smokin oakum
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/24/07
Posts: 1506
Loc: Wilmington, NC
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All the other forums have a place to do this. Why not us? I don't have my camera yet, but I will post a picture as soon as I get it. This will also allow people see different ways to place monitors, and other thing used along with the types of telescopes used.
Neil
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Broadcasting live views of the night sky @
Sparkcast
C11 CGE / Hyperstar
MallinCam Hyper Plus Color
Orion 12" XTi f/4.9
MoonLite Focuser
Round Table Platform
12" Parralax rings
Cape Fear Astronomy Club
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 16287
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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Yep, and I'll "sticky" it at the top!! Provide pix and they'll be here...
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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smokin oakum
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/24/07
Posts: 1506
Loc: Wilmington, NC
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Quote:
Yep, and I'll "sticky" it at the top!! Provide pix and they'll be here...
Thanks Randy!
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Broadcasting live views of the night sky @
Sparkcast
C11 CGE / Hyperstar
MallinCam Hyper Plus Color
Orion 12" XTi f/4.9
MoonLite Focuser
Round Table Platform
12" Parralax rings
Cape Fear Astronomy Club
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 16287
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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  At your service...
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
Edited by RandyR (12/12/07 10:48 PM)
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kent
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/16/06
Posts: 825
Loc: P.E.I. Canada
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Well this is the best I can do under these conditions 
But look at the fun I'll have when the weather clears up 
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Kent
Orion 100mm ED
Skywatcher 8" Newt
Skywatcher 10" Newt
Orion 20X80 Giant Veiw bino's
and a few other goodies
And in my possession(for the time being)
LX200R 14" behemoth
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kent
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/16/06
Posts: 825
Loc: P.E.I. Canada
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And a close up:
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Kent
Orion 100mm ED
Skywatcher 8" Newt
Skywatcher 10" Newt
Orion 20X80 Giant Veiw bino's
and a few other goodies
And in my possession(for the time being)
LX200R 14" behemoth
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 16287
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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Which system is that?
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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midway199
super member
Reged: 04/21/04
Posts: 108
Loc: Illinois
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Here's the humble beginning to my indoor control room.  I'll be observing inside with the scope sitting outside (duh!) and eventually, the scope will be in a dog house that flips off when I'm ready to observe.
The clunker equipment includes laptops for scope control, star charts, internet image lookups, and musical ambiance. A PC with CRT monitor is used for image capture, and the 12" b/w monitor is primary observing screen. I use a program called Synergy to share a keyboard and mouse across all systems. The Little People "Fill-n-Go!" garage is for keeping me occupied between exposures. 
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Matthew Sherman
StellaCam 3
Celestron NexStar 11 @ f/3.3
Starmaster 12.5"
Starmaster 18"
Tom Osypowski Equatorial Platform
Butterfield East Video Observatory
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midway199
super member
Reged: 04/21/04
Posts: 108
Loc: Illinois
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Here's the newest addition, a NexStar 11 with the StellaCam 3.
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Matthew Sherman
StellaCam 3
Celestron NexStar 11 @ f/3.3
Starmaster 12.5"
Starmaster 18"
Tom Osypowski Equatorial Platform
Butterfield East Video Observatory
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kent
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/16/06
Posts: 825
Loc: P.E.I. Canada
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Quote:
Which system is that?
Sorry about that.  It's the older version Mallincam Hyper Color. Which I've not yet become familiar with. Attached to a Meade LX200R 14". And all the talk about high resolution monitors and all I have used so far is a old 12" RCA T.V. 
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Kent
Orion 100mm ED
Skywatcher 8" Newt
Skywatcher 10" Newt
Orion 20X80 Giant Veiw bino's
and a few other goodies
And in my possession(for the time being)
LX200R 14" behemoth
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Astro Sky
Vendor (Astro Sky)
Reged: 05/06/06
Posts: 324
Loc: Lake Charles,La. USA
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Celestron 11 & Orion 100mm refractor on CI-700 Eq. mount.
B/W MallinCam PRO ULTRA upgraded 2.1 to 56 sec. with peltier cooler and wires remote control.Radio Shack 9" DVD player ,also DVD recorder.
James G.
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Paul Milligan
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/03/06
Posts: 1241
Loc: 54°12.0' N; 4°25' W
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There are some real nice setups here.
Here are a few photos of my rig.
Takahashi Epsilon 160 Astrograph
GStar-EX CCD Integrating Video Camera
DigitalMedia MP4 Recorder.
Keep the photos coming!
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Tak Epsilon 160 / 16 Inch Custom Truss Dob
WO FLT-110 [TEC] APO / WO Megrez 80FD APO
EQ6 Pro / Canon Rebel XTi / QHY5 / GSTAR-EX
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http://www.eyetotheuniverse.com
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Paul Milligan
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/03/06
Posts: 1241
Loc: 54°12.0' N; 4°25' W
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Side on View
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Tak Epsilon 160 / 16 Inch Custom Truss Dob
WO FLT-110 [TEC] APO / WO Megrez 80FD APO
EQ6 Pro / Canon Rebel XTi / QHY5 / GSTAR-EX
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http://www.eyetotheuniverse.com
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JAT Observatory
Got Cookies?
Reged: 02/20/05
Posts: 7153
Loc: Eastern PA
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This camera does duty as an electronic finder. It is a Mallincam attached to a modified Stellarvue F50 finder. The finder is attached to a 10" SCT OTA.
Heres is my video camera that actually gets the most use. It is a GStar-EX B&W that has a 2.6mm lens attached. It use to monitor where the scope is pointing and where the dome's slit is. It is attached to the side of a SV102APO.
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-Marcus
Earth is the insane asylum for the universe!
http://www.jatobservatory.org
Domed, 12" LX200R on a Paramount ME - currently mothballed.
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Snaproll
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/20/04
Posts: 3852
Loc: Wisconsin
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Very nice pictures!
I went the "bottom feeder" route a couple times. I used VNC via wireless to control my laptop out by the scope which was running autostar and an LPI, from the ancient PC in my office. Kinda funny thinking that the scope was about 50 feet away, yet the computer control was going miles and miles to some server, who knows where, back to my router and then broadcast to my laptop out in the cold... while I was inside toasty warm.
Like I say, a bottom feeder application, but it worked, I could see and image Saturn remotely and control the scope 
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-Jim-
Happiness is a clear sky and a Denk II
old AP images and some new C14 Hyperstar images
Edited by Snaproll (12/13/07 10:29 AM)
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AstroTasmania
member
Reged: 12/12/07
Posts: 14
Loc: Tasmania Australia
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Hi,
Here is a link to what I was able to do because I had a suitable video system. I was able to broadcast via the Discovery Channel, the total lunar eclipse 28th August, live as it happened together with two other widely separated observatories, to the rest of the world. Follow the link and follow each hyper link for the full story.And how The Imaging Source in Germany, sponsored my part by donating a 1/2" colour firewire camera.
http://www.astronomycamerasblog.com/2007/08/27/total-lunar-eclipse-on-discovery-science-channel-tv/
Eventually, a DVD will be produced of the entire project.
Links to various albums which show many of my video / telescope systems:
http://picasaweb.google.com/AstroTasmania
Clear skies...
Shevill
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Shevill Mathers
Southern Cross Observatory-42 South.
Observatories,Scopes & Equipment see:
http://www.apstas.com/astrotas/mathers/smathers.htm
http://picasaweb.google.com/AstroTasmania
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Douglas
Vendor - Night Vision Astronomy
Reged: 05/21/07
Posts: 323
Loc: Pound Ridge, NY
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12.5" Obsession with ArgoNavis, ServoCat, Wireless 232 Starry Night Pro, Wireless Video Transmission transmitting to 50" plasma in living room, WATEC Monitor on Upper Tube Assembly ... I'm Lovin It !!!
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Night Vision Astronomy
Stepping Stone Observatory
BIPH Image Intensified Binoviewer
Obsession 12.5" AN/SC
Tak FSQ-106 EDX2 & EM-200 Temma II
QSI 532wsg CCD & SX Lodestar Guide Camera
MallinCam Hyper Plus Color
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Douglas
Vendor - Night Vision Astronomy
Reged: 05/21/07
Posts: 323
Loc: Pound Ridge, NY
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Here's M27 on the 50" Plasma in the Living Room
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Night Vision Astronomy
Stepping Stone Observatory
BIPH Image Intensified Binoviewer
Obsession 12.5" AN/SC
Tak FSQ-106 EDX2 & EM-200 Temma II
QSI 532wsg CCD & SX Lodestar Guide Camera
MallinCam Hyper Plus Color
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JimW
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/31/04
Posts: 696
Loc: Mansfield, Texas
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WOW! What kind of skies are you dealing with? If you tell me suburban light pollution, it could cost me a lot of money (after Christmas).
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Jim Walsh
18" Obsession UC #1 AN/SC
SV90T (Stardust Blue)
DM-6 mount (on order)
PST
Leupold Wind River 8x42
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midway199
super member
Reged: 04/21/04
Posts: 108
Loc: Illinois
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Douglas, can you describe your wireless video setup? Particularly how you position the transmitter and receiver to get a clean signal? I purchased one from B&H recently and was not impressed, so I decided to return it.
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Matthew Sherman
StellaCam 3
Celestron NexStar 11 @ f/3.3
Starmaster 12.5"
Starmaster 18"
Tom Osypowski Equatorial Platform
Butterfield East Video Observatory
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Douglas
Vendor - Night Vision Astronomy
Reged: 05/21/07
Posts: 323
Loc: Pound Ridge, NY
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Jim, you're gonna hate me ... that shot was during an almost full moon! And ... it was my first shot with the camera!!
