Ian McCallum
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Posts posted by Ian McCallum
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I read that screwing my ZWO ASI 224MC directly to the focuser tube is a better option, than using the supplied M42 to 1.25 inch adapter.
As the focuser tube on my SW Evostar 120 is 2 inches in diameter, is it possible to get an extension tube adapter to fit this?
I've been using a spare 2 inch extension tube from my SW 200P, just to keep me going, but I'd prefer an adapter where I can screw the camera directly to it.
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Three Barlows, was the headline. I thought it was something to do with Ken, Deidre and Tracey!🤣
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I don't know how, but I've got it working now.🤔
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My Windows 8.1 laptop only has 2GB of RAM, so it has the same amount of RAM as my RPi 4B. I need to look into this further... Upgrading the laptop to Windows 10 isn't an option, as I tried that before and it was much slower.
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I've been trying the plate solving and guiding software in EKOS, on my Astroberry Pi (using the simulator mode). When it comes to plate solving a star that I've chosen, it says there's no enough RAM to run in parallel in the message window, then locks up the whole EKOS/KStars programme. I know that people have recommended running the RPi with 4GB of RAM, but I was only able to obtain a 2GB version. I didn't foresee this problem, but I'm a newbie to the RPi.
Any recommendations?🤔
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Some more from this evening... No imaging as such, just getting used to KStars, Ekos and Astroberry.
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I can't see anything in the original images.🤔
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12 minutes ago, Stu1smartcookie said:
So , yesterday I took ownership of a 8” TS Optics CC and an EQ5 . As it’s raining outside ( for the last 3 days.. grrr) I set up the EQ5 indoors .. a couple of minor issues bit was delighted to see that skywatcher provide a polar scope in the deluxe model ( the polar scope I bought at the same time will be returned ) so here is the mount .. and the scope .
Thank you @callistoand the Widescreen Centre
Good choice.
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On 21/02/2022 at 17:41, malc-c said:
👍 Makes life easy 🤞
I've managed to get the Astroberry Pi, laptop and Synscan to talk to each other - it's amazing!😲
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Some from this evening. Just trying to out the new SynScan goto system.
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Does anyone know the purpose of this foam pad, that's included with the motor interface holder - for the EQ5 SynScan? 🤔
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As was mentioned previously, an EQ5 mount polar scope cover. My brother did this for me recently.
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On 21/02/2022 at 17:41, malc-c said:
👍 Makes life easy 🤞
I've ordered one from Auntie @FLO, so weather permitting, I'll have it here by the weekend. 🤞
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5 hours ago, robin_astro said:
What a bizarre and alarming incident. Strangely not the first telescope to be attacked though.
https://astroanecdotes.com/2015/03/26/the-mcdonald-gun-shooting-incident/
I read about this, a few months ago. Seems it caused less than 0.5% decrease in light gathering.
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5 hours ago, Shimrod said:
some throw to hit a window in the Czech Republic from the UK 😀
Good point.
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Looks like the dreaded 'dust bunnies'!🤔
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On 18/02/2022 at 13:09, malc-c said:
I remember the discussions had when you were considering your options, and mentioning the impact on your wallet should you choose to upgrade in stages rather than jumping straight in to a pro goto set up. I'm sure you'll have no problem selling your enhanced motor kit on the classified section, mainly as there are people like you who want to upgrade their mount but can't justify the initial outlay for the synscan option, and are in that same dilemma as you were at the time. As your kit is just months old and like new you could get upwards of 75% of the amount you paid, especially if it is still with the original packaging.
The pro goto does, IMO offer a lot more options. Check with the supplier (FLO ?) that the upgrade is one of the new generation with a USB-B port on the sysnscan controller. This gives you the option of a direct PC connection without the need to purchase an optional EQDIR cable. You can then use EQMOD or GSServer and ASCOM (windows) or INDI (Linux) to control and pulse guide the mount through PHD2, which is a lot more refined than ST4 (IMO).
Auntie @FLOconfirmed that it's the latest incarnation of the hand controller, with the USB type B connector.👍
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It seems if you do anything slightly out-of-the-ordinary, you can be attacked!😱
Less than 18 months ago...
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4 minutes ago, DhamR said:
If you can see the colours are straight (i.e. in the same order both ends) from one connector to the other than any RJ12 straight cable bought online should work.
Exactly.👍
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On 02/02/2022 at 20:15, CraigD1986 said:
Is it possible to buy a curly pigs tail style coiled ST4 guiding cable?
Here's one I made from an old microphone cable. It works, but the outer cover has started to perish, due to age. You get the idea, though. 😉
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Pond life.🤬
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Looks like the Telrad base is just sticking at the edges. I'm guessing a larger diameter OTA would require a mod to the base...
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20 hours ago, wimvb said:
Which gadget is this?
It's part of the motor driver kit for the EQ5, it's the hand controller, as was pointed out by David...
COM port too high!
in Discussions - Software
Posted
You can also renumber the port to a lower number, if you wish.