andrew s

I think it would be fastest if I implemented it in Python and directly ran the camera via The Sky X Jarva script to minimize the delay. I have done this before but now I run remotely I wanted to start with a robust automation application. I analyse the results using astroimagej. Regards Andrew

Have you seen anything clearly with your current scope, say the moon? Regards Andrew

Very nice, however, I blame you for the cloudy skies we are currently having! Regards Andrew

First class work and well presented. Congratulations. Regards Andrew

No. Some Cheshire earpieces include a sight tube. Regards Andrew

You can't full collimate a Newtonian with a Laser. A key requirement with a fast Newt is to position the secondary under the focuse as it does not have a unique optic axis. This is best done with a sight tube. Final positioning of the secondary is best done with an autocollimator. It will also reveal minute shifts as you slow the scope. This may not matter to you. Regards Andrew

For F4 you will need a good set of collimation tools. I have used Catseye tools in the past with success. Regards Andrew

Photograph would help. Regards Andrew

Absolutely, it also depends on expectations. To shift an image by an arc second or so does not take very much flexure wherever it is. Most piers will flex with or without rats nests as the loads are normally off centre. I use T Point by Patrick Wallace that comes with The Sky X, and it is instructive to see the model terms needed to compensate for the various errors. If you are interested Google his site it has lots of fascinating information. He has worked on all the major telescope both optical, microwave and radio. The more "Victorian " the engineering the less flexure but how much you can tolerate depends on the requirements. Regards Andrew

I know that feeling. Regards Andrew

Due you need a specific reason or can you just blame @Stu period. Regards Andrew

Indeed not. Well done. Regards Andrew

Enjoy, is it your first scope? Regards Andrew

With my ASI1600 bined 3x3 I get a 4s delay using CCD Autopilot. I take very short exposures typically 10 to 25s as I am looking for fast transient events. The reported download time is 1s the rest is overhead. Regards Andrew

Don't mow the lawn go for the wild flower meadow loo. I've knocked of 25% of my mowing that way. Regards Andrew

For visual you don't need a large flat field but for imaging you do. Getting a large flat field requires more complex optics. In general visual reflectors have a higher focal ratio than imaging. Regards Andrew PS I was assuming deep sky imaging not solar system.

@Dave Smith goods to see your observations of HADS stars in the BAA Journal's Observers' Forum. Quality work congratulations. Regards Andrew

Nice sequence, strange to see the comet stay putcas the stars rush by. Regards Andrew

Is the bracing tray for drinks? The sky really is fine this afternoon. Although it is a bit nippy for shorts on the bike, as I found out. Regards Andrew

There is always some offset in a correctly collimated Newtonian. Regards Andrew

Wiki gives a good discription. Google "opposition astronomy " Then we can't see Mercury or Venus in opposition to the Sun as they are inside our orbit. You can't get the Sun, Earth and Mercury (or Venus) in a straight line and in that order. Regards Andrew

The other related effect is you always find a use for something you have just sold, given away or recycled to the dump. Regards Andrew

To reduce coma you need a coma corrector designed for a Newtonian telescope. Regards Andrew

No it will not assuming it a Newtonian telescope. Could you tell us what you have? Regards Andrew

It happens to to the best more than once. Regards Andrew