Matthew: I purchased the wireless video transmitter/receiver from www.vfmstore.com and purchased optional high gain antenna but often I use the small stock antenna with no problem. I am sending the signal about 40 feet, to my living room. The signal goes through the exterior wall of the house but I also have a window and keep the receiver near the window. There isn't direct line of sight but the transmission is still strong and stable. I have used the system without having the receiver near the window and it still works. You can order the transmitter/receiver on a 2.4 or 1.2 Ghz signal.
I hate the cold but love the winter targets, this is the way to go when it's too cold out there.
- Doug
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Night Vision Astronomy
Stepping Stone Observatory
BIPH Image Intensified Binoviewer
Obsession 12.5" AN/SC
Tak FSQ-106 EDX2 & EM-200 Temma II
QSI 532wsg CCD & SX Lodestar Guide Camera
MallinCam Hyper Plus Color
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MikeML
sage
Reged: 10/09/04
Posts: 216
Loc: NJ
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Here's my Watec 120N set up as a guide camera on a William Optics 66SD. I feed the video into my laptop with a generic video to USB converter even though I was given a B&W CRT with the camera. The CRT is just too much bulk to haul around.
I've used the camera for guiding, out reach and to capture some images (just to show what it can do).
It's a fun piece of equipment.
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Mike
CGE 1100
TV 85
FLT-110
Maxscope 40
Megrez 80, etc., etc.
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Gord
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 01/06/04
Posts: 850
Loc: Toronto, ON, Canada
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Here's an old picture of my MallinCam Pro (B&W) in action one frosty November evening a couple years ago. Mars was the target at the time if I recall correctly.
It's really cool to see video astro start to be discovered by so many people (and get it's own place on the forum too!)!! I've had a lot of fun in the almost 4 years I've been using mine, and I'm still on ancient tech compared to what is available today.
If anyone is interested in seeing the various things I've done with mine (using various different scopes), have a look in the photos section of the forums here:
http://www.cloudynights.com/photopost/showgallery.php?ppuser=2069&cat=500
Some really cool looking setups you guys all have BTW!
Cheers,
-Gord
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Gord
- Celestron C10/Normand Fullum/MoonLite/ProtoStar/Antares
- Tasco 11TR/Normand Fullum/JMI/ProtoStar
- IStar 6" F10 (Build in progress!)
- SkyWatcher 80ED
- Celestron CG5a, Antares EQ5, UniStar Lite, EQ2
- Burgess 15x70, Nikon Action IV 10x50
- PST, Orion StarBlast, Apex 102, MallinCam's, and some EP's with green lettering
... and an understanding wife 
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 16287
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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Is that ice and frost on your scope?
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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kent
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 02/16/06
Posts: 825
Loc: P.E.I. Canada
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Welcome to Cloudy Nights Shevill! Great video of the eclipse! Boy looks like you have your hands full there in that picture. Could you give us a rundown on all your toys there? Is that a fork mounted square reflector?  Like I said glad you could join us here at C-N
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Kent
Orion 100mm ED
Skywatcher 8" Newt
Skywatcher 10" Newt
Orion 20X80 Giant Veiw bino's
and a few other goodies
And in my possession(for the time being)
LX200R 14" behemoth
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Gord
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 01/06/04
Posts: 850
Loc: Toronto, ON, Canada
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Yes Randy, *extremely* heavy frost, and this was only by late evening.
This was from when I was living in Ottawa and the area seems to suffer from pretty high humidity, even in the colder months. Part of the reason it feels so cold there I think. In summer this would have just been a dewy night, but with the temps below freezing, you get frost. Really heavy frost.
I believe this was the same night as I was looking for Mars' moons (see my thread on planets for what it looked like).
-Gord
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Gord
- Celestron C10/Normand Fullum/MoonLite/ProtoStar/Antares
- Tasco 11TR/Normand Fullum/JMI/ProtoStar
- IStar 6" F10 (Build in progress!)
- SkyWatcher 80ED
- Celestron CG5a, Antares EQ5, UniStar Lite, EQ2
- Burgess 15x70, Nikon Action IV 10x50
- PST, Orion StarBlast, Apex 102, MallinCam's, and some EP's with green lettering
... and an understanding wife
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rodelaet
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/28/06
Posts: 3064
Loc: 50°56' N - 4°58' E (Belgium)
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Hi folks,
It's great to have a specific forum for these tools. Thanks to the admins for the support!!
I have a Watec 120N.
Here is a picture of my set-up. Don't laugh! It's a little 50mm finder modified for the camera. It provides great widefield views.
Here is a link to my site where are a few shots with a 6mm lens, a 50mm lens and an ETX 105. Some shots with the Watec 120N.
I use the 50mm lens as a reference for my visual 4 inch observations. The 50mm Watec combo goes deeper than my 4 inch scope visually.
Clear skies,
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Rony
My Astronomical Sketches
My Binocular Sketches
Callibrate your Monitor with this little strip.
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AstroTasmania
member
Reged: 12/12/07
Posts: 14
Loc: Tasmania Australia
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Hi Kent,
The main scope is a homebuilt fork mounted 12" f/5 Newtonian with drives on RA & DEC plus digital setting circles to Argo Navis and a laptop running Starry Night Pro Plus. it is one in a line of experimental designs, which are a test bed for a fork mounted 16" under construction.
Mounted on the square tube is a varied collection of other scopes, which get changed around from time to time.
I use Moonlite CR-1 Focuser's on several of my scopes, the 12", Meade SN-10, SW 150mm f/8 refractor, Tak Mewlon 210 with a Mathers mod adapter, & a 16" f/4.5 Newtonian under construction, they are all motorised for manual & electronic PC control.
Essentially: on one side is a WO Megrez 80SD (or a Megrez 90 APO) used with a Coronado 40 BF10 H-alpha system or as a guide scope. Next is a Tak FS-102 with home made motorised focuser, used for various- but often for white light solar with a Herschel Solar Wedge. Next is a Sky Watcher 102 f/10 achromatic fitted with a Baader Mark IV Ha-alpha Solar Coronograph, used visually or with either DSLR's, Video or Firewire cams. A 7" LCD monitor takes 2 video finder feeds, wide angle & narrow angle. Switch from wide to narrow.
Main 12" scope always has a camera on it of some sort, I rarely use any of my scopes visually.
The focuser & diagonal are mounted on a sliding plate to allow use of focal reducers to get me down to around f/1.3.
I need to swap to a larger diagonal when doing this.
And the smaller diagonal is used when doing planetary with the Televue 2" 4 x Powermate, racked out away from the mirror.
On the opposite side to balance the whole assembly is either a Tak Mewlon 210, for solar system objects, or a SW 6" F/8 achromat.
There are various computers for image acquisition video & still, plus a Casablanca DVD AVIO PC with a 500GB drive as a dedicated video capture & editor, which I can connect to a PC and export/import various image/video files to make complete movies. With this AVIO, I can do all sorts of video enhancements/effects, speed up a 3-hour eclipse to only 2 minutes and the list is endless.
OK, that is the gear in the 4-metre rotating observatory.
I am building a new smaller obs of my own design, to take my BIG Alhena GEM with a Tak E180ED f/2.8 astrograph, Meade SN-10 and the Tak Mewlon 210. The pier can be raised & lowered to get ow down horizon views when needed.Driven with a Astro FS2 controller, it also has twin high res shaft encoders to connect to the Argo Navis for a push to for quick all sky views for visitors.
Lastly, I have a little EQ6 as my portable mount which has a selection of scopes/cameras etc, ( SW shortened 4" f/5 with Denkmeier bino's & a PST for quick a look see at the sun before opening up the main dome. This sits on our front patio. I am setting it up with EQMOD to drive directly from a laptop and Starry Night pro Plus 6, a much better solution that the V3xx hand paddle. A Star NX-1 GPS (Chris Carson in Canada)slots into the PC and links to EQMOD.
As associate editor for SKY & SPACE Magazine, a lot of my 'spare' time is taken up with it and associated projects.
Clear skies...
--------------------
Shevill Mathers
Southern Cross Observatory-42 South.
Observatories,Scopes & Equipment see:
http://www.apstas.com/astrotas/mathers/smathers.htm
http://picasaweb.google.com/AstroTasmania
Edited by AstroTasmania (12/15/07 07:11 PM)
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Jack Huerkamp
Vendor - Waning Moon
Reged: 10/13/05
Posts: 698
Loc: Louisiana
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Neil,
Here is a picture of my rig at New Mexico Skies in June of 2005. It shows my 17.5" AstroSystems TeleKit with self-contained 26 AH battery box and carry-along table for Laptop and DVD Player. The laptop is now moved off to the side as I use AirCables and SkyTools to control the ServoCAT positioning. The DVD player now sits where the laptop in the picture was and other "stuff" occupies the DVD player tray. I have cleaned up the wiring somewhat by velcoring it to the truss tubes under the shroud. I also have added a Watec-35 3.5" LCD right next to the FeatherTouch focuser to aid in focusing and menu selection. It provides the best live images of any device I have used to date. It is small at 3.5", and that is why I also have a second monitor on the table for others to look at. The camera in the picture is a MallinCam PRO DOB B&W (an older camera with no cooling and limited to 2.1 second integrations). With this setup, I was able to see all 5 galaxies in Hickson 50 while at New Mexico Skies - down to magnitude 20.
