🔭📷🪐✨

Thank you all for the warm welcome, I'm sure I'll have lots of questions and hopefully more to contribute as I climb the steep learning curve. I'm hoping for better seeing to try for Mars again, there was too much turbulence the night I captured these shots. 

Clear skies to all

Hello to all,

I've just acquired my first tracking mount, a Skywatcher Star Adventurer, having dabbled with AP some years ago with a Celestron Nexstar 5SE which I still own but quickly realised back then that I needed an EQ mount. I captured my first ever planetary images this week with the 5SE and my new ZWO ASI290MC - Jupiter and Mars -which I was pleased with as a first stab but clearly need more work and knowledge. Looking forward to contributing more on the forums.

Clear skies,

Andy