astro trac system

[Daniel-K]

im thinking of investing in a astro track. i have a WO66 coming over the weekend and just wondering if any one can give me some adivce on the setup and what type of tripod i need to use one.

Dan

[Digz]

Check out the FLO package, this suggests a manfrotto tripod IIRC.

a good sturdy tripod is needed and a geared head. I already had a tripod when I got my astrotrac so just needed the geared head.

[Daniel-K]

were do i get a geared head from? sorry to sound like a dunce but i cant grasp were it attach's to even looking at the images lol durrrrr

[m.tweedy]

Will it just be the WO66 or did you also get the TS90? If is just the 66 then a geared head should be ok. However I found the Astrotrac wedge brilliant. There was a big discussion a while ago on here-I will try to find the link

Here it is

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/139547-shiney-new-scope-for-my-astrotrac-but-not-happy/

let me know if you have any further questions

[m.tweedy]

tripod/pier-wedge/geared head-astrotrac-astrotrac head/another geared head/ball head/telescope

[Adamar98]

My setup is, tripod, geared head, astrotrac, ball head then camera. If your planning on mounting your wo66 your going to need a good strong geared head and a strong ball head. I got told I wouldn't be able to mount a scope on my setup. They where wrong! I can get 2 minute subs with my ts65q mounted. No trailing, no flexing and no eggy stars! You could try wex photography for your geared head.

[Daniel-K]

no just the wo66 the TS90 or orion 80 will be on the HEQ5 most probably in the obsy, ive always had a thing for those ultra wide fields with a small nebula surrounded by a huge star field. so what type of gear head and were would i get one from

thanks

Dan

[Adamar98]

I use the manfrotto 410 geared head.

[Daniel-K]

Adam would it be possible of a few pictures of your setup?

[Daniel-K]

I use the manfrotto 410 geared head.

if that takes your TS65 my 66 is only a doublet so it should be ok

[m.tweedy]

My suggestion is the Astrotrac one because you can balance it

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/astrotrac/astrotrac-th3010-head.html

or a 410 head

http://www.parkcameras.com/931/Manfrotto-MN-410-Junior-Geared-Head.html?referrer=Froogle&gclid=CPei9puG1bYCFYXItAodpQsAow

[Adamar98]

No probs. give me a few mins to upload them.

[Digz]

A quick google search on astrotrac set up under images gets you plenty of information, such as:

http://www.365astronomy.com/new-astrotrac-tt320xag-compact-telescope-mount-w-autoguiding-with-polarscope-battery-holder-p-3284.html

[Daniel-K]

i think i will go for the 410 but whats the ball head needed for?

[Digz]

Have a look at the image in my link above. The ball head would be used between the astrotrac and camera etc.

[Daniel-K]

tripod http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-vanguard-alta-pro-263at-aluminium-tripod-and-sbh-100-ball-head/p1521408

geared head http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-manfrotto-410-junior-geared-head/p10890?cm_mmc=googlebase-extension-_-tripod-heads-_-3-way-and-pan-tilt-heads-_-manfrotto-410-junior-geared-head_10890&utm_source=googlebase-extension&gclid=cp7rr-mi1bycfzmqtaodlfsapq

ball head http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-giottos-mh1300-621-series-ii-ball-head/p1025892

would these be ok?

[Adamar98]

I can't upload my pics. I have no idea how to upload them from my iPad?

[m.tweedy]

I really struggled (then gave up) trying to use a ball head on the astrotrac with a telescope (or even long lens) because it was a nightmare trying to aim the scope then keep it still to lock it in position. with the geared head it is easier but impossible to balance the 66 properly hence the reason for the astrotrac head. once balanced you just move it a bit like a giro mount then lock it when you are in the right place.

again i would not get the recommended vixen head as the screw marks the dovetails

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/astrotrac/vixen-type-saddle-for-astrotrac-th3010-head-.html

instead i would use a none marring one such as an adm

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/adm-guidescope-rings-and-systems/adm-vixen-style-saddle.html

[Digz]

Why not get the manfrotto tripod and ball head advertised on FLO, its cheaper?

[m.tweedy]

the big question is how light do you want the setup as the pier is brilliant BUT not airline friendly

that is why i got a carbon fibre tripod for travel abroad and the pier for when i use the car

[Daniel-K]

Why not get the manfrotto tripod and ball head advertised on FLO, its cheaper?

cause its out of stock

[Adamar98]

I struggled at first. I tend to aim my scope just below the object I'm imaging then tighten everything up. When I let go of the scope the weight of my camera pulls the object into view. I re-check my alignment then do a quick 30 second shot to make sure I have no trailing. The scope belongs on the heq5 but it's good to know I can put it on the astrotrac for when I get out into the country for darker skies.

[Digz]

Not on amazon it's not

[m.tweedy]

why not go straight to Richard

http://www.astrotrac.com/

[Adamar98]

Maybe have a look at this instead of the geared head?

http://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p4046_Tele-Optic-Mini-Polhoehenwiege-fuer-AstroTrac---mit-Feineinstellun.html