Jack
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Orion ED80
Astro-Tech 102EDF
Celestron 6SE with HyperStar
Celestron 6" f/8 Refractor
8" Newtonian/Cassegrain on Byers 812 Mount
Classic C-8
Celestron 11" CPC 100 with HyperStar
17.5" AstroSystems TeleKit
Life Member and ALCOR - PAS New Orleans
 Waning Moon II Observatory
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smokin oakum
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/24/07
Posts: 1506
Loc: Wilmington, NC
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Jack, That really IS one tricked out telescope. I really like the table on the back of the scope for anything you might be using that night.
Clear skies, and keep in touch!
Neil  
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Broadcasting live views of the night sky @
Sparkcast
C11 CGE / Hyperstar
MallinCam Hyper Plus Color
Orion 12" XTi f/4.9
MoonLite Focuser
Round Table Platform
12" Parralax rings
Cape Fear Astronomy Club
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Jack Huerkamp
Vendor - Waning Moon
Reged: 10/13/05
Posts: 698
Loc: Louisiana
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Allen at AstroSystems says it is a TeleKit that no longer looks like one. I wanted to be able to carry everything on the scope. The battery on the front of the rocker offsets the weight of the table and its contents and is capable of powering the MallinCam, Watec-35, ServoCAT, Argo Navis, AIrCables and the secondary dew heater all night long.
Jack
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Orion ED80
Astro-Tech 102EDF
Celestron 6SE with HyperStar
Celestron 6" f/8 Refractor
8" Newtonian/Cassegrain on Byers 812 Mount
Classic C-8
Celestron 11" CPC 100 with HyperStar
17.5" AstroSystems TeleKit
Life Member and ALCOR - PAS New Orleans
Waning Moon II Observatory
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1093
Loc: Utah
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Jack;
Any pictures of your C6-R setup? Too, how did you attach the 6.3 focal reducer to this scope? I'm just about ready to get on the waiting list, but still don't know which scope to use. I really like the refractor with the Atlas mount, but the LX200 might be an easier setup. Since I see you have both these scopes, which to you prefer, not counting that beautiful Dob.
Bill
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Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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Jack Huerkamp
Vendor - Waning Moon
Reged: 10/13/05
Posts: 698
Loc: Louisiana
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Bill,
Years ago, I had a machinist friend make me the two parts needed to adapt the Celestron f/6.3 FR to the 2" drawtube on my 6" refractor. You can now buy them for a lot less money from Scope Stuff.
http://www.scopestuff.com/ss_taep.htm
http://www.scopestuff.com/ss_adt2.htm
Buy one of each and place the f/6.3 FR in the middle. You can now slip the 2" male end into the focuser and place a 2: dagonal in the other end - and your scope will now be f/5.
Jack
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Orion ED80
Astro-Tech 102EDF
Celestron 6SE with HyperStar
Celestron 6" f/8 Refractor
8" Newtonian/Cassegrain on Byers 812 Mount
Classic C-8
Celestron 11" CPC 100 with HyperStar
17.5" AstroSystems TeleKit
Life Member and ALCOR - PAS New Orleans
Waning Moon II Observatory
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1093
Loc: Utah
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Jack-Thanks, thought I read that ScopeStuff had such an adapter, but could never find it.
Bill
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Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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Sky Captain
Metal Whisperer
Reged: 11/07/04
Posts: 7774
Loc: Issaquah, WA.
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Quote:
I really like the refractor with the Atlas mount, but the LX200 might be an easier setup.
Bill, the ScopeStuff adapters are the ones I use with my F6.3 FR on my Celestron 6" refractor. Here is a picture of mine that might help. I install mine directly into the focuser and then the diagonal...works great and comes to focus.
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12" Lightbridge : SC 8" f4 : 12.5" f2.35 Astrograph : TAL RS 4" f10 : WO EZT : Atlas EQ6
35 & 22 Panoptic : 14 & 8.8 Meade UWA : 8 to 12 Speers Variable : Antares 1.6x Barlow
Kerry
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Sky Captain
Metal Whisperer
Reged: 11/07/04
Posts: 7774
Loc: Issaquah, WA.
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Here is a photo of the AVS I took to last years Mt St. Helens Star Party. The camera used was the SuperCircuits PC164C-EX mounted behind the 4" F1.8 lens. The monitor is an LCD 7" TFT. I wanted to finally test this setup at a dark sky site. Orion showed up pretty well, Andromeda was a little weak, but no other DSO's showed up. This camera kills on the planets, moon, and the sun though, and that's on my longer FL refractors and 10" SCT.
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12" Lightbridge : SC 8" f4 : 12.5" f2.35 Astrograph : TAL RS 4" f10 : WO EZT : Atlas EQ6
35 & 22 Panoptic : 14 & 8.8 Meade UWA : 8 to 12 Speers Variable : Antares 1.6x Barlow
Kerry
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Sky Captain
Metal Whisperer
Reged: 11/07/04
Posts: 7774
Loc: Issaquah, WA.
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Here is a close up of the camera and lens.
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12" Lightbridge : SC 8" f4 : 12.5" f2.35 Astrograph : TAL RS 4" f10 : WO EZT : Atlas EQ6
35 & 22 Panoptic : 14 & 8.8 Meade UWA : 8 to 12 Speers Variable : Antares 1.6x Barlow
Kerry
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sdbodin
member
Reged: 02/04/07
Posts: 92
Loc: Eastern Washington State
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My scopes setup for high-mag viewing, doubles stars or planets. Main videocam is a Mintron 63V2HN, sold by Polaris as their DX8263SL, now superceeded by the DX9263SL. It is attached with a C-Minolta mount which then fits my assortment of camera lenses and, in this case, a 3x teleconverter. The nice thing about this setup is that it is parafocal, from prime focus thru 6x, yes the teleconverters are stackable and remain parafocal.
Also, the 4 inch guide below the main OTA is setup as a high power finder with a Samsung cam and 0.33 focal reducer.
Above is a Supercircuits PC164 on a 15x50 zoom as a general wide field finder.
All are plumbed to a viewing console with 13" color TV, one of the $89 type, a $29 BW for the finder and an SVHS for recording.
The eyepiece rack in the console has gathered a lot of dust, not much used anymore.
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Steve
Meade 16 LX200 GPS UHTC
Meade 4 107D SCT
Orion Express 80
Coulter optics 17.5 DOB
Orange tube dual motor C8
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1093
Loc: Utah
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Kerry - Thanks and what a grate looking video setup. I'm from Oregon and there can't be a Sunny Washington, thats an oxymoron. Are you going to equip the Green Goblin for video?
Bill
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Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1093
Loc: Utah
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Kerry, got you mixed up with, is it Sky Captain, that has the green LB? Your the one with all the nice machined items and way too many scopes. 
Bill
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Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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Sky Captain
Metal Whisperer
Reged: 11/07/04
Posts: 7774
Loc: Issaquah, WA.
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Quote:
Kerry - Thanks and what a grate looking video setup. I'm from Oregon and there can't be a Sunny Washington, thats an oxymoron.
Sarcastic is more like what I was shootin fer...I wish it was "sunny" here!
Born and raised in Oregon.
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12" Lightbridge : SC 8" f4 : 12.5" f2.35 Astrograph : TAL RS 4" f10 : WO EZT : Atlas EQ6
35 & 22 Panoptic : 14 & 8.8 Meade UWA : 8 to 12 Speers Variable : Antares 1.6x Barlow
Kerry
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Sky Captain
Metal Whisperer
Reged: 11/07/04
Posts: 7774
Loc: Issaquah, WA.
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Quote:
Kerry, got you mixed up with, is it Sky Captain, that has the green LB? Your the one with all the nice machined items and way too many scopes.
Bill
The "green goblin" is Jay's...mine is the white one.
Yep, too many scopes and only two eyes and no clear skies. 
I will be ordering a Round Table Platform and will put the camera on the LightBridge for sure. The 10" SCT at f6.3 is very impressive, can't wait to see what the 12" f5 will do.
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12" Lightbridge : SC 8" f4 : 12.5" f2.35 Astrograph : TAL RS 4" f10 : WO EZT : Atlas EQ6
35 & 22 Panoptic : 14 & 8.8 Meade UWA : 8 to 12 Speers Variable : Antares 1.6x Barlow
Kerry
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Sky Captain
Metal Whisperer
Reged: 11/07/04
Posts: 7774
Loc: Issaquah, WA.
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Quote:
My scopes setup for high-mag viewing, doubles stars or planets. Main videocam is a Mintron 63V2HN, sold by Polaris as their DX8263SL, now superceeded by the DX9263SL.
Real nice Steve...how do you like the Polaris camera? I was tempted to buy one myself last year. Are they still avaliable?
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12" Lightbridge : SC 8" f4 : 12.5" f2.35 Astrograph : TAL RS 4" f10 : WO EZT : Atlas EQ6
35 & 22 Panoptic : 14 & 8.8 Meade UWA : 8 to 12 Speers Variable : Antares 1.6x Barlow
Kerry
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1093
Loc: Utah
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Kerry - I really want to add a roundtable to my LB, but it's the Mellincam or a table, not both. I know that I will get the necessary feed back from you on the platform with your LB. I think I will start out with my C6-R and go form there. I'm also looking to do video presentations for our public star parties and a go-to is sure nice to have. Since I got the Atlas mount I tend to take the Refractor out more than the LB and over the past year our club has been adding more large Refractors and seeing less and less 10" Blue things,I do see 12" LB's however.
Did you add something to your avatar?
Bill
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Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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sdbodin
member
Reged: 02/04/07
Posts: 92
Loc: Eastern Washington State
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Quote:
Real nice Steve...how do you like the Polaris camera? I was tempted to buy one myself last year. Are they still avaliable?
Still in the catalog, polarisusa.com. Still the best deal on the planet, $250, if you want to get your feet wet in video astro.
