StarAid Revolution - any user feedback

[stevebb]

Good morning everyone, hope everyone is keeping well through this madness !

I am wondering if anyone has any "hands on" experience with the StarAid Revolution. I have done a search on SGL and only see Erling GP as a possible user and I have to say, his results are outstanding.  

I have an observatory in North Yorks and hoping to go semi-retired this year then devote more time to astronomy together with STEM conducting  more "live streaming" events. At the moment, polar alignment is good but I do have to perform plate solving regularly (even after a 2 star alignment). Doing this while live streaming when jumping from object to object while educational, still interrupts the flow. Having something that will auto-plate solve, compensate, then begin multi-star guiding sounds absolutely ideal. Coupled with the added bonus as an ideal portable solution is just the icing on the cake. However, I am not actually seeing many user reviews even browsing t'interweb !!

Now I know it is expensive and I know there are lots of experts on here that achieve the above with cheaper solutions. I love Sharpcap but I am backing off the CCD/CMOS approach as most of the hobbyists/clubs I give talks to only have DSLR's. And providing teaching/guidance on a common platform without them rushing out to get specialised gear means less grief from their partners. I have also looked "only briefly" at NINA which looks incredible but sadly, I do need to capture planetary targets also and I appreciate NINA was not designed for Planetary/Lunar/Solar in mind.

I have also noticed a "Revision B" has come out slightly cheaper.

Everyone has different paths and expectations and in theory, this looks the ideal solution for my situation so may I ask that any feedback/advise is based on actual user experience rather than on the feasibility. 

Thanks again,

Steve
 

[Cornelius Varley]

Another thread here

Will this new camera revolotionize the astro photography? - Discussions - Cameras - Stargazers Lounge

[stevebb]

Thanks Peter, I'm in email discussion with the chap now ... he is looking for a UK dealer but having had a positive experience with every UK astro shop I have bought from I would struggle to suggest one inparticular  lol

That said, I have suggested a couple with  FLO being top - if anyone from FLO is reading this then  "Pieter"  will be in touch.

 

 

Edited January 26, 2021 by stevebb
adding FLO as point of contact !

[Erling G-P]

Hi Steve,

Sorry, haven't frequented the forum as actively lately, so have only just seen your post.  You've seen some of my images already - thanks for the kind comments!  I have been very happy with the StarAid so far - it practically is plug-n-play once setup with focus - I just hook up the cables and it auto calibrates and starts guiding.  While it guides, I can watch the graphs on my phone, inside too, so have an idea whether all is well.

I have not guided the 'traditional way', so can't say how it compares to that.  My only other guide attempts were made with a Synguider2, which I gave up on as the tiny LCD display was just too difficult to use.

The polar alignment feature I have not been succesful with yet, but is probably due to user error.  The power supply is a flimsy little thing, only intended for 'indoor use', which seems a bit silly and cheap for a premium price product which will exclusively be used outdoors.  So far I haven't had any problems using it though.   My only other gripe is that I was given the distinct impression (but no promise), that extra features like dithering and camera control might be added later, possibly via a dongle.  It now appears that you will instead need the 'Revision B' for that, something I won't deny is a big disappointment, but should be a nonissue in your case. 

Cheers,

Erling

[stevebb]

Erling, many thanks indeed for your reply .... I did have a brief chat online with the developer as he was looking for a UK supplier. I have provided him with a few contacts including of course FLO.

 I know it is quite expensive but I do like the simplistic approach as it is something that will fit right in with live-streaming. Only down side will be the customs duties and shipping costs as Pieter suggests himself.

Not sure if he would accept visitors but once our current madness is over, it would be cheaper to fly over and pick it up  lol

Really appreciate your reply Erling and yes, your photographs look incredible 

 

Steve

[Erling G-P]

You're very welcome Steve; I'm happy and humbled that you like my photos

Sounds quite absurd that it would be cheaper to pick it up in person, but Brexit has certainly complicated things in some regards.  I buy a lot of books in English, and have bought several items from FLO & other UK suppliers, but with customs processing fees of £20 + VAT of 25%, I'm now wondering where to source things from. 

 

Cheers,

Erling