New to imaging after a few years lay off

[Richard_]

I may have missed, but I didn't see a recommendation for an auto focuser. 

If you're going the ASIair route, your only choice will be the ZWO EAF.

If you're going the mini-pc route, there's a lot more options since you can use any brand. I've tried a couple of different auto focusers and my favourite so far has been the pegasus focusers cube v2. There is a new v3 available, but I haven't used this version so cannot comment on the differences. 

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/zwo-accessories/zwo-electronic-automatic-focuser-eaf-5v.html

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/pegasus-astro/pegasus-astro-focus-cube-v3.html

[Adam J]

1 minute ago, Richard_ said:

I may have missed, but I didn't see a recommendation for an auto focuser. 

If you're going the ASIair route, your only choice will be the ZWO EAF.

If you're going the mini-pc route, there's a lot more options since you can use any brand. I've tried a couple of different auto focusers and my favourite so far has been the pegasus focusers cube v2. There is a new v3 available, but I haven't used this version so cannot comment on the differences. 

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/zwo-accessories/zwo-electronic-automatic-focuser-eaf-5v.html

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/pegasus-astro/pegasus-astro-focus-cube-v3.html

Yes I have a V1 and a V2 Pegasus focus cube. 

Adam

[Elp]

EAF hasn't been recommended because it isn't a necessary purchase. I've used various scope setups and camera lenses at different fast f ratios and never needed one. The focus routine in the asiair provides good enough feedback to focus manually.

[DaveG64]

Thanks guys most helpful I must admit you persuaded me to go down the mini pc route has it has open end ability to it I think I would go for the beelink mini pc plus the deep sky dad power hub that way in the future I can run a Pegasus focus cube or maybe another make . I’ve ordered the Starfield 80 mm apo suggested by Adam J so would the Pegasus fit . Also would anyone be able to run me through how you would connect the cables from the mini pc to the deep sky dad and the various components to the power and mini pc , it would the Mount camera guide camera and would the deep sky dad take dew heaters . Sorry for the lots of questions but I’m not really tech savvy lol 

[Adam J]

10 hours ago, DaveG64 said:

Thanks guys most helpful I must admit you persuaded me to go down the mini pc route has it has open end ability to it I think I would go for the beelink mini pc plus the deep sky dad power hub that way in the future I can run a Pegasus focus cube or maybe another make . I’ve ordered the Starfield 80 mm apo suggested by Adam J so would the Pegasus fit . Also would anyone be able to run me through how you would connect the cables from the mini pc to the deep sky dad and the various components to the power and mini pc , it would the Mount camera guide camera and would the deep sky dad take dew heaters . Sorry for the lots of questions but I’m not really tech savvy lol 

Interesting question of the dew heaters, I cut the connectors off mine and changed them to 2.1mm connectors like on. the deep sky dad stuff..you can also get some that can be powered by  USB as available on the Deep sky dad power box. Quite a few are available on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Telescope-Temperature-Regulator-Condensation-Astrophotography/dp/B0BHNNG5FF/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=1EOOF22J3CXZB&keywords=usb+dew+heater&qid=1704675155&sprefix=isb+dew+heager%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-3

 

but the better option is to use this:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-cables-leads-accessories/lynx-astro-21mm-dc-male-to-rca-plug-for-dew-controller.html

with this type (check size) but should be right for your scope. 

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/dew-prevention/lynx-astro-30cm-dew-heater-strap-for-3-telescopes.html

 

Yes the Pegasus should fit the gear 80.

The deep sky dad is just power distribution. One 12-13.8volt input, place it on the scope and the the rest of the jacks are outputs. 2.1mm are 12volts and the USB will supply 5volts, to be clear it's not a USB hub, you may need one of those too. If you put the mini pc on the top plate the you don't need a USB hub just plug directly to the PC. 

So (12 -13.8 volt power supply) to (Deep Sky Dad Power hub) to (Camera / Dew Heaters / Mini PC / Mount / Focuser etc). 

You will want a 12volt 10amp supply if you don't have one already. Don't cheap out on it...

Adam

 

Edited January 8 by Adam J

[DaveG64]

Adam J decided to go with a Astro Gadget Astro pc pro after seeing a review by Cuiv the lazy geek on you tube looks like a nice bit of kit . It's got its own hotspot and has a power hub too so I'll see how that goes , looks easy to set up and control equipment through as you can do that via iPad/tablet or phone