I can't do without it, now three years old and still ticking. But I modded it with a fan and remote cable for the OSD.
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Steve
Meade 16 LX200 GPS UHTC
Meade 4 107D SCT
Orion Express 80
Coulter optics 17.5 DOB
Orange tube dual motor C8
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rodelaet
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/28/06
Posts: 3064
Loc: 50°56' N - 4°58' E (Belgium)
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Here is a simple portable undriven setup. It consists of a small 50mm viewfinder plus a Watec 120N. I use it with my laptop for monitoring. It provides widefield views of about 2°. The wide fov makes it easy to aim the scope without a Telrad or the like .Star trails are not visible with the shutter below or at 2,5 sec (64 frames integrated).
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Rony
My Astronomical Sketches
My Binocular Sketches
Callibrate your Monitor with this little strip.
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Sky Captain
Metal Whisperer
Reged: 11/07/04
Posts: 7774
Loc: Issaquah, WA.
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Quote:
Still in the catalog, polarisusa.com. Still the best deal on the planet, $250, if you want to get your feet wet in video astro.
I can't do without it, now three years old and still ticking. But I modded it with a fan and remote cable for the OSD.
Sorry Steve, I didn't realize I had already bought one this past summer. I only used it once so far. Its the new model from SuperCircuits that has a super low S\N ratio...4 or 5db I think, most have 50 db to 60db S\N ratio.
Here is the link to the camera at SuperCircuits. # PC58C
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12" Lightbridge : SC 8" f4 : 12.5" f2.35 Astrograph : TAL RS 4" f10 : WO EZT : Atlas EQ6
35 & 22 Panoptic : 14 & 8.8 Meade UWA : 8 to 12 Speers Variable : Antares 1.6x Barlow
Kerry
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Sky Captain
Metal Whisperer
Reged: 11/07/04
Posts: 7774
Loc: Issaquah, WA.
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Quote:
Reged: 11/07/04
Posts: 4316
Loc: Not So Sunny Washington
Quote:
Did you add something to your avatar?
Bill
After your comment, I realized that "Sunny" might mean a town and confuse people, so in light of all the RAIN lately, I changed it to "Not So Sunny Washington"
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12" Lightbridge : SC 8" f4 : 12.5" f2.35 Astrograph : TAL RS 4" f10 : WO EZT : Atlas EQ6
35 & 22 Panoptic : 14 & 8.8 Meade UWA : 8 to 12 Speers Variable : Antares 1.6x Barlow
Kerry
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sdbodin
member
Reged: 02/04/07
Posts: 92
Loc: Eastern Washington State
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Quote:
Here is the link to the camera at SuperCircuits. # PC58C
I don't know if that is the same camera. Does it integrate to x128 like all Mintron Starlight models??
Not so sunny here either only one clear night this month
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Steve
Meade 16 LX200 GPS UHTC
Meade 4 107D SCT
Orion Express 80
Coulter optics 17.5 DOB
Orange tube dual motor C8
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Bowmoreman
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/11/06
Posts: 4154
Loc: Bolton, MA
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Quote:
Sorry Steve, I didn't realize I had already bought one this past summer. I only used it once so far. Its the new model from SuperCircuits that has a super low S\N ratio...4 or 5db I think, most have 50 db to 60db S\N ratio.
Here is the link to the camera at SuperCircuits. # PC58C
Just to be clear to everyone, when dealing with electronic circuits you WANT a higher signal to noise (S/N) ratio... it represents, logarithmically, the difference between the signal (in dB) and noise (in dB)... higher is better...
Hopefully the "4 or 5 dB" is a typo, because a 4-5dB S/N ratio is terrible, frankly... now, 4-5 dB better, would obviously be good...
Ha - I *did* get to use something I learned as a EE in college after all! 
clear skies
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Dave
Imaging: MI-250+ADM/SBS/Optec Libra: C11Hyperstar,TMB80SS
Visual: XT10i RTP
EP: 31T5,22T4,17T4,12T4,13Ethos,10XW,8Ethos;2x Powermate,Paracorr, 1.6X Antares, Hyperion8-24Zoom
Cameras: Mallincam Color Hyper Plus, QHY8
Guider: SBIG STV eFinder
Key Add-ons: Gerbings Heated clothes, WilderSkiesObservatory(BYO#90), Speco 9"Monitor
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Bowmoreman
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/11/06
Posts: 4154
Loc: Bolton, MA
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I'm pretty sure they are NOT the same camera... the one at Polaris is spec'd at 0.008 Lux low light, the one at SuperCircuits is spec'd at 0.015 Lux... this would be about 1/2 as sensitive as the Polaris...
Disclaimer: that is what the specs on the websites say!
clear skies
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Dave
Imaging: MI-250+ADM/SBS/Optec Libra: C11Hyperstar,TMB80SS
Visual: XT10i RTP
EP: 31T5,22T4,17T4,12T4,13Ethos,10XW,8Ethos;2x Powermate,Paracorr, 1.6X Antares, Hyperion8-24Zoom
Cameras: Mallincam Color Hyper Plus, QHY8
Guider: SBIG STV eFinder
Key Add-ons: Gerbings Heated clothes, WilderSkiesObservatory(BYO#90), Speco 9"Monitor
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Sky Captain
Metal Whisperer
Reged: 11/07/04
Posts: 7774
Loc: Issaquah, WA.
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Quote:
I don't know if that is the same camera. Does it integrate to x128 like all Mintron Starlight models??
Not so sunny here either only one clear night this month
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Steve
You are right Steve, it isn't the "same" camera. I use this seperate camera for the Planets, Sun, and Moon. I didn't realize yours intergrated frames, this one is only 30fps. It does a much better job IMO, and with the very low db rating the images are much better and a little clearer. I will run it on my 4" f10 refractor on the Meade GPS mount and put my Mintron on the SCT for DSO's. This allows viewing many different objects without having to change cameras or settings.
This is a similar picture of how I use it.
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12" Lightbridge : SC 8" f4 : 12.5" f2.35 Astrograph : TAL RS 4" f10 : WO EZT : Atlas EQ6
35 & 22 Panoptic : 14 & 8.8 Meade UWA : 8 to 12 Speers Variable : Antares 1.6x Barlow
Kerry
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Sky Captain
Metal Whisperer
Reged: 11/07/04
Posts: 7774
Loc: Issaquah, WA.
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Quote:
Just to be clear to everyone, when dealing with electronic circuits you WANT a higher signal to noise (S/N) ratio... it represents, logarithmically, the difference between the signal (in dB) and noise (in dB)... higher is better...
Hopefully the "4 or 5 dB" is a typo, because a 4-5dB S/N ratio is terrible, frankly... now, 4-5 dB better, would obviously be good...
Ha - I *did* get to use something I learned as a EE in college after all!
clear skies
--------------------
Dave
Sorry...yep, typo on my part...4.5db not S\N ratio.
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12" Lightbridge : SC 8" f4 : 12.5" f2.35 Astrograph : TAL RS 4" f10 : WO EZT : Atlas EQ6
35 & 22 Panoptic : 14 & 8.8 Meade UWA : 8 to 12 Speers Variable : Antares 1.6x Barlow
Kerry
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Bowmoreman
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/11/06
Posts: 4154
Loc: Bolton, MA
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No worries, I was just confused enough to check into both of em!
I kinda like the looks of a .008Lux sensitivity B/W camera for only $250! not bad...
clear skies
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Dave
Imaging: MI-250+ADM/SBS/Optec Libra: C11Hyperstar,TMB80SS
Visual: XT10i RTP
EP: 31T5,22T4,17T4,12T4,13Ethos,10XW,8Ethos;2x Powermate,Paracorr, 1.6X Antares, Hyperion8-24Zoom
Cameras: Mallincam Color Hyper Plus, QHY8
Guider: SBIG STV eFinder
Key Add-ons: Gerbings Heated clothes, WilderSkiesObservatory(BYO#90), Speco 9"Monitor
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1093
Loc: Utah
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Kerry - What size Round Table did you order? It seems that 23" is just on the border for the LB base. Too, is it around 6 to 8 weeks to get.
Bill
--------------------
Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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smokin oakum
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/24/07
Posts: 1506
Loc: Wilmington, NC
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Quote:
Kerry - What size Round Table did you order? It seems that 23" is just on the border for the LB base. Too, is it around 6 to 8 weeks to get.
Bill
I ended up getting the 28" RTP (same price) just in case I ever upgrade to a 15" dob. It should also be a little more stable with a 12"er.
As far as wait time is concerned, Brian at round table said 8 weeks. Worth the wait, if you ask me.
Neil
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Broadcasting live views of the night sky @
Sparkcast
C11 CGE / Hyperstar
MallinCam Hyper Plus Color
Orion 12" XTi f/4.9
MoonLite Focuser
Round Table Platform
12" Parralax rings
Cape Fear Astronomy Club
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Bowmoreman
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/11/06
Posts: 4154
Loc: Bolton, MA
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So, finally hooked up the WATEC, the transmitter, etc... I setup wires (which look really messy here!) through cable guides, with sufficient slack to prevent cable wrap/binding. I've also hooked up the Kendrick Anti-dew system on the Primary optic, the EP, and the finder (front and back).
Here you see the MCHP, Vixen/MoonLite, Watec piggybacked, and in position to be viewing M42 (which you can just make out on the 19" Proton Monitor in the back).
Video is setup to have S-video to the Watec (through a Radio Shack Svideo to RCA adapter, and then to RCA/BNC). The component video out of MCHP goes to the Proton, and then video OUT on Proton to the VFM 1.2Ghz transmitter... (which I used only long enough tonight to determine it works just fine through 2 walls (one observatory, one house)).
