Getting back into imaging after a long break

[Gina]

Decided to knock it on the head and play records instead.  Relax.

[DaveS]

Probably the right decision, got lots of clouds here, think I'll turn it in for the night.

[alacant]

C'mon guys. New moon. 

Here's our current EKOS TeamViewer  from brightest Benidorm. The ridiculous and the sublime!

Cheers.

[DaveS]

Yeah, new moon but can't image through clouds.

[JamesF]

Very patchy here, too.  I've decided to leave the observatory shut up and 3d print T2 spacers and bahtinov masks instead.

James

[Gina]

Can see a few stars here but need a rest...

[Gina]

Not ready for imaging anyway.  Re-wiring observatory low voltage power distribution.  Should have that done tomorrow with any luck.

[DaveS]

Yeah, going to save my energy for tomorrow. We could have clear from dusk to dawn.

[JamesF]

Just now, DaveS said:

We could have clear from dusk to dawn.

Nurse!  This man's delirious!

James

[Gina]

Ah - what's that I see?  A flock of flying pigs...

[DaveS]

Oink oink.

[Gina]

I'm getting my astro delight aurally - Gustav Holst - "The Planets". 😄

[Gina]

Dead clever how they get a full orchestra into a thin 12" disc of plastic!!

[Muzz]

Hello everyone,

First time out with the telescope in over a year - Pesky back injury and Scottish weather.

When I noticed the clear sky I was as excited as a kid at Christmas.

M31 here we come  Was going to try the new Ascom setup but will settle for Windows Remote Desktop. It’s nice to get the feeling in the hands and feet again! 

Clear skies / enjoy the music

Murray

[Gina]

Well, I'm off to bed - early night for a change - night night all...

[DaveS]

'night Gina

[Gina]

Wiring up of the power distribution box is proceeding well.  Should be ready for tonight.  The CO forecast is good - just hope it materialises..

[Gina]

I'm thinking I might change to a longer focal length lens as I seem to have covered all there is ATM with the 28mm.  Anyway, I'll make sure the power is available before playing with anything else.

[Gina]

Power Distribution Box front panel - almost finished.

[teoria_del_big_bang]

Looks great. Are the 4 Digital Readouts ammeters?

Steve

[Gina]

They are ammeters but 3 digit - ie. they read up to 9.99A.

[Gina]

Power Distribution Box is finished and working.  (Except that I've mislaid one of the fuseholder tops so charging the battery directly from the PSU.  This is relatively safe as the PSU has current limiting.)  The orange line on the box is the sun streaming in through a slightly open door.  I'm planning to make a cover for the battery with ventillation.

 

[Gina]

BTW... This is the circuit diagram.

[Gina]

Now I have the power back on, I'm going to bring the imaging rig indoors and change lenses.  The 105mm lens is of similar size to the 28mm and I thing the remote focussing arrangement will work as it is.  The difference in FOV between the 105mm f2.8 lens and the 135mm f2.5 is not all that much but the 135mm lens is much bigger physically.

This is KStars showing the relative FOV with the Cygnus Loop in the centre of the field.

[Gina]

Lens changed to the 105mm FL and focus set up on pylon on horizon about 5 miles away.  Focus gear attached to lens focus ring and stepper motor engaged.  Accuracy of focus checked by using the manual remote focus (Astroberry Focuser).  Imaging rig is now ready for taking back out to observatory.