My first attempt on Mars, Dob on equatorial platform

[starsmydest]

Just picking an old hobby and venture into new territory! 

I had my skywatcher 200p DOB for 7 years now, it was really nice for observing. I have never really done any imaging as the light pollution is really bad.  But  Last month I got a nice deal on a ASI 290MC. After a few failed attempt on drift method. I gave up and decided to build an equatorial platform.  

Thanks for @westmarch great post on DIY equatorial platform , I managed to do it without trouble. and it works as a treat in keeping Mars on the tiny imaging sensor!

 

So last night I gave it a go with ASI 290MC on Mars,  I got a TV powermate 2x but I guess I probably can have a 3x or 2.5x for larger image. 

unfortunately it is not the best time for planet imaging I suppose, but this is what I got last night. 

I think it is a whole new experience, I found it is really tricky to get the object on the sensor, maybe my finder scope need to be aligned better. 

It was never a big issue using eyepieces, as you can use a  low power one then adjust, switch to the higher power ones.  with camera like ASI290MC it is really tricky! I had to refocus when camera is attached and that doesn't help either.

anyway, here is what I got

 

Skywatcher 200P DOB on DIY equatorial platform

TV POWERMATE 2X

ASI 290MC

 

Clear nights!