Clear enough Skies
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Dave
Imaging: MI-250+ADM/SBS/Optec Libra: C11Hyperstar,TMB80SS
Visual: XT10i RTP
EP: 31T5,22T4,17T4,12T4,13Ethos,10XW,8Ethos;2x Powermate,Paracorr, 1.6X Antares, Hyperion8-24Zoom
Cameras: Mallincam Color Hyper Plus, QHY8
Guider: SBIG STV eFinder
Key Add-ons: Gerbings Heated clothes, WilderSkiesObservatory(BYO#90), Speco 9"Monitor
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ccs_hello
Post Laureate
Reged: 07/03/04
Posts: 3484
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Those are color 128x integration-time (Sense-UP) cameras, no active cooling.
Mintron 63V2HN = PolarisUSA DX8263SL
Sony type-1/3" color SuperHAD CCD
Mintron 63V5HN = PolarisUSA DX9263SL = SuperCircuit PC-38
Sony type-1/3" color SuperHAD CCD
Price: around $250.
(No affiliation with these vendors.)
Clear Skies!
ccs_hello
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smokin oakum
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/24/07
Posts: 1506
Loc: Wilmington, NC
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Well I thought that even though I don't have my full setup until I get my RTP (round table platform) next week, I could at least post a picture of the monitor/laptop rig that holds all of my viewing equipment, and anything else that I would need during a nights session. On the top shelf, on the left is the Speco 9" color CRT. On the top right is my Toshiba laptop fitted with the AVer TV/capture card. Notice the remote control in front of the Speco. This allows me to take care of all the capture card functions, while at the focuser. On the second shelf sits all my eye pieces, and filters, plus my toUcam. On the third shelf I keep calibrating tools, chords, and last but not least, my Mallincam. This is an AV cart, and everything plugs into it, and only one power chord needs to be on the ground to step over, or be in the way. I think, for me, that this is a perfect solution for a self contained viewing rig. In a week, I'll post a picture of the whole rig with scope, RTP, Mallincam, and AV cart all hooked up and ready for some stars.
Sorry it took so long to post a picture on my own post.
Clear skies!
Neil
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Broadcasting live views of the night sky @
Sparkcast
C11 CGE / Hyperstar
MallinCam Hyper Plus Color
Orion 12" XTi f/4.9
MoonLite Focuser
Round Table Platform
12" Parralax rings
Cape Fear Astronomy Club
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Bowmoreman
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/11/06
Posts: 4154
Loc: Bolton, MA
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Nice idea, Neil! I like the idea of the powered video cart... I wonder if there are any with really BIG wheels that could work in a yard (especially on frozen bumpy ground)...
that might make it easier to get it all going even when its so very cold out
Or, I suppose something could be built...
ya got me thinking!
clear enough skies
--------------------
Dave
Imaging: MI-250+ADM/SBS/Optec Libra: C11Hyperstar,TMB80SS
Visual: XT10i RTP
EP: 31T5,22T4,17T4,12T4,13Ethos,10XW,8Ethos;2x Powermate,Paracorr, 1.6X Antares, Hyperion8-24Zoom
Cameras: Mallincam Color Hyper Plus, QHY8
Guider: SBIG STV eFinder
Key Add-ons: Gerbings Heated clothes, WilderSkiesObservatory(BYO#90), Speco 9"Monitor
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mclewis1
Thread Killer
Reged: 02/25/06
Posts: 4476
Loc: New Brunswick, Canada
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Quote:
Nice idea, Neil! I like the idea of the powered video cart... I wonder if there are any with really BIG wheels that could work in a yard (especially on frozen bumpy ground)...
Dave,
Have a look at the Multicart ... not cheap but nice and versatile, and there is a large model has the heavier tires that would work well over semi rough terrain.
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Mark
C11, C6, APM/TMB115, and AT80ED - Tandem mount CGE and CG-5A, WO EZ-Touch and AT Voyager
25x100s and 8x56s, T-Mount Light, Mark 1 eyeballs - Modded 350D, DSI-P, SPC900, Mallincam
Just because you can doesn't necessarily mean that you should
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richs
member
Reged: 01/21/08
Posts: 51
Loc: California, USA
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Here's a picture of my present setup for the Mallincam, everything is working great and it has been a big hit at Star Parties.
Rich Strobel
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RichS15" Obsession10" Meade LX200 GPS8" Celestron NexStar GPSCelestron Carbon Fiber C-11TEC 140 APODayStar .5a Ha Solar FilterCelestron CGEOrion AtlasMallinCam Hyper Color PlusSpeco 9" CRT monitorMarshall 4" LCD MonitorCelestron Sky ScoutDew Buster
Edited by richs (02/13/08 03:16 PM)
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1093
Loc: Utah
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Just what I need, more gear for my MCHP, which I don't even have yet. I guess I could use it to store my Speco monitor, until my MCHP comes. Where did you get the cart?
Bill
--------------------
Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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richs
member
Reged: 01/21/08
Posts: 51
Loc: California, USA
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Bill
The cart is a Rock n Roller and I got it from HandTrucksRus at the below address.They make several models, I have the R10
http://www.handtrucksrus.com/crashdetail.aspx?id=219&cx=rock
Rich
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RichS15" Obsession10" Meade LX200 GPS8" Celestron NexStar GPSCelestron Carbon Fiber C-11TEC 140 APODayStar .5a Ha Solar FilterCelestron CGEOrion AtlasMallinCam Hyper Color PlusSpeco 9" CRT monitorMarshall 4" LCD MonitorCelestron Sky ScoutDew Buster
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1093
Loc: Utah
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Rich, thanks, probably could even use to move my 12" LB.
Bill
--------------------
Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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richs
member
Reged: 01/21/08
Posts: 51
Loc: California, USA
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Bill
These are really great carts as they e-x-p-a-n-d to almost double so a lot of stuff can be transported and they are rated to carry 500 lbs. My nieghbor has one and when I saw that it had bars that came up on both ends to support a table top my brains gears started turning, it has worked out well so far.
Rich
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RichS15" Obsession10" Meade LX200 GPS8" Celestron NexStar GPSCelestron Carbon Fiber C-11TEC 140 APODayStar .5a Ha Solar FilterCelestron CGEOrion AtlasMallinCam Hyper Color PlusSpeco 9" CRT monitorMarshall 4" LCD MonitorCelestron Sky ScoutDew Buster
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1093
Loc: Utah
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Rich
Do you have any more pictures of your scope and the MCHP setup. I will start with my Dob., but without GoTo and only the Speco to focus, might have to brake out my LX200. I really like the idea of the small monitor for focusing especially around a crowd of other scopes.
Bill
--------------------
Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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richs
member
Reged: 01/21/08
Posts: 51
Loc: California, USA
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Bill
Here is another picture, a closeup of the back of the telescope with the Mallincam and the Marshall 4" monitor. I used a 6" angle bracket attached to the fork arm with "Industrial Strength" velco which has proved out to be very strong, I then attached the monitor to the bracket with a camera ball mount. The 4" has been beneficial because I do allot of public Star Parties where the 9" Speco is facing away from the telescope which would make camera adjustments, object centering and focusing difficult.
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RichS15" Obsession10" Meade LX200 GPS8" Celestron NexStar GPSCelestron Carbon Fiber C-11TEC 140 APODayStar .5a Ha Solar FilterCelestron CGEOrion AtlasMallinCam Hyper Color PlusSpeco 9" CRT monitorMarshall 4" LCD MonitorCelestron Sky ScoutDew Buster
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Bowmoreman
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/11/06
Posts: 4154
Loc: Bolton, MA
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Hey Rich, what is that that appears to be on your TelRad??? a plexi housing? for dew?
clear enough skies
--------------------
Dave
Imaging: MI-250+ADM/SBS/Optec Libra: C11Hyperstar,TMB80SS
Visual: XT10i RTP
EP: 31T5,22T4,17T4,12T4,13Ethos,10XW,8Ethos;2x Powermate,Paracorr, 1.6X Antares, Hyperion8-24Zoom
Cameras: Mallincam Color Hyper Plus, QHY8
Guider: SBIG STV eFinder
Key Add-ons: Gerbings Heated clothes, WilderSkiesObservatory(BYO#90), Speco 9"Monitor
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richs
member
Reged: 01/21/08
Posts: 51
Loc: California, USA
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Dave
Yes it is a dew shield and has worked quite well.
Rich
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RichS15" Obsession10" Meade LX200 GPS8" Celestron NexStar GPSCelestron Carbon Fiber C-11TEC 140 APODayStar .5a Ha Solar FilterCelestron CGEOrion AtlasMallinCam Hyper Color PlusSpeco 9" CRT monitorMarshall 4" LCD MonitorCelestron Sky ScoutDew Buster
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1093
Loc: Utah
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Rich
What is before your MCHP or is that part of your TV diagonal. I really like how you have your Marshall attached. If I have to add a second monitor, think it will be the Marshall. Too, what size Celestron is that? You are giving me second thoughts about using a Dob., at least at first.
Bill
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Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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richs
member
Reged: 01/21/08
Posts: 51
Loc: California, USA
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Bill
The piece in front of the diagonal is a Televue 2" visual back, it screws onto the back of the telescope then the diagonal slides into it. The telescope is a Celestron Nexstar GPS 8". Each type of telescope has it's advantages and disadvantages but I like the SCT's best for an all around telescope. I own a 15" Obsession, a TEC 140 Refractor plus a few more but I use the SCT the most. I notice you are into Solar too, I have a DayStar Ha but unfortunately won't be able to use it with the Mallincam as the focal ratio is too high, I have to use a 55mm eyepiece to get the whole Sun in.
