Rowan AZ75 Mount

[Deadlake]

15 hours ago, Dek Rowan Astro said:

The control box is suitable for both AZ100 and AZ75. It is effectively the AZ100 controller but without the motor connectors.

The latest version of the AZ100 GOTO firmware has a DSC option in the config, so you could actually use the AZ100 GOTO controller as a DSC on say a AZ75.

We're just about to put the DSC version of the controller on the web site, should see it there next week.

ATB

Derek

I was wondering if the Rowan control box could be extended to host FinderPi plate solving.

Seeing as the control box looks like a Raspberry Pi and things has moved on, this open source project allows for plate solving on a RaspPi

https://github.com/brickbots/PiFinder

I was thinking if the software runs on a Pi and could be hosted in the AZ control box all that is needed is either a hand controller with a screen or maybe the Rowan planetarium software is extended  to support plate solving feature. 

The main trick is a camera and gyroscope needs to be added and connected to the controller box via a cable.

The up shot is push to with plate solving and hopefully no need for encoders. On the AZ1100 it could hopefully drive the motors.

No need to level the mount precisely or realign at all if the scope/mount is moved around the garden....

Could we have plate solving running on the control box is the question?

[Dek Rowan Astro]

13 hours ago, Deadlake said:

I was wondering if the Rowan control box could be extended to host FinderPi plate solving.
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Could we have plate solving running on the control box is the question?

"Could we have plate solving running on the control box is the question?" Most likely no.

'Could FinderPi send alt az position and GOTO command to the AZ100 controller?', yes. This is what the Nexus DSC does.

I read on CN someone had connected ASAir to the AZ100 via wifi for plate solving using the LX200 protocol. We're looking at  enabling the RS232 port to accept LX200 commands.

[Alan White]

And just to show its not all Refractor mounting, here are my two 150mm Newtonians on the AZ75.

[Ratlet]

9 minutes ago, Alan White said:

And just to show its not all Refractor mounting, here are my two 150mm Newtonians on the AZ75.

Love slow mo control on an alt az mounted newt.  Feels like you're giving the tube a cuddle.

[Alan White]

@Ratlet the AZ75 has no slow motions, it does not need them.
But let's not re-open that painful debate.

[mikeDnight]

28 minutes ago, Alan White said:

And just to show its not all Refractor mounting, here are my two 150mm Newtonians on the AZ75.

Looks great Alan. You must have the best mounted 6" reflectors on SGL. You could argue of course, that if a scope uses eyepieces, it's still a refractor. ☺️ 

[RobertI]

39 minutes ago, Alan White said:

And just to show its not all Refractor mounting, here are my two 150mm Newtonians on the AZ75.

Very nice Alan, the OO looks particularly good on that mount 

[Stephenstargazer]

On the AZ75 that must be just like pushing a small dob around, very natural and potentially even smoother. Even easier eyepiece position so I can feel a Newtonian coming on.......... 😈. Just need one more good reason.

Edited March 31 by Stephenstargazer

[Ratlet]

5 minutes ago, Stephenstargazer said:

On the AZ75 that must be just like pushing a small dob around, very natural and potentially even smoother. Even easier eyepiece position so I can feel a Newtonian coming on.......... 😈. Just need one more good reason.

Hope you're not coming down with Aperture Fever.  There is only one cure...

[Stephenstargazer]

10 hours ago, Ratlet said:

Hope you're not coming down with Aperture Fever. 

No, not really, I have been up to 14" and returned. My f/9 8"cat is enough. However a light 6" f/5 reflector would be a nice widefield to push around on AZ75, easier than a 125mm reffractor in several ways, including wallet.

[Alan White]

Both 150’s work well on the AZ75, it’s a very natural fit.

As suggested very smooth and very Dob like, but the f5 sits higher than a Dob would, the f8 is a standing at mostly set up.
Both super smooth, both can use the encoders in the mount and very comfortable in use.

Both scopes are super mirrors and present very good images, both split doubles well and conditioned depending can deliver high power as target demand, this is also a reflection on the mounts quality and ability as all push for tracking.

This set up feels very natural and is easy on my back.

[Alan White]

Oh and @Stephenstargazer, why need any more reasons to give a Newtonian a go on your AZ75?

The mount is equally as good in this set up as with a refractor.

[Stephenstargazer]

@Alan WhiteThe telescope count is meant to be static pending house move! In fact quite a lot may need to go into storage. Thanks for encouragement,  6" Newton sounds a natural with the 75 !  

Viewing positions (at my age) will be much easier than my long departed truss dob, amazing though its views were. A low tripod and adjustable chair beckon 🙂. My telescope   journey nearly started with a 6" Newtonian, but I chose a compact Maksutov for 'convenience' and I wonder how that may have affected subsequent choices.

(Excuse temporary deviation from topic)

Edited April 1 by Stephenstargazer