barbulo

Hi iPoncho. Welcome to the hobby where a 3-figure spent is just peanuts..

Since this is not the first time I hear that, I can guess there are two types astronomers: those who panicked because they left the cap on, and those who will do it in the future. LOL! I belong to the first group. Recidivist.

I was about to post this same issue: A few days ago I forgot to fully close the DEC clutch and got the same error.

I'm looking to buy a SW 200PDS and the mount I'm aiming at is the EQ6-R Pro. It is supposed to support up to 20Kg (recommended 12Kg for AP).

Hi @Paulgra and welcome to SLG. A piece of advise from another newbie based on own errors: don't fall in love with magnification. There are plenty of "big" objects that you would miss using a Barlow. I would go for a quality eyepiece as mentioned.

This is one of those moments of homesickness for my home country 😢. Just compare:

I would like to use this thread to throw a question regarding mounts max weight capacity: I’ve read that for astrophotography it’s recommended not to go above the 60% of the maximum weight capacity suggested by the manufacturer. What do you think about this?

I thought the faction which brought more beer would win. Don't count on me for the next one. 😜

By the way, one question: 4/3”@3,8µm vs 1”@2,4µm? (1600mm/294mm vs 183mm)? Differences?

Thanks @alacant Could you please elaborate on this?: I thought SW PDS scopes focusers were better for AP.

Concur with all of the above. 👏👏👏

This one:

Hi everyone, A quick one: will a Canon EOS 600D reach focus in a SW 150P? Thinking about buying one. Thanks in advance.

That's a good point, @Clarkey Thanks. Anyone with 600D and 150P?

Thanks to both. That's what I suspected. @Clarkey : ASI1600MM, along with a filter wheel, is my ultimate target. $tep by $tep though.

Thanks for your replies. I've read that the T3i is the same model as the 600D. Is that true? I see more 600D than T3i around.

I was thinking about acquiring a second hand DSLR camera to initiate in DSO imaging with my SW150P. Would you recommend so? Would a Canon EOS Rebel T6i do it? Need to mod it? Thanks in advance.

Hi and welcome to SGL, where all your questions will be wisely answered.

Thank you very much for the tutorial, @david_taurus83. It's crystal clear. I can't wait for the moment the clouds let me test it. I already have CdC working with my mount so the rest seems easy (until the lost electron appears and spoils up everything).

Thank you very much @dannybgoode. It seems plate solving is going to be the solution. Investing in a small, light and cheap guiding solution, that would be even more expensive than my ASI224, is something I might consider in the mid term. Maybe along with a mount and scope upgrade and a DSO camera. Will $€€. Meanwhile, I've read about plate solving but people mainly focus on mini-pc + linux. Any Windows based (offline if possible) software? You mentioned APT and KStars+EKOS. Would work for me? Thanks again

Thank you @dannybgoode. I'm using a f/5 150/750 scope along with an ASI224 = quite narrow FOF. I know this camera is meant for planetary, but since we're out of season I'm experimenting with DSO imaging. I cannot use a guiding solution because the mount (EQ3 GOTOrized) would be overweight (if not yet). Problems finding objects: poor accuracy. Faint ones impossible to locate. Image capture: 90% of the exposures over 20sec are invalid. My intention is to minimize those errors with the means available: current gear, experts advice, patience and time. On top of that, I consider myself very meticulous and perfectionist (on the verge of OCD 😂), so all this annoys me a bit. I assume this frustration is part of the hobby though.

Welcome!

Welcome to SLG. Sorry but I can't give you any advice about spectacles.

You're right: weather forecast says cloudy for the next 10 days. ☁️ 😩 One additional question for you experts: I've read about polar drift alignment with PHD2. Does it worth a try?

I’ve got it. I'll try out tomorrow. Thanks!