Rich
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RichS15" Obsession10" Meade LX200 GPS8" Celestron NexStar GPSCelestron Carbon Fiber C-11TEC 140 APODayStar .5a Ha Solar FilterCelestron CGEOrion AtlasMallinCam Hyper Color PlusSpeco 9" CRT monitorMarshall 4" LCD MonitorCelestron Sky ScoutDew Buster
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1093
Loc: Utah
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Rich
I have to have one of these carts. How hard or long does it take to put that top shelf on?
Bill
--------------------
Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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richs
member
Reged: 01/21/08
Posts: 51
Loc: California, USA
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Bill, what I did was go to Home Depot and bought a 12"x36" shelf top made by Rubbermaid and drilled it and the cart handles for 1/4x20 and used wing nuts on the bottom to facilitate easy install and take down, it only takes a minute or 2.
Rich
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RichS15" Obsession10" Meade LX200 GPS8" Celestron NexStar GPSCelestron Carbon Fiber C-11TEC 140 APODayStar .5a Ha Solar FilterCelestron CGEOrion AtlasMallinCam Hyper Color PlusSpeco 9" CRT monitorMarshall 4" LCD MonitorCelestron Sky ScoutDew Buster
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1093
Loc: Utah
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Rich, great idea, thanks.
Bill
--------------------
Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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b1gred
Enginerd
Reged: 04/01/04
Posts: 16287
Loc: Castle Rock, CO 6677' MSL
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Ok, guys, there have now been at least 4 off topic posts.
I will lock this thread if it continues.
Please take your discussions that are NOT part of Posting pictures of your setup to another thread.
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"Dark Skies & Great Viewing"
RandyR / W0RDR
GPS 9.25 XLT/Sky Align /FeatherTouch
TV85 w/FeatherTouch
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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8689
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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I just built this rail system, and made the 1.5" adapter for this 4"schmidt.
It will be my new video system.
I now have a scope for DSLR, EP imaging, and now video.
Rob
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www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
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Astrojunk
member
Reged: 11/02/06
Posts: 82
Loc: Australia
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My baby with Gstars top and tail ...
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Astrojunk
20" f5 Alt Az Newtonian
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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8689
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Are those cameras B/W or color?
How do you track(if any)?
Rob
--------------------
www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
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Astrojunk
member
Reged: 11/02/06
Posts: 82
Loc: Australia
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They are both b/w Rob. I do have a cheap colour cam which is fun, but I really like the increased resolution and much finer detail in the b/w.
The setup is primarily deigned for asteroidal occultation timing; the video stuff is a fun spin-off.
The whole scope is servocat/argonavis driven, and can be controlled remotely (all except for the focussers which I haven't done yet). More about the scope here: http://www.sdmtelescopes.com.au/SDM006.html
Regards,
Jonathan
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Astrojunk
20" f5 Alt Az Newtonian
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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8689
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Quote:
They are both b/w Rob. I do have a cheap colour cam which is fun, but I really like the increased resolution and much finer detail in the b/w.
The setup is primarily deigned for asteroidal occultation timing; the video stuff is a fun spin-off.
The whole scope is servocat/argonavis driven, and can be controlled remotely (all except for the focussers which I haven't done yet). More about the scope here: http://www.sdmtelescopes.com.au/SDM006.html
Regards,
Jonathan
Sweet set-up Jonathan. I am running two B/W cameras seporately on my rig...one through the schmidt, and the other through a 4"f/5 telephoto conversion scope on the side.
They run through a single 4 sub screan monitor..so I can keep track of both views simultaneously or individually.
I wish the cool down wasn't such a problem with the schmidt. My views are a bit (mushy) at times of thermal activity. OH well... Other then that, I am pleased with what I'm playin with at this time.
What I love about video, is, if the image is upside down due to the scope, you can simply turn the camera upside down, and correct....and make the images upright...
I also like to use a video camera for guiding. Just hook up to the guide scope, and watch the image on the screen, and adjust. No more sitting there looking through an EP any more. I manually guide.
Thanks for posting.
Rob
--------------------
www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
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StarStuff1
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/01/07
Posts: 1135
Loc: South of the Mason-Dixon Line
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There are lots of pics of cameras here but nothing on image intensifier eyepieces. So if it is not violating a rule or something I would like to post a pic of my equipment and a short observing report.
Observing Report 3/6/08
My wife and I spent March 1-3 at a house on the beach at Folly Beach, SC. This house is located on the north end of the island, right on the ocean. The deck on the back of the house faces due South. Because this is a Sea Turtle habitat no lights are allowed on the beach itself most of the year. Since this was off-season there were very few other houses in the area that were occupied. All this combined with a very dark, clear Moonless sky made for near perfect viewing conditions for the southern half of the sky globe.
That was the good news. The “bad “ news was that because of space concerns in the car I had only taken a 8X32 roof prism binocular and a 62mm f/5 spotting scope. This little scope works decent as a low power spotting scope but struggles with anything over 40X. However, I had a secret weapon system, my home made IIE ( Image Intensifier Eyepiece) and .6 focal reducer.. Still, my expectations weren't all that great using the system with such a small optic. I had used this combination a couple of months ago at one of my astro club members back yard. It was pretty light polluted and there was some haze and thin clouds that night. The 62mm refractor with IIE and focal reducer was underwhelming that particular night.
At the beach house I mounted the scope on a lightweight tripod. Using the IIE without the focal reducer I scanned several open clusters and could easily see 2-3 times as many stars when I compared the view with a 25mm plossl. M3, the large globular cluster in Canes Venatici was just a faint, small smudge at 12X with the plossl ep. With the IIE it was easily 3 times larger in diameter and brightness and some edge granularity was starting to show. Hmmm, promising.
The real fun was began when I used the scope in spyglass mode. This is hand holding it without a star diagonal so with the IIE it gives a correct image right side up. I also added the focal reducer so the magnification was about 8X. And TFOV close to 6°.
First I looked at Orion. All 3 belt stars and M42 fit into the fov. The Orion Nebula was a brilliant, diffused beacon. The Flame Nebula was easy and the notch of the Horsehead, although small, was distinct. For grins I decided to look for the Witch Head Nebula.
Although I did not see that object the SW arc of Barnard's Loop was visible! This was not plotted on my S&T Pocket Sky Atlas! Up to the west of Meissa, the giant's head, I could see a large but dim nebulosity that was also not plotted on the Pocket Sky Atlas. I have since found out it is the Meissa Ring (thanks, Doug!) It was beginning to look like this was the little scope that could, under the right circumstances.
Slightly to the west the California Nebula was surprisingly bright and detailed, filling about 2/3 the fov. In Perseus IC 1848 and IC 1805 were huge, diffuse objects. NGC 281, the Pacman Nebula was a small but definite object in Cassiopeia. The Pacman's “mouth” was barely detectable.
Back over to almost due south I found the Rossette Nebula to be surprisingly bright with some details visible. An almost perfect sphere of nebulosity. At the edge of the fov was NGC 2264, the Fox Fur Nebula. This also is the area of the Cone Nebula and Christmas Tree. This was much larger than the Rosette. Further south I picked up Gum 1 and Thor's Helmet in Monoceros. Just above the southern horizon I could see the brighter portion of the Vela Super Nova Remnant.
All of these observations were made on the night of March 1 and repeated the next night. Of course I also observed many other objects that were not as spectacular. If someone told me two years ago that I could observe these objects with a hand held 62mm refractor I would have thought them crazy. Obviously, when observing with “normal” optical aid or with electronically assisted technology the conditions that the observer is operating in make a big difference.
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Tools that make objects very far away appear much closer than they actually are.
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rwiederrich
Goldfinger
Reged: 11/17/05
Posts: 8689
Loc: Bremerton Washington
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Awesome.....How does your *image intensifier* EP work?
Slick.
Rob
--------------------
www.goldmtobservingcenter.com
A great place for amateur astronomers, and ATM's to come and enjoy their hobby.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/HomemadeRefractorTelescopes/ My homemade refractor group.
www.vimeo.com/6014031
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StarStuff1
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/01/07
Posts: 1135
Loc: South of the Mason-Dixon Line
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With the help of another CN poster I was able to find a used 3rd generation image intensifier tube. A few parts from Surplus Shed like a 24mm fl magnifier to use as an eyepiece and a threaded 1 1/4-in standard eyepiece barrel were used. The housing is PVC. The lower part of the housing is a cover for a battery pack consisting of 2 AA batteries. The round black thingie on the side is a simple rotary switch.
The IIE works as a 24mm focal length ep with a 50° fov. It amplifies ambient light 30,000+ times. Crude looking but effective. The heart is the intensifier tube and that is something I could never make.
BTW, I forgot to mention in my observing report that I was also using a photographic ha filter with all observations made with the focal reducer and the scope in "Spyglass" mode.
Here is anothe pic of the IIE before I painted it gold.
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Tools that make objects very far away appear much closer than they actually are.
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StarStuff1
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/01/07
Posts: 1135
Loc: South of the Mason-Dixon Line
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Just realized that maybe I did not answer your core question. Here is a site that explains the technology far better than I can:
http://www.atncorp.com/HowNightVisionWorks
This is a company that sells these eyepieces commercially:
http://www.ceoptics.com/misc/technical.html
Hope this helps.
--------------------
Tools that make objects very far away appear much closer than they actually are.
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michael
Vendor (Starstructure Telescopes)
Reged: 01/24/04
Posts: 399
Loc: Trinity Florida
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Hi,
Thought I'd post in with some pics of a 22" F4 Starstructure That we've been playing with.
