Upgrading my setup - need your insights :)

[BEC0MM]

Hello there,

I've been using a StarAdventurerPro mount with a Redcat51 and a sony a6000 (stock sensor) for some time. I managed to get decent shots of the easiest DSOs (orion & running man, flamme, horsehead, pleiades...) but I've felt quite limited in finding, and getting anything from feinter objects. It seems my SA is broken (main RA axis gear not engaged by the motor gears anymore, tried to disassemble & repair but couldn't fix it), so it's time to finally take this hobby a notch higher.

I'm planning to get a HEQ5 pro goto mount, and a ZWO ASI533MC cooled camera.

• I need mobility for each session, so to power the setup I'm looking at the OMEGON PowerTank 96k (12v, 26Ah). Seems this deliver stable voltage until capacity runs out. As I understand I need to make sure the battery voltage does not dip below 12v as it depletes, as it would damage the gear. I've red a lot about deep cycle marine batteries, but I don't want to risk frying the gear with a DYI solution...
• The OMEGON battery has 2x 12v car lighter sockets, and I'm unsure if the mount and camera are bundled with the right power cable. Do you have any recommendation for good reliable cables?
• I'm hesitating about getting a guidescope + zwo mini mono camera right now to ease the pain on my wallet. Do you think it will make a big difference with the 250mm Redcat51? I'm not planning on getting a bigger telescope right now... so I'm thinking I'll invest in autoguiding when I do. What do you think?

Thanks a lot for your insights!

Edited August 16, 2022 by BEC0MM

[Varavall]

3 hours ago, BEC0MM said:

I need to make sure the battery voltage does not dip below 12v

Hi

From my experience with my HEQ5 if the voltage drops to anywhere near 12v it does not function correctly. I run it at 13.5v but I do that with a mains power supply and a transformer (5A, 13.5V output). So maybe someone with experience running one from a battery can give their experiences. Apart from that the HEQ5 is very capable mount and I run it probably overloaded for those who follow the recommended loads (SW200pds, 80mm guidescope, ASI1600MM, filter wheel, electronic focuser, etc). I did the Rowan belt upgrade (very easy to do) and it tracks superbly. But for a portable mount, my back aches for you 😉

3 hours ago, BEC0MM said:

Do you have any recommendation for good reliable cables?

I made those myself from bits I bought from a well known internet retailer. I can make them to custom length, put in splitters, etc. Cheap and cheerful but does the job.

 

3 hours ago, BEC0MM said:

I'm hesitating about getting a guidescope + zwo mini mono camera

How would you be planning to use these in the wild? Take some sort of computer or dedicated device like ASIair? Depending on how long your exposures are, well more than say 15 seconds, I think you would need guiding.

That's my twopenny worth and good luck.

[BEC0MM]

Thanks for your insights Varavall!

In terms of mobility, I'm never going too far from my car. So if I can lift it onto/from my trunk I'll be okay 😅

I'll definitely upgrade with the Rowan belt drive kit at some point, good tip, I read a lot of positive comments about it.

Regarding the cables, I guess making custom ones isn't so risky so if I don't find one for the camera I'll most likely go that route 👌

Now, for the mount it does come with a 12v car lighter plug (3A fuse I believe), so I am a bit puzzled. If it needs more as you mentioned I need to revise my plan for the battery. Maybe contact SkyWatcher support to get their recommended specs?

If someone has experience about this I'm all ears 😬

Cheers!

[Varavall]

1 hour ago, BEC0MM said:

Now, for the mount it does come with a 12v car lighter plug (3A fuse I believe), so I am a bit puzzled. If it needs

A bit of further info is that the erratic behaviour was during 3 star alignment. It is possible my power source dropped voltage during the rapid slews and that messed the handset electronics. If you have a beefy battery, i.e. a heavy one, then maybe all fine. Of course it could just be my mount.

Adrian