Michael
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michael
Vendor (Starstructure Telescopes)
Reged: 01/24/04
Posts: 399
Loc: Trinity Florida
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Next pic showing mallincam set up.
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michael
Vendor (Starstructure Telescopes)
Reged: 01/24/04
Posts: 399
Loc: Trinity Florida
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Showing screen attachment.
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michael
Vendor (Starstructure Telescopes)
Reged: 01/24/04
Posts: 399
Loc: Trinity Florida
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Another...
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michael
Vendor (Starstructure Telescopes)
Reged: 01/24/04
Posts: 399
Loc: Trinity Florida
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Last...
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 6831
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
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Sweet setup
--------------------
Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M110 Doublet ED, AT 102Achro, ZS80FD 10th Anniv, ZS66SD, PST
CG5-AGT, EZ-Touch, Voyager
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1093
Loc: Utah
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Now all I need is the camera and I have been invoiced for the MCHP.
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Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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donnie3
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 12/15/04
Posts: 1316
Loc: bartlesville oklahoma
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sdbodin: what did you do in order to remote the on screen display. i had the same camera(dx-9263sl) from polarisusa and really liked it but the small control buttons on the back of the camera were really hard for me to see in the dark, so i sold it about 2 years age. if there was a way to remote this i sure would purchase another one of these cameras. a great price for a camera like this. thanks, don
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smokin oakum
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/24/07
Posts: 1506
Loc: Wilmington, NC
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Here is my coverted Dob, which is now a Newt I guess. The mount is so nice, Ican't get over it. I keep finding reasons to go out and stare at it.
Neil
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Broadcasting live views of the night sky @
Sparkcast
C11 CGE / Hyperstar
MallinCam Hyper Plus Color
Orion 12" XTi f/4.9
MoonLite Focuser
Round Table Platform
12" Parralax rings
Cape Fear Astronomy Club
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HendyPhoto
Sith Lord
Reged: 08/09/06
Posts: 1502
Loc: Bountiful, Utah
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Now you need a ladder like those big dob users! Congrats Neil, that looks AWESOME!
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~jon
SparkCast
CGE1400XLT w/HyperStar
90FD 66SD C6-R SN-8
CPC1100XLT Hutech 20D
Manny-Mod Vixen Porta
Mallincam MCHP
SPC900NC
CG-5 GT
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity;
and I'm not sure about the universe." --Albert Einstein
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1093
Loc: Utah
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Jon,
We want pictures of your new setup,MCHP, Marshall,the works.
Bill
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Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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Bowmoreman
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/11/06
Posts: 4154
Loc: Bolton, MA
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This is really cool! We're all upgrading at same time due to MHCP!
Neil: that looks awesome (and big!). You need to update your sig now! Show that CGE proudly!
Jon: can't wait for your pics
my pics will come when I get it working... getting there
BTW: how come nobody told me that a CGE was like, 20 times louder than a Vixen Sphinx??? sheesh - sounds like a freaking can-opener!
clear enough skies
--------------------
Dave
Imaging: MI-250+ADM/SBS/Optec Libra: C11Hyperstar,TMB80SS
Visual: XT10i RTP
EP: 31T5,22T4,17T4,12T4,13Ethos,10XW,8Ethos;2x Powermate,Paracorr, 1.6X Antares, Hyperion8-24Zoom
Cameras: Mallincam Color Hyper Plus, QHY8
Guider: SBIG STV eFinder
Key Add-ons: Gerbings Heated clothes, WilderSkiesObservatory(BYO#90), Speco 9"Monitor
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HendyPhoto
Sith Lord
Reged: 08/09/06
Posts: 1502
Loc: Bountiful, Utah
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LOL Dave!! You should hear a CG5!!
--------------------
~jon
SparkCast
CGE1400XLT w/HyperStar
90FD 66SD C6-R SN-8
CPC1100XLT Hutech 20D
Manny-Mod Vixen Porta
Mallincam MCHP
SPC900NC
CG-5 GT
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity;
and I'm not sure about the universe." --Albert Einstein
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bigdob24
member
Reged: 04/19/08
Posts: 109
Loc: Central Illinois
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Neil
I guess you weren't kidding when you said you were on the deck. Now you have to pour several yards of concrete for an isolated peir!!Nice setup, shoot between the trees.
Dan
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Bowmoreman
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/11/06
Posts: 4154
Loc: Bolton, MA
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So, here is "first photos" of my newly upgraded Rig. I only just completed initial balancing. Will have to do alignment and Polar, etc tonight, followed by hooking up the Camera, monitor, Telrad, etc...
It *just* balances with 36# of CW right now, I have another 11# CW on its way, which will likely be needed (closer in?) when I add EP, Camera, Telrad, Monitor, anti-dew stuffs, and assorted cabling.
The ADM plates are wondrous, btw! Love em!
It really looks kinda cool all pier mounted and all! Now I'm glad I didn't go with the SN10; the SN8 is a lotta load to hoist up there and get mounted!
Enjoy these two views!
SN8, and TMB80SS, ADM Tandem Bar, ADM Dovetails ADM CGE SBS adapter, and ADM 125 Rings, all on my new CGE!
Now it looks like a "real" observatory! 
Oh, and if ya look carefully, you can see a "forlorn" Vixen off on the side where she's been shunted until I can pack her safely away in her case for some lucky buyer out there!
Clear enough skies
--------------------
Dave
Imaging: MI-250+ADM/SBS/Optec Libra: C11Hyperstar,TMB80SS
Visual: XT10i RTP
EP: 31T5,22T4,17T4,12T4,13Ethos,10XW,8Ethos;2x Powermate,Paracorr, 1.6X Antares, Hyperion8-24Zoom
Cameras: Mallincam Color Hyper Plus, QHY8
Guider: SBIG STV eFinder
Key Add-ons: Gerbings Heated clothes, WilderSkiesObservatory(BYO#90), Speco 9"Monitor
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Bowmoreman
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/11/06
Posts: 4154
Loc: Bolton, MA
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Heres a view the other way...
clear enough skies
--------------------
Dave
Imaging: MI-250+ADM/SBS/Optec Libra: C11Hyperstar,TMB80SS
Visual: XT10i RTP
EP: 31T5,22T4,17T4,12T4,13Ethos,10XW,8Ethos;2x Powermate,Paracorr, 1.6X Antares, Hyperion8-24Zoom
Cameras: Mallincam Color Hyper Plus, QHY8
Guider: SBIG STV eFinder
Key Add-ons: Gerbings Heated clothes, WilderSkiesObservatory(BYO#90), Speco 9"Monitor
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HendyPhoto
Sith Lord
Reged: 08/09/06
Posts: 1502
Loc: Bountiful, Utah
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AHHH, the poor little vixen, kicked to the side on the floor! Looks nice Dave!! SWEET pier too!!
--------------------
~jon
SparkCast
CGE1400XLT w/HyperStar
90FD 66SD C6-R SN-8
CPC1100XLT Hutech 20D
Manny-Mod Vixen Porta
Mallincam MCHP
SPC900NC
CG-5 GT
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity;
and I'm not sure about the universe." --Albert Einstein
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Bowmoreman
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/11/06
Posts: 4154
Loc: Bolton, MA
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Thanks! That's a "Big Bear" Pier, custom made by BackYard Observatories (who built my obs)... I like it a LOT. Seriously solid.
Guess you can tell its time for a "spring cleaning" in WSO, from these pics, huh?
clear enough skies
--------------------
Dave
Imaging: MI-250+ADM/SBS/Optec Libra: C11Hyperstar,TMB80SS
Visual: XT10i RTP
EP: 31T5,22T4,17T4,12T4,13Ethos,10XW,8Ethos;2x Powermate,Paracorr, 1.6X Antares, Hyperion8-24Zoom
Cameras: Mallincam Color Hyper Plus, QHY8
Guider: SBIG STV eFinder
Key Add-ons: Gerbings Heated clothes, WilderSkiesObservatory(BYO#90), Speco 9"Monitor
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smokin oakum
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 09/24/07
Posts: 1506
Loc: Wilmington, NC
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David, I like both of those options for Mallincaming! Tha 8" is a F/4 right? If so, with the MFR-3 and some spacers, you'd be running near hyperstar speeds!
Happy early birthday, by the way. Will you be plenty nine too?
Neil
--------------------
Broadcasting live views of the night sky @
Sparkcast
C11 CGE / Hyperstar
MallinCam Hyper Plus Color
Orion 12" XTi f/4.9
MoonLite Focuser
Round Table Platform
12" Parralax rings
Cape Fear Astronomy Club
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Bowmoreman
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/11/06
Posts: 4154
Loc: Bolton, MA
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Yep - 8" of f4... with spacers and MFR3 right around f1.92 I believe
And, its the first of the serious niner's... as in 49... (shudder)
Feeling it tonight after little league (coaching) - sore all over!
clear enough skies
--------------------
Dave
Imaging: MI-250+ADM/SBS/Optec Libra: C11Hyperstar,TMB80SS
Visual: XT10i RTP
EP: 31T5,22T4,17T4,12T4,13Ethos,10XW,8Ethos;2x Powermate,Paracorr, 1.6X Antares, Hyperion8-24Zoom
Cameras: Mallincam Color Hyper Plus, QHY8
Guider: SBIG STV eFinder
Key Add-ons: Gerbings Heated clothes, WilderSkiesObservatory(BYO#90), Speco 9"Monitor
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HendyPhoto
Sith Lord
Reged: 08/09/06
Posts: 1502
Loc: Bountiful, Utah
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Okay Bill, here you go! I will have more later once I get the new computer and monitor out there....
--------------------
~jon
SparkCast
CGE1400XLT w/HyperStar
90FD 66SD C6-R SN-8
CPC1100XLT Hutech 20D
Manny-Mod Vixen Porta
Mallincam MCHP
SPC900NC
CG-5 GT
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity;
and I'm not sure about the universe." --Albert Einstein
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adkstars
super member
Reged: 03/11/06
Posts: 102
Loc: Au Sable Forks,NY
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Well here are 2 shots. One of Computer Central with the new Speco and the older El-Cheapo eBay purchased monitor,and one kinda dark (had the obs. closed) shot of the Mallincam in an off axis guider w/illuminated reticle.
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MallinCam Hyper Plus Color
Meade LXD-75 SN10
Meade 8" LX-90
WO ZS-66
Coronado PST
Meade ETX-125
Meade ETX-70
10x10 Explora-Dome
http://www.freewebs.com/adkstars/index.htm
Edited by adkstars (05/01/08 03:40 PM)
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adkstars
super member
Reged: 03/11/06
Posts: 102
Loc: Au Sable Forks,NY
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Can't figure how to post 2 photos at one time .Here is Computer Central
Edited by adkstars (05/01/08 03:39 PM)
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1093
Loc: Utah
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Gee talk about all the Good Stuff! I really like the Moonlite and the Marshall position looks great. With the size of your mount you have room for all the extra goodies, I'm still trying to figure where to put my equipment, like a small monitor.
I'm looking at a 9.25 for the Atlas, but would like an 11" so I can mount the focal reducer in the Moonlite, is this what you did?
Jon, a really fantastic setup, seems like the CGE 14" is becoming popular among the Broadcast group.
Bill
--------------------
Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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HendyPhoto
Sith Lord
Reged: 08/09/06
Posts: 1502
Loc: Bountiful, Utah
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Thanks Bill! Yeah, I have the focal reducer style moonlite on the C14 and its VERY nice. Another reason to get the 11" is because you can get hyperstar for it if you ever wanted to. Starizona doesnt even sell a lens or conversion kit for the 9.25! I think we will start to see more and more hyperstar setups for the mallincam since fast f/ratios RULE! I have my hyperstar conversion kit on order!
--------------------
~jon
SparkCast
CGE1400XLT w/HyperStar
90FD 66SD C6-R SN-8
CPC1100XLT Hutech 20D
Manny-Mod Vixen Porta
Mallincam MCHP
SPC900NC
CG-5 GT
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity;
and I'm not sure about the universe." --Albert Einstein
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midway199
super member
Reged: 04/21/04
Posts: 108
Loc: Illinois
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One thing to keep in mind about super fast focal ratios is that most NGC's which are small at say, f/4 will be even smaller at f/2! So, if one were looking to eek out details in faint NGC galaxies or planetaries, it may prove harder if not impossible. However... the large, extended objects will look glorious. The Rosette nebula comes to mind.
Just wanted to share that thought. I have a NexStar 11 and haven't dismissed the Hyperstar possibilities. I'll most likely wind up with one eventually!
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Matthew Sherman
StellaCam 3
Celestron NexStar 11 @ f/3.3
Starmaster 12.5"
Starmaster 18"
Tom Osypowski Equatorial Platform
Butterfield East Video Observatory
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HendyPhoto
Sith Lord
Reged: 08/09/06
Posts: 1502
Loc: Bountiful, Utah
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Yeah Matthew, thats true, so LUCKILY the hyperstar can be taken off in less than 2 minutes and collimation is retained. I think an SCT with hyperstar is the most versatile setup you can get!
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~jon
SparkCast
CGE1400XLT w/HyperStar
90FD 66SD C6-R SN-8
CPC1100XLT Hutech 20D
Manny-Mod Vixen Porta
Mallincam MCHP
SPC900NC
CG-5 GT
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity;
and I'm not sure about the universe." --Albert Einstein
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1093
Loc: Utah
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Do you have any viewing problems with your Marshall on an EQ mount?
Bill
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Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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HendyPhoto
Sith Lord
Reged: 08/09/06
Posts: 1502
Loc: Bountiful, Utah
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Bill, not really, I would like to find a way to tilt it up and down to see it better, but hasnt been that bad. I do have it mounted so I can swivel it and thats enough.
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~jon
SparkCast
CGE1400XLT w/HyperStar
90FD 66SD C6-R SN-8
CPC1100XLT Hutech 20D
Manny-Mod Vixen Porta
Mallincam MCHP
SPC900NC
CG-5 GT
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity;
and I'm not sure about the universe." --Albert Einstein
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Bill Cowles
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/16/06
Posts: 1093
Loc: Utah
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Jon,
Where did you get the focusing device around your Celestron focuser?
Bill
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Lunt LS60TS50DS/B1200/FT (on order)
TV Gensis/Solarmax 60 filter
PST DS/Herschel Wedge/C4-R
C6-R /Atlas Goto/Moonlite CF2
12" LightBridge/Round Table
MCHP/8" Orion OTA/Ultima 2000
10" Discovery /Celestron SE-4
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Chris Schroeder
Postmaster
Reged: 12/11/04
Posts: 6831
Loc: N.E. WI Sky Glow
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Nice setup Jon
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Chris
Mallincam Color Hyper Plus
10" DSH with SC DSC, CPC 800 XLT
M110 Doublet ED, AT 102Achro, ZS80FD 10th Anniv, ZS66SD, PST
CG5-AGT, EZ-Touch, Voyager
POD XL3 http://POD.SchroederCity.com
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HendyPhoto
Sith Lord
Reged: 08/09/06
Posts: 1502
Loc: Bountiful, Utah
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Thanks Chris! Scopestuff Bill. http://scopestuff.com/ss_focn.htm
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~jon
SparkCast
CGE1400XLT w/HyperStar
90FD 66SD C6-R SN-8
CPC1100XLT Hutech 20D
Manny-Mod Vixen Porta
Mallincam MCHP
SPC900NC
CG-5 GT
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity;
and I'm not sure about the universe." --Albert Einstein
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Bowmoreman
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/11/06
Posts: 4154
Loc: Bolton, MA
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Wow, guys... you are really inspiring me to get out back and really tidy/neaten everything up! I just got my final counterweight yesterday - so all equipment is now "in residence"...
So, I guess with these nasty cloudy/rainy days here I should just block out some "man cave quality time" huh?
I guess I'm getting the weather I deserver after this "run up"
clear enough skies
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Dave
Imaging: MI-250+ADM/SBS/Optec Libra: C11Hyperstar,TMB80SS
Visual: XT10i RTP
EP: 31T5,22T4,17T4,12T4,13Ethos,10XW,8Ethos;2x Powermate,Paracorr, 1.6X Antares, Hyperion8-24Zoom
Cameras: Mallincam Color Hyper Plus, QHY8
Guider: SBIG STV eFinder
Key Add-ons: Gerbings Heated clothes, WilderSkiesObservatory(BYO#90), Speco 9"Monitor
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Astro Sky
Vendor (Astro Sky)
Reged: 05/06/06
Posts: 324
Loc: Lake Charles,La. USA
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Celestron 11 carbon fiber OTA & Celestron 4" f/5 Refractor
on Meade LXD750 goto mount. Mallincam B/W Hyper camera.
JG
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Bowmoreman
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/11/06
Posts: 4154
Loc: Bolton, MA
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Sweet Rig and beautiful horizons!!!
Here's an update on my setup - as finally used last night!
I solved the mounting of the Watec, got all the wires tidied up with velcro ties. Here it is from various angles in its "parked Home, and Hibernated" position... ready to go at a moments notice on any clear(ish) night...
First: the rig facing SSW, before I just now figured out where to put the Watec. Note the (semi) clean wiring harnesses! (I'm not the neatest guy in the world).
clear enough skies
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Dave
Imaging: MI-250+ADM/SBS/Optec Libra: C11Hyperstar,TMB80SS
Visual: XT10i RTP
EP: 31T5,22T4,17T4,12T4,13Ethos,10XW,8Ethos;2x Powermate,Paracorr, 1.6X Antares, Hyperion8-24Zoom
Cameras: Mallincam Color Hyper Plus, QHY8
Guider: SBIG STV eFinder
Key Add-ons: Gerbings Heated clothes, WilderSkiesObservatory(BYO#90), Speco 9"Monitor
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Bowmoreman
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/11/06
Posts: 4154
Loc: Bolton, MA
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Now the NNW view, showing the Mallincam end of the show, etc...
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Dave
Imaging: MI-250+ADM/SBS/Optec Libra: C11Hyperstar,TMB80SS
Visual: XT10i RTP
EP: 31T5,22T4,17T4,12T4,13Ethos,10XW,8Ethos;2x Powermate,Paracorr, 1.6X Antares, Hyperion8-24Zoom
Cameras: Mallincam Color Hyper Plus, QHY8
Guider: SBIG STV eFinder
Key Add-ons: Gerbings Heated clothes, WilderSkiesObservatory(BYO#90), Speco 9"Monitor
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Bowmoreman
Post Laureate
Reged: 09/11/06
Posts: 4154
Loc: Bolton, MA
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Now the NNE view (business end)...
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Dave
Imaging: MI-250+ADM/SBS/Optec Libra: C11Hyperstar,TMB80SS
Visual: XT10i RTP
EP: 31T5,22T4,17T4,12T4,13Ethos,10XW,8Ethos;2x Powermate,Paracorr, 1.6X Antares, Hyperion8-24Zoom
Cameras: Mallincam Color Hyper Plus, QHY8
Guider: SBIG STV eFinder
Key Add-ons: Gerbings Heated clothes, WilderSkiesObservatory(BYO#90), Speco 9"Monitor
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Bowmoreman
Post